A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
This is my first message as club President and I begin with a sincere thank you to Tom for leading the club for the last two years, and for training me to succeed. Likewise, I say thank you to the elected officers and board members for your dedicated service to the club. And last but not least, thanks to all the activity leaders for their leadership. I have been on many club activities and we really do have a great club thanks to the leadership of all these people.
A little about myself. I have been a backpacker for 30+ years. I joined OCSJ in the nineties to expand by backpacking horizons. Besides backpacking, I also do camping, hiking and some kayaking with the club. I became backpacking and camping chair in 2008, hiking chair the following year, and Vice-President in 2010. My wife, Marilyn and I live in Princeton Junction. We have two daughters. One lives in Hoboken and the other in Dallas, TX. I am a chemical engineer by education and have worked in the paper industry all of my working career, mostly in quality control. Please feel free to introduce yourself to me the next time you see me on a club activity.
Bruce Steidel
President@ocsj.org
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Dec 9, 2011
New President and Vice President for 2012/13
This is my last month as president of the OCSJ, and I wish to thank the board, leaders, and entire club for the opportunity. It was a growing experience for me and very interesting task.
Please welcome Bruce Steidel and Bob DeMarco as the new President and Vice President of the club for 2012/2013. I'm very sure they will bring great things to the club.
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Dec 9, 2011
New Hiking Chair - David Bicking
Welcome David as the new hiking chair as of November. He is a great member, leader, and a great advantage to the club with his computer skills and is well liked. He will and is making a great Hike Chair. Welcome him and give him support.
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Sept 20, 2011
New Hiking, Camping, Backpacking Calenders
We have new calendar functions for these sections.
Now leaders can self-input trips and view current openings on demand.
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Sept 19, 2011
New X-C Skiing Chair
Dennis McKane, former president has now become the
X-C Skiing Chair
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June 10, 2011
New Board Member
BJ Swingle has accepted a OCSJ Board Trustee Position
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Feb 20, 2011
New Hike Chairman
Please welcome Scott Eves as the new Hiking Chairman.
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Board Meeting Event - Meet and Greet and Eat
Come attend the May 12th Board Meeting at Vitarelli's Restaurant. Pizza and soft drinks provided. Informal meeting. Meet and Greet. Bring a friend.
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Jan 26, 2011
Little humor. I was talking to Bill today on the phone. He said just so you know, I'm having phone problems and if it accidently hangs up on you.....
I said "No problem. I'm the president. It happens a lot."
Tom
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In Rememberance of Jeff Neill
It is with regret that we annouce the recent passing of Jeff Neill. He was a well known and well liked club leader who participated and lead boating trips and his weekly Thursday Round About hike at Cooper River park. There are no details or services to annouce at the moment. For more information and photos of Jeff, click here.
Jeff's hike co-lead, Joe Rottinger, will continue Jeff's weekly Thursday after work hike.
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In Rememberance of George F. Muscat, a former OCSJ VP and and long time Board member, backpacker, and hiker.
From the Courier-Post:
MUSCAT, George F. On January 18, 2011 of Cherry Hill, NJ. Age 85. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Humenchick). Dear father of George M. (Melinda) Muscat of Cherry Hill and Matthew Muscat of Metuchen, NJ. Loving grandfather of Kristen and Katelyn both of Cherry Hill. George retired from Ford Motor Company Parts Depot in Pennsauken, NJ. in 1988 as a warehouse manager. He was an adjunct professor of Economics at Rowan University and Camden County Community College following his retirement. He was involved in the South Jersey Outdoors Club, the St. Peter Celestine Leisure Club, and St. Peter Celestine Helping Hands Club (now Christ Our Light). Relatives and friends of the family will meet for his viewing and funeral on Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:45am in the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light, 402 North Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00am. Interment Colestown Cemetery, Cherry Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to the Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association of NJ. Arrangements by the BOCCO FUNERAL HOME, Cherry Hill.
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Dec 9, 2010
- Today is Cindy Dolan's first day on the OCSJ Board.
- Bill Poulson is back - on the OCSJ Board.
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Nov 22, 2010
OCSJ Newsletter
Have you seen the Newsletter yet. It's a big hit. If interested in receiving our monthly emailing, write to treasurer@ocsj.org
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Nov 18, 2010
Check out the NEW - ARTICLES PAGE
There will be new additions all the time on Hikes, Trip Descriptions, and more.
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Nov 14, 2010
Had a nice hike last night. David Bicking took the Batsto hike last night and we had a nice brisk stroll up to Constable Bridge and back. We had a nice tailgate social and I am so stuffed! Afterwards at the Batsto-Astronomy club event, we had great views of the sky and the half moon.
We saw Jupiter and its bands and even four of its brightly lit moons. Got to see the Andromeda galaxy and I believe the M-13? globular cluster. Got a bit chilly by then, which made the viewing better.
Facebook:
Did you know we have a Facebook Page. We'll update it frequently with info and what's going on. See the link on the home page here or at Facebook search for
Outdoor Club of South Jersey.
Get Out!
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Nov 11, 2010
Thank You
The club wishes to thank the Activity Chairs and Leaders that have been posting Beginner and New Member trips and events. We wish to continue to offer a wide range of events, and welcome new people to join in on an event and become members.
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Nov 7, 2010
---Annoucement---------
Please Join me in welcoming Eloise Williams as our new Club Recording Secretary.
Eloise is graciously accepting and performing the Recording Secretary functions starting with this meeting.
Janet will be supporting and instructing Eloise. And will we be supporting and helping Eloise as needed. (If the board wishes to make it formal with an election process, we can do that this meeting as well.)
Janet:
We can't thank Janet Horton enough for all she has done for the club and as the Recording Secretary. She has been in the position as long as I have been involved with the board and we appreciate how much she has accomplished.
-------------Alternate Board Meeting Location and Event--------------
We are looking into different places to have the board meeting, where we can have refreshments, and invite more members and the public to attend. Keep an eye for these meetings where you will be able to learn about what goes on, to socialize, and meet others.
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Oct 22, 2010
"OCSJ Club Picnics at the Park"
Come join us for Club Picnic events at Parvin and Belleplain State Parks.
- Parvin -Saturday April 9th at the Thundergust Picnic Pavilion
- Belleplain - Saturday Oct 1 at the Picnic Pavilion
Dogs/Burgers and Refreshments provided at the covered pavilions. We'll have Hiking, Biking, and Boating, and Camping (and campfires). Come out and meet other members, trip leaders, and board members. Learn about gear and equipment. Socialize, tailgate, and have fun. Look for individual activity listings as well. Contact Tom Neigel at 609 206-3389, tomncenter-ocsj@yahoo.com Or, the individual trip leaders.
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Oct 16, 2010
Cindy Dolan will be joining the Board in December. Cindy is from the biking side of the house and trip leader.
Tom is looking into the Parvin Pavilion this weekend for a OCSJ Picnic in April. Day picnic, camping, hiking, biking, and boating in the lake. Should be fun.
ps,
Don't forget their are board and chair positions open. Get involved in your club.
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Oct 15, 2010
OCSJ Holiday Party Remember to sign-up early. The cost is low, the enjoyment and camaraderie is high. Go here...
Peppy Bath's term on the board has concluded. The OCSJ wishes to thank Peppy Bath for her time serving on and contributing to the board. Peppy contributed in several different ways, by asking pertinent questions that helped to clarify things for everyone, and recently in initiating this year's club finance review.
Janet Horton (Recording Secretary) is officially stepping down from the Recording Secretary position. We all appreciate the 6 years of volunteer service in handling this position for the club in a most professional manor. Much appreciated by all. Be sure to say thank you when you see her out on, or leading events.
- Eloise Williams is considering taking the position and working with and being coached by Janet. Eloise will be working with Janet next month in taking the minutes. We hope Eloise will make this official and take over this roll and its associated board position.
Larry Walsh 'Capt Larry' Appointed to the Board. Please Join me in Welcoming 'Capt Larry' to the OCSJ Board. We are counting on Larry bringing in the view of social events from out in the field and helping to contribute to new events. We will enjoy his lively style and welcome new and creative opinions.
Joe Hummel pending office to the board position. Currently Joe is working on the finance review, and when that concludes in January, Joe will transition to a full trustee position on the Board. Joe also brings with him long term experience with the club and the board, and will help to keep us on our toes.
Ann Palaitis is working on the club finance review with Joe Hummel. We very much appreciate their support and give them the support they need to perform their task.
Notes:
With a little luck, the club has made the Board position offer to several other well-known individuals. We are hoping they will consider the positions and accept. The club would be enhanced by their contributions. Keep an eye out for that news soon.
Washington Bus Trip is in the works for Saturday, May 7th (more info..). Fran Katella is organizing this trip again and we expect it to be a full sell out as was the previous trip. One thing we are discovering is that this bus trip leaves people off directly at the Smithsonian. There is a large amount to do right there at all the museum, without wondering where to go. With future bus trips to new and different areas in planning, they will come with some suggested points of interests or small iteraries to help people enjoy the area. We hope this new method will draw more people to future bus trips. Remember that some trips require a desposit and pre-booking costs. If the attendance is low because everyone is waiting till the last minute, we may have to cancel a trip, so sign up early.
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Oct 7, 2010
Annual and General Elections OCSJ Board Meeting:
This is the meeting where we elect some of the officers. It's being held at the Cherry Hill Library at 7:30pm.
Fran is running to continue her post as Treasurer. Jean is running to continue her post as Membership Chair.
The Recording Secretary Position is open and we are looking for someone to take over this function.
Biking Update:
Tony submitted a post-even article and photos for the MS-150 City to Shore ride. Take a look.
Holiday Party:
Sign up now for the Holiday Party. See the link on the Home Page. You can't beat the deal $15.
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Sept 6, 2010:
How Many Hits:
How many people 'hit' the website. In the week since monday, nearly 1000 hits on the website main page. Somebody is looking at the news and trips.
New Forum:
We have a new message board forum. You can access it via www.ocsj.org/forum1
There are 14 members so far. Why not join in and say hi.
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Hey, Janet Horton is stepping down from Recording Secretary at the end of this year. Its a position held in high regard in the club and if you are interested or know someone that may be, please contact us. tomncenter-ocsj@yahoo.com 609 206-3389
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Presidents Message - Summer Schedule
You may have noticed a change in the club website (www.ocsj.org). A new format is presented, with page access buttons located across the top of the site. There are some new features and more coming. The new single 'Update Page' is easy to access and contains all the changes from-all activity sections. Check it often for new information and before every trip, and... for the 'website-only listings'. Initial comments requested a specific Schedule Button for each activity section, and we now have included that function.
We recently offered a member survey, and you can view the charted results from the website home page. One of the themes across the written comments was a request for variety across skill levels and trip times. We take your comments and suggestions seriously and appreciate the responses. The club is a co-created volunteer organization and we need and encourage your involvement, so let us know if you have interest in helping with leadership, board, and organizational functions, as we have openings.
With each new season comes a new set of trips and events. The warm weather brings a focus on boating trips. A great mix of these trips is on the printed schedule as well as last minute additions and changes on the website (www.ocsj.org). Remember that weather and conditions affect the boating (and other) schedules and you should check the Updates webpage often, and before ever trip. Biking also has a large schedule of offerings, so keep checking the website listings for trips and changes. They also offer updates and status via their Google group. Hiking/Camping/Backpacking continue all year of course, including the standard trips and after work trips. Evening trips are a little cooler. This is also a good time to think ahead for XC-Ski trips. Check the XC-Skiing section on the website for some great instructional information. Contact the XC-Skiing activity chair or leaders for more information.
Tom Neigel,
OCSJ President
tomncenter-ocsj@yahoo.com
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Highlighted Events
- Spring Schedule creation is starting now.
- New calendar functions for Hiking and Camping
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Volunteer Opportunities
The Club offers all members an opportunity to be a part of, or to create their own outdoor experience or activity. All activities are led by volunteer members. NO volunteers, NO activities. It’s that simple! You can make a difference. Your volunteer involvement in Club activities is unique and special contributions that play a valuable role in YOUR Club.
- PLAN AND LEAD AN ACTIVITY. ...
- BECOME ACTIVE ON THE BOARD.
- HELP TO MAINTAIN THE TRAIL.
- PLAN AND LEAD A “LITTER” CLEAN-UP DAY.
- HELP THE TRAIL COORDINATOR BUILD A FOOT BRIDGE.
- WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS. A SIMPLE NOTE IN SUPPORT OF TRAILS, BIKE PATHS AND GREENWAYS IS ALL IT TAKES.
- CHAIR A COMMITTEE. (See Christmas Party, Officer Nominations, etc.)
- PLAN AND LEAD A TOUR TRIP.
Talk to your Activity Committee Chair about what you can volunteer to do to improve YOUR Club.
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Quest for Active Club Involvement
The club is actively looking for members to become more involved with the operation of the club.
The club needs people to serve on the board and aid in the processes that keep the club in operation. If you have interest, join us at a board meeting. See how the board and the club operates and see if you are suited for some position or if you would just like to help out from time to time.
OCSJ President
president@ocsj.org
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