1. real estate
2. apartments

PRST STD
US POSTAGE PAID
LAKEwood, NJ 08701
PERMIT NO. 211
Cover by Gloria Barnet
Volume 13, Number 3
March 2015
2
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Sea Oaks Link
Editorial Comment
Vince Poisella
There
is
calmness here at
Sea Oaks, especially
during the winter.
It reminds me of a
placid pond with not
a single disturbing
ripple. If something
is out of place, it
is immediately
noticeable. The very
houses have eyes.
Residents (or even non-residents) dutifully take their daily
walks; a service truck is parked in front of a neighbor’s
home; a garage door stands open for a lengthy period of
time; or a huge black crane rises above the light blue water
tower. It is as if ripples are disturbing that peaceful pond.
Conversation focuses around those little ripples. Other,
more human changes are also immediately noticeable:
the arrival of a new neighbor; the appearance of the EMT
squad and a patrol car; or the passing on of a well-known
and well-liked resident.
The staff of the Link wants so much to welcome new
residents, to offer support for those of our community who
need support, or to memorialize the death of a resident. In
each of these situations we need your help. We depend on
our residents to send us photos, identifying information,
and stories that express a sense of community with its
interconnected relationships.
Even though there are some of us who have chosen
to live private lives, those others who involve themselves
with committee responsibilities, social occasions, trips, golf
experiences, or clubhouse activities do not walk on tip-toe
worrying that they will disturb the more private neighbors
by creating yet another ripple. Rather, they add to the
excitement that makes our community survive and thrive.
There is no need to pull our more quiet neighbors out
of their self-defined lives. Those involved need to respect
that chosen peace while enjoying their own activity.
But the Link is for all of us. We seek to know those
who have come here as the new “kids” on the block but
also to know when someone leaves us without fanfare.
I have quoted John Donne before, and I will do it
again: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it
tolls for thee.”
Newspaper Committee
Vince Poisella, Chair Florence Floden, Secretary
Gloria Barnet Tony Bongiovanni John Brady
John Phillips
Ken Schoene
Paul O’Rourke, Board Liaison
Newspaper Deadlines
Please send copy and photos to the Sea Oaks Link email
address, seaoakslink@yahoo.com
April: Deadline is March 8.
May: Deadline is April 5
June: Deadline is May 3
Sea Oaks Link
Statement of Purpose
The Sea Oaks Link is the official monthly publication
of the Sea Oaks Homeowners’ Association. The staff of the
Link selects articles and photos about life at Sea Oaks: to
reflect life in the community, to communicate information
to the residents, and to influence the readers to improve
the quality of life at Sea Oaks.
The Sea Oaks Link is the official publication of Four
Seasons at Sea Oaks Homeowners Association. The statements
and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual
contributors and do not represent the opinions or official
pronouncements of Four Seasons at Sea Oaks Homeowners
Association or the Board of Trustees. Publication of an
advertisement in the Sea Oaks Link does not constitute an
endorsement by the Homeowners Association or an assurance
that the product or service will be approved by the Four
Seasons at Sea Oaks Architectural Review Committee or
the Board of Trustees for use within the community. The
Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject, edit, or
condense all submissions. It will not accept any article or
advertisement it deems libelous, inflammatory, misleading,
not factual, or in bad taste. This publication will not be held
responsible for any misrepresentation by our advertisers.
Articles and photos must contain the name and phone number
of the person submitting the material. Articles must be
typed, and if possible, submitted via email. As in any other
publication, despite tedious proofreading, publishing errors do
occur. Hopefully, they will become less frequent.
The Sea Oaks Link is printed by Senior Publications
Company (SPC), 1520 Washington Ave., Neptune, NJ 07753,
(888)-637-3200 
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
3
Out & About
A Christmas Christening at St. Theresa’s Church:
Louis Miglietta with grandchildren, Anthony and
James Cox and Alison Lievense, the godparents, and
great-grandchild, Grace Louise Farrelly
Christmas at the Rainbow Room: Christie and Bob
Gibble, Jeanette and Paul O’Rourke, Esther and Joe
Berdini, Marie and Pete Sacco
4
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Many thanks to Esther Bogath, Judy McMain, Judith
Oruska, and Betty Bagnis for hosting a fun night, the
Ruby Hatter Bingo. Thirty-four Ruby Hatters dressed
in red and purple participated in the evening.
Bud Umbaugh, Bill Warfel, Christie and Bob Gibble,
and Joe and Jane Watters, enjoying an evening of
great dining and good company at The Turtle Club
in Punta Gorda, FL.
Out & About
Sea Oaks Golf Member Holiday Party
Sandy and Mike DeNardis
George Georgeles and Bette Bauer
Ron and Sheila Ohnmacht
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
5
Four Seasons at Sea Oaks Committees for 2015
2015 Board of Trustees
Paul O’Rourke, President; Joan Brady, Vice-President; Tom Cullen, Treasurer;
Regina Pistilli, Secretary; Pete Sacco, Assistant Treasurer
Architectural Review Committee regulates, manages and enforces the external design, appearance, use and maintenance of
the development in accordance with the standards and guidelines
adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Johnny Johnson, Chair George Spiwak
James Boyle Nick Suhr
Elaine Gavin
Bob Tinervin
Nicholas Piscitelli Joseph Witkowski
Mark Rynar
Regina Pistilli, Board Liaison
Community Affairs Committee informs the Board of Trustees
and HOA of government legislation, meetings of the Board of
Education, and the municipality, and civic affairs as they apply
to Sea Oaks residents.
Melissa Pilchard, Chair
Arlene Berriel
Paul O’Rourke, Board Liaison
Facilities Committee ensures all HOA common property, i.e.
pools, buildings, building systems and contents are adequately
maintained.
Joseph Papola, Chair
Nick Suhr
Justin DeOliveira Alvin Zion
Ron Fenn Tom Cullen, Board Liaison
Jerry Moore
Finance Committee reviews the budget and assists the Board of
Trustees in financial matters concerning the Community.
Tony Vinegra, Chair
David Johnson
Bruce Burchell
Pete Sacco, Board Liaison
Dennis Hoeppel
Grounds Committee ensures all HOA common ground areas in
our community are adequately maintained through contractual
landscaping, irrigation and snow removal requirements.
Jim Robbins, Chair
Nicholas Piscitelli
Kathleen Barneman, Co-Chair
Muriel VanOrden
Marilyn Cullen, Secretary
Joseph Witkowski
David Johnson Pete Sacco, Board Liaison
Marjorie Kopacsi Judiciary Committee meets on an ad hoc basis as required.
Melissa Pilchard, Chair
Richard Dutton
Nick Suhr
Paul O’Rourke, Board Liaison
6
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Newspaper Committee (see Page 3)
Pool Operations Committee assists the Board of Trustees in
providing for the safe utilization and enjoyment of the pools and
the adjacent areas by the homeowners and their guests.
Muriel VanOrden, Co-Chair
Marjorie Kopacsi
Kathleen Barneman, Co-Chair
Julia Swarts
Bruce Burchell
Laurie Weislogel
Diane Cocozza
Joan Brady, Board Liaison
Marilyn Cullen Recreation Committee organizes programs and equipment for
tennis, shuffleboard, bocce, horseshoes, bowling, softball and
related activities.
Bruce Burchell, Chair
Ghislaine Sheehan
William Decker
Ruth Tinervin
Sonny LaBrunda
Frank Zeevalk
Lynn Robbins Regina Pistilli, Board Liaison
Joseph Scarpa
Social Committee plans and implements various social events
for the enjoyment of all residents.
Mickie Hamilton, Co-Chair
Marjorie Kopacsi
Betty Schmidt, Co-Chair Pat Loehfelm
Claudia Allensworth Toni Miglietta
Karen Bandosz Gwen Nolan
Betty Bauer Jeanette O’Rourke
Arlene Berriel Jane Poisella
Barbara Borinsky
Pat Polak
Maryann Burghold Lynn Robbins
Kathleen Cameron Marie Sacco
Carol Capobianco Maryann Schoene
Denise DiCorcia Joy Styles
Eleanor Dietz Aylett Suhr
Dolores Farrell
Joan Walter
Flo Floden
Joan Brady, Board Liaison
Christie Gibble
Technology Committee oversees and maintains all HOA technical equipment, updates the website and resident directory, and
makes recommendations to the Board for the purchase of new
computer, telephone and audio-visual equipment. (seaoaksitcommittee@gmail.com)
Joe Morella, Chair
Bob Dunne
Tom Cullen, Board Liaison
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THE SEA OAKS LINK
7
Board of Trustees Report
As this is being written in the middle of February, Sea
Oaks has been very fortunate to have narrowly avoided
two major “snow events.” Had the first storm tracked
thirty miles to the west, we might still be digging out. Had
the second tracked thirty miles to the south, we would be
digging twice as much snow. We may be sorry we wrote
this, but we are halfway through winter, and our snow
removal costs for 2015, thus far, are “zero”!
This is an appropriate place to note that our guideline to
plow and shovel driveways when the snowfall is four inches
was established to be parallel to that of the Township’s
guideline in plowing roadways and streets. It should also
be noted that when Down To Earth Landscaping clears
driveways and walkways, the HOA incurs an expense of
$12,000 to $13,000, whether they clear one inch or eight
inches. If the snowfall is above eight inches, it gets very
expensive, very fast. If you do the arithmetic, the minimum
is $33 per homeowner. Let’s hope we stay lucky for the
remaining half of the winter.
The HOA’s biggest expenses are property management,
landscaping, and pool maintenance and operation. The
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THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Board and committees have been hard at work during
January and February to address these matters for 2015
and beyond.
At the Board’s work session on February 27, a new
Property Management Agreement with Diversified Property
Management, LLC was ratified. After about four weeks of
negotiation, the Agreement locks in our costs for property
management and the Community Association Manager
for the next five years and improves the Agreement (from
our perspective) in several other areas. More details were
discussed at the work session on February 27. How about
that for a “teaser”? Maybe more homeowners should attend
the work sessions.
As you will note in the committee reports, the
Grounds, Facilities and Pool Operations Committees are
engaging suppliers to determine the details as to grounds
maintenance, and operation and maintenance of the pools.
Please read the committee reports in the Link each month
to be updated as to how the grounds will be maintained
and the pools operated and maintained throughout 2015.
The Recreation Committee is establishing its schedule
for 2015. Lots of “exciting stuff” is on the agenda. Our
Treasurer and the Finance Committee, after a thorough
review of the 2014 financial statements, have “closed the
books” on 2014, and unaudited financial information will
soon be available on the HOA website. The IT Committee
has been updating the website and is in the process of
evaluating, and will be installing, faster computers outside
the HOA office for the use of homeowners that do not have
equipment available otherwise.
In our informal discussions with homeowners, we have
determined that global emails should be printed and posted
in the HOA clubhouse to be available for those who are
unable to access the emails otherwise. This is now in effect.
In addition, the Facilities Committee is investigating what
would be necessary to improve lighting at the entrance to
the lower end of Golf View Drive from Railroad Avenue
where there is an island in the center of Golf View Drive.
It is apparent there is much interesting work to do to
maintain community facilities and homeowner participation
and relationships. It is really fun to participate. Join a
committee, write for the Link, attend committee meetings
and give your input, or just make a phone call to a
committee member or Trustee and lay out your thoughts.
Communication is key to a “fun place to live”.
Joan Brady, Tom Cullen, Paul O’Rourke,
Regina Pistilli, Pete Sacco
Community Bulletin Board
Thank you!
Thank you to all of the friends and neighbors who sent
well wishes and prayers following my accident. I feel very
fortunate to know such wonderful and thoughtful people
in this community. Again, thank you all.
Bonnie Merkel
“Second Time Around” Group
In response to last month’s Link editorial suggestion
regarding self-help groups, I would like to start one. My
suggested topic would be “second time around.” This
would pertain to all residents who have either remarried
due to divorce or death, and it would also include domestic
partnerships as well. We could discuss such topics as
stepchildren acceptance, ex-wife/husband issues, and so
on. I promise that the discussions will be lively with a bit
of humor.
We could hold our first meeting in the HOA clubhouse
during the evening hours. If you are interested, kindly
email me at <krnpic@aol.com>. We could start with three
or more interested parties and go from there.
-- Karen Piche Morella
Fish Fry!
Enjoy a Fish Fry Dinner to be held on Friday, March
20, at Church of the Holy Spirit, Main and Cedar Streets,
Tuckerton. Menu available: fresh fish from Barnegat Light,
cole slaw, stewed tomatoes, homemade chowder. Take-out
is available from 4:30 pm. Seating is at 5:30 or 6:30 pm.
Adults $18, and children under ten, $5. For tickets and
information call the church office 609-296-9619.
*********************************************
In Memoriam
Vinny Pellecchia
1950-2015
*********************************************
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
9
Community Association Manager
Pamela S. O’Neal, CPM
Community Association Manager
95 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087
Telephone: 609-294-5890
Fax: 609-294-5892
Email: seaoakshoa@comcast.net
Office Hours: 9-5 M-F
Diversified Property Management
Courtyards at Smithville
28 South New York Road, Suite B6
Galloway, NJ 08205
Tel: 609-652-8793
Website: www.dpm-nj.com
Emergency Telephone: 609-645-6511
WELCOME: New Homeowners, welcome to the
Four Seasons at Sea Oaks! When you are settled, please
contact your Community Association Manager, Pamela
O’Neal, at 609-294-5890 or at seaoakshoa@comcast.net to
schedule an orientation date and time. She will familiarize
you with the community activities, the website, and the
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THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
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RESIDENT DIRECTORY / GLOBAL EMAIL
NOTIFICATIONS: If you are a new or current
homeowner who needs to add or change your contact
information on the resident directory or to receive global
email notifications, please email seaoakshoa@comcast.net
directly with your request.
SEA OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
WEBPAGE: Please visit the homeowner association’s
webpage at www.seaoakshoa.org for information regarding
the Community, Events, Paying your Dues online and so
much more.
DOG CURBING: Please remember: It is the
responsibility of the pet / dog owner to clean up their
pets’ waste on all areas of the community, including, but
not limited to, the streets, sidewalks and common area,
in addition to their own property. Dogs should not be
permitted on other homeowner’s properties, as this is
considered trespassing. Failure to curb your pet may result
in the violating pet owner being fined and/or a complaint
being filed with the Township; so please be mindful of
other people’s property when you are out with your pet.
GUEST POOL BADGES: It’s that time of the year
again. Guest Pool Badges are available for purchase at five
dollars each. You will need to submit your completed Guest
Pool Badge request form and check to the Community
Manager for processing. Pool Badges will be issued within
twenty-four hours of receipt of the completed guest form.
Guest Badge request forms are located outside the HOA
Office. Pool Badges are issued Monday through Friday.
STREET LIGHT OUTAGE(S): If you happen to
notice a street light out in your area, please contact Atlantic
City Electric directly at 800-642-3780. You will need to
provide the street light pole # and location.
TRASH/RECYCLE/BULK PICK-UP: If you
should have any questions regarding Trash, Recycling, or
Bulk pick-up, please contact the Public Works Department
directly at 609-296-3600. Recycles are picked up on
Wednesdays and trash on Thursdays.
Sea Oaks is Zone 4 for bulk trash pick-up, which begins
on the Monday of the fourth full week of each month.
Bulk trash items must be placed at the curb by 6 am on the
Monday morning of the collection week.
T R A S H / R E C Y C L E / C O N TA I N E R S / B I N S
STORAGE: Containers/bins must be stored inside your
garage, not left in the driveway or outside by the garage, as
this is in violation of the Standards and Guidelines. Failure
to properly store your containers may result in you being
fined. So please place your containers in your garage after
trash or recycling pick-up. Thank you!
M
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40
Celebrate Birthdays Above Ground: Golf Outing
Bette Bauer
“Celebrate Birthdays Above Ground” will hold their
second fundraising golf event on Monday, October 12,
2015, at Sea Oaks Country Club. I am proud to be the cosponsor with my sister Lu Cille Perry. The event honors
the memory of our mother, Audrey Perry, who died of
breast cancer at age 69. Both Lucille and I are breast
cancer survivors and with loving hearts relate to those who
are currently under treatment and to those who are newly
diagnosed cancer patients. We chose the Foundation of
Southern Ocean Medical Center as the recipient of the
funds.
SOMC is in the new stages of developing a state-of-theart oncology center located on the first floor of the hospital
next to their newly renovated emergency department. The
new oncology center will offer the treatment, education,
screening, and research on a case-by-case basis for each
patient. The newest in technology and the caring and
compassion of their highly trained medical professionals
will help patients and their families make life-saving
decisions regarding their ongoing medical treatment.
The day will begin with a health fair featuring
free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, body fat,
and dermascan. A buffet lunch and eighteen-hole golf
tournament will follow. Golfers and non-golfers will
have cocktails and dinner starting at five pm followed by
golf prizes and door prizes, silent and basket auctions. An
oncologist from SOMC will share future trends in cancer
technology and treatment.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help make this
year’s event another successful venture for the Foundation
should give me a call at 609-296-6787 or e-mail me at
boopbauer32@yahoo.com.
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
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2015 WINTER AND SPRING, ETC.
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March 2015
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
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Little Egg Harbor Senior Advisory Board
Nick Suhr
A regular monthly meeting of the Board was held
on January 26, 2015, at the Township Hall on Radio
Road. Even though Chief Buzby could not attend due to
a planning meeting with the Ocean County Sheriff about
the expected blizzard, Lt. Hawkins and Sgt. Hart reported
that they are still waiting for final approval to move the
Police Department firing range out to Warren Grove
and away from Cranberry Creek because the Pinelands
Commission is still holding things up. The weather forecast
also forced the Township to cancel a planned introduction
of the new “Drug Drop-off” program that is being put in
place for disposing of out-of-date prescription drugs. Old
pain drugs are a frequent target for addicts breaking into
homes in senior communities. Lt. Hawkins also mentioned
that thanks to an observant resident, police officers were
able to catch a thief who broke into the Cranberry Creek
clubhouse, despite the fact that he had ripped the security
alarm box off the wall.
The guest speakers at this meeting were supposed
to be the New Jersey Attorney General and the Sheriff
of Ocean County, but neither was able to attend due to
Put your family’s dental
care in the hands of
well-respected dentists.
the declaration of a statewide snow emergency. Instead,
Township Committeeman Edward Nuttall spoke about his
ongoing efforts to get property tax appraisals handled at the
county rather than the municipal level because this would
save huge amounts of money for New Jersey taxpayers. Mr.
Nuttall stated that even though New Jersey has the highest
population based on the size of the state (and therefore
should have the lowest taxes), because the elected officials
at all levels simply do not want to change the way they have
been doing things since Colonial times, we in fact have
the highest per capita state and local tax rate in the whole
country. Mr. Nuttall and Mayor Midgley have met with
County Administrator Carl Block about this and indicated
that he expressed some interest in this idea. We’ll see.
One Senior Advisory Board member mentioned that she
is still receiving water and sewer bills from the Township
MUA even though her home was destroyed by Hurricane
Sandy and the utilities shut off. Mr. Nuttall stated this was
wrong and that she should not be dealing with the clerks in
that office but rather should speak directly with the MUA
Executive Director, Earl Sutton, Jr., and demand that they
stop sending her bills. It will be interesting to see how
that turns out. If you know anyone in the same situation, I
suggest you tell them to follow Mr. Nuttall’s advice. Mr.
Sutton’s phone number is 609-296-1168.
Mayor Midgley concluded the meeting by reporting
that Wal-Mart remains on schedule to break ground on
their Little Egg Harbor facility by the end of February with
plans for grand opening about a year later. He will try to
reschedule the speakers for the meeting set for February
23, to be held at Harbor Bay. The meetings of the Senior
Advisory Board are always informative and, of course,
Put
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THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
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THE SEA OAKS LINK
17
Arklow Meets Arklow: My Irish Story
John Phillips
I will bet that most of the people in our community
are from Central and North Jersey, or they came here
from Staten Island and the general New York area. So it
would not be totally unusual to meet someone from your
hometown or someone who went to the same school or
perhaps even someone who knew someone whom you
knew. However, if you meet someone who grew up in
the same town that your father did in Ireland? Now that
would be something! It happened to me and sent me off
on a quest to find out more about my Irish heritage.
At our weekly breakfast recently I sat next to one of the
men who had a “lilting Irish brogue.” It was Bill O’Connor,
a true Irishman from that emerald island.
We started to talk. I told him that my father was born
and raised in Ireland. He asked where in Ireland, and I said
“a town on the Irish Sea called Arklow.” His face lit up in
a big smile, and he said: “Hey, that’s my hometown.” He
told me many things about the town that I did not know,
and that got my curiosity up to find out more about my Irish
heritage. I found out a lot as a result of my Internet trek.
But first let me tell you a little about Arklow.
Arklow translates to “the great estuary.” It’s in the
county of Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland. It’s there
that the river Avoca flows into the sea. The Vikings founded
Arklow in the ninth century. Historically, it was a major
seafaring town with both the shipping and fishing industries
using the port. The town has a long history and was the
site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion to
free Ireland from British control. Since the town is only a
short drive from Dublin, it was heavily involved in most
of the Ireland/England troubles. There is also a famous
bridge there. It’s called “The Nineteen Arches.” It’s the
longest handmade stone bridge in Ireland. There is also a
beautiful song about the bridge and Arklow. Just Google
<www.youtube.com/Nineteen Arches> and give a listen.
18
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Now, a brief look into the past…
I searched the Irish census of 1900 and 1911 and
the local church records back into the 1890’s. I knew a
lot about my dad but very little about his family since
I have no paternal relatives on this side of the ocean.
My grandparents were married in 1892 and had four
children: Bridget, Thomas, John (my dad), and Jane. My
grandparents were both recorded on the census as not
being able to read or write. That was a surprise since all of
the children were educated, and my dad attended college.
That’s probably where he got into trouble! There is a lot
more, but let me stop there and tell you a little about my
dad: the happy, wandering Irishman. I am sure it is a story
that was repeated by so many of the Irish back then.
My Dad
Yes, he got caught up in the “Irish Thing” and was on
the run.
Yes, he did attend Trinity College in Dublin (majored in
some type of engineering).
Yes, he took to the sea and saw the world.
Yes, he jumped ship in New York City around 1932.
Yes, he somehow got to South Amboy, met my mother, and
yada, yada.
Yes, he got deported to Canada.
Yes, the governor (a South Amboy native) got him back in
the country.
Yes, he was in the Merchant Marines during World War II
and was torpedoed.
Yes, he was a happy-go-lucky Irishman, always ready to
buy the bar a drink.
Yes, he wandered: here today; gone tomorrow. (So my
mom divorced him.)
Yes, he was the head “heat and steam” man for the famous
Carlyle Hotel in NYC.
Yes, he was on a first name basis with many of the Irish
bartenders in New York City.
How do I know all this? Well, I had a long sit-down
with an older Irish cousin when she visited us back in the
1980’s. She filled me in on what she knew happened to my
dad in Ireland. And my brother Joe (who takes after my dad
in many ways) was very close to him until my dad passed
away in 1963 and has many firsthand stories.
Now that I have started this genealogy search, I plan
to look further. I bet many of you out there have interesting
stories just waiting to be told. Even though there have been
family stories previously published in the Link, we know
there are more out there waiting to be told. Why not write
them up for publication in an upcoming Link? If you need
assistance, just let us know, and we will be glad to help.
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
19
No Snakes in Ireland
Submitted by Paul O’Rourke
• Legend tells us that St. Patrick charmed the snakes
into the sea. He convinced them to just crawl into the sea!
• There are no snakes in Ireland.
• Old Bible legend says that a snake made Eve (Adam’s
wife) bite the apple from the “tree of forbidden fruit.” So
people thought snakes could make people do bad things.
• When St. Patrick moved from Wales to France
to Ireland, he thought the Irish people would be better
behaved if there were no snakes to make them behave badly.
• St. Patrick was a person who was good at getting
people to do things. He convinced the irish people to
become Christians around the year 410, about sixteen
hundred years ago!
• Even today there are no snakes in Ireland!
20
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Book Club News
March Book Club Selection:
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Carol Green
They had nothing in common until love gave them
everything to lose.
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly
ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has
never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes
a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe
Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident.
Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme
sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he
cannot live the way he is.
Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat
him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more
to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has
shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that
life is still worth living.
A love story for this generation, Me Before You brings
to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a
heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you
do when making the person you love happy also means
breaking your own heart? (From the publisher – Penguin
Group, USA)
Our next Book Club meeting will be held on Thursday,
March 12, at 11:15 am in the clubhouse.
Shore Birds
If you’ve been reading my articles each
month you know my favorite subject is nature.
Many animals are not as active in the cold
months, and many birds leave the area and go
south. There are other birds that migrate here
from the northern reaches to escape the ultra
harsh winters there. This gives us the opportunity
to photograph different species. Unfortunately
they are not as colorful in the winter plumage, but
it’s still a nice challenge to find them.
I especially like to find the different ducks
and shore birds that arrive n winter. They are
generally found in the inlets and around the
jetties. Some are quite difficult to reach, but
others can be found along roadways and parking
lots near rivers.
A long lens is very helpful. Make certain to
focus carefully and have the proper exposure.
Fast shutter speeds will help keep them sharp if
they are moving in the waves. It is not an easy
shoot, but can yield great results.
That’s it for this month. As always you can
email me with any photographic questions at
bill@KirmsPhotography.com. If you’d like to
see more of my images you can visit my site at
www.KirmsPhotography.com . Remember to
keep shooting and trying to improve your images,
but most importantly, have fun with your camera.
Harlequin Duck
Long-tailed Duck
Black Scoter
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
21
Committees in Brief
Architectural Review Committee
Johnny Johnson
With spring rapidly approaching, it’s a good time
to start planning the outdoor projects you have been
thinking about all winter. We are encouraged each year by
homeowners to cover a few ARC Standards and Guidelines
in the Link to provide guidance on planting and yard
maintenance projects. Here are a few reminders:
Entry Porticos - Display items
Examples of appropriate display items include planters/
flowerpots that are not to exceed five gallons in size and
eighteen inches in height. The combined total of planters
and flowerpots allowed is five.
Exterior Painting and Re-siding - ARC approval
required
Unless otherwise approved by the ARC, the color of
new exterior house paint, siding material, or stucco facades
must match the original color of the house as closely as
possible.
22
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
Front of House Area - Plants - Garden Items
Garden items permitted include a shepherd’s hook
with hanging flowerpots, sundials and small figurines or art
objects not to exceed six in number or twenty-four inches
in height. Planters are permitted in the front of the house
area as well, but a total of not more than five are allowed
in the front of the house area including the driveway, the
bed adjacent to the house, and the entry. Note that plastic
or artificial flowers and/or plants are prohibited in all
outdoor areas.
House Exterior and Lot
Homeowners are responsible for the exterior
maintenance of their houses and lots. This includes, but
is not limited to, the following: mildew stain removal,
painting, repair, replacement and care of the roof, gutters
and downspouts, exterior building surfaces (including the
foundation), care and replacement of trees and shrubs,
and the repair of the sprinkler system if damaged by the
homeowner or the contractor.
Lighting - Security and Safety
These types of lighting shall not create a distraction or
annoyance to neighbors. No lights shall directly shine into
any homes. Before installing security lighting or leaving
rear patio or porch lights on all night, homeowners should
discuss their plans with all affected neighbors to ensure
that the lights are not creating problems.
Mulch Beds
Mulch beds are to be a minimum of twelve inches to a
maximum of thirty-six inches wide and are required around
the entire perimeter of the house, including the back of the
house. All mulch must be black.
Vegetable Gardens
All vegetable gardens (including tomato plants) must
be located in the rear yard adjacent to the house, not the
patio or deck, and cannot exceed thirty-six inches in width.
Planters (flower and vegetable) are allowed on patios and
decks.
Before starting any project, please check your copy
of the ARC Standards and Guidelines. If you have any
questions regarding a project or the applicable ARC
rules, please feel free to contact any member of the ARC
committee.
Committees in Brief
Community Affairs
Melissa Pilchard
One of the problems that we have been faced with
has been solved for us; well, more or less. Those pesky
medicine bottles that still have pills within them but are
of no more use: so, what can be done with them? They
cannot be thrown into the waste basket as that will lead to
the landfill and eventually into the ground and our water
source. Likewise, we cannot flush them down the toilet
for the same reason. So, there they sit! Now Little Egg has
provided a safe disposal dispenser for them in the lobby of
town hall from 8 am to 4 pm. If the doors are locked, use
the intercom to contact the police dispatcher who will put
the medicine into the drop box for you. The prescriptions
can be in the original box IF the label has been removed.
The pills can also be placed in one or more plastic bags
and deposited that way. If you desire further information,
call the police department at 609-226-3666.
If you are denied Medicare payment, you may appeal.
First call and make sure that the statement is correct and
filled out correctly. They should tell you why the payment
was denied. If you disagree, provide an explanation of
why you think the denial should be reversed and include
supporting evidence. If it is still denied, you may request
“reconsideration” from a different claim reviewer and
submit additional evidence. For more information on how
to appeal, visit Medicare.gov and click on the “Medicare
Appeals” or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
On another medical issue, Atlantic Care Hospital has
introduced a new policy. Only Hospitalist can treat patients
while in the hospital. Your primary care family doctor
may tell you to go to the hospital and call the emergency
admitting. But they may not come to see you as a treating
doctor while you are in the hospital. They may consult
with the doctors who are treating the patient. Atlantic Care
believes that, as only the sickest people are in the hospital,
they should be treated only by experts in each field. The
hospitalists are on duty for 12 hours running for 7 straight
days and then have 7 days off. There are some who disagree
with this policy, but the decision has been made.
Getting away from medicine, it is a pleasure to report
that three of the largest birds of prey are definitely returning
to New Jersey. The bald eagle had more than 200 hatchlings
last year. In addition twenty-three new pairs were found.
About 43% of the nests are in the Delaware Bay area.
One eagle that was fitted with a GPS has flown more that
1,000 miles to Canada and back making a stop at Six
Flags (wonder which ride he went on!). The black vulture
numbers are also on the rise again at the Jersey Shore.
Their numbers this past December were 137 birds. They
spend the whole year here so are very noticeable among
the marsh grasses in the winter. And finally the osprey,
which was estimated at 567 pairs this past December. The
comeback is so vital as it speaks to the health of the fish
and wild life in South Jersey.
Finally, as you plan your late Spring calendars, a
reminder that the tickets for the LPGA Classic in May are
now available. Visit <ShopRiteLPGAClassic.com>.
Happiness is always an inside job.
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March 2015
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23
Committees in Brief
Recreation Committee
Joe Scarpa
Bocce: Sign-up sheets have been in the activity book
since mid-February. Members should sign up ASAP to
insure they are assigned the day they desire. The 2015
spring session will tentatively begin April 13 and end June
4. The playoffs and dinner will be held on June 9. Again,
new and “old” homeowners are encouraged to sign up and
enjoy the experience. Contact Sonny LaBrunda.
Golf: An interest sheet for a Sunday afternoon, 9-hole
golf
program
be posted
in the activity book. Tee times
g and Health
Coachwill
- Vicky
Farrell
are expected to start around 3 pm and will be open to all
ainer and
Fitness Nutrition Specialist
interested community members. A tentative “Nine and
2) 610-6486
Dine” date is planned for 6/7 to be held at the Legacy.
We need to get a feel for the level of interest so that plans
firstpersonaltrainer.vpweb.com
might be made with the Sea Oaks Golf Club. Contact
personaltrainer.vpweb.com
Frank Zeevalk.
off your first
multi
session
purchase.
There
will
also be
an interest sheet for Monday
ng, smallafternoon
group, and
group
9-hole
golf.training.
All
people
interested
participating in these programs
program include an increase ininbalance,
are
encouraged
to
sign
up
in
the activity book during this
lar endurance, controlling weight, managing
month. mood, promoting cognitive
ases, improving
Horseshoes: Sign up sheets for a spring tournament
are in the activity book in the clubhouse. The last date to
the Personal
Training
sign up
will be Program
March 26.Features
First matches will be played
on March 31 and will continue through the first or second
week of May depending on the number of participants
and the weather. Scheduled games will take place in the
afternoon on Tuesdays.
So, put your team together, and join the fun. You may
also sign up as an individual. Match-ups to form teams will
be done. All skill and experience levels are welcome to
play. Shortened pitching distances will be available. We’ll
also need subs to support the season schedule. Contact
Joe Scarpa.
Billiards: The men’s Nine Ball tournament finished
You First Personal Training and Health Coach - Vicky Farrell NASM
certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist
(732) 610-6486
Email: youfirst@youfirstpersonaltrainer.vpweb.com
Website: youfirstpersonaltrainer.vpweb.com
Free Consultation plus 10% off your first multi session purchase.
We offer one on one training, small group, and group training.
Benefits of a personal training program include an increase in balance, coordination,
strength, cardiovascular endurance, controlling weight, managing or reducing the risk of
chronic diseases, improving mood, promoting cognitive well-being and boosting energy.
Checkout my website to see what the Personal Training Program Features
24
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
in February. There were 32 participants playing in a single
elimination format. Each player had to win two of three
games to win the match. The program was a big success.
Winners were not decided at the time of this writing but
will be announced in the April issue of the Link.
From all the participants - thanks, Bill Decker, for your
hard work in planning and organizing this activity.
Shuffleboard: A sign-up sheet is in the activity book.
Matches will be held in the early evening. Players may
sign up individually or as teams.
You’ve never played before? No problem! We’ll have
persons available to show everyone how and explain the
rules. Sign-ups will end April 16 with the season starting
April 30. Matches will be played on Thursdays starting at
5:30 and should extend thru early June depending on the
number of players and the weather.
Phils – Mets Baseball: Plans are being made to
purchase a block of tickets for a May 8 ball game between
these teams at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. It is
a night game – 7 pm. Bus transportation will be included
in the price of the ticket. A sign-up sheet is in the activity
book. This will probably be limited to the first twentythree tickets with a waiting list thereafter. Sign up early to
show your interest so we can collect the required monies
to purchase the tickets and the bus. Estimated ticket price
is $60. Contact Frank Zeevalk.
Bowling: Open bowling continues at Thunderbird
Lanes in Manahawkin on Bay Avenue. Dates and times
are: 11 am, Wednesdays 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29 and
Fridays 3/13, 3/27, 4/10, 4/24. Contact Bruce Burchell.
Tennis: During the winter months tennis is being
played indoors on courts in Somers Point. Contact Bruce
Burchell for days and times if you are interested in joining
the fun.
We accept no responsibility for any advertisements. If
there are any complaints concerning an advertiser, please
contact them directly. If you receive no satisfaction, you
can contact your Better Business Bureau or the Ocean
County Department of Consumer Affairs.
SENIOR PUBLISHING COMPANY accepts advertisements
and advertisements are based upon information provided
by the advertiser. SENIOR PUBLISHING COMPANY does
not independently investigate the accuracy of advertisement
content and does not warrant or represent the accuracy of
the content of any advertisement.
Social Committee
Betty Schmidt
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The Social Committee is very pleased to have Joan
Brady as its Board Liaison. We will miss her wonderful
monthly reports for the Link — but are thrilled that she
will remain with us.
Our February Happy Hour celebrating Presidents’
Day and Valentines’ Day was a great success. Appetizers
(always special) and cherry pie were enjoyed by all.
March’s Happy Hour will be on Friday, March 6. No
sign-up is necessary. All are welcome. We especially
encourage new residents to join us. Bring an appetizer
and your favorite beverage.
The monthly Ladies’ Luncheon on Tuesday, March
10, will be at Kristy’s in Waretown, honoring St. Patrick’s
Day. Scheduled for March 21 is “Taste of Italy.” This will
be a special event with the food prepared by our Social
Committee “chefs.” Cost is $10 a person, BYOB. Sign
up in the activity book, and join the party!
Looking ahead to April 17, a bus trip to the 9/11
Memorial is planned. We will spend time at the Memorial,
then continue to Edison, NJ for a late lunch at Harold’s
Restaurant. This restaurant is an experience not to be
missed!
Bridge, billiards, Mahjong, Pilates, and canasta are
among the many activities offered here at Sea Oaks. New
participants are always welcome. Check the calendar in
the Link for times and dates.
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Committees in Brief
Class Reunion
Author Unknown
Every ten years, as summertime nears,
An announcement arrives in the mail.
“A reunion is planned; it’ll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.”
They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.
I’ll never forget the first time we met.
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars.
And wore our most elegant dress.
They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts, and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.
It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.
At our next get-together no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we’d all gone to pot.
The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine homes
And how beautiful their children became.
It was held out-of-doors, at the lakeshores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.
The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.
By the fortieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren’t dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.
No one had heard about the class nerd
Who’d guided a spacecraft to the moon.
Or poor little Jane, who’s always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.
And now I can’t wait; they’ve set the date;
Our fiftieth is coming, I’m told.
It should be a ball; they’ve rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.
The boy we decreed “most apt to succeed”
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted “least” now is a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.
Repairs have been made on my hearing aid.
My pacemaker’s been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I’ve bought a new wig and glass eye.
I’m feeling quite hearty, and I’m ready to party.
I’m gonna dance ‘til dawn’s early light.
It’ll be lots of fun; I just hope that there’s one
Other person who can make it that night!
For Advertising Information
Please Contact Senior Publications
at 1-888-637-3200.
Deadline is the 8th of each month.
26
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
The “Chatterbox”
Vince Poisella
I grew up in a two-family home in the Bronx. I later
found out that it was called a “duplex” and as such was
quite trendy. My grandparents, Giovanni and Rosa Rossi,
lived in the other apartment. Although my memories of
those days are spotty, I do recall that my good-natured
grandmother called me a “chiacchierone.” What I heard
her say, phonetically, was “chuch-a-rella,” a “chatterbox.”
I later found out that her pronunciation was in the “dialetto”
or dialect. And because she was uneducated, when I asked
her several years later to teach me Italian, she said she
couldn’t because she only knew the “dialetto.”
My mom’s youngest brother, Uncle John, smilingly
reminded me throughout my life that I was “too wordy.”
The last time he told me that was at his eightieth family
birthday celebration in a park somewhere in New York
State when I stood on a picnic table to wish him well. He
pretty much (abashedly) told me to sit down, that I was
“too wordy.” That’s the reason a few years later that I
carefully read his eulogy at the church service instead of
spontaneously “off the cuff,” so that I wouldn’t ramble on
unnecessarily. Even then, it was three full pages in length,
typed, and single-spaced.
Now all of this has nothing to do with my point, which
is what you would expect from a “chatterbox.” How else
can I tell you that whenever I need to get on the phone
with someone I have never met – for example, a travel
agent, a financial advisor, or hotel reservationist – I chat
rather extensively. I ask where they work and what the
weather is like and so on. I confide in them and ask not
just how the weather is but explain to them why I am so
incompetent with on-line difficulties in paying my bills,
planning a cruise, or reserving a room. I confess to them
that I am seventy-five years old and grew up when rotary
phones and party lines were the norm rather than these days
when a whole new vocabulary is necessary to understand
young people.
I know that these anonymous workers who spend
their working days on the phone are delighted to chat with
me because they have a very dull job at best and more
difficult days when complainers call customer service
representatives to vent. Most of them are younger than
my own three children – late thirty-somethings and early
forty-somethings – and realize that they are conversing
with the likes of their grandfathers.
I must say that they are respectful of my chatter and
my storytelling. Those in our community who tell the
same stories of their lives over and over again to their
contemporaries at local social functions or out on the
golf course realize that it doesn’t matter if it is the same
story because no one really remembers anything beyond
age seventy. It is always new, and everyone seems very
respectful.
I used to joke about the time my father was so pleased
that I brought home a friend he had not met before so
that he could captivate him with the few stories he would
tell many times over. Even though he was a man of few
words -- usually letting my mom speak for him -- he took
the opportunity with new people to say what he wanted to
say because “it is good to see a new face.”
Being a chatterbox can’t be that bad! Words define
who we are. Words define our culture and our generation.
It seems to me that the younger generation, reliant as it
is on texting with its own jargon and abbreviations, may
be creating and using a new language. And it is surely
happening fast.
March 2015
THE SEA OAKS LINK
27
Origins of Baseball Spring Training
Paul O’Rourke
Willie Mays in Arizona in 1958
On the third week of February each year, while the
weather is still 35ºF and raining or snowing, this kid from
northeastern New Jersey begins to feel that winter may
eventually end. The pitchers and catchers of professional
baseball teams report to spring training.
This year the New York Mets pitchers and catchers
reported on February 19 to Port St. Lucie, FL, the Yankees
on February 20 to Tampa, FL, and the Phillies on February
18 to Clearwater, FL. The World Series champion San
Francisco Giants reported to Scottsdale, AR, on February
18. The remainder of the players on these teams reported
five or six days later. The official baseball season will
start with “Opening Day Games” in regular big city Major
League Stadiums on April 6, 2015.
For those not very familiar with baseball and the
preparations necessary for players to be ready for
competition, here is some background. The most difficult
and technically oriented positions on the team are the
pitcher and catcher. That is the reason for their start of
“training” earlier than the other players. Good teams play
such that, in a given development on the field, all the players
know what all the other players will do. Practicing this
and recalling all those possible conditions and positions is
the reason approximately six weeks is devoted to spring
training in Florida or Arizona. The location for this is
obvious since playing baseball usually is, and this year
especially, in Detroit, Boston, or New York, impossible
in mid-February.
There is shadowy history regarding the origins of
spring training because back in 1870-1889 professional
baseball players were not all millionaires, and certainly
none earned the 2015 minimum salary of $510,000 per
year. The historical research of those to whom these things
28
THE SEA OAKS LINK
March 2015
really matter seems to have narrowed to three scenarios.
In 1870 the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago
White Stockings spent two weeks in New Orleans
“preparing for the coming season.”
In 1889 the Philadelphia Phillies practiced in
Jacksonville, Florida, for two weeks before beginning
a “barnstorming tour” (more on this below) north to
Philadelphia.
Also, in 1889, the Washington Nationals “spent time
in Florida” training for the upcoming season. The team’s
owner did no spring training for the next twenty years
since the team lost 75% of its games that counted in 1889
and finished last in the league, having lost forty-five more
games than the champion New York Giants.
These all probably occurred, but the details with respect
to each are sketchy since “there was no internet or 24/7
news coverage” in the late nineteenth century.
A word about “barnstorming” is appropriate here.
Because players in those years were paid so little by the
teams, during the off-season members of the team needed
to have earnings. Some were house painters, some were
carpenters, and some got together as a team and traveled
into the South, where no major league teams were based
at the time; they played games in farm fields and slept in
the barns. The money earned was the result of ”passing
the hat” during the game. That means two or three people
would walk through the crowd with a hat begging for
contributions. I remember this occurring when I was a
kid watching semi-pro games in Jersey City. (Of course, I
could not contribute because I had nothing to put in the hat.)
As spring training became more common in the 1920s
and up through the 1950s, teams began to spend more time
in Florida and would then spend seven to ten days traveling
north playing games in cities and towns where there was
Ted Williams as Marine Corps Fighter Pilot in 1943
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still no major league baseball. Until television became
later the Cleveland Indians, was told he could not sit in a
portion of the viewing stands at a game in Florida because
common in the early 1950s, most of the country would
never get to see major league baseball players perform. It
that section was “for the blacks only.” He moved his
trainingThe
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