Pres. Dave announced that he only has six months remaining as President and introduced Walt Thistlewaite as his replacement for the position of President of the Long Branch Rotary. Dave then presented Walt with the Paul Harris Fellow Award, which is the highest honor to be bestowed on a member.
Karl Vilacoba (L) President Dave Brown (R)
Dave introduced Karl Vilacoba, Communications Director for Monmouth University and the Ocean Coast Institute.
Karl gave an overview of the coastal communities and ocean resources and mentioned that this year is the 20th anniversary of the organization. At the time, it was formed by Monmouth University President President Paul Gafney, who was a Navy Admiral and Oceanographer. He explained how interested parties can interact with the ocean and foster better leadership for the marine environment. There are a few focus areas such as, student support and fundraising for scholarships. The program has funded coastal libraries, clean-up projects, and all sorts of research. Since its inception, 300 students have received funds toward their tuition. Each year students can apply as long as they demonstrate an interest to improve the coast. Community resilience since Storm Sandy has been a large part of their work. Presently they are working on oyster restoration off Earl Weapons Naval Station. There is also a restoration taking place in the Barnegat Bay section of New Jersey for better water quality and eco-health. He explained that the students and faculty are currently working in areas from Long Branch to Spring Lake. They train people to take samples of the water to determine if it is healthy. He went on to say that chemicals used to dissolve ice and snow filter into the water, creating a bacteria buildup. These are the type of things they monitor. Another project which is similar to a crime scene investigation in that they look at marine life and try to get an idea of the fish population in the ocean, lakes, etc. This is done by taking a water sample to extract a bit of DNA that fish leave behind. In that way, they can determine what type fish have been swimming in the water. This also shows which waters have the most marine life or those that are struggling. He encouraged the Members to attend University presentations. A lively Q & A session followed.
Dave presented Andrea, our longtime server, with a parting gift and a card signed by the Members and told her she will be sorely missed. He went on to say that she accepted a full-time position within a New Jersey school district and, although she will continue working at Rooney’s in the evening, she will no longer be taking lunch shifts.
Andrea thanked everyone and introduced Michael who will be our new server beginning January 9th.