Author: John Gausz

The annual Ship Bottom parade opened at 1 pm despite the rainy weather. Temperatures were quite mild for December though. As the first participants gathered on December 6th it started raining. But, as the parade began, the threatening sky went absolutely dry. Thankfully it stayed that way for the entire parade.

For everyone who is not here this time of year, these are images from the Surf City~NJ facebook page. Photos are from various members of that group so if you’re not on facebook you can enjoy the peaceful images here. The tranquility and beauty of Surf City in the off season is something that every resident should get to enjoy. Link here to the Surf City~NJ facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurfCity.NJ/

Cocktails & Canvas is this Friday night at the Long Beach Island Foundation For the Arts. “LBI Night” is Friday night’s theme. Join Chelsey, local artist, art teacher, and LBIF Teen Arts instructor, in this unique evening of cocktails and painting. This Friday she will guide you in your creative adaptation of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. Bring your favorite cocktail and snack, grab your friends and paint the night away.
The fee for the class is $30 Non-Member and $25 Member.
Please reserve your space ahead of time, 609.494.1241.

Found blue Mongoose mountain bike. Surf City police are hoping the owner will claim it and and be able to ride off into the sunset with it. If this is your bike, please come claim it at Surf City Police headquarters or call 609-494-8121.

Surf City Police are also looking for a blue Ocean Kayak, Model: Malibu Two XL, that recently went missing from its mooring @ N1st Street and Shore Ave. It may have broken free during the Oct 31/Nov 1st storm and may be hanging out now in your backyard. If you live along the bay and have seen this kayak since the storm, please give a call so they can get it back to the owner. 609-494-8121 Ref: 14-480

Noted local artist and longtime Surf City resident Cathleen Engelsen will be the grand marshal for the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. A longtime Surf City resident, Engelsen is well known for her paintings of historic sites, not just in Ocean County but throughout the whole state. She said she is honored to be chosen for the position. The parade starts at the Ethel Jacobsen School at Fifth Street and Barnegat Avenue and runs on Long Beach Boulevard to 25^th Street in Ship Bottom.

Crews have started work to repave patches on Surf City streets where the gas company dug into the streets. This will result in a much smoother and more pleasant appearance. Use caution when driving near the workers and heavy equipment.

The sign on the divider at the south end of Barnegat Ave has been removed and will be getting a makeover. This will include new paint and graphics . The sign was removed by Bob Faller and Ron Bergondo. Work will be done by local artist Cathleen Engelson and graphic artist Michele Guerriero. Jean Daniels will oversee the work. It should look GREAT when finished so check back next week for an update!

Surf City’s Water Department will be conducting fire hydrant flushing October 20th – October 24th, 2014. During this period, residents may experience low water pressure and/or water discoloration. This discoloration is harmless and does not affect the safety of water consumption; discoloration is caused by the stirring of sedimentation in the water main when hydrants are flushed.