The first day of autumn is Tuesday, September 22nd, at 8:05 p.m. EDT.
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Welcome New OCSJ Members! – September Zoom Session
Wednesday, Sep 17th · 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT For details see Meetup |
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The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of Club Patches
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A popular New Jersey recreation area has been named among 10 state parks across the country where visitors may face an elevated risk of tick-borne illness. Round Valley Reservoir in Hunterdon County ranked No. 4 on a new WorldAtlas list of “The State Parks With The Most Tick-Borne Illness,” published Aug. 18. The ranking highlighted parks in regions with high rates of Lyme disease and other illnesses spread by ticks.
The list cited Round Valley’s heavily wooded trails and location in Hunterdon County, an area of New Jersey with significant Lyme disease activity.
WorldAtlas noted that hikers, anglers and backcountry campers at Round Valley frequently travel through wooded and brushy areas that provide favorable habitat for ticks.
New Jersey remains one of the states hardest hit by Lyme disease.
The state has averaged about 69 Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents since the national case definition was updated in 2022, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. New Jersey had the fourth-highest number of reported Lyme disease cases in the country, state health data shows.
Round Valley ranked behind Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania and Green Lakes and Harriman state parks in New York on the WorldAtlas list.
Other parks included Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin, Jay Cooke and Itasca state parks in Minnesota, Starved Rock and Mississippi Palisades state parks in Illinois and Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania.
The WorldAtlas ranking cited the story of musician Mike Gallagher, who worked in New Jersey state parks for decades and said he experienced several tick bites before being diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2025. According to the report, the illness affected his nervous system, hearing, memory and ability to use his arms and shoulders.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ state park ranks among nation's top tick-borne illness hotspots |
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The OCSJ relies on a mix of websites and applications to keep our club moving. Our digital toolkit helps our members every step of the way.
Visit the club’s we site OCSJ - Home to find shortcuts to our event calendars, purchase club shirts or read about club policies. Explore the drop-down menus for more club information.
Connected to the club’s web page is Wild Apricot (WA), which is our membership database. It is where you signed up to become a club member and can update your contact info. When it is time to renew your membership, WA will send you a reminder. You can reach Wild Apricot by clicking on the link at the very bottom of the club’s home page. Wild Apricot.
Meetup Meetup-Home is separate from the club’s web page and Wild Apricot. Meetup is the social networking platform that hosts our three activity calendars and allows you to RSVP to events. Becoming a member of our club does not automatically make you a member of our Meetup activity groups. New club members are instructed to first visit Meetup’s home page (or download the app) to create their free Meetup account. After their Meetup account is created, club members submit a request to join the individual OCSJ Meetup groups Hiking, Biking, Paddling/X-Country Skiing.
Ride with GPS (RWGPS) is a planning and navigation app for cyclists. It provides voice-guided navigation and maps to download. Our members have free access to the Club’s account with premium features. For information about RWGPS contact the Biking Chair bikechair@ocsj.org.
You may already be familiar with the tools in the toolkit. However, if you ever have questions, please reach out to the Membership Secretary, OCSJ Meetup Organizer, or any of our activity chairs. Their contact information can be found on the club’s home page Board-Members. |
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We all have our reasons for joining the Outdoor Club. I joined right before Covid and did so for a couple of reasons. One, a friend of mine retired and rejoined the club, so I thought that was a good idea. Two, several of the people I hiked, biked, and skied with either moved away or had a change in their life, so I wanted to do these activities but didn’t want to do them alone. The club was a saving grace for many of us during Covid. Being able to socialize and enjoy the outdoors was a huge plus. Again, we could engage in activities that we liked and didn’t have to do them alone.
Through the years, I have made friends where I see outside of the club as well as on the activities where I initially met them. I love the socialization and feeling safe when I am engaged in these various activities because I don’t have to do them by myself.
Because the club did so much for me, I felt that I wanted to give back and get more involved. I started volunteering, slowly at first, and then went full speed ahead. I was Vice-President for 6 years and now President. I love what I do, and I am very grateful to our board and all the volunteer leaders who make the club so successful.
Speaking of volunteerism, we are looking for a new Vice-President. If you have been a member of the club for 6 months, like interacting with people, have good communication and organizational skills, and have some computer knowledge, please contact me at president@ocsj.org for more information.
In addition, I would love to hear why you joined the club. |
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The OCSJ Trail Maintenance crew is on summer hiatus. These photos are from the construction of the original log Zig Zag Bridge on the 1808 Trail. The logs were cut from on site cedar deadfall and have been since replaced by sturdier planks by the trail crew. The OCSJ is the official maintainer of the 1808 and the Sand and Water trails. Check out our club logo included on the state trail map at the trail head kiosk and online.
This was a great joint project with our club and Wharton State Forest. |
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Some suggestions for the September 12th Fall Picnic.
If you haven’t already made the list of attendees, put your name on the wait list. You will find it on Hiking Meetup. Last minute openings often occur. If you are on the attendee list and cannot attend, please remove your name so others can attend.
For those attending.
Bring a chair-Park Tables are limited.
You will have a chance to paddle canoes and kayaks.
This is a great opportunity to get introduced to paddling.
The canoes /kayaks and accessories are there along with the opportunity to have you questions answered.
Bring extra clothes and toe footwear that can get wet and a towel.
If you would like to change, bathrooms are available. |
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After a hot 🔥 and rainy⛈️ summer that saw many hikes cancelled, hopefully September will be more moderate. After weeks in the 90s, an 82 degree day will seem moderate.
As leaves fall on trails, be aware they cover roots that are tripping hazards. I've fallen this way twice and both times, with as much dignity as possible, broke my fall with my face. Fortunately falling into leaves, sand and pine needles is not that dangerous, but it does slow down the hike. Another danger is dehydration which sneaks up on us. We don't always feel thirsty, we may feel more tired than usual or begin stumbling. Stay hydrated!💦 |
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BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS Backpacking/Camping Chair Kevin Drevik Kdrevik@aol.com
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In case you missed it, the Outdoor Club Board of Trustees is once again co-sponsoring this year’s Tour de Pines which will take place from Thursday October 1st through Sunday October 4th. As part of our co-sponsorship, we were able to offer $20 discounts to the first 25 registrants from the club who used our exclusive discount coupon. I am happy to report that the 25 coupons were snapped up by our members in the first week of registration. That does not mean that you can no longer sign up to ride from 1 to all 4 of the days. Online registration will remain open until just before the event. Here is the link to the Tour de Pines registration site: Tour de Pines 2026
Last year we had more than 50 club members participate in one or more days of the event. Crisp cool autumn days made for enjoyable rides and we are hoping to repeat it this year. If you haven’t ridden before but are considering it, please join us for one or more days of beautiful riding and camaraderie with fellow riders.
In other news of upcoming events, we will once again be joining with our sister bike clubs, Team Evesham, TNT Cycling and Cynergy Cycling Club on Labor Day, Monday September 7, 2026 beginning at 8:30 am for our annual All Paces Ride Day beginning and ending at Laurel Acres Park on Union Mill Road in Mount Laurel. The invitation to join the event should be posted on Meetup by the time this article hits your inbox. However, if you missed the invitation from Meetup email, you can still sign up to ride. Just go to the biking group page on Meetup and click on the Calendar where you will find the link to sign up and sign the online waiver. The courses we will be riding that day are also posted on the invitation on the link to Ride with GPS. |
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Believe it or not, it’s time to plan for winter fun. Sign up soon for one of our xc ski/snowshoe trips soon. Hotel rooms up north fill quickly and often get pricier closer to snow season. The bloc of rooms in Stowe is only being held until Nov. 1st. We don’t have a guaranteed price in the White Mountains. All of the lodgings have good cancelation policies, so you aren’t locked in if your plans change. We have 3 xc ski trips this year, something for everybody. The first 2 trips, North Conway NH and Stowe VT, are in New England towns that are well known for their winter sports and scenic charm. The location of the next trip, in NY’s Tug Hill region east of Lake Ontario, isn’t as well known. It does, however, have the big advantage of being closer and having great skiing with reliable snow. Check out the details for all 3 trips here: X/C-SKIING-SCHEDULE. Newbies are welcome. Equipment rentals and lessons are available. |
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PADDLING NEWS
Paddling Chair
Frank Pearce
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In less than 4 days I was reminded twice of the importance of having the items needed to make a quick repair of a hole or crack in a canoe or kayak. Paddlers are told to have a pump or bailer to help get water out but less often the need to handle a leak. On 2 recent trips paddlers needed help with damage to their kayaks. I know from experience how important that can be. Below are 2 popular choices for emergency repairs.
Both Gorilla Tape and Flex Seal are designed to adhere to wet surfaces and can be applied to damp or even underwater areas. Gorilla tape is thicker and more robust, which helps it withstand abrasion from rocks or rough terrain, but it is less flexible than Flex Seal tape, so it may not conform as easily to curved areas.
For a small hole or crack where waterproofing is the main concern: Use Flex Seal tape for its flexibility and watertight seal.
For a larger hole or when the canoe will encounter rough conditions: Use Gorilla tape for its strong adhesion and durability.
I recommend sealing inside as well as outside.
Emergency tip: Clean and dry the surface as much as possible before applying tape to maximize adhesion. I have used Gorilla Tape, but others prefer Flex Seal. I am certain some carry both. I include a small dry cloth to dry the damaged area but a towel, shirts etc. would be options. I have a knife attached to my vest to cut the tape,
Some paddlers wrap the tape to their paddles in case it is needed.
If the hole is large you may want to reinforce it with a piece of plastic It could come from something like a milk jug used as a bailer.
A permanent repair should be done with proper patching materials or epoxy once back on land. |
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More than 40 years ago, James “Jim” Kuhn joined the Outdoor Club to share his love of nature, camping and hiking. He’s been participating in outdoor activities since childhood and continues to enjoy them, often traveling around Europe and the U.S. Perhaps next up: an African safari.
As a life-long hiker, he’s developed a number of strategies to cope with just about any kind of weather and other conditions we encounter outdoors. Despite still working part-time, and besides easily hiking more than 1,000 miles every year, Jim also enjoys a wide range of hobbies from whittling to the theater. Here’s his story:
Q. Tell us about yourself.
JIM: I was born in Williamsport, Pa., in the late 1950s, near where most of my large extended family still lives. This year, about 120 relatives attended our 60th family reunion at Knoebels Campground and Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pa.
When I was 5, my father moved our family to Berlin, N.J., for work. I still live there with my life partner, Michelle. I began studying engineering at the local community college, continued at Glassboro State College, and later earned an advanced degree in healthcare compliance from George Washington University.
I retired from Johnson & Johnson six years ago after working in regulatory affairs. In 2018, I developed and began teaching a regulatory affairs course for Rowan University’s newly established Biomedical Engineering program.
Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging?
JIM: I first joined OCSJ in the early 1980s to connect with like-minded people who shared my love of nature and the outdoors. As an avid Boy Scout, I found the club to be a perfect fit. Camping was also a big part of my childhood because it offered an affordable way for our family of six—my parents, three sisters, and me—to travel during the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Q. Do you participate in other club activities besides hiking? Do you have favorite places to hike?
JIM: Although I have camped most of my life and kayaked for the past 30 years, I have not yet joined OCSJ for either activity. In the early 1970s, I often explored what is now Black Run Preserve, just a few miles from my home. At the time, it was a series of bogs that became our private hockey rink in winter. Because of this long connection, Black Run Preserve remains my favorite place to hike.
Q. Do you hike year around? Do you have any other fitness routines?
JIM: I enjoy hiking and walking year-round, unless ice or several feet of snow makes conditions unsafe. A few years ago, I joined a national charitable organization’s 1,000-mile challenge, which donated a set amount to a charity of each participant’s choice for every mile walked. Last year, my final year with the organization, I completed just over 1,200 miles. This year, I am aiming for 1,500 miles and have already logged nearly 1,000.
Q. What made you join the Grand Mile Club? Is it hard for you to put in the miles?
JIM: As a lifelong walker and hiker, I joined the Grand Mile Club because it offered a local challenge alongside people who share my interests. Living near a park, quiet neighborhoods and miles of back roads makes reaching my goal easier because I can start walking right outside my front door. My typical walk or hike covers 5-8 miles.
Q. Any tips on surviving the cold in the winter and the ticks, chiggers, heat, etc. in summer?
JIM: During peak tick season, I wear light-colored clothing treated generously with tick repellent whenever I hike in the wilderness. I tuck my pants into my socks or shoes and avoid tall grass and dense, overgrown areas. Although I have removed many ticks this year, I have not become ill from a bite. I also keep prescribed medication available in case it is needed to reduce the risk of tick-borne illness.
Q. Do you take active vacations? Any places on your bucket list?
JIM: Through work and personal travel, I have had many opportunities to explore and hike abroad. In my early 30s, I was fortunate to backpack through 13 European countries using a Eurail pass. I have also visited and hiked in more than 30 U.S. national parks from Alaska to Florida. Next month, we plan to spend two weeks in the Canadian Rockies, hiking in five national parks. After that adventure, an African safari may be next on my list as an unforgettable photography trip.
Q. What are some of your other interests?
JIM: In recent years, a wide range of hobbies and interests has kept me active in retirement. I enjoy nature photography, camping, travel, whittling, learning to play the harmonica, volunteering, visiting out-of-state family, birdwatching, sporting events, concerts, theater, reading, regular coffee meetups with friends, and teaching part-time at Rowan University.
Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise others to know?
JIM: As a quiet, reserved person, I sometimes find it difficult to start casual conversations at OCSJ events. However, my reserved nature allows me to listen, learn and gain insight from others. Years ago, I began writing a book inspired largely by people who have crossed my path, whether through brief encounters or lifelong conversations. Although the book may never be published, I find the creative process deeply rewarding.
Q. Anything else you’d like to say about anything?
JIM: OCSJ was important to me in my early 20s and became meaningful again in my early 60s. Although each chapter has enriched my life differently, one quality has remained constant: the club brings together caring, grounded people who share a love of nature. I am fortunate to call several of them friends and look forward to making many more. |
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Joanne is off this month. |
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If you see your name has dropped down on a waitlist instead of climbing up, keep in mind the waitlist has a priority order. Paid Meetup+ subscribers who RSVP are placed above members with free Meetup accounts but below other Meetup+ members already on the waitlist. This is a feature of Meetup, which the OCSJ has no control over.
Remember to edit your RSVP if you cannot attend an event. You will open a space for someone else on the waitlist. |
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OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO T-SHIRTS and PATCHES |
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The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of club T-Shirts through Print Shop Shirts. Ordering will be ongoing, submitted regularly when there is a quantity sufficient to place the order.
We have 13 different styles to choose from ranging from simple ring spun cotton shirts, moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric, to moisture wicking to UPF sun protection. Short sleeve and long sleeve with many different colors to choose from. Choose from full back printing only, or front left breast printing only, or both front & back printing.
The ordering process from Print Shop Shirts is simple:
Go to Club T-Shirts We now have club patches. Go to Club Patches |
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If you know of an OCSJ member who would benefit from receiving a card of congratulations for a milestone birthday, life event or a note of condolence, contact the Corresponding Secretary and a card will be sent on behalf of the club. |
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Want to submit a "Shout Out"? Have you experienced a leader on an event that exceeded your expectations? Has a particular person gone above and beyond in their capacity as a leader or a participating member of OCSJ and you want to let everyone know? Email the Corresponding Secretary about your experience and it will be published in our next Newsletter. |
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A new year means setting new goals. How about hiking 1,000 miles?
The Grand Mile Club (GMC) is for members who love a challenge! The rules are simple, but it takes grit and determination to finish. Each outing, be it walking, running, hiking, or treadmill, must be a minimum of 2 miles. To reach the lofty 1,000 miles in a year, you will need to be logging 84 miles per month. There is a little more to it, so if you are interested in joining the elite GMC, contact Jenny Buffington at jbuffington924@gmail.com for more details. Registration closes at the end of January. I'm looking forward to hearing from you! 500/750 Club
If you are not quite up to 1,000 miles, then consider aiming for 500/750 miles. The rules are the same as the 1,000 club, except there is a minimum of 1 mile per outing. At the end of each month, I'll email a reminder to send in your miles and then update and send you a spreadsheet showing each member’s total to date. If interested in joining, contact Ann Palaitis at palaitis@verizon.net for more details.
Paddling
The OCSJ Canoe/Kayak Mileage Club is for paddlers who like to set personal goals. Any canoe/kayak trip counts with any group or individual. For details go to Paddling Mileage Club. Contact Frank Pearce, Paddle Chair, at hornet71@verizon.net for more details. |
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"THE OCSJ MARKET PLACE" the place to BUY-SELL-GIVE-BORROW |
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The OCSJ Market Place
Rules for posting items for sale INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: - Description of item for sale (Outdoor related)
- Asking price
- 1 or 2 pictures of items
- Contact information: seller's name, phone# and/or email
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TREK LEXA SL C WOMEN SPECIFIC DESIGNED GEOMETRY (WSD). Size 50 cm. (Fits women 5 foot 0 through 5 foot 6). Asking $650
This bike was purchased new and only ridden less than 200 miles. It is in pristine condition. Everything works great.
Lightweight aluminum frame with a carbon fork. 50/34 compact gearing in front and 11/25 in the back for a total of 18 speeds.
Includes bell, saddle bag, spare tube and tire levers.
Neil Kornhauser 856-905-7282 Text or call
nkornhauser@gmail.com |
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Your club is made up entirely of volunteers. You will get more out of it, if you put more into it! There are many opportunities to help behind the scenes and on activities. Ask your leader about it on your next event. Let them know if you have any time or talents you would like to share with the club.
Board of Trustees - The OCSJ Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. This month's meeting is September 10th. Currently, our meetings are on ZOOM. To attend the meetings, contact the OCSJ President Barbara Berman, at president@ocsj.org. |
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Outdoor Club of South Jersey (OCSJ) Membership Information
There are several convenient ways to join or renew your OCSJ membership:
Online
- Visit ocsj.org or download the Wild Apricot mobile app.
- Click the “Join OCSJ Here” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
By Mail
- Mail a check payable to Outdoor Club of South Jersey to:
Outdoor Club of South Jersey
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Membership Levels
- Family Membership – $25.00
One-year subscription; no automatic renewal
- Family Membership (Auto-Renewal) – $25.00
One-year subscription; automatic annual renewal
- Single Membership – $20.00
One-year subscription; no automatic renewal
- Single Membership (Auto-Renewal) – $20.00
One-year subscription; automatic annual renewal
For membership-related questions, please contact us at membership@ocsj.org.
Renewal Information
OCSJ memberships are valid for one year. Renewal reminders will be sent to the email address on file 30 days prior, 15 days prior, and on your renewal date.
If your membership is not renewed by your anniversary date, Wild Apricot, our membership management system, will automatically lapse and archive your account, and you will be removed from the club’s Meetup pages shortly thereafter.
To ensure uninterrupted access to club activities, please renew promptly. We also recommend checking your spam or junk folders, as renewal notices may occasionally be filtered there.
If you need to update your account information—especially your email address—please log in to your Wild Apricot account to make the necessary changes. You may also email updates or questions to membership@ocsj.org.
Renewal by Check
- Make checks payable to Outdoor Club of South Jersey
- Mail to:
OCSJ Membership Secretary
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Please note that mailed checks may take up to two weeks to be received and deposited. Online renewals are processed much faster.
Thank you for renewing your membership promptly and for being part of our vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Rosemarie (Ro) Mason
Membership Secretary
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CALLING ALL CLUB MEMBERS!!
Do you have a favorite place that you have hiked, but maybe it isn’t in New Jersey? Or maybe you have taken a bike ride holiday at some distant locale that you were in awe of because of its beauty or serenity. Perhaps an amazing kayaking adventure, backpack trip or cross country skiing trip is something you have been lucky enough to partake in. If so, the Club newsletter is looking for short articles from our members to share their experiences with our readers.
If you would like to share some of your experiences, just send a short article to our newsletter editor, Markie Kaczorowski by email to newsletter@ocsj.org, preferably no more than 250 words explaining the “what, where, and when” the trip took place and what made it special. You can also send me any interesting photos from events in the area. |
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Thank you for reading this month's newsletter.
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