Former Recreation Director Honored for His Service

STONE HARBOR – Van Cathcart was recognized by Mayor Suzanne Walters, Borough Council, family, friends and community members at the regular council meeting June 17. Cathcart was presented a plaque for his 22 years in service to Stone Harbor, 11 of which he worked as the recreation director. In the fall of 2013, Cathcart accepted a position as assistant principal of Middle Township High School and will no longer be employed with the borough.
“I’ve known Van pretty much all my life,” Walters said. “When he decided to change careers and became the recreation director, I was thrilled. It was a perfect fit for the recreation department and it worked out beautifully.” Walters went on to express that Cathcart will be missed in Stone Harbor and she wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
Following a standing ovation, Cathcart expressed his thanks to the borough. “Stone Harbor as a whole has pretty much been my life up until now,” he said. “I want to say thank you to Stone Harbor. My experiences here (without me knowing it at the time) prepared me for what I’m doing now. When I had this opportunity to move on and I found out I’d have to give up the recreation position, it was tough. I didn’t want to leave but it was the right decision for me and my family. I was flattered to be involved in picking my replacement. When we interviewed Miranda (Duca), I realized it was going to be just fine. And so far so good with Miranda. I think you’re gonna be just fine. Thank you Stone Harbor for making me who I am. I’ll see you around town.”
Recreation Director’s Report to Council
Miranda Duca’s first director’s report to Council was brief and highlighted the recreation department’s staff. After thanking Catchcart for “laying the foundation” for her, Duca reported that the department has 26 employees, nine of which are “newbies who are thrilled to be joining the team.” All staff members are being trained in CPR and first aid.
Duca also reported that the Arts and Crafts Festival planned for Aug. 2-3 will have 205 vendors, 47 of which are new.
News from the Wetlands Institute
Dr. Lenore Tedesco of the Wetlands Institute reported that a $1.28-million grant was awarded to restore Stone Harbor Point. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as part of Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resilience Grant program.
“We’re really excited to work on this project that will help restore and enhance Stone Harbor Point beaches, specifically for habitat improvements of migratory birds as well as beach nesting birds,” Tedesco said. “It’s also designed to enhance the landscape for the borough and its residents.”
“The biggest secret I think we have in southern New Jersey is our magnificent Point,” said Council member Joselyn Rich. “And to protect it in a sensible way is just fantastic.”
The work is tentatively scheduled to begin next spring following initial monitoring phases.
Public Safety Report
Police Chief Paul Reynolds reported 1,392 incidents logged in the month of May, 253 of which were motor vehicle stops; 21 adults were arrested (five for DUI).
Report on Natural Resources: Bay, Bird Sanctuary, Library
Rich reported on the bay – they are still waiting to hear back from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning their plans. “Our dredge management materials plan is soon to be in our hands,” Rich said.
Duffield Associates delivered a final report to the Corps of Engineers concerning the bird sanctuary. Duffield was retained to help the borough develop a plan to revitalize the sanctuary to its once thriving habitat. According to its website, Duffield’s engineers and scientists recommended and designed a system to restore historic tidal flow into the sanctuary and a network of ecologically sensitive trails accessible to visitors and local residents.
A gardening day at the bird sanctuary was scheduled for June 20 where volunteers performed light weeding, pruning and preparing native plants for planting.
Rich also reported that there has been “no progress” with the library plans. “We have not yet met with the architect but we will be continuing to push that along.” A meeting with the interior designer for the library is scheduled.
Beach Recreation and Tourism
Council member Judith Davies-Dunhour reported that $468,356 worth of beach tags have been sold so far this year. That number is down 1.5 percent from this time last year. The borough has distributed 495 beach tags to veterans, free of charge.
Beach Patrol Captain Sandy Bosacco reported that lifeguards rescued five bathers and two surfers since the beach opened. There was one EMS call, one catamaran was assisted and four lost children were found and returned to their parents.
Bosacco reminded all residents and visitors to “only go in the water where lifeguards are monitoring.” He also reported that a generous homeowner, Sonny Dicrecchio, donated an ATV for lifeguard use. “It’s very useful,” Bosacco said. “We can use it to move lifeboats and WaveRunners around. Thank you to Sonny for your generosity.”
Davies-Dunhour concluded her report by reminding residents and visitors that the first New Jersey Pops concert will be held July 1 as part of the borough’s centennial celebration. The first installment concert will be a ‘40s Big Band Bash with the music of Glenn Miller’ and will be held at the 95th St. and Second Ave. Water Tower Plaza at 7 p.m.
Stone Harbor Museum – The Pebbles
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Robert Ashman of the Stone Harbor Museum board, who had previously requested the borough’s help in attaining Open Space funds to purchase the Pebbles guest house for museum use, asked council if the borough’s engineer report on the Pebbles was completed.
“We don’t have it in our hands yet,” replied Council member Barry Mastrangelo. “But they made their inspections over the weekend (June 14).”
Ashman asked what the next step after receiving the report would be.
“We’ll have to see what the report tells us,” Mastrangelo said. “If there are any other questions that come from that, we’ll address them. I think we’re gonna make this up as we go. The next step is that if everything is good, we’re going to keep moving forward.”
To contact Bryon Cahill, email bcahill@cmcherald.com.