STONE HARBOR — The nuns don’t actually surf, but they invite others to enjoy waves.
Villa Maria By-the-Sea, 111th Street and the beach, hosted its 14th Annual Nuns’ Beach Surf Invitational Sept. 12.
Villa Maria is a retreat home for the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, funds raised via the contest helps the order support the 72-year-old building.
Since 1996, it has assisted the retreat house with upkeep funding.
Bill Deger, who has enjoyed surfing “Nuns’ Beach” since he was a child, originated the idea. He enlists a panel of senior surfers to judge.
Pete Smith’s Surf Shop has been the main sponsor of the event since it began.
“Pete Smith’s has been behind us all the way,” property manager Sister James Delores said.
Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters and Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi each provide a “Wave of the Day” trophy to the best female and male surfers.
This year the female award was presented to Stephanie Rodgers.
The male “Wave of the Day” award was presented to Franz Hueber.
Sister James read a poem in memory of Kenny Oeschger, a local surfer who participated in the contest for many years. An award was presented to his family in remembrance of him. He recently died at the age of 54 from Leukemia.
Awards are handcrafted by local artist Jamie Kelly.
Every year a new design is created for T-shirts and hats sold to benefit the retreat house.
After the contest and award ceremony, sisters host their annul fundraiser dinner.
“We’re very grateful for the help that’s been given to us. I don’t know how we would survive without the generous contributions to keep this place up,” Sister James said.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.
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