Save The Mays Landing Fireworks

Thanks to local residents, Jamie Herman-Giagunto and Teresa Thomas, the tradition of the Mays Landing Fireworks just may continue in 2010. These two woman have negotiated a partnership the township so that if they raise enough money to pay for the cost of the fireworks, police and public works that the township will execute the contract and provide the insurance for the event.

An account has been opened at Wachovia Bank under the name of Mays Landing Fireworks for which a non-profit status is being sought. All sending donations will receive a letter that they can use for tax purposes to write off the donation. If the effort falls short of goal, the women have promised to refund all donations.

The initial goal set is $15,000, $7,500 of which is needed by January 1, 2010 in order to execute a contract with a fireworks vendor. Donations are now being accepted. Make check payable to Mays Landing Fireworks and mail or hand deliver to Remax Community, 3969 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330.

For questions or more information please email Teresa Thomas or Jamie Giangunto.

Lake Lowering (Official release from HT Public Works)

November 26, 2008

To: All Lake Lenape Residents

On December 4th, we are going to start lowering the Lake, as per the permit with the DEP. This is to allow lakefront residents to perform maintenance and clean-up activities.

On January 20, 2009, we will start raising the level of the lake.

We are still in the process of creating a Database with e-mail addresses of the lake residents. If you are receiving this in paper form and have an e-mail address, please email me at Swellington@townshipofhamilton.com.

If you do not want to be on the mailing list for the lake please call me or return this to Town Hall, attn: Stacey, with your name and address and I will remove you from the list.

Also, please check the website for information regarding the lake at Townshipofhamilton.com.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 625-6311 Ext 495.

Thank You,

Stacey Wellington
Public Works Clerk
Township of Hamilton
609-625-6311 X495

Lake Lenape to be lowered

Brett Noll of HT Public Works indicated that the annual lowering of Lake Lenape will occur from 12/4/2008 - 1/20/2009. For more information please contact HT Public Works at (609)625-6311 x454

Aline Dix Presents Saucer

Aline Dix donated a vintage water ski saucer to the Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum in Polk City Florida. Pictured above is Carole Lowe, the Director of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation and Aline Dix presenting the saucer.

A quote from Aline:
"I used the saucer from 1968 to 1988. Carole Dougherty Rogers rode with me when she was age 4. The saucer was one of many waterskiing tools like shoe skis, slalom skis, air rafts, even a canoe paddle that Dave Morris used in the 1960's.

The saucer is tilted in the water, the rider places knees on middle to bottom edge. A single handle rope was held at the top edge of saucer; the boat tightens the rope and away you go. From kneeling or standing, wake cuts at times but mostly doing 360's behind the boat. Speed of boat was about 18-20 mph.

The 1957 Water Ski Show from Cypress Gardens Florida featured a young polio victim named Gary Gruber who vacationed at Duberson's Lakeview Cottages. Gary sat on a peach basket then tossed it to stand on his head while skimming atop the lake! I have 8mm movies memorializing this Show & his performance.

The Museum was pleased to receive this saucer as they have very little artifacts of this category. :)"

Going back in time

I recently spent an evening searching the internet for old pictures of Lake Lenape and the surrounding area. Below are some of my findings. The pictures are from early to mid 1900's, a few where taken by a guy by the name of F.A. Austin. I put in as many details as I could for each picture, if anyone has further info about the pictures please post it in the comments.

Pictures of temp dam plate install

Brett Noll of HT Public Works provided pictures of the metal plate being installed in front of gate #1 on July 1, 2008. The blue material acts as a gasket between the metal plate and the dam gate.

HT Public works installs new rock bulkhead at The Cove

Public Works workers build a new bulkhead at the parking area of The Cove. The area was washed out by flood waters last year. The funding was provided by FEMA.