GAMES-Steve Ahern Runs to Save Diamondbacks

Giving back to society is something many well-intended folks talk about. What they do with their free time and their retirement years is a personal decision, but the world would be a better place if those good intentions were realized more often.
Speaking of the desire to do good things, someone once told me that an idea needs landing gear as well as wings. It’s relatively easy to come up with outstanding activities and original thoughts, but the key is carrying out the concepts and making them happen.
Steve and Susan Ahern make things happen as devoted volunteers for Stone Harbor’s Wetlands Institute. The Sea Isle couple have dedicated themselves and offered considerable amounts of their spare time to educating young people about the relatively unknown diamondback terrapin and the challenges this marine reptile faces due to shore town sprawl enveloping its habitat.
Steve, a retired insurance company lawyer, and Susan, a retired nurse, came to Cape May County nearly three years ago. They’ve made quite an impact.
“Steve and Susan are the type of volunteers that every non-profit loves to have,” said Patrice Davis, Wetlands event coordinator. “They are passionate about our mission and work very hard to help promote the Institute in everything they do. You can spot Steve around the Institute doing just about anything; directing traffic during big events, cleaning aquarium tanks, helping with the terrapin rescue project and much more.”
The Wetlands Institute is a non-profit coastal conservation research facility which seeks to promote appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through their programs in research, education and conservation.
Steve, 57, grew up playing stickball and running track in Queens. The Aherns spent about three decades in Havertown, Pa., Susan’s home base. Steve has a history degree from Fordham and went to law school at Widener University. Susan’s higher education is from Villanova.
The couple has two children. Mike, 30, lives on Manhattan’s east side, and Jessica, 28, is a graduate student living in The Village.
“I usually volunteer in the Wetlands’ aquarium while Susan works the front desk,” said Steve. “We’re involved in turtle rescue projects and partner with the local elementary school to teach children about how turtles live.”
Steve said he and his spouse became interested in diamondback terrapins because “they are unknown.” He noted that they live in the waters of the salt marsh and local development has forced them to adapt, which leads to dangerous road crossings and potential drowning in crab trap netting.
“We hope to be doing this long enough to help educate people about the habits of the diamondback,” said Steve. “We’d like people to watch out for turtle hatchlings and realize that the build up at shore has caused turtles to lay nests in places like front yards.”
In addition to his concern for diamondbacks, Steve loves to run. He has endured Philadelphia’s Broad Street Run and the Ocean Marathon in. On Nov. 7 he tackles his biggest race challenge, the 26.2 miles of the famous New York City Marathon.
“My goal is to finish the race and raise $2,000 for the Wetlands Institute,” he said.
“Usually my friends and family set up in strategic locations with water and snacks, but that’ll be tougher to do that with about 43,000 runners competing. We just got the marathon map which details the course.”
At 5-11 and 170 pounds Steve says he’s “not an elite runner,” but he hopes to finish in less than five hours and use his dream race to help raise funds for the Institute.
“Susan had my retirement party at the Wetlands so my friends and family had a chance to see what they do,” said Steve. “The guests enjoyed it so I’m hoping they’ll donate to the cause. Plus, Patty at the Wetlands put together a website and is notifying people about my story.”
Anyone looking to donate or get more information can log on to www.crowdrise.com/steveahern/fundraiser/ wetlandsinstitute.
Information about The Wetlands Institute is available at www. wetlands institute.org or by calling 609-368-1211. Checks can be sent to 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
“We wish our friend, Steve, the best of luck and truly appreciate his dedication toward the Wetlands Institute,” said Davis. “Run, Steve, run.”
As for Steve, he’s eager to match his two favor hobbies.
“Not that I needed any motivation for the upcoming race, but I was thinking what better way to raise money for a worthwhile cause than to combine two of my favorite things: running and the Wetlands Institute,” he said. “Whether people are able to donate or not, any good thoughts they have on that day will be appreciated. I’ll need all the positive energy I can get!”
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net
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