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SCTA Town Hall Meeting

Posted on by John Gausz
The Surf City Taxpayers Association Town Hall meeting on Saturday August 22nd was another big success filling Borough Hall to capacity once again . A big thanks to Surf City Bagels and Bakery for providing breakfast. And a hearty thank you to our speakers town Treasurer and CFO Dave Pawlishak and Councilwoman Jackie Siciliano.
 You can read move about the meeting here in this Sandpaper article . 
Also, for those interested in seeing the 2015 Surf City Budget, you an find it here.

Heroes Among Us

Posted on by Bob Lieber
Jean Daniels, Surf City Taxpayer Association Board Member
Jean Daniels, 18th Street Resident and Surf City Taxpayer Association Board Member.
Bob Fried, Surf City Taxpayer Association Board Member
Bob Fried, 21st Street resident and Surf City Taxpayer Association Treasurer and Board Member

Attendees at the Surf City Taxpayers Association Town Hall Meeting Saturday learned about an act of heroism that occurred in our town Friday night, August 21st — and got to congratulate the heroes in person.

While walking on the beach  around 5:30 p.m Friday, Surf City resident (and SCTA board member) Jean Daniels heard faint calls for help coming from the ocean. She looked out and saw a father and 4 children in the distance, drifting away from shore, struggling to stay afloat. With lifeguards off duty at 5:00 p.m., Jean immediately looked for help. She saw a man on his cell phone nearby and rushed to get him to call 911.
In an ironic twist, the man was known to her. It was Bob Fried, a fellow Surf City Taxpayer Association board member. Without wasting a moment, Bob gave his phone to Jean to call 911, grabbed a boogie board that had been left on the beach and jumped into the ocean to swim out to the family in distress.
Bob battled the current and finally reached the father and his 4 kids. With one other board already in the water, he got each one of the very frightened swimmers to grab hold of the boards.  He then pulled two boards and all five people to shore.
Shortly thereafter, Surf City Police, Fire/EMS and Harvey Cedars Police arrived on the scene to make sure everyone was alright. And indeed they were, thanks to Jean’s attentiveness and Bob’s heroic ocean rescue.
We’re so very proud of Jean and Bob. Their quick thinking and selfless act of heroism prevented what could have been a very tragic accident. Both Bob and Jean were in attendance at the Town Hall Meeting Saturday, continuing on as if nothing had happened, carrying out their normal duties as board members.  Both were given a very warm and very deserved round of applause from the crowd.

Town Hall Meeting – Saturday, August 22nd

Posted on by Bob Lieber

Join us Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 at Borough Hall for our second Town Hall Meeting with  local Surf City officials. Bagels, sweets and coffee courtesy of Surf City Bagels and Bakery, will be served starting at 9:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.

This is your chance to learn about how to get things done in Surf City and get your questions answered. As we’ve surveyed and talked with taxpayers, questions have come up about our roads, like: “Why are some streets repaved and others not? Why are streets flooding more than before? How do I make a request or ask a question about my street?”

Question about our taxes and town budget also continually come up. For instance: “There are things on my tax bill I don’t understand; can someone explain the bill in simple terms? How much of my tax dollars stay in Surf City? How are spending decisions made or rejected?”

To help address these and other questions you might have, our guest speakers are:

Jackie Siciliano, Surf City Councilwoman, who oversees roads and streets; and David Pawlishak, Surf City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. You can read about their backgrounds below.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday August 22nd!

Town Hall guest speaker Councilwoman Jackie Siciliano, oversees roads and streets.
Ms. Siciliano has been a Surf City Councilwoman since July 2013. She is a University of Kentucky graduate and resident of Surf City for over 18 years. Jackie served on the Surf City Board of Health from 2009-2012 and the Surf City Land Use Board from 2012-2013. She is a Minister of Hospitality at St. Thomas of Villanova Church and former President and volunteer for LBI PTA. Currently she is volunteer for Long Beach Island Education Foundation (LBIEF). She is self employed and married to Dr. Theodore Siciliano for 20 years and has one son, Teddy, 18 years old.

Town Hall guest speakder David Pawlishak, Surf City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. CPA, RMA, CMFO.
David Pawlishak has been the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Borough of Surf City since 1999, where, as Director of the Department of Finance, he oversees all aspects of accounts receivable (including collection of taxes and water/sewer charges), accounts payable, budgetary operations and
payroll. Originally from a steel town in western Pennsylvania, David entered the U.S. Air Force upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He served as a Minuteman ICBM Launch Officer and Instructor of Missile Operations with components of the Strategic
Air Command. While on active duty, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota.
After being honorably discharged with the rank of Captain, he re-entered civilian life and began working as an accountant and auditor with a public accounting firm on Long Beach Island.
Later, he started his own public accounting firm, and was appointed statutory independent auditor for multiple municipalities, school districts and utilities authorities. Eventually, the opportunity arose to apply for a job at the Borough, as the long-time Chief Financial Officer announced his retirement.

Sculptures and Sidesteps

Posted on by John Gausz
Country Line Dancing Night at the firehouse on July 31 was a huge success w/a large turnout. Some of the dances included the electric slide, cha cha slide, macarana, cotton eyed Joe, cupid shuffle, watermelon crawl, boot scootin boogie as well as the tush push.
Reminder here for the-
SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST-  Wednesday, August 12 (Rain Date Aug. 13) 
                          Surf City Taxpayer Association
Co-sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop. Our most popular event!
Family fun on the 14th St. beach. Prizes for kids, teens, adults and groups – Winners can take home a trophy! Starts at 10:00 A.M., judging 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
All Surf City ordinances, including beach badges will be enforced.
Also don’t forget the final Flea Market/Bazaar Fundraiser for Fire Dept/EMS – Firehouse on Tue, Aug 22, 9:45 A.M.

Sand Sculptures, Meetings, Bagels, and Golf!

Posted on by John Gausz
SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST-  Wednesday, August 12 (Rain Date Aug. 13) 
                          Surf City Taxpayer Association
Co-sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop. Our most popular event!
Family fun on the 14th St. beach. Prizes for kids, teens, adults and groups – Winners can take home a trophy! Starts at 10:00 A.M., judging 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
All Surf City ordinances, including beach badges will be enforced.
Saturday August 22 9:45 AM- Taxpayer Meeting Your Taxes and Town Budget Explained at the Borough Hall
    The SCTA is sponsoring this meeting with town officials who will explain the budget process and answer questions on this timely topic. Come prepared to listen and to ask questions.
   Steve Best from Bagels and Bakery is donating the breakfast for the meeting. The SCTA is very appreciative of Bagels and Bakery providing these tasting treats for our meeting.
Don’t forget tomorrow is the mini golf tournament at Island Golf. 10:00 – 11;45 A.M. at 6th St and Long Beach Blvd.

Reminders and Reminiscing

Posted on by John Gausz

“Re-clam The Bay” is still going strong. It is a hands-on demonstration taught by naturalists every Tuesday during the summer at 9:00 AM at the bay swimming beach. Highly recommend for kids of all ages and adults. Find out how shellfish can improve the bay and how your family can help. This activity runs until 8/25.

“Surf City Farmers Market” at the Surf City Volunteer Fire Dept. is still happening every Monday, 9-1PM rain or shine. Market available until 9/14.

Brand new “Welcome to Surf City” sign now up on Long Beach Blvd. 
We’re bursting with Surf City pride! Your Taxpayer Association is pleased to announce that a new decorative sign has been installed on the southern end of Surf City, welcoming guests to our town. Make sure to take a look on your next walk, bike trip or drive up the Boulevard.

Some reminiscing here with the old villa that stood on beachfront property for many years on 12th St. This rather majestic structure – at one time the Ocean Villa Guest House – was at the end of 12th overlooking the ocean. When it was scheduled for replacement there was an offer to anyone who would haul it away for the princely sum of one dollar!

 

Country Line Dance- Friday, July 31

Posted on by John Gausz
A fun night at the Surf City Fire House   with Music and Lessons   by our local favorites  Lisa and Billy. Lessons will start at 6:30 PM and party ends at 10:00 PM. Tickets now are   $8.00 and at the door Friday $10.00.The SC Fire Co Women’s Auxiliary is sponsoring the event.  A 50/50 raffle, soda, water, snacks  and free coffee and tea  are being offered. Groups of six or more can reserve a table now.
For more information and tickets call.
Anita Barnes at 609-361-9490 or   Cathleen Engelsen at 609-494-5079

Mid Summer Happenings and Happiness

Posted on by John Gausz

As summer continues to shine down on our little town there are a couple of events to take note of.

Casino Bus Trip Date-   July 27

Enjoy a bus ride to Resorts Casino. Only adults (21 yrs. or older) $20 each. Receive $20 slot cash at casino. Park at the St. Thomas Church, 14th St & Long Beach Blvd. Arrive 9:00 A.M. Bus leaves at 9:30 Returns 5:30 P.M. Payment prior required. Call Anita 609-361-9490 for questions. Send check, payable to CTABSC, to 44 N. 12th St., Surf City, NJ 08008. Include names and phone numbers. (No Refunds)

 

Miniature Golf Tournament- Wednesday, Aug 5

SURF CITY TAXPAYER ASSOCIATION- Compete for cash prizes in age groups inlc. children, teens and adults. At Island Golf, 6th St. & Long Beach Blvd, 10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.

 

….and some dolphins, lifeguards, and surfing…part of what Surf City is all about in summertime!