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The JerseySIERRANSIERRANVol. 33, No. 3 Roughly 20,000 Members in New Jersey July-September 2004

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB -- CHAPTER WEBSITE: NJSIERRA.ORG

• • • • • • • • • • •

DEP Hotline: it works! ......................................2Will VX Nerve Gas be Treated in NJ?..............2Hiking the Batona Trail.....................................2Editorial: Immigration may not be a Sierra ClubIssue, but Population is!...................................3Chair’s Message: Global Warming 101 ...........3Chapter ExCom Election Preliminaries............3Group News..................................................4-6Outings .........................................................7-8Membership Form............................................8

SIERRA CLUBENDORSES KERRYFOR PRESIDENTSays Kerry Will ProtectAmerica’s Health and Heritage

NSIDE THIS ISSUE...I

On May 11, the Sierra Club’s nationalleadership endorsed Senator John Kerryfor President of the United States, citinghis outstanding leadership in safe-guardingAmerica’s air, water and public lands.

Said Club President Larry Fahn, “Hiscommitment to environmental progressstands in stark contrast to the Bushadministration’s all-out assault on theenvironment and its record of puttingpolluting corporations before theAmerican public’s health and safety.

“John Kerry has spent his entirecareer promoting real solutions aimed atensuring that America’s air, water, andnatural resources are protected forfuture generations.”

Kerry has demonstrated environmen-tal leadership throughout his career inpublic service, from helping to organizeMassachusetts’ first Earth Day in 1970 toopposing the Bush administration’sefforts to dismantle environmental gainsmade over the last century.

Highlights of Kerry’s environmentalrecord include:

Advocated strict enforcement of theClean Air Act and Clean Water Act, andopposed Bush administration efforts toweaken the laws in order to let pollutersput more dangerous toxics into our airand water;

Advocated restoration of Superfund’s“polluter pays” trust fund to ensure thatpolluters, not ordinary taxpayers, pay toclean up abandoned toxic waste sites;

Led the charge against the Bushadministration’s attempts to allow oildrilling in the pristine Arctic NationalWildlife Refuge;

Championed an energy plan thatincreases fuel economy to reduce thenation’s dependence on oil and supports

the development of clean, energy-savingtechnologies and renewable energy toreduce our dependence on other pollut-ing sources of energy;

And, advocated for the United Statesto take the lead in international efforts tocut global warming pollution, reverseozone depletion, protect tropical rainforests, preserve biological diversity andpress for sustainable development.

“John Kerry’s record on the environ-ment is impressive by any measure andreveals a sincere personal passion for theissue,” Club Executive Director CarlPope said. “He understands that there isa better way than the Bush administra-tion’s alliance with corporate polluters.With Kerry as President, we could besure that America’s health and heritageare protected.”

The endorsement was decided by vol-unteer members who serve on theClub’s Political Committee and Board ofDirectors. “One of our biggest chal-lenges is to educate the American publicabout the Bush administration’s dismalenvironmental record,” Fahn said.“Now, thousands of Sierra Club mem-bers in every state will be volunteeringtheir efforts to tell voters about the clearchoice in this election. They will beencouraging all Americans who careabout the environment to vote for JohnKerry in November.”

To learn more about why the SierraClub endorsed John Kerry, please visitour website at:http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/presidential_endorsement/. There is also aKerry for President website here in NewJersey for Club members who’d like tohelp the Kerry campaign:http://www.johnkerry.com/states/nj/.

In April, the Club’s Political andExecutive Committees considered all13 members of New Jersey’s

Congressional Delegation, and decidedto honor nine of them with earlyendorsement for re-election inNovember. Our recommendations werequickly ratified by the Club’s NationalPolitical Committee.

EEnnddoorrsseedd wweerree::RRoobbeerrtt AAnnddrreewwss (D, 1st District: most

of Camden and Gloucester Counties)FFrraannkk LLooBBiioonnddoo (R, 2nd District:

Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland,Salem Cos.)

JJiimm SSaaxxttoonn (R, 3rd District: most ofBurlington and Ocean Counties)

FFrraannkk PPaalllloonnee (D, 6th District: most ofMiddlesex and Monmouth Counties)

WWiilllliiaamm PPaassccrreellll (D, 8th District: partsof Essex and Passaic Counties)

SStteevveenn RRootthhmmaann (D, 9th District: mostof Bergen, part of Hudson Counties)

DDoonnaalldd PPaayynnee (D, 10th District: partsof Essex, Hudson and UnionCounties)

RRuusshh HHoolltt (D, 12th District: parts ofHunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex,Monmouth and Somerset Counties)

RRoobbeerrtt MMeenneennddeezz (D, 13th District:parts of Essex, Hudson, Middlesexand Union Counties)

Endorsement entitles candidates toour support at press conferences and inpress releases, to publicity in Club mediasuch as this newsletter, to in-kind volun-teer support organized by members ofour Political Committee, and sometimesto financial support and even indepen-dent expenditure campaigns.

Chapter Endorses NineIncumbent Congressmenfor Re-election

All nine endorsees have accumulat-ed impressive voting records on envi-ronmental legislation, and many haveworked behind the scenes to endorselegislation, to support it in commit-tees, and to motivate other Membersof Congress to vote “correct ly . ”Along with their direct experiences,including interviews, Club officersused voting charts supplied by thenat iona l League o f Conserva t ionVoters (LCV) in deciding whom toendorse . The n ine endorseesachieved an average 92% score forvotes in 2003, compared to an aver-age 45% received by the four incum-bents who were NOT early-endorsed.In generating its scores, the LCV usedvotes on energy policy ( includingdrilling for oil in the Arctic NationalWi ld l i fe Refuge) , protect ion o fWilderness Areas, Clean Air and CleanWater legislat ion, the proposal todeepen the shipping channel of theDelaware River, and funding interna-tional family planning programs.

As we move into “election season,”Club volunteers will conduct interviewswith the remaining four incumbents, aswell as their opponents, to decide onpossible additional endorsements. Wemay also participate in many local racesthat will be decided on November 2nd,as well as urge positions on public ques-tions (referenda) that will be on theNovember ballot.

Club members wishing involvementare more than welcome to contactGroup members of the ChapterPolitical Committee, and/or to contactendorsed candidates directly to offersupport.

A crucial environmental bill designedto protect the Highlands region ofNorthern New Jersey will undergo aseries of votes by the New JerseyLegislature, beginning this May. The pas-sage of Bill S-1/A-2635, originally draftedwith substantial imput from Sierra Clubstaff and volunteers, is considered to bethe most vital issue the Chapter ispresently handling, according to DirectorJeff Tittel. If passed into law, the Billpromises to conserve these sensitivewatershed lands by limiting developmentand establishing a preservation area of upto 400,000 acres. The cost of delayingaction to preserve these water resourcescould be billions of dollars for improvedwater purification systems, according toTittel. Currently, four million residents in16 counties draw water from reservoirsin the Highlands. Additionally, the threelargest industries in New Jersey (pharma-ceuticals, food processing and tourism)are dependent on clean water suppliedby the Highlands.

On May 17th, the Assembly andSenate Environment committees wereto meet to consider amendments to the

Highlands Bill ReceivingPriority ConcernBy Brenda C. Sanabria

Bill. If the Bill was approved, it wouldthen be reported to the respectiveLegislative chambers for additionalrounds of voting as early as June.

According to Tittel, the strongest opposi-tion to the Bill’s passage has come from the“sprawl machine,” or developers and work-ers in the building and construction trades,such as the New Jersey Builder’sAssociation. Opponents have been “spread-ing lies about sprawl” and its threat to theHighlands. Despite opposition, Tittelthinks, “There is a good chance it will bepassed. [The opposition] will spend mil-

Recognizing that “Supporting FamilyPlanning Supports the Environment,” theSierra Club was a co-sponsor of the Marchfor Women’s Lives in Washington, D.C.on April 25th. Why did the Sierra Club co-sponsor the March? Women everywherewant to voluntarily decide how many chil-dren to have and when to have them.When women can choose the size andspacing of their families, they choosesmaller families. This is not only healthierfor the families, but healthier for the envi-ronment. Smaller families in developingcountries, in conjunction with reducedconsumption in developed countries likeour own, reduces demands on our envi-ronmental resources.

Sierra Club President, Larry Fahn,noted that the Club was well represent-ed with over a hundred activists fromaround the country. We had great signs,a huge banner, T-shirts and buttons read-ing, “Pro-Choice, Pro-Family Planning,Pro-Environment,” all in our traditionaldark green, making us a small but signifi-cant presence among the huge crowd.

Sierra Club on the March!By Bonnie Tillery, our Population Issues Coordinator

The photos (in the national press are)testament to the numbers gathered, esti-mated at 1.15 million. There were abouttwenty huge 100-foot Jumbotron videoscreens set up every quarter mile span-ning the entire Mall, from the Monumentto the Capitol. Over 1000 organizationstook part.

Here is Larry’s message delivered atthe kickoff rally before the March:

(Continued on page 2)

Continued on page 2)NJ Sierra Club Members ready to march!From left; Ed Pfeiffer, Carol Pfeiffer, BonnieTillery, Joe Leist

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004

Is there an environmental issue that we’re MISSING? If so, please call or write to Club officers.

2

You may not know that theDepartment of EnvironmentalProtection has a toll-free telephone

hotline number you can use to reportenvironmental incidents, abuses, andcomplaints pertaining to New Jersey orimpacting it. The 1-877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337) number can be used in theNew Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,and Delaware calling areas. It is available24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I am pleased to report that itworks. Here is a recent story.

On Monday, March 1, Mimi Crossfrom Atlantic Highlands observeda machine digging a large trench in aberm below her home along Sandy HookBay. The machine was putting the soilonto the marsh grass on either side ofthe trench, to the bay side and on thelandward side. She thought that thismust be illegal. She complained to thetown, but was told that the trench wasfor storing material to be dredged thisfall from the harbor. On Saturday sheasked the Club for help.

I found the DEP hotline number andtried to report what was going on -thinking that this would be simple sinceDEP must be aware of the project. Icalled on a Saturday afternoon, but didnot have enough information. So Iphoned and emailed Mimi, suggestingthat she call the hotline.

She called on Monday. The recordedmessage said to push “1” for an emer-gency, “2” for a non-emergency. At mysuggestion, she pushed “2”. Theresponse she got indicated that the

DEP HotlineBy Steve Knowlton, Conservation Chair of our Jersey Shore Group

responsible person was not in thatday. She didn’t give up. She called back,this time pushing the button for “emer-gency,” and got a supervisor in the TomsRiver enforcement office. The next day,March 8, Tammy DiGiacomo, a DEP fieldinspector, put the site on her scheduleand visited.

Up to this point, Mimi did not knowthat the town was doing anything illegal,and neither did I. I assumed that thetown must have a permit.

But the inspector could tell that therewas a violation. At the end of her visit,she wrote a field notice, telling the townthat it had gone beyond the limits ofwhat is legal, and forced a halt to thework. Since then, the town has installedsilt skirts and straw bales and work hashalted. The town will have to restore theberm to the original size.

There may be more developments asDEP has time to look for any permitsand find out the history. We hopethat they will find out how berm gotthere and whether it is legal. Mimi plansto work with Clean Ocean Action andthe town to find a better place for thedredge spoils.

Here is the lesson learned. You don’thave to be an environmental expert ifyou see something going on that is badfor environment. You can take action. Ifyou see someone dumping toxics in astream, filling in a wetland, destroyingwildlife habitat, you can call the DEPhotline. You may have to be persistentin your call, and patient, but you canmake a difference.

South Jersey residents should be con-cerned about the Army’s plan to deactivateMidwestern stores of the toxic nerve gasVX. The army has asked for proposalsfrom various bidders to deactivate four mil-lion gallons of this deadly gas that are cur-rently stockpiled in Newport, Indiana. TheDuPont Corporation has submitted a bidto treat the nerve gas at their Deepwaterfacility in Salem County, NJ. This processwould include releasing liquid effluent intothe Delaware River. In addition, the equiv-alent of two tanker truckloads of this dead-ly poison will be on the highwaysbetween Indiana and NJ every day for twoyears. Governor McGreevey and GovernorMinner of Delaware have stated theiropposition. In addition, CongressmanAndrews has pledged to protect theDelaware River and South Jersey by fight-

ISSUE COORDINATOR’S REPORT:

Is Poison Gas Coming toSouth Jersey?By Gina Carola, our Delaware River Issues Coordinator

ing the award of the contract to DuPont.NJ Assemblymen Jack Conners and HerbConaway have introduced an AssemblyResolution opposing the plan. While theArmy has not yet decided what companywill be awarded the contract, The SierraClub and other local environmental andcitizens groups will monitor the situationclosely. To express opposition, send com-ments to:

Claude BoltonAssistant Secretary of the Army103 Army, Pentagon Rm 2E 614Washington, DC 20310

Tell him that, if the deactivationresidue is really as safe as water, asclaimed, then it should be released inIndiana, following treatment there.

“The Sierra Club is 760,000 of yourfriends, neighbors and supporters, fromevery community in the nation.

“We have been working hard for morethan 112 years, in rural communities andbig cities, domestically and internationally,to explore, enjoy and protect the planet!

“We know that protecting the planetmeans more than cleaning up our airand water; more than protecting wet-lands, wilderness, wildlife and nature.Those are truly important goals, but,protecting the planet must include pro-tecting and improving women’s lives,here at home and around the globe!

“Protecting the planet means increas-ing, not slashing, funds for family plan-ning assistance, here in the U.S. and allaround the world!

“Protecting the planet means curb-ing, then reversing, the global popula-tion explosion that threatens us all!(CHEERS HEARD)

“Protecting the planet means preserv-ing and protecting human rights...whichinclude reproductive rights!! (CHEERS)To tackle the problem of over-popula-tion, we must ensure that all women andgirls around the world have access tobirth control services, birth control edu-cation, neo-natal health care and repro-ductive choice!! (HUGE CHEER)

“Protecting the planet means revers-ing the Bush Administration’s GlobalGag Rule, which harms women all

tors, and distributed petitions. In antici-pation of the May 17th vote, the cluborganized a “Fax-a-Thon,” where sup-porters faxed letters to legislators, urg-ing swift passage.

According to Tittel, “the Bill repre-sents what the Sierra Club is all about.The important issues that we defend areincluded: protecting resources, clean air,open space, etc.”

The Highlands is a beautiful area ofabout 800,000 acres that extends fromBergen County across to HunterdonCounty. Fourteen million visitors aredrawn to it every year, surpassing even theyearly visitor turnout at YellowstoneNational Park. It is an area rich in biodiver-sity, and home to 125 endangered species.

Brenda is a freelance editor inNorthern NJ. She loves nature and fic-tion, and hopes to move to SanFrancisco one day (soon).

SIERRA on MARCH(Continued from page 1)

HIGHLANDS BILL(Continued from page 1)

lions in attempts to defeat it, but manymayors and residents have spoken up andpublicly supported this Bill.” Five ex-gover-nors of NJ have also voiced their support.

The Highlands is severely threatenedby sprawl development. About 25,000acres have been lost to development inthe last five years, mostly forests andfarmlands. A key component of theHighlands Preservation Bill includes thesetting-up of a regional planning coun-cil, composed of local and state officials,which would have the power to vetomajor development in the area, andrequire permanent preservation zones.

While the Bill is pending in legislation,the Club’s New Jersey Chapter hasremained active in its campaign of sup-port. Tittel says the Chapter has heldpublic hearings, placed calls to legisla-

across the globe, deprives them of criti-cal health care and increases the inci-dence of abortion!

“Protecting the planet means electingmore women to the House ofRepresentatives...and the United StatesSenate...from all political parties!!!(TREMENDOUS CHEER)

“So, I have a question for you all...“Will we demand full federal funding

for family planning assistance here athome and around the globe? (CHEERS)

“Will we tell the Bush Administrationthat standing up for family planning andreproductive choice means standing upfor the global environment? (CHEERS)

“Will our nation – the richest in thehistory of the world – live up to itsleadership responsibility to invest inthe lives of women and in a healthierplanet? (HUGE CHEER)

“Will we bring about the change thatwill reverse the Bush Administration’sGlobal Gag Rule? (BIGGER CHEER)

“Will we? (HUMONGOUS CHEER)“You’re damn right we will!!!“Thanks so much for being here. We

love you all! Have a great march!”(To all who marched -- with the “offi-

cial” Sierra Club delegation or with others-- a special thanks to all New Jersey SierraClub members who took part in this exhil-arating experience. More than a millionpeople spoke out for the rights of women.Everyone who marched understood thelink between population and the environ-ment. Why doesn’t George W. Bush?)

ISSUE COORDINATOR’S REPORT:

Hiking the Batona TrailBy Lee Snyder, our Pinelands Issues Coordinator

The Batona Trail winds through Bass River,Wharton, and Brendan T Byrne (formerlyLebanon) State Forests in the Pinelands ofNew Jersey. It stretches for 50 miles, all inBurlington County, between Ong’s Hat onBuddtown Road to the intersection of CoalRoad and Stage Road in Bass River State Park.There is talk of lengthening the trail withrecent acquisitions of natural areas.

Hikers travel through scenic Pinelandswilderness areas while crossing severalstreams and rivers, usually on woodenbridges. The terrain is mostly flat with afew small hills. Underfoot is the white sandthat is typical of the area, although oftencovered by several layers of pine needles.Along the trail, marked by pink blazes,many common as well as threatened andendangered plants and animals may beviewed. Though the trail is mainly sited inwilderness areas, it occasionally crosses aroad. Observe caution at these crossings.

There are several good entry/exitpoints along the trail for those opting for

hiking just a portion. Camping areas areon the trail at Lower Forge and BatonaCamp. Get the required camping permit,along with a map, at one of several parkranger stations if planning to stayovernight on the trail. The Batona Trailmap shows roads, streams and otherwater, camping areas, and points ofinterest. Excellent starting points for aday hike are Batsto and Four Mile. Bothlocations provide parking, restrooms,water, and a park ranger office.

Protection of the Batona and surround-ing areas is critical to the future of thePinelands. This trail traverses pristineand sensitive habitat. It is for hikingonly. No horses, mountain bikes, ormotorized vehicles are allowed — perNew Jersey State law.

Several Pinelands hikes are listed inthe back of this Sierran Newsletter, andare generally free of charge. Some are ontrails other than the Batona. Plan a day tohit the trail and happy hiking!

MEMORIAL GIFTThe New Jersey Chapter of the

Sierra Club wishes to acknowledge receipt of a gift in

memory of Robert Webster. Mr. Webster, a resident of

Cape Cod, had a love of the outdoors and a deep appreciation

for all living things.

YOU HAVE MORE TOGIVE THAN YOU KNOWMaybe you can’t make a gift to protectthe environment during your lifetime,

but you can become a financial hero byremembering the Sierra Club in yourwill. You can even direct your gift to

a special Club program or to the New Jersey Chapter.

For information about making a bequest to the

New Jersey Chapter call George Denzer at

609-799-5839.

by Dick Colby (dick.colby@stockton.edu)

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004

A variety of Club books, notecards, badges and clothing is available from www.sierraclub.org/store

3

Immigration maynot be a SierraClub issue, butPopulation is!

Editorial

The petition candidates for the SierraClub’s national election of Directors,campaigning for the Club to opposeimmigration, were thoroughlyTROUNCED in the results announced on21 April: by a margin of 10:1, in thelargest percentage voter turnout in manyyears. As Editor of this Newsletter, I hadthe interesting chore of fielding callsfrom angry members on both sides ofthe issue, some threatening to resignfrom the Club if we FAILED to opposeimmigration, and some (more!) threaten-ing to resign if we took a stand AGAINSTimmigration. I tried to remind suchmembers that “politics is the art of thepossible” (not to mention the sausage! –or the bottom line!): we can probablyprotect more wilderness by remainingneutral on immigration policy. It’s aPRACTICAL argument: we gain morethan we lose. We’re keeping our “eyeson the prize.”

Yet we in New Jersey are probablyclosest to the point where populationand wilderness come into direct conflict.As we fight for Highlands protection,and more Pinelands protection, we willfind that our opponents aren’t just thebuilders and their financiers. We will befighting the American Dream – theFrontier Ethic! For the first time, at leastin our hemisphere and at quarter acre(suburban) density, there will be noplace else to go!

South Jersey faces a “sooner” calami-ty: several hydrological studies are find-ing that the supply of fresh water willrun out even before the supply of build-able land does. No New Jersey politi-cian has ever been forced to admit to ahuman carrying capacity, but now therewill be numbers, scientifically defensi-ble, for each county in Southern NewJersey. What will happen when all100,000 people-slots, say, for Cape MayCounty, are “occupied”?

I’m reminded of a solution to the pop-ulation problem that was proposed inthe year 1515, when Sir Thomas Moreinvented his literary Utopia. Each town,when it reached its full capacity, found-ed a new town – nearby or distant – tohandle the overflow of people. Some ofthe American Colonies were originallyoverflow sites for British exiles or eco-nomic migrants. But that option is nolonger available.

A second recourse would be TECH-NOLOGY. By capturing rainwater, orpiping water from the Delaware River,or “recharging” sewage effluent backinto underground aquifers (hoping thatthe remaining nutrient, metal and organ-ic pollutants won’t some day come backto haunt us), or RATIONING water tohouseholds, we could increase carryingcapacity for humans. But only to a new(higher) limit – postponing the day ofpolitical reckoning!

The great hope, of course, is that thepopulation “bubble” will some day“burst” — as it has in other developedcountries — and that population willstart to decline naturally. The SierraClub, especially our population activistslike Bonnie Tillery, is doing its best toconvince Americans (both native-bornand immigrant) that educated andempowered women, with access tobirth control, will voluntarily have aresponsible number of children. As wefight to save open space, that effort sure-ly must be part of the campaign.

Special thanks to the 70 members whoreturned the questionnaire in the lastissue of this Newsletter. We learned thatonly a handful of members are ready tosubstitute electronic publication forpaper, and that virtually all sections of itare interesting. The Chapter will have tofind other ways to reduce its expendi-tures, or (preferably, I suspect) findways to increase its income.

$50 Discount for Sierra Club MembersWalk Britain’s

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Global Warmingand ProfessorialRambling

Chair’s Message

by Sunil Somalwar, Chapter Chair

For the last few years I have beenteaching an undergraduate courseat Rutgers on Energy, Society and

Global Warming. Typically, the first yearof teaching a course requires the mostpreparations because I have to come upwith the syllabus, lecture material, web-site, reading list, interesting homework(example: Can you show that if all theenergy consumed in the US weredumped (as heat!) into Lake Erie, thisGreat Lake would come to a boil in acouple of years?), and so on.Subsequent years are easier because Iget to recycle most of the material(including bad jokes). After anotheryear or so, the class gets too routine andyou move on to a different class to tor-ture a different set of students.

Unfortunately, my global warmingclass has not been a typical one becauseof the amazing pace at which the subjectmatter has been changing lately. While itis a long established fact that the green-house gases (CO2 being the main one)have been increasing dramatically in theatmosphere, an understanding of theEarth’s climate has firmed up only overthe last few years. It is NOT controversialthat the Earth has been warming in thiscentury (more than ten of the warmestyears on record have occurred since the1980’s!). The scientific consensus hasrapidly evolved from a tentative “balanceof evidence” suggestion that humans arecausing global warming to a scientific con-sensus (except for the Exxon/Mobil-fund-ed pseudo-scientists) that human activity isresponsible. It has been frightening to seethat the warming predictions from only afew years ago are coming true at thewarmest end of the uncertainty range.Even more important has been the realiza-tion that Earth’s climate does not changegradually, but when a trigger is provided,it changes radically, and fast. A scary sce-nario I mentioned to my students a fewyears ago was how global warming cansuddenly send us to a devastating ice ageby shutting down the “great conveyor” inthe oceans which moves warmth from thetropics to us in NJ and to northern Europe.Now I am seeing reports that the greatconveyor is indeed slowing as the NorthAtlantic Ocean becomes less and less saltydue to continued Arctic ice melt. TheArctic icecap is shrinking, glaciers arereceding all across the world and thefamous snows of Kilimanjaro will be gonein front of our eyes.

While I have been teaching this class,the world took tentative steps towardsadopting the Kyoto Protocol, only tohave Cheney and Bush snatch the presi-dency and actively sabotage the treaty.On the global warming front, this

Administration shows the same hubris itshowed in Iraq. I used to think that ourgrandchildren would pay for our fossil fuelfollies, but the timetable has seriouslyadvanced in the last few years and I wouldnot be surprised by major global warming-related disruptions during my lifetime. Ifyou are having a hard time believing anivory tower enviro, just read the article onthe Pentagon’s nightmare global warmingscenarios in, of all places, Fortune maga-zine (February 9, 2004 issue).

Leaving the global worries aside for amoment, teaching my “Energy” class hasbeen very gratifying despite the extrawork. Teaching students to overcometheir math phobias is the major educa-tional goal of this class (what else do youexpect from a physicist?), and it is fun tosee a student who is convinced that sheis “no good at math” calculate theamount she would save by switchingfrom a regular incandescent bulb to acompact fluorescent one. (About $100over the bulb’s life!) I also get to dosome SUV-bashing (“When you drive anSUV that gets 14 miles per gallon, youmight as well roll down your windowevery mile and toss out a one pound bagof carbon dioxide, the gas primarilyresponsible for global warming”) andmake students calculate that a $1 per gal-lon increase in gasoline tax would raisethe cost of owning and operating a vehi-cle by only 10-15% (but give us a masstransit system that would get the cars offthe backs of the poor and the seniorsand get our highways moving again). Iget to show them that despite muchhigher gasoline taxes in Europe andJapan, their living standards are the sameas ours, they live longer and spend lesson healthcare, and their fossil fuel con-sumption is about half of ours.

Being a professor, I can’t end thispiece without assigning you some home-work — it has nothing to do with globalwarming, but it shows how far off per-ceptions on “main street USA” can befrom reality. It turns out that the totaldirect aid given by the US to foreigncountries amounts to 0.1% of our GrossDomestic Product. Work out what 0.1%of $100,000 is, then round up ten ofyour closest relatives and friends and askthem the following question: “If the USwere like a family with an annual incomeof $100,000, how much does this familydonate to the poor every year?” If youhappen to have a Rush Limbaugh listen-er amongst your “quizzies”, be sure toalso ask him what the tithe fraction(10%) would be.

Submit your assigned homework, and/orengage Sunil in constructive debate, atsvsomalwar@sierraactivist.org.

Join us for a great Spanish dinner at Casa Vasca in the ironbound district of Newark at 4:30 pm, followed by a 7 pm performance by Garrison Keillor & NJ Symphony Orchestra. Garrison Keillorauthor, storyteller, poet, humorist and Grammy winning host of public radio’s Prairie HomeCompanion will provide his original, quirky narration to the William Tell Overture and AMidsummers Night’s Dream and offer his unique Minnesota take on life, lakes and love.

Later this year members will have theopportunity to elect FOUR members to theNew Jersey Chapter Executive Committee(ExCom). A nominating committee,chaired by Sunil Somalwar, has beenappointed to prepare a list of nominees. AllChapter members are invited to submitnames of candidates for consideration bythe nominating committee. Members alsomay submit candidate petitions. The nameof any Chapter member proposed in writ-ing by at least 15 Chapter members prior tothe deadline for submission of candidatepetitions will be included on the ballot,provided that the candidate has given his orher written consent. Names for considera-tion by the nominating committee, togeth-er with names of petition candidates (andpetitioners), should be sent to SunilSomalwar, Chair, 2004 NominatingCommittee, c/o Sierra Club, 139 WHanover St, Trenton, NJ 08618.

Chapter Leaders to be Elected In order for a candidate to be con-

sidered by the nominating committee,his or her name must by received bythe committee chair no later than July21. The nominating committee willreport the names of nominees to theExCom on July 28. Candidate petitionsmust be received by the committeechair no later than August 11. It isanticipated that ballots will be mailedon or about September 13. All Chaptermembers of record as of the date mail-ing lists are prepared by Sierra Clubheadquarters in San Francisco will beent i t led to vote. Bal lots must bereceived at the address indicated inthe notice of election no later thanDecember 1. Ballots will be countedat a time and place yet to be deter-mined. Members will be provided withthis information in the next issue ofthe Jersey Sierran.

SIERRA CLUB FUNDRAISERSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

DINNER AT CASA VASCA • GARRISON KEILLOR & ORCHESTRA

Cost: $95 per person includes dinner, performanceand donation to the club.

Make check payable to The Sierra Club and mail to:Ellen Blumenkrantz, 43 Carlson Court, Closter, NJ 07624

Have questions? Contact Ellen at 201-784-8417 or eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 20044

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOURGROUP (BY COUNTY)

NNoorrtthhwweesstt JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Sussex & WarrenHHuunntteerrddoonn CCoouunnttyy GGrroouupp: HunterdonNNoorrtthh JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Passaic & most of BergenEEsssseexx CCoouunnttyy GGrroouupp:: EssexHHuuddssoonn-MMeeaaddoowwllaannddss GGrroouupp:: Hudson & SE BergenLLooaannttaakkaa GGrroouupp:: Morris & UnionCCeennttrraall JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: MercerRRaarriittaann VVaalllleeyy GGrroouupp:: Somerset & MiddlesexJJeerrsseeyy SShhoorree GGrroouupp:: Monmouth & OceanWWeesstt JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Gloucester, Camden & BurlingtonSSoouutthh JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Atlantic,Cape May,Cumberland & Salem

These designations are approximate: members are welcometo participate in whichever Group(s) they find convenient

Northwest Jersey Group(Sussex and Warren Counties, approximately)

WWeebb ssiittee:: We are accessible from the NJ Chapter Web site.

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Dennis Miranda 973-209-1814

dmmg@earthlink.netAAccttiivvee PPeerrssoonn:: Pat Mangino 862-432-7552

pmangino@aol.comVViiccee CChhaaiirr:: Open position!TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Open position!SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Open position!PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Open position!PPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Open position!OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Open position!

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS:: Working to preserve open space and cleanwater in the NJ Highlands within Sussex and WarrenCounties.

****OOPPEENNIINNGGSS**** The Group has mmaannyy openings. Free train-ing provided. Please contact Dennis at 973-209-1814, orat: dmmg@earthlink.net for details. Thanks!

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Please contact Dennis Mirandafor information regarding future meetings, and a discus-sion of plans for preserving the NJ Highlands.

Hunterdon County GroupOOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Ruth Prince 908-284-9103

ruthp2@patmedia.netPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr aanndd Arnold Kushnick TTrreeaassuurreerr:: apkushn@eclipse.net

For meeting times and locations, please contact Ruth.

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS::PPllaannnniinngg:: We are involved with the development of theHunterdon County Growth Management Plan, an effortthat has been funded by the state DCA. The first draftof the plan is now available. We continue to attendcounty meetings and workshops. Draft environmentalordinances will be available for Hunterdon municipali-ties to adopt this year.

DDeevveellooppmmeenntt:: We have opposed several proposed DEPpermits for groundwater allocation and streamencroachment, based on technical and regulatory argu-ments. We continue to help in the Friends of HollandHighlands opposition to the proposed Shire Rd(Musconetcong Mountain) development, and have com-mented on the permit applications regarding wetlandsand stream encroachment for the C1 Spring Mills Brookon the property. Our Hunterdon Coalition friends keepus informed on other county situations.

Please let us know of any other county situations thatneed some attention!!

North Jersey Group(Passaic and Bergen Counties, approximately)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Betsy Kohn 201-461-4534

BetsyKohn@aol.comVViiccee CChhaaiirr:: Hugh Carola 201-968-0808

HCarola@optonline.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Mike Herson 201-262-9472

mikeherson@hotmail.com

GroupNews• • • • • • • • • • • • •GroupNews

FROMAROUND

THE STATE

Tom Thompson 201-848-1080Etrans743@aol.com

MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Ellen Friedman efrie2003@yahoo.com

OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Ellen Blumenkrantz eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com

PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: John Kashwick 201-660-8820jkashwick@optonline.net

PPuubblliiccaattiioonnss CChhaaiirr:: Emily Stoecker 201-265-5889MommieEmily2000@aol.com

SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Open positionTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Mary Ellen Shaw 201-489-1588

MaryEllenShaw@msn.comHHiigghhllaannddss CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Open position!

(see below)

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE//CCOONNSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Held at least four times a year (once every quarter). Fornext date and location, please contact Betsy, Mike orTom (see above).

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::NNoo GGeenneerraall MMeeeettiinnggss iinn JJuullyy aanndd AAuugguusstt..

SSeepptt 99:: at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 VanNostrand Avenue, Englewood, NJ: Slide presentation byRobert Cowin of Conserve Our Ocean Legacy (a nation-al campaign to build support for ocean and fish protec-tion) about the imperiled health of our oceans and fish-eries. Recent studies have found that the populations oflarge fish, including tuna, swordfish and marlin, havedeclined by over 90 per cent as a result of pollution,habitat destruction, mismanagement and over-fishing.

BBEECCOOMMEE AA TTOOWWNN WWAATTCCHHDDOOGG:: Help protect openspace by regularly monitoring your town’s planningboard meetings. Please let Mike or Betsy (see above)know if you hear of proposed development that threat-ens watersheds, wetlands, forests, fields and slopes.

SSTTEERRLLIINNGG FFOORREESSTT:: Sterling Forest LLC still plans todevelop the 571 acres it owns in the middle of SterlingForest State Park. However, Sterling Forest has beenfound to be one of the most species-rich herpetologicalareas in NY State, providing essential habitat for thethreatened Timber Rattlesnake. In March, the NYS DECconcluded that the high density of rattlesnake dens pre-cludes construction of a golf course on the site. In itsstead, the corporation now plans more luxury homes.Stay tuned! Want to help? Please contact Betsy or Tom(see above).

CCAALLLL FFOORR VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERRSS:: Work on conservation issues.Join the Highlands Committee. Help elect pro-environ-ment candidates to public office. Join the legislativecommittee. Help with public education programs, pub-licity, tabling, or petition drives. Focus on an issue suchas air or water quality, brownfields, energy, environ-mental justice, global warming, overpopulation, recy-cling, superfund sites, or another of your own choosing.To find out more, contact Betsy (see above).

FFOORR EE-MMAAIILL NNOOTTIICCEESS OOFF MMEEEETTIINNGGSS,, EEVVEENNTTSS AANNDDIISSSSUUEESS:: Send a message with your e-mail address (to bekept confidential) to BetsyKohn@aol.com

Hudson-Meadowlands Group(Hudson County and southern Bergen County:Lyndhurst, Rutherford, East Rutherford, Carlstadt,Ridgefield, Edgewater, Cliffside Park and Fairview)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754

l.g.taylor@erols.comTTrreeaassuurreerr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Connie Ftera 201-869-7950PPrrooggrraammss CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!PPuubblliicciittyy:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754

l.g.taylor@erols.com

NNEEWWSS:: As you can guess, the Hudson-MeadowlandsGroup is suffering “growth pains.” It takes active volun-teers to operate the Sierra Club, people interested bothin local issues (environmentally responsible develop-ment of the Hoboken waterfront area, oversight ofLiberty State Park, motivations for using public trans-port, local parks, Meadowlands issues, etc.), and peopleinterested in the larger regional and statewide issues dis-cussed at monthly Chapter ExCom meetings and pur-sued by our Issue Coordinators. Hudson (and southernBergen) County always presents interesting politicalelection endorsement issues.

Essex County Group“wweebb ssiittee:: NNJJSSiieerrrraa..oorrgg//NNJJSS__GGrroouuppss//EEsssseexx. We are alsoaccessible from the NJ Chapter web site.

Are you receiving Dennis Schvejda’s News Bulletins? Go to http://SierraActivist.org

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn:: Jon-Eric Dentz 201-819-9308

j_dentz@yahoo.comPPoolliittiiccaall:: Janice Desir 973-678-4580

jtd03@lycos.comMMeeddiiaa:: Camille Gutmore 973-667-2203

cgutmore@hotmail.comOOuuttiinnggss//PPaarrkkss:: Dave Ogens 973-226-0748

bandit29@aol.comOOppeenn SSppaaccee:: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.net TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Lori Tanner 973-857-0519

LJensen@montclairlaw.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Janine Schaeffer 973-736-0898

janinesch@prodigy.netFFuunnddrraaiissiinngg:: Kim McGuire 973-275-1030

mackim@aol.comPPrrooggrraammss:: Maria K. de Wakefield 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.netMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!EEnneerrggyy

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn:: Mike Minaides 973-470-0793msminaides@hotmail.com

WWeesstt OOrraannggee:: Sally Malanga 973-736-7397sally@eccobella.com

GGIISS//MMaappss:: Billi Schloss 973-467-8154 billi_s@yahoo.com

RRaahhwwaayy RRiivveerr:: Kirk Barrett 973-313-1218kbarrett@cimic.rutgers.edu

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS:: Preserving wetlands in the Hatfield Swamp(Passaic River Basin) and remaining forested areas inEssex County; Ensuring that the Essex County Park andOpen Space Trust Fund is implemented fairly and con-sistently; addressing environmental justice issues.Working to bring an energy audit to Essex Countythrough the DOE’s ReBuild America Program and toestablish a commission to study the feasibility ofexpanding the current light-rail system in Newark.

****OOPPEENNIINNGGSS**** Volunteers needed for our EnvironmentalJustice Campaign and Wetlands Campaigns. Please con-tact Michel at mcuillerier@njpac.org. Thanks!!

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Held at 7pm the FIRST TUESDAY of every month. Pleasecontact Michel for locations.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held periodically at 7:30 pm onthe SECOND THURSDAY of the month at the VeronaPark Boathouse, corner of Lakeside and Bloomfield Ave.,Verona (unless otherwise specified). For directions,please call Maria at 973-736-0913.

JJuunnee-SSeepptt:: For meeting information, please call our offi-cers and/or check the Group’s web site.

In June, we will be participating with the Newark Museum ina Bio-Blitz in the South Mountain Reservation where severalbiologists and scientists will be inventorying natural resourcesfor a day and a half. We need volunteers to work with us.

Loantaka Group(Morris and Union Counties, approximately)

WWEEBBSSIITTEE:: http://Loantaka.NJSierra.org

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Paul Sanderson 908-233-2414

paulmsanderson@aol.com And Chris Mills 973-377-1742ChrisMills@sierraactivist.org

TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Joyce White 908-272-4478joyce00201@yahoo.com

SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Lisa Melanielisamelanie@comcast.net

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirrss::MMoorrrriiss CCoouunnttyy:: Chris Mills 973-377-1742

ChrisMills@sierraactivist.orgUUnniioonn CCoouunnttyy:: Eric Hausker 732-669-0719

hauskerr@aol.comLLeeggiissllaattiivvee CChhaaiirr:: Ken Johanson 908-464-0442

kjohan@comcast.net PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Meiling Chin 908-490-1054 (8-10pm)

chinmeiling@yahoo.comPPrrooggrraammss:: OOppeenn PPoossiittiioonn!!OOuuttrreeaacchh && EEvveennttss CChhaaiirr:: Bob Johnson 908-771-9676

robert.johnson@comcast.net PPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Wynn Johanson 908-464-0442

johansons@comcast.netMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Doug Williams

doog@optonline.net AAiirr QQuuaalliittyy CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Bob Campbell 908-273-5720

wrobc@intac.comWWeebbmmaasstteerr:: Melissa Goss GGrreeeennbbrrooookk:: Bob Muska 908-665-2296

rmuska@erols.com

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004

Please share this newsletter with a non-member friend, inviting use of the coupon on pg. 8

5To join our emailing list, send a blank email to:http://lists.njsierra.org/listinfo.cgi/loantaka-group-announcements-njsierra.org.

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: We meet the FIRST TUESDAY of the month at 7:30 pmat Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham, NJ

This is your club and there is always an open invitationto attend an Executive Committee meeting.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held on the SECOND WEDNES-DAY of the month at 7:30 pm at the Library of theChathams, 214 Main St., Chatham

Come learn something new, and make some newfriends! We’d welcome the chance to meet you and tointroduce ourselves. See the schedule below:

DDIIRREECCTTIIOONNSS:: Directions are posted on our website.

MMEEEETTIINNGG SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE::JJuullyy aanndd AAuugguusstt:: No meetings.

SSeepptt 88:: Julia Somers, Executive Director of the GreatSwamp Watershed Association, will give an update onmmaajjoorr rreeggiioonnaall ddeevveellooppmmeenntt iissssuueess. She will be accom-panied by Blaine Rothauser, a naturalist and photograph-er, who will present a sslliiddee sshhooww ooff tthhee GGrreeaatt SSwwaammppaanndd iittss iinnhhaabbiittaannttss.

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS::The Loantaka Group is working with concerned citi-zens and local environmental organizations to protectopen space and wildlife habitat in Morris and UnionCounties, and to safeguard the water resources onwhich we all depend. We are also organizing volun-teers to help maintain and improve trails in the Morrisand Union County Park Systems. In addition, the Groupis actively involved in State-wide initiatives involving airquality, transportation, and environmental legislation.Volunteers are always welcome. Call Paul (908-233-2414), Chris (973-377-1742) or Bob Johnson (908-771-9676) for more information.

Central Jersey Group(Mercer County, parts of Somerset and Middlesex)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Laura Lynch 609-882-4642

llynch@mail.med.upenn.eduVViiccee CChhaaiirr:: Lisa Ridge 609-371-1357

lisaridge@comcast.netTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Bill Wowk 609-587-0502

bwowk@aol.comCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Ed Pfeiffer 609-581-1660

ECPfeiffer@aol.comMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Corinne Egner

conskayakr@aol.comPPrrooggrraammss CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138

kjmayberg@aol.comand Lisa Ridge 609-371-1357lisaridge@comcast.net

PPuubblliicciittyy CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Janet Blackjblack8084@aol.com

PPoolliittiiccaall CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Tom Zolandz 908-874-4194earthsounds@yahoo.com

OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138kjmayberg@aol.com

OOuuttrreeaacchh CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Harold Rapp 609-671-0435HalRapp@aol.com

FFoorreesstt IIssssuueess:: Nancy Carringerncarringer@yahoo.com

PPaarrkkss && Pat SaylesBBiiooddiivveerrssiittyy IIssssuueess:: plsayles@aol.com

WWEEBBSSIITTEESS:: To get the most up-to-date information andnews on our issues and activities, visit www.sierraac-tivist.org/getbusy.

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Meetings are generally held on the FIRST THURSDAY ofthe month at 7:30 pm. Please contact Laura Lynch(above) for the location. Open to all Club members.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::We meet on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each monthat 7:30 pm at the Lawrence Branch of the MercerCounty Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville08648. Check our website for a map.

We welcome everyone at our meetings and hope youcan participate in some way. We are involved in manyconservation issues at the local, state and national levels.

PPRROOGGRRAAMM SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE::NNoo ggeenneerraall mmeeeettiinnggss sscchheedduulleedd ffoorr JJuullyy aanndd AAuugguusstt, butwe do offer some walks:JJuullyy 3311 ((SSaatt)):: AAssssuunnkkppiinnkk WWiillddlliiffee AArreeaa HHiikkee:: Meet atconservation center, 9:30 am. 5 mile moderate pace.Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138. kjmayberg@aol.com

AAuugg 2288 ((SSaatt)):: EEvveenniinngg WWaallkk NNeeww HHooppee// LLaammbbeerrttiivviillllee..Easy pace 3-4 miles. Meet at bridge in Lambertiville 5:30pm. Dinner after walk. Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138.kjmayberg@aol.com

SSeepptt 1122 ((SSuunn)) 1100aamm:: SSeenniioorr wwaallkk.. Institute Woods,Princeton Battlefield. Easy pace. 55+ years. 3 miles. KenMayberg 609-443-9138. kjmayberg@aol.com

SSeepptt 88:: We will vviissiitt PPeerruu this evening as Central JerseyGroup Outings Chair Ken Mayberg shares slides of thispast summer’s trek through the Andes. Ken is a fifthgrade teacher at the Washington School in Trenton whohas bicycled and hiked extensively around the world,and his talent as a photographer rivals that of any profes-sional. You don’t want to miss this!

SSOOCCIIAALL AACCTTIIVVIITTYY::AAuugg 1144:: Annual Picnic and Outdoor Theatre Show,Washington Crossing State Park. Picnic begins at 5pm,box office line forms at 7:15 pm, curtain time is 8pm.Please bring your own picnic food and supplies and adish to share, and a cushion for the show. The Open AirTheatre show is “South Pacific” performed by thePennington Players. Theatre ticket prices are $10 foradults, $9.50 for seniors over 64, and $5 for childrenunder 12. Group rate for 15 or more is $9. Please contactHarold Rapp (above) by Aug. 7 to guarantee your reserva-tion to obtain the group rate, and arrange for payment.The park entrance is on Pennington-Washington CrossingRoad slightly east of Rte. 29. Upon entering the park,watch for the Sierra Club signs to the picnic area. Checkour website for additional details and a map.

EE-MMAAIILL NNOOTTIICCEESS:: If you’d like to receive those lastminute reminders of meetings or outings, please sendyour e-mail address to Corinne Egner (above). If you’dlike to receive issue alerts, please send your e-mailaddress to Laura Lynch (above).

Raritan Valley Group(Middlesex and Somerset Counties, approximately)

WWEEBBSSIITTEE:: www.njsierra.org/~njrar/

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS AANNDD CCOONNTTAACCTTSS::CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!VViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr ((aaccttiinngg)):: Don McBride

dtmcbride@yahoo.comPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Rosemary Grace

rosemary.grace@verizon.netPPrrooggrraammss,, PPuubblliicciittyy:: Sandi Lowich

abstract46@aol.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!TTrreeaassuurreerr,, WWeebbmmaasstteerr:: Don McBride

dtmcbride@yahoo.com

IISSSSUUEESS:: We are fighting development along streams, wetlands,flood plains and steep slopes. Group members areinvolved in local issues, answering questions for con-cerned citizens regarding development and stewardinglocal master plan initiatives. This includes working to pro-tect threatened and endangered species in these areas.Help us stop developers from buying sub-standard lots andobtaining permits and variances to construct new homes.

We want to stop the Green Brook Flood Control Project.Besides wasting enormous amounts of taxpayer funds, thisproject will eliminate 100 acres of wetlands, build miles oftall unsightly levees, and increase development pressure inthe area where people are now hesitant to build.

We have discussed various wildlife matters at our gener-al meetings. The Black Bear issue has been prominent,but we are open to discuss and become involved withother wildlife issues. So far, we have been able toinclude various points of view and encourage othermembers to join in our dialogue.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held at 7:30 pm on the SECONDTUESDAY of the month except for July and August.Currently, meetings are being held at the Bound BrookPresbyterian Church at 409 Mountain Avenue in BoundBrook. Take the Mountain Avenue exit off Route 22towards Bound Brook. The church is on the right handside at the first stop light (Union Avenue - Rte 28). Thepublic is invited and refreshments are served.

EExxeeccuuttiivvee CCoommmmiitttteeee MMeeeettiinnggss:: Held at 7pm on the FIRSTTUESDAY of the month except for July and August.Currently, meetings are usually held at the SomersetCounty Library on 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater. All SierraClub members are invited to attend. Please contact us firstin case there is a change of plans.

(Continued on page 6)

Jersey Shore Group (Monmouth and Ocean Counties, approximately)

WWeebb SSiittee:: hhttttpp::////nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg//~~nnjjsshhoorree//

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Dennis Anderson 732-888-3158

dennisaza@aol.com612 Second St., Union Beach, NJ 07735

VViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Joe DeLuca 732-389-1835

joe-deluca@att.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn::MMoonnmmoouutthh CCoo:: Steve Knowlton 732-747-7011

knowlton@worldnet.att.netOOcceeaann CCoouunnttyy:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!

OOcceeaann CCoouunnttyy SSeeccttiioonn CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn ppoossiittiioonn!!

WWeebbmmaasstteerr:: George Newsome 732-308-1518newsome1@pobox.com

TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Judy Maxcy 732-458-5074PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Laura Bagwell 732-741-8678

l.bagwell3@verizon.netOOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Mike Verange 908-902-0718

mjverange@aol.com MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Alan Roseman 732-780-1308

aroseman@monmouth.comPPrrooggrraamm CChhaaiirr:: Regina Maurer 732-335-1183

rmaurer@sprintmail.com

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held at 8pm on the FOURTHMONDAY of each month - except in July, August, andDecember - at the Old Wharf House, Old Wharf Park,Main Street and Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ.Come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. Fordirections and information, please call Regina Maurer at732-335-1183, or visit our web site.

SSuunnddaayy,, JJuullyy 2255:: AAnnnnuuaall SSuummmmeerr PPiiccnniicc:: Noon, TurkeySwamp County Park. Join the Jersey Shore Group forour annual picnic at Turkey Swamp Park, Georgia Road,Freehold Township. Please bring a dish to share. Andbring along the kids and grandkids for bocce, kites, lighthorseshoes, & board games. To coordinate food, and formore information and directions, contact Joellen Lundyat 732-741-4756, or jfutey@comcast.net.

SSeepptt 2277:: 66::3300 - 77::1155 ppmm,, WWoollff HHiillll WWaallkk:: Break in thosehiking shoes or sneakers by taking a sunset 40 minutestroll along the well marked trails of the Wolf HillRecreation Area. Meet 6:30 p.m. sharp near the south-ern end of the Eatontown Blvd (Rt. 537). Just a few hun-dred yards north of Rt. 36, go right (east) on CrescentPlace. Meet in the parking lot enclosed by a split railfence, across from the first entrance to St. BarnabasHealth Care. (canceled if overcast or rainy weather)After walk, drive 3 minutes to the general meeting.

SSeepptt 2277:: Wind Energy, Part II: As a follow-up to ourspring meeting at which we learned about the proposedwind farm project off the New Jersey coast near AsburyPark, Eric Stiles of New Jersey Audubon Society willshare with us his organization’s perspective on thisform of renewable energy.

GGRROOUUPP EExxCCoomm EELLEECCTTIIOONNSS::This fall the Jersey Shore Group will be holding an elec-tion to fill five (5) vacancies on its Executive Committee(ExCom). On August 1, the Nominating Committeecomposed of Stan Greberis, Steve Knowlton, andRosemary Bagwell will present its nominations. Pleasecontact any officer if you would like to run for theExCom. The name of any Group member proposed inwriting by at least fifteen Group members prior toAugust 5, 2004 and who gives consent will also beincluded on the ballot. Please submit petitions to thechairman of the Nominations Committee, Stan Greberis,143 Ely Harmony Road, Freehold, NJ 07728.

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: The Group’sExecutive Committee meets monthly at members’homes. All are welcome to attend. For more informa-tion, please call Dennis Anderson at 732-888-3158.

West Jersey Group(Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties,approximately)

WWeebb ssiittee:: uusseerrss..ssnniipp..nneett//~~ggiinnaacceeee//hhoommee..hhttmm

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Gina Carola 856-848-8831

ginacee@snip.netVViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: Wayne Zanni 856-728-4507

wzanni@earthlink.netSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Becky Payne 856-488-5510

beckyp@snip.netTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Trish Clements 856-768-5639

psclem@aol.com

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004

Group meetings offer interesting speakers, involvement, friendship, and usually food!

6

PPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Bud Kaliss 856-428-8071budmilmilbud@yahoo.com

PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Marie Hageman 856-589-0606mdhageman@mail.com

PPiinneellaannddss RReepp:: Lee SnyderLSnyder@csc.com

GGrreeeennwwaayyss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorrss:: Frank and Ellen Zinni

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Stacey AyalaMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Mike Brown 856-547-9221

eyebrown@snip.netFFuunnddrraaiissiinngg CChhaaiirr:: Reiss Tiffany 856-829-6405

r-stiffany@home.comPPrrooggrraammss CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn PPoossiittiioonn!!OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn PPoossiittiioonn!!IInnnneerr CCiittyy OOuuttiinnggss:: Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512

and Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: are held at 7:30 pm on the SEC-OND TUESDAY of each month, at the Unitarian Church,401 N. Kings Highway (Rte. 41), Cherry Hill (locatedbetween Rte. 70 and the convergence of Rtes. 38 and 73,just north of a traffic light at Chapel Avenue). Handicapaccessible parking and entrance in rear of building.

WWee ddoo nnoott mmeeeett iinn JJuullyy oorr AAuugguusstt.. Please join us on ahike or other outing.

SSeepptt 1144:: HHooww iiss tthhee SSiieerrrraa CClluubb hheellppiinngg aaddddrreessss ppooppuullaa-ttiioonn iissssuueess and the effects of 6.4 billion people on theplanet? Visit the Ecuadorian Andes and learn about theintegrated programs that help rural indigenousfamilies. Bonnie Tillery, the New Jersey ChapterPopulation Issues Coordinator, will discuss her trip witha Sierra Club-sponsored study tour. You will also learnwhat New Jersey and Ecuador have in common, as wellas see some beautifully exotic sights.

South Jersey Group(Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and SalemCounties, approximately)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp aanndd OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Tom Boghosian 609-272-9005

boghosia@atlantic.eduVViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: Sally Nunn 609-704-1790

nunsal@comcast.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Fred Akers 856-697-3479

akers@gowebway.comPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr,, CCaalleennddaarr SSaalleess:: Dick Colby 609-965-4453

dick.colby@stockton.eduMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Gary Roman 609-625-3438SSeeccrreettaarryy//TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Julie Akers 856-697-3479

akers@gowebway.com

The central conservation issue, for which the Group wasfounded in the 1970s, continues to be protection of theGreat Egg Harbor Wild & Scenic River, and continues toconsume the energies of those few officers who remainactive—both within the Sierra Club and in two otherorganizations that have “spun off” from the South JerseyGroup. If you have topics (and places) for meetings,please let the officers know about them. We welcomegeneral comments from Club members in South Jersey.

CCuurrrreenntt IIssssuueess:: We have been following the several stud-ies seeking to determine ssuussttaaiinnaabbllee wwaatteerr ssuuppppllyy lleevveellssfor southeastern New Jersey, with the hope that findingswill be used by planners (such as those employed by thePinelands Commission) to limit population growth.Another hot issue is a proposal to develop a large tractof environmentally sensitive land in Millville.

NNoo mmeeeettiinnggss iinn JJuullyy oorr AAuugguusstt.. For conservation actionprojects in the Great Egg Harbor and Maurice Riverwatersheds, please contact Fred Akers.

SSeepptt 2288 ((TTuueess)):: 7pm: Catch up on ccoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn ppllaannnniinnggffoorr tthhee GGrreeaatt EEgggg HHaarrbboorr WWiilldd aanndd SScceenniicc RRiivveerr, at apublic (membership) session of the WatershedAssociation . Clay Sutton may present results of his bbiirrddssuurrvveeyy oonn tthhee GGrreeaatt EEgggg HHaarrbboorr RRiivveerr. For informationor to confirm, call the Akers. Warren Fox Nature Center.

Seniors Section(A new chapter-wwide special interest section offer-ing hikes/cleanups, social gatherings, movies,meetings, etc.)

The Sierran Seniors held their 2nd meeting on Sat., May8 at East Windsor Public Library. We discussed outingsand topics for future meetings. We hope to awakeninterest in letter writing campaigns, social outings, andincreasing our membership as a dynamic component of

NJ Sierra Club. For further information, contact NancyCarringer (ncarringer@yahoo.com) or Richard Isaac(risaacx@aol.com).

OOUUTTIINNGGSS::SSeepptt 1199 ((SSuunn)):: PPrriinncceettoonn BBaattttlleeffiieelldd SSttaattee PPaarrkk easyhike. Meet in the parking lot, 1pm, for a 2-mile rambleon easy terrain. Sighting the nesting pair of bald eaglespossible-- but not guaranteed! Leader: Ken Mayberg.

OOcctt.. 1177 ((SSuunn)): Seniors will visit the NNJJ AAuudduubboonnSSoocciieettyy’’ss PPllaaiinnssbboorroo PPrreesseerrvvee for an easy hike aroundLake McCormack to enjoy beautiful fall foliage. This willbe followed by an organizational meeting, and a pot-luck supper. Leader: Nancy Carringer.

Singles Section(A chapter-wwide special interest activity includinghikes/cleanups, social gatherings, cultural outings,meetings, etc.)

Please join our singles-oriented activities -- we are not alocal Group, but rather a statewide additional “layer” ofClub involvement. Everyone is welcome to attend ourevents. We can only offer as many activities as we havevolunteers to run them– so if you have the slightesturge to get involved, please give in to it!

WWeebbppaaggee aaddddrreessss:: hhttttpp::////ssiinngglleess..nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg eemmaaiill::ssiinngglleess@@nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg (mention “Sierra Club” inyour subject line)

PPhhoonnee aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss:: ((997733)) 336644--77557733Press 1 for: Final Friday Film Fest (last Friday of each month)Press 2 for: Ron Pate’s upcoming hikePress 3 for: 2nd Monday monthly meetingPress 4 for: 3rd Tuesday of the month dinner in MontclairPress 7 for: Joyce Haddad’s outingsPress 8 for: Singles Dance-and-a-Movie or Volleyball

The BBEESSTT way to be notified of upcoming events is tojoin our listserv by visiting hhttttpp::////lliissttss..nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg//lliissttiinn-ffoo..ccggii//nnjj-ssiieerrrraa-ssiinngglleess-aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss-nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg(long, isn’t it). All events, including those planned afterpublication, will be sent to your email mailbox.If you prefer not to receive email, you may view all mes-sages which have been sent to the listserv by going tohttp://lists.njsierra.org/pipermail/nj-sierra-singles-announcements-njsierra.org/.

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Bob Johnson

robert.johnson@comcast.netOOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Joyce Haddad

jkhaddad@juno.comCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: OOppeenn PPoossiittiioonn!!

Contact us! We need you!TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Joyce White

joyce00201@yahoo.comWWeebbppaaggee ddeessiiggnneerr:: David Szalay

dszalay@comcast.net.SSoocciiaall CChhaaiirr:: Kathy Holusha

Kathleen.Holusha@sierraactivist.orgPPrrooggrraammss:: Diana Eichholz

MistyAngel2003@yahoo.com PPuubblliicciittyy:: Lynn Forrest

abc77@msn.com MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Dave Ogens

Bandit29@aol.com

VVoolluunntteeeerr OOppppoorrttuunniittiieess:: We need hike leaders, aConservation Chair, Fundraising Chair/Co-Chairs, andmembers of all committees, including social event plan-ners for Plaza Grille. Please attend an executive commit-tee meeting or email any of the officers if you are inter-ested. You may co-chair any position with a friend, ifdesired. We’ll help you learn the ropes.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Casual pizza gathering, introduction to club issues andactivities, and letter writing. SECOND MONDAY of eachmonth starting at 6:30 pm with optional pizza. Usuallocation: the Chatham Library – call 973-364-7573, ext.3 or join our listserv to confirm. Guest speakers at eachmeeting at 7pm. $5 donation at door and RSVP(required for pizza only) to joycemwhite@att.net or973-364-7573, ext. 3, by noon the day before. (Pleaseleave name and specify plain or veggie-topping pizza.)Free (and no RSVP required) if you’re not having pizza.

NNoo MMeeeettiinnggss iinn JJuullyy oorr AAuugguusstt..

SSeepptt 1133:: Fabulous speaker TBA. (Details on listserv.)

DDiirreeccttiioonnss ttoo tthhee CChhaatthhaamm LLiibbrraarryy:: See http://Loan-taka.NJSierra.org, or call the library at 973-635-0603.

PPLLAANNNNIINNGG//EEXXCCOOMM MMEEEETTIINNGGSS each month at various loca-tions. All welcome. Contact any officer for date and location.SSOOCCIIAALL DDIINNNNEERR:: FIRST WEDNESDAY of each monthat6:30 pm. Join us for dinner in Morristown at theFamished Frog. RSVP required; detailos on listserv.

GROUP NEWS(Continued from page 5)

SSOOCCIIAALL DDIINNNNEERR:: THIRD TUESDAY of each month at7pm. Join us for dinner in a Montclairrestaurant. Location TBA 2 weeks in advance. RSVP tojkhaddad@juno.com or 973-364-7573 option # 4.

SSOOCCIIAALL DDIINNNNEERR:: LAST THURSDAY of each month at6:30 pm. Join us for dinner in a Hunterdon Countyrestaurant. Location TBA 2 weeks in advance. RSVP isrequired to soupys@att.net or 908-797-6725.

SSIINNGGLLEESS DDIINNNNEERR-AANNDD-AA-MMOOVVIIEE:: SSaatt,, SSeepptt 1188:: Join us at 6pm at The Plaza Grille, 3Headquarters Plaza, in Morristown, NJ. Approximatecost $27, ($3 extra for non-members; bring membershipcard!): full buffet dinner including soft drinks, coffee,dessert, tax, tip, and a movie ticket valid for one year atall Clearview Cinemas. Include full name in e-mail andinclude the subject “Sierra Dinner and a Movie”. If youmust cancel, do so by e-mail ASAP. We will decide atdinner which movie to attend based on interest, andmay split up to attend different movies. RSVP requiredby Sept. 17th to: MistyAngel2003@yahoo.com.

FFIINNAALL FFRRIIDDAAYY FFIILLMM FFEESSTT!! Last Friday of the month –come see a great movie on the big (well, pretty big)screen. Donation: $5 ($6 for non-members). At theShillelagh Club, 648 Prospect Ave., in West Orange.Please CONFIRM film times/locations via our listserv; or973-364-7573, ext. 1; or e-mailing abc77@msn.com.

JJuullyy 3300 – “BLUE VINYL” OUTDOOR MOVIE! Bring alawn chair – 9 pm (or when dark) in the Shillelagh Clubside-yard. Rain or shine (indoors if it rains). This Emmyaward-winning documentary is a detective story search-ing for truth about vinyl – our most popular plastic.

AAuugguusstt 2277 – “THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD” –OUTDOOR MOVIE! Bring lawn chair. 9pm or whendark, rain or shine. This 1958 movie is one of the great-est examples of pre-computer-age stop-motion, special-effects work. Includes a cyclops, skeletons, and a minia-ture princess. Not heavy on plot, but who cares!

SSeepptteemmbbeerr 2244 – “I WANT TO LIVE!” The electrifyingOscar-winning performance by Susan Hayward propelsthis gripping, tense 1958 melodrama, based on the truestory of the first woman to be executed in the state ofCalifornia. Starts 8pm.

To get to the Shillelagh Club, take I-280 to Exit 8A(Prospect Ave South). Go through 3 lights. Look for thewhite sign for the Club on the left about ¾ mile after the3rd light. Beverages and pizza are available in the Club.

HHIIKKEESS:: Please see the Outings section of this newsletterfor our hikes. Many of Paul Serdiuk’s South Jerseyhikes/events are also oriented toward singles.

Sierra Student Coalition(a semi-aautonomous organization of college andhigh school students)

WWeebbssiittee:: wwwwww..sssscc..oorrgg//nnjj

For current information, please contact:danrosen85@hotmail.com or 201-873-7023.

Inner City Outings Section(another Chapter-wwide special interest activity)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr ((NNoorrtthh//CCeenntteerr JJeerrsseeyy)):: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953

Njicoutings@aol.comVVoolluunntteeeerr CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Patti Lynch

Njicoutings@aol.com CCoo-CChhaaiirrss ((SSoouutthh JJeerrsseeyy)):: Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512

Jennig1@yahoo.comand Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156 Mvogt1@juno.com

VVoolluunntteeeerr CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Joy Booth 856-486-1574joyeboo@hotmail.com

Inner City Outings is a community outreach programwhich provides wilderness adventures for inner cityyouth of NJ. Volunteer certified outings leaders conductoutings on weekends, generally day trips on Saturdays.

NJ is currently served by two ICO groups, one in thenorthern/central region and one in the southernregion/Camden area. If you would like to experiencethe rewards of introducing NJ inner city youth to thewonders of nature, your involvement is encouraged andyou are requested to contact us at the above emailaddresses. To learn more, visit our webpage athttp://www.sierraclub.org/ico/newjersey/

“When Summer warms the hanging fruit and burns the berry brown; when straw is gold, and ear is white, and harvest comes to town . . .” -- JRR Tolkien

JULYJUL 3, (Sat) Singles Moonlight Hike. 7:45 PM 6 miles. Moderate pace. Enjoy a moonlight hike on sand roads aswe listen to the sounds of the summer serenade. Meet in field behind Atsion Office on Rte. 206,between RedLion circle and Hammonton, Burl. Co. Bring snack type food to share at tailgate social after hike as well as chairor blanket. NC. Pets must be leashed at all times. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. Pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 4 (Sun) Manasquan River Reservoir, Monmouth County,( Special Interest: birds) Enjoy an easy 5 mile circu-lar hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe water fowl. Bring snacks, drinks, bird booksor binoculars. Hiking shoes are not required. This is a great family hike. Meet at 9 AM at the main entrance to thereservoir on Windeller Rd. Take the GSP to exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rt. 9.) Go north on Rt. 9.Make first right onto Windeller Rd. The main entrance is 1.5 miles on your left. Meet in the parking area at thefar left toward the back. Bad weather, including high heat index cancels. Confirmation/questions please call.Leader Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange @aol.com (JS)

JUL 10 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home.This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt. 70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369.Call in advance if possible so we know how many to expect.

JUL 10 (Sat) Singles Bike Ride. 9:00AM Class D ride. We will do the three bridges ride through the heart ofthe Pine Barrens. Easy pace, with frequent stops as needed. Meet at Batsto Village parking lot, near the picnicgrove, on Rt. 542, 10 miles east of Hammonton, Atl Co., Bring picnic type food to share after ride. Leader:Paul Serdiuk 609-463-3593 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 17, (Sat) SinglesBike Ride. 9:00AM Class D ride. Cover Bridges Tour.Join us as we bicycle Saturday onquiet tree lined country roads through several historic covered bridges in Bucks County. Meet at TinicumPark, parking lot, Erwinna Pa. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. Pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 17 (Sat.) Minnewaska State Park. 12 miles, moderate paced. Walk along Mossy Brook Trail to waterfall,out to Lake Awosting and back along Hamilton Carriage way with beautiful views. Optional dinner stop inNew Paltz. Wear hiking boots, bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. This is an all day outing. Hikers mustpreregister. Group limited to 12 people. Heavy rain cancels. Joint with AMC Contact Ellen Blumenkrantz ateblumenkrantz@hotmail.com or 201-784-8417. May be combined with June 18 hike for weekend trip. (N)

July 18 (Sun) Tulip Springs Singles Hike. 6 miles at a moderate pace. Hike theSouth Mountain Reservation andsee some of the many highlights this 2000-acre track has to offer including a 25-foot waterfall and a spectacu-lar view of New York City and South Jersey. Bring water and Lunch. Meet 10 AM in the Tulip Springs parkinglot just off Cherry lane that run between Northfield Avenue and South Orange Avenue in South Orange.There is a $3.00 fee for non members. Rain cancels Leader Ron Pate 973 364-7573 Option #2 (E)

JUL 18 (Sun) Mohonk Rock Rift Crevices and the labyrinth will challenge us with some rock scrambling.We’ll also hike along some carriage ways to Eagle Cliff for some great views, and walk through the formal gar-dens. 10-12 miles at moderate pace. This is a full day outing, with optional dinner stop in New Paltz. Wearhiking boots, bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. $7-10 entrance fee. Hikers must preregister. Group lim-ited to 12 people. Heavy rain cancels. Contact Ellen Blumenkrantz at eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com or 201-784-8417. May be combined with June 17 Minnewaska hike for weekend trip. (N)

JUL18, (Sun) Singles Kayak Trip. 9:00AM We do the Egg Harbor River. We will have a pizza party after tripwith volleyball game. Call leader to reserve kayak, space is limited. Meet at Palace Resturant, Rt 322,Weymouth, Atl. Co., Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-463-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 24 (Sat) Harriman State Park 9:15AM 16 mile moderate paced hike. Take advantage of the long daylighthours for this all day hike. The pace will be moderate, but steady with lunch and snack breaks. Optionalswim, so bring your suit & towel. Optional stop at Kinchleys for great thin crust pizza/beer. Wear hikingboots, bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Hikers must preregister. Group limited to 12 people. Heavyrain cancels. Trans. 1B. Contact Ellen Blumenkrantz at eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com or 201-784-8417 (N)

JUL 25, (Sun) SinglesHike. Lum’s Pond 9:30AM Bear, Del. 7 miles mod. pace. New hike for the club. We willhike flat roads around the pond and marsh area, wildlife observation possible, bring binoculars. Meet by

phone booths on right side just past the Delaware Memorial Bridge toll gate at 9:30 am . or meet 10:00 am atpark visitors office. Call leader for carpool/caravan info. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social,swim wear for possible swim after hike. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. Pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 30, (Fri.) Singles Moonlight Kayak Trip. 6:00PM Paddle the Mullica river with a dinner stop at a localrestaurant. Some experience required. Limited space, call leader to reserve space. Meet at Bel Haven CanoeRentals, on Rt. 543, 12 miles east of Hammonton, Atl. Co. Bring flashlight and whistle. Leader: Paul Serdiuk609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JUL 31 (Sat) Harriman State Park - 10:00am. Moderate paced hike through Central Harriman. This 8 mile hikewill pass through Time Square and the Lemon Squeezer. Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 12 peo-ple. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Optional stop after hike at a local restaurant forfood and drinks. There is a $3.00 fee for non-members. All weather hike. Leader: David Thompson (201) 315-3530 or e-mail dthompson8@earthlink.net (N)

JUL 31 (Sat) Singles Moonlight Hike. 7:30PM 6 miles . Moderate pace. Hike dirt roads lit by moonlight in thePines. Bring swim wear, chair or blanket. Bring snack type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NP/NC.Meet at Lake Oswego parking lot on Lake Oswego Road. Off Rt. 563, 8 milesS. of Chadsworth, Burl. Co.Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)

AUGUSTAUG 7 (Sat) Tuxedo History Circular. Scenic hike of about 7 miles in Harriman State Park. Follow a variety oftrails to Claudius Smith’s Den where we will stop for lunch. This is a moderate hike with a lot of historythrown in. Meet at the Tuxedo Railroad station on Route 17 in Tuxedo, NY at 10:15. Leader John P. Jurasek845-365-3618 (no calls past 10 PM) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)

Aug. 8 (Sun) Singles Tube Float Trip. 9:30AM Repeat of last year’s great trip. 4 lazy hours floating down theDelaware River. Bring lunch with you in a small cooler, we will eat in picnic area after float trip. Bring snackto eat on river. NO alcohol on river! Bring change of clothes for optional tour of New Hope after trip. Callleader to reserve space. Meet at Bucks County River Country Outfitters, on Rt .413, Point Pleasant, PA. Callleader for carpool Info. NC/NP. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. or pis1@cccnj.net (W)

Aug. 13 (Fri) Singles Hike and Meteor Shower. 7:30pm 5-6 miles moderate pace. Short hike and then watchthe Perseid Meteor Shower, a solar system spectacular. Bring snack type food to share at tailgate social afterhike, blanket or chair to sit on. NP/NC. Meet in field behind Atsion Office on Rt. 206,between Red Lion Circleand Hammonton, Burl. Co. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

Aug 14 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home.This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt. 70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369.Call in advance if possible so we know how many to expect.

Aug. 14 (Sat) Harteshorne Woods, Monmouth County (Special interest: Recent History) Moderate 6 mile hikehas elevation gains and a lot of scenery. Please bring drinks and snacks. Hiking shoes are suggested. Meat 9AM at the Rocky Point parking area. Take GSP to exit 117. Take Rt. 36 toward Sandy Hook approx. 10 milesto the Miller St. Exit. Go to the top of the hill make a right. Parking area is Straight ahead. Bad weather, includ-ing high heat index cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 ormjverange @aol.com (JS)

Aug. 15 (Sun.) Singles Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation. We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Bring waterand Lunch and wear hiking boots. Meet before 10:00 A.M. at the Highlawn Pavilion Parking lot off Eagle RockAve. in West Orange. Take rte. 280 to Prospect Ave (exit 8B) head north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave, leftturn into reservation. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers. All participants must sign a liability waiver.Rain cancels. Leader: Ron Pate (973) 364-7573 option #2 (E)

AUG 15 (Sun) Singles Kayak Trip. 9:00am River level determines what river we do. Bring picnic type food toshare after trip. NP/NC. Call leader to reserve space. Meet at Bel Haven Canoes, Rt. 542 Green Bank Atl. Co.Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

AUG 18-229 (12 days Wed.-SSun) Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia. If you’re into beautiful scenery,great hiking and some canoeing, this is the trip for you. Wells Gray is one of Canada’s largest parks (1.4 millionacres) with beautiful flower filled meadows, pristine lakes, and mountain peaks. We fly out Wednesday, August18, our first day to Kamloops, Canada, and spend the night at a lovely bed & breakfast. The next day(Thursday, 8/19) we head out on a 2 night/3 day canoe camping trip to the lake district of the park. No canoeexperience is necessary. All camping gear is provided except your sleeping bag - which could be rented for anextra $25 charge. After 3 days of canoeing (there are also some hikes on these days), we return to our bed &breakfast for a hot shower, and a nice dinner out. The following day (Sunday, 8/22) we start a 6 night/7 dayhiking trek. We hike in the alpine area from private chalet to private chalet, where beds and meals are provid-ed for us, allowing us to carry just a large day pack (lunch, water, and change of clothes). More detaileddescriptions and photos of the huts, hikes, scenery, can be found at www.skihike.com - the website for thecompany who owns and operate the huts and will provide our local guides. Maximum group size 8. Cost for11 nights, including all meals and lodging about $1250 (depending on exchange rate). Airfare to Kamloops notincluded. Leader/Contact: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

AUG 21 (Sat) Singles Sunset Hike and Swim. 4:30pm 5-6 miles moderate pace. Easy hike on sand roads as wehike to a picturesque part of the river and cool off as 4:30pm we watch the sun set. Bring swim wear and pic-nic type food to share at our tailgate social after hike. Meet in open field behind the Atsion Office on Rte 206,between Red Lion circle and Hammonton, Burl Co. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

AUG 27 (Fri) Singles Moonlight Kayak Trip. 6:00PM Paddle the Mullica river with a dinner stop at a localrestaurant. Some experience required. Limited space, call leader to reserve space. Meet at Bel Haven CanoeRentals, on Rt. 543, 12 miles east of Hammonton, Atl. Co. Bring flashlight and whistle. Leader: Paul Serdiuk609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

AUG 28 (Sat) Full Moon Hike & Swim at Blue Mountain Lakes. We will hike 6-8 miles at a moderate pace end-ing with a swim at Crater Lake. Hiking boots and water are recommended for the hike. Bring SWIMSUITS,beverages and picnic type foods to share at tailgate social. Meet by 3:30pm at the Blue Mountain Lakes park-ing area. Take Exit 12 on Rte. 80. Drive into Blairstown on Rte. 521 North. Turn left at the Rte. 94 junction.Then turn right at the traffic light (leave Routes 94 and 521). Take County Road 602 for about 7 miles toMillbrook (not Stillwater). Turn right at Millbrook Village and go about 1.5 miles to the Crater Lake Sign. Turnright and watch for the Blue Mountain Lakes parking area. There is a $3.00 fee for non-members. Rain can-cels. Well behaved dogs welcome. Leader: Joyce Haddad (973) 364-7573 option #7 or e-mailJKHADDAD@JUNO.COM (N)

AUG 28 (Sat) Singles Moonlight Hike. 7:30pm 6 miles . Moderate pace. Hike dirt roads lit by moonlight in thePines. Bring swim wear, chair or blanket. Bring snack type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NP/NC.Meet at Lake Oswego parking lot on Lake Oswego Road. Off Rt. 563, 8 milesS. of Chadsworth, Burl. Co.Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)

AUG 29 (Sun) Singles Kayak Trip. 9:00am We do Crosswicks Creek as we go out with the tide and returnwith the tide, easy paddle! Meet at Paint Island Canoe Rental 350 Farnsworth Ave. Bordentown, NJ. Callleader to reserve boat. NP/NC. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after trip. Call leader for car-pool info. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. or pis1@cccnj.net (W)

SEPTEMBERSEP 11 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home. Thisis a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt. 70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369.Call in advance if possible so we know how many to expect (W)

SEP 11 (Sat) Clausland Mountain. 6 Miles. We will climb up Clausland Mountain (700’ Climb) through historicRockland Cemetery to an old Nike missile base. Bring hiking boots, lunch, 2 quarts of water. You can take the9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the Port Authority terminal to meet Leader in Piermont, NY by 10:15.Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building with mural). Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (nocalls past 10 PM) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)

SEP 11 (Sat) Schunemunk - 10:00am. Moderate paced hike through the Schunemunk Mountains. This is a 10mile hike across both ridges. We will see the Megaliths. There is some rock scrambling and hills. Experiencedhikers only. Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 12 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks and 2-3quarts of water. Optional stop after hike at a local restaurant for food and drinks. There is a $3.00 fee for nonmembers. All weather hike. Leader: David Thompson (201) 315-3530 or e-mail dthompson8@earthlink.net (N)

Sept. 11 (Sat.) Hike In the South Mountain Reservation. We will hike 4-5 leisurely miles. Bring a picnic lunchand wear hiking boots. Highlights include a 25-foot waterfall and some very inviting wood ands in the heart ofSuburbia. Meet BEFORE 10:00 A. M. at the “Turtle Back Rock” entrance off of Walker Road in West Orange.Take Route 280 Exit 10. At light, turn left (west) onto Northfield Avenue. Stay on Northfield approx. 2 miles.Turn left on Walker Road (opposite Rock Springs Water Company). Turtle Rock Parking Area on the right.Rain cancels. Leader: Ron Pate (973) 364-7573 (option #2) (E)

SEP 12 (Sun.) Social Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation. We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Bring waterand snacks and wear hiking boots. Meet before 11:00 A.M. at the Highlawn Pavilion Parking lot off Eagle RockAve. in West Orange. Take rte. 280 to Prospect Ave (exit 8B) head north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave, leftturn into reservation. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers. Well - behaved kids and dogs are welcome.All participants must sign a liability waiver. Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce Haddad (973) 364-7573 option #7(E)

SEP 12 (Sun) Brookdale Community College/Thompson Park Moderate 6.5 mile hike that follows theSwimming River Reservoir. Please bring drinks and snacks. Hiking shoes are suggested. GSP Exit 109, headwest on Monmouth County Rt. 520 approx. 2 miles to Brookdale Community College make first right pro-ceed to parking lot #2 Meet in the right back corner at 9 AM. Bad weather, including high heat index cancels.Confirmation/questions please call. Leader Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange @aol.com (JS)

Learn more about your environment…take a Sierra Club educational hike!

OutingsOutingsOutingsOutingsGROUP OUTINGS COORDINATORSCentral Jersey: Ken Mayberg

kjmayberg@aol.com Essex County: David Ogens 973-226-0748 (H)

29 Hatfield Street, Caldwell, NJ 07003 Hudson-Meadowlands: Vacant Hunterdon: Susan Schirmer 908-996-7722 (H)Jersey Shore: Mike Verange 908-732-8364 (H)

1497 W Front St, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Loantaka: Bob Muska 908-665-2296 (H)

95 Delmore Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 North Jersey: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417

eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com Northwest Jersey: VacantRaritan Valley: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.comSouth Jersey: Tom Boghosian 609-272-9005 (H)

3722 Lehigh Ct., Mays Landing, NJ 08330West Jersey: Dan Procida 609-767-2149 (H)

813 Old White Horse Pike, Waterford Works, NJ 08089River Touring: Fred Tocce 908-453-2205 (H)

Rd 1 Box 277, Washington, NJ 07882 Inner City Outings: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953 (H)

NJ-ICO, 17 Mt. Horeb Rd. Warren, NJ 07059Chapter Outings: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417

eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com

Outing Leaders: Please send October-December write-ups to your Group Outings Coordinator before Julyl 30. Ifyou are planning to lead an outing close to the beginning ofone of our quarterly publication periods, please submit it forthe previous Sierran, due to the occasional lag in mailing.Also, please send outing rosters or sign-up sheets to theChapter Office as soon as possible after each outing. Note: If possible, leaders should send their trip descrip-tions to the Group Outings Coordinator instead of directlyto the Chapter Outings Coordinator. This is particularlyimportant for occasional leaders.Group Outings Coordinators: Please submit your Oct.-December trip write-ups by August 5.NOTES ON OUTINGS: All Outings are open to Club mem-bers, guests and anyone interested in outings. Unless oth-erwise specified, the events are free and open to the pub-lic. ALL participants must sign liability waivers on ALL out-ings sponsored by Sierra Club. This is a new policy. Pleasecheck with the leader before bringing small children on anouting. A parent or other responsible adult must accompa-ny persons under 18. At their discretion, leaders may per-mit pets on outings if the event description specificallyincludes bringing pets. Sierra Club outings are arranged by volunteer leaders

who are in charge of the trip and responsible for the safe-ty, welfare and enjoyment of all participants. Leadersdetermine qualifications to participate, adequacy of equip-ment, routes to be followed, and special precautions to betaken. Please arrive adequately prepared and equipped.

If you have any allergies, please remember to bring yourmedication. The leader has the final word in the conductof the trip. Your cooperation will help assure a safe andpleasant outing.

Please arrive early at the meeting place so that the out-ing can start on time. For day hikes, lunch, water (at leasta liter), extra clothing, rain gear, and emergency equip-ment should be carried in a small daypack. For all excepteasy hikes, sturdy over-the-ankle shoes or boots shouldbe worn. For most trips, you are expected to have yourown equipment. In some cases, it may be rented fromoutdoor/camping suppliers -check the yellow pages orcall the trip leader. If the weather is questionable on thedate of the outing, you may assume that it will take place,unless the schedule indicates otherwise.

Unless registration is required, such as for weekendtrips or river tours, or if you have a question about theouting, it is not necessary to contact the leader beforethe trip. Do not call to join a trip after the posted dead-line date. When phoning a leader, please honor his orher requested calling times and call 3 to 5 days beforethe outing. Please include a self-addressed, stampedenvelope (SASE) when writing to a leader. On populartrips, Sierra Club members will be given preference.

Watercraft trips let you experience the unspoiled partsof our region, but water safety does impose specialrequirements. The size and skill of each party must beappropriate to each river, so participation in each tripmust be at the discretion of the leader. We ask you toregister at least one week in advance. Unless a phonenumber is provided, please send a SASE with an honestassessment of your paddling experience, whether youneed or can offer a ride, your phone number, and anyquestions you may have. You will receive a description ofthe trip, with directions, where you can rent a canoe, andwhat you will need to bring. Almost all trip leaders canarrange for partners to share a canoe if you will be com-ing by yourself. Unless stated otherwise: rental canoesare available, trips do not require advanced paddling skillor exceptional physical conditioning, public transportationis not available, non-members may participate, andresponsible smokers are welcome.If you are a Sierra Club member interested in becomingan Outing Leader or have suggestions for new outings,contact your Group Outings Chair or the Chapter OutingsChair for assistance and further information. The SierraGroup contributing each outing is given at the end of thewrite-up, as follows:

(C) Central Jersey (JS) - Jersey Shore (L) - Loantaka (N) - North Jersey (NW) - Northwest Jersey (S) - South Jersey (W) - West Jersey (NJ) - NJ Chapter (H) - Hudson (RV) - Raritan Valley (IC) - Inner City Outings (RT) - River Touring (E) - Essex County (ACOC) - Atlantic Chapter

Outings Comm.

(Continued on page 8)

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004 7

Printed on Recycled Paper

Chapter Office 609-656-7612139 West Hanover Street, Trenton 08618

fax: 609-656-7618

Chapter Director: Jeff Titteljefft1@voicenet.com

Conservation Director: Dennis Schvejda 973-427-6863Dennis.Schvejda@SierraClub.org

Chapter AdministratorKelly McNicholas 609-656-7612Kelly.McNicholas@SierraClub.org

If no one is in the office to take your call, pleaseleave a message on the answering machine.Please SPELL YOUR LAST NAME, and statewhether the phone number you leave is for daytimeor evening.

The Jersey Sierran is the newsletter of the NewJersey Chapter of the Sierra Club. Readers are encour-aged to submit articles, photographs, artwork, cartoonson environmental subjects, letters to the editor, poetry,press releases and expressions of opinion.

Articles and letters should be submitted typed anddouble spaced (or preferably by e-mail or on disk: callfor format information). Send submissions to: DickColby. The deadline is the 10th of the month twomonths prior to the issue date.

The opinions expressed in The Jersey Sierran arenot necessarily those of the New Jersey Chapter, theSierra Club or the editor. Nor does publication of anadvertisement imply Club endorsement of the adver-tised product(s) or service(s).Copyright 2004. All rightsreserved. The contents of The Jersey Sierran may beused without permission in publications of other entitiesof the Sierra Club. Acknowledgement of the sourcewould be appreciated.

Some display advertising may be accepted. Pleasecontact the Advertising Manager before submitting anad. Placement of any ad is contingent upon availabilityof space and must meet Sierra Club guidelines.

The Jersey Sierran is published quarterly by theNew Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, 139 W.Hanover St, Trenton NJ 08618.

Members, send changes of address toaddress.changes@sierraclub.org or to Sierra Club,P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80328 and to theChapter Office, 139 West Hanover St, Trenton, NJ08618 or call 415-977-5653.

Editorial Board: Tina Schvejda, Jeff Tittel, RichIsaac, George and Joan Denzer, Mary Penney,Sunil Somalwar, Dick Colby, Paul Sanderson, EdPfeiffer, Ken Johanson and Laura Lynch

Editor: Dick Colby, 609-965-4453, dick.colby@stockton.edu

Layout/Design: Karen Brown, 856-547-9221Advertising Manager: Sunil Somalwar, 732-572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.org (Instructions available at http://NJSierra.org/NJS_Sierran/NJS_advertise.html)Contributors to this Issue: Brenda C. Sanabria,Bonnie Tillery, Steve Knowlton, Ken Johanson, GinaCarola, Lee Snyder, Sunil Somalwar and Chris Mills.

Thank you to all who contributed. The Jersey Sierran isproduced mostly by volunteers.

Upcoming ExCom Meetings:All members are welcome to attend thesemonthly statewide policy deliberations, heldon SECOND SATURDAYS. Details, includingagendas, and driving instructions, are avail-able in advance from Sunil Somalwar, theChapter Chair.

July 10 • August 14 • September 11

We meet at the New Brunswick Public Library, 60 Livingston Avenue.

Conservation and Political Committee meetingsstart at 10am. Lunch is shared at noon. The mainmeeting starts at 1pm. We usually continue dis-cussions informally over dinner at a nearbyrestaurant, at 5pm.

Chair* Sunil Somalwar (732) 572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.org1015 South Park Ave., Highland Park NJ 08904-2954

Vice-Chair* Ken Johanson (908) 464-0442kjohan@comcast.net72 Laurel Drive, New Providence NJ 07974-2421

Conservation ChairLaura Lynch (609) 882-4642llynch@mail.med.upenn.edu11 Lumar Rd., Trenton, NJ 08648-3127Conservation Vice-ChairRuth Prince (908) 284-9103)ruthp2@patmedia.net

Political Chair* Rich Isaac (973) 716-0297risaacx@aol.com47 Fellswood Dr., Livingston NJ 07039-2235Political Vice-ChairLaura Bagwell (732) 741-8678lbagwell@rcn.com

SecretaryBonnie Tillery (609) 259-6438blt44blt@aol.com389 Sawmill Rd, Hamilton NJ 08620

Treasurer* George Denzer (609) 799-5839JGDenzer@aol.com127 Dey Road, Cranbury NJ 08512-5418

Outings ChairEllen Blumenkrantz (201) 784-8417eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com43 Carlson Court, Closter NJ 07624

Newsletter Editor* Dick Colby (609) 965-4453dick.colby@stockton.edu217 Liverpool Av, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215-1319

WebmasterGeorge Newsome (732) 308-1518newsome1@pobox.com

Membership Chair(vacant)

Council Delegate*Jane Tousman (908) 561-5504jdtous@aol.com 14 Butler Rd., Edison NJ 08820-1007Alternate: Rich Isaac - (see above)

Other ExCom members at large* Bob Johnson (908) 771-9676Robert.Johnson@comcast.net65 Holly Glen Lane South, Berkeley Hts NJ 07922-2615* Tina Schvejda (973) 427-6863tschvejda@mindspring.com40 Marilyn St., North Haledon NJ 07508-2441

NERCC Representatives*Joan Denzer (see George Denzer above)and Bob Johnson (see below)Alternate: George Denzer - (see above)

Atlantic Coast Ecoregion DelegateJoan Denzer (see above)

Legal ChairBill Singer, Esq. (908) 359-7873

Fundraising & EventsSunil Somalwar**,Jeff Tittel**, Joan &George Denzer, Tina Schvejda, Kelly McNicholas, Ed Pfeiffer, Rich Isaac, Carolyn Freeman

Personnel CommitteeKen Johanson**, Sunil Somalwar, Mary Penney, George & Joan Denzer

Honors & AwardsJane Tousman**, Tina Schvejda, Bonnie Tillery, Bob Johnson, Lee Snyder, Sunil Somalwar

Legislative CommitteeKen Johanson**, Dave Mattek, Joe Leist, Kelly McNicholas, Carolyn Freeman, Jeff Tittel, Dennis Schvejda

Litigation Oversight CommitteeKen Johanson**, Sunil Somalwar, Ruth Prince, Carolyn Freeman

Group/Section VitalityRich Isaac**, Laura Lynch, Jane Tousman,Steve Ember

Facilities (office, meeting sites)George Denzer**, Joan Denzer, Bob Johnson, Joyce White, Ed Pfeiffer, Bonnie Tillery, Kelly McNicholas

Inner City Outings CoordinatorAnne Dyjak**, Joy Booth (see Group News pages)

* Indicates Chapter-wide elected ExCom members.** Indicates committee chair or co-chair

Issue CoordinatorsATV IssuesFred Akers (856) 697-3479akers@gowebway.comPO Box 395, Newtonville, NJ 08346-0395

Clean AirBob Campbell (908) 273-5720wrobc@intac.com18 Shadyside Av, Summit NJ 07901-2111

Bill Green (908) 276-2357WGreen@spcorp.com2 Roger Av, Cranford NJ 07016-2715

Delaware River DredgingGina Carola (856) 848-8831ginacee@snip.net534 Elberne Av, Westville NJ 08093-1715

Environmental JusticeZoe Kellman (201) 321-4578zoeks@verizon.net

Forestry IssuesNancy Carringer (732) 438-8688ncarringer@yahoo.com

Hackensack MeadowlandsBill Sheehan (201) 968-0808captain@waterkeeper.orgHackensack Riverkeeper231 Main St, Hackensack NJ 07601

Highlands CommitteeTo Be Announced

Marine IssuesTina Schvejda (see main leader list)

Passaic River BasinRich Isaac (see main leader list)

PinelandsLee Snyder (856) 596-0621pinelands1@hotmail.comPPA Laiason: Mike Gallaway M.Gallaway@comcast.net

PopulationBonnie Tillery (see main leader list)

RecyclingTo Be Announced

Sierra Student CoalitionDan Rosen (201) 670-1980danrosen85@hotmail.com

SprawlJane Tousman (see main leader list)

Tiger ConservationSunil Somalwar (see main leader list)

Transportation (see main leader list)Bob Johnson

WildlandsDave Mattek (609) 737-1342MattekDC@aol.com4 1/2 Park Av, Pennington NJ 08534-2313

The Jersey Sierran: July-September 2004

Visit our Website at http://NJSierra.org

8

NEW JERSEY CHAPTERLEADERSHIP

OUTINGS(Continued from page 7)

THE JERSEY SIERRAN

SEP. 18 (SAT.) Minnewaska/Gerturdes Nose From the Trapps Bridge we’ll take the Millbrook Ridge trail toGertrudes Nose and return via th Coxing Trail & Trapps Carriageway, followed by an easy loop into MohonkPreserve on the Overcliff and Undercliff trails. We’ll go at an easy pace, with time to stop for the great views.Parking fee. Optional dinner stop in New Paltz after the hike. Heavy rain cancels. Group limited to 12. Hikersmust preregister. Bring lunch, snacks and lots of water. Joint with AMC. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz H#201-784-8417 Email: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (N)

SEP 18 (Sat) Singles Tour of Italian Market and Society Hill Hike. 8:45am 4 miles easy pace. Tour the ItalianMarket with all it’s delectable treats from cannolies to cheese steaks. Then walk it all off with a tour ofHistoric Society Hill. Enjoy lunch at one of the many area eateries. Meet at Woodcrest Station PATCO Hi-Speed Line main entrance, exit 31 off I-295 at 8:45 am Or meet at 5th street entrance, Bourse Building at9:00am. Limited space, call leader to reserve place. Leaders: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 eve. pis1@cccnj.netor Joe Russo sjoer@aol.com (W)

SEP 19 (Sun) Schunemunk Some strenuous climbs, great views, the monoliths, all at a moderate pace. Heavyrain cancels. Group limited to 12. Hikers must preregister. Bring lunch, snacks and lots of water. Joint withAMC. Meet at entrance to Black Rock Fish & Game Club on Route 32, about 6-8 miles north of WoodburyCommons. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz H#201-784-8417 Email: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (N)

SEP 19 (Sun) Singles Kayak Trip. 9:00am River level determines what river we do. Bring picnic type food toshare after trip. NP/NC. Call leader to reserve space. Meet at Bel Haven Canoes, Rt. 542 Green Bank Atl. Co.Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 (W)

SEP 19 (Sun) The Sierran Seniors will visit Princeton Battlefield State for an easy hike. Meet in the parking lotat 1:00 pm for a 2 mile ramble on easy terrain. Sighting of the nesting pair of bald eagles—possible, but notguaranteed! Leader Ken Mayberg.

SEP 24-226 (Fri-SSun) Singles Sunset and Moon Rise Hike. 7:30pm We start out early to watch the sun set overthe Pinnicle Rock and enjoy the evening with snacks on the rocks and wait for the moon to rise. We hikeback down the mountain and enjoy a fire . Camping is available Friday & Sat. nights. Possible Hawk Mt hikeSunday. Many attractions and activities to do in the Kutztown area from shopping to winery tours. Contactleader to reserve a camping space and carpool info. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 609-462-3593 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

SEP 25 (Sat) Social Hike in Watchung Reservation We will hike about 6 miles of hills & level terrain at a mod-erate pace. Highlights include pine plantation & Deserted Village. Hiking boots are preferred and participantsshould be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet before 10:30 AM at the TrailsideNature Center parking lot. Take Route 78 West to exit 43 (New Providence/Berkeley Heights). At light, turnright onto McMane Avenue. Then turn left onto Glenside Ave. Drive about 1 mile or so. Turn right ontoRoute 645 and pass Lake Surprise. At traffic circle, take first right and proceed 1/2 mile to Trailside. OR TakeRoute 78 East to exit 44, turn left at the light onto Glenside Avenue. Then follow directions above. Rain can-cels. Leader: Joyce White at (908) 272-4478 or joyce-@yahoo.com (L)

SEP 26 (Sun) Garrison Keillor at NJPAC Dinner/performance fundraiser. 4:30PM dinner at Casa Vasca in theironbound district, followed by a 7:00PM performance by Garrison Keillor & NJ Symphony Orchestra.Garrison Keillor –author, storyteller, poet, humorist and Grammy winning host of public radio’s Prairie HomeCompanion – will provide his original, quirky narration to the William Tell Overture and A MidsummersNight’s Dream and offer his unique Minnesota take on life, lakes and love. (N). See box on page 3.

FUTURE OUTINGS – ADVANCE NOTICE OCT 8-111 (Fri-MMon) Columbus Day Weekend, Finger Lakes, New York – the Gorges and wineries. We willspend our mornings hiking the various gorges near Ithaca, NY (Buttermilk Falls, Robert Tremain State Parkand possibly Watkins Glen), all of which will challenge us with hundred of steps, constructed by the CCC,and offer beautiful stream and waterfall views. In the afternoon we will visit some wineries – NY is 2nd toCalifornia in # of wineries, and most of them offer lovely lake views. Dinners out in Ithaca or nearby. Manygreat restaurants to choose from, including the famous Moosewoods. We will stay at local B&B/Inns. 3 nightslodging, breakfasts, park entrance fees $200-300 per person based on double occupancy – depending onquality of accommodations you choose. Lunch/dinners extra. Must preregister. Group limited to 12 people.Joint with AMC. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz H#201-784-8417 Email: eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com (N)

OCT 16 (Sat) Nissequogue River (LI). Canoe the Greenbelt! We go thru salt, fresh, and intertidal wetlandswith numerous waterfowl and other birds. Canoe and kayak rentals available. Easy trip. Suitable for begin-ners. Accessible by train. Leaders: Don & Lisa Scott, 322 River Road, St. James NY 11780. Call 631-265-2198or email donaldscott3rd@hotmail.com (ACOC)

Oct. 17 (Sun) Seniors will visit the NJ Audubon Society’s Plainsboro Preserve for an easy hike around LakeMcCormack to enjoy beautiful fall foliage. This will be followed by an organizational meeting, and a pot-lucksupper. Leader: Nancy Carringer. ncarringer@yahoo.com

Oct 29-331 (Fri-SSun) CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FALL HIKING WEEK END Alpine Inn, Catskill Mts.. Fall HikingWeekend. Hikers can explore and photograph the scenic mountain beauty of the miles of spectacular statemaintained trail system covering this mountain range. Our several hiking trips offered each day are rated fromthe easiest to more difficult. In the evening by fireside we plan a great mountaineering color slide programand/or a magic show. Excellent accommodations and gourmet food! Total cost for 2 nights lodging, 2 break-fasts, 1 dinner and one trail lunch with all taxes & gratuities $200 This is a joint trip of the AMC, Sierra Cluband UCHC. Leader: Al Tatyrek (eve 973-763- 2303 - no calls after 10:00 PM please) Send transportation info,activities planned and other info with $100 deposit and SASE envelope to our co-leader and registrar: Balanceof payment is due on arrival at the Alpine Inn. Registrar & Co-leader: Peter Beck, H (201) 274-4471, P.O. Box267, Wharton, New Jersey 07885

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