Count Basie Center, Bank of America Announce The Sandy Hook Foundation as April's Recipient in "The Giving Year" |  | |
The Sandy Hook Foundation is delighted to be designated as the April recipient of this community initiative, spearheaded by our friends at the Count Basie Center and Bank of America:
(RED BANK – April 3, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the fourth of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the yearlong initiative to recognize and reward organizations for their contributions to the regional community.
The Sandy Hook Foundation will receive $1 from every Count Basie Center ticket sold in April, along with tickets for the organization’s clientele and volunteers. Founded in 1989, the nonprofit has funded cultural, educational, environmental, and conservation programs and has helped restore and preserve historic structures of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Fort Hancock — both National Historic Landmarks.
"Sandy Hook is a national treasure, an unpolished gem right here in our community's backyard,” said Peter S. Izzo, President of The Sandy Hook Foundation Board of Trustees. “The Sandy Hook Foundation works to protect and preserve the park's natural and cultural assets and enhance the visitor experience through expanded and ongoing public programs and projects inside the park. This recognition from the Count Basie Center and Bank of America during The Giving Year will give us the opportunity to directly create a bigger impact at the park this year, and in years to come,” Izzo added. “We are deeply appreciative of the support."
“The work that The Sandy Hook Foundation does to advocate for, enhance, and rehabilitate the Gateway National Recreation Area is vital for the preservation of this natural park,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “Together we must do our part to ensure ecological wonders like Sandy Hook are preserved for New Jersey families, including mine, to enjoy for years to come.”
“Now more than ever, we need to do more to be mindful of our environmental impact – especially in a coastal community such as ours” said Jeremy Grunin, Chairperson, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “The Sandy Hook Foundation’s work in this space is a shining example of how we can work together to preserve our region’s natural habitats and educate future generations on the importance of environmental care.”
Bank of America and Basie Center employees and board members started reviewing applications following announcement of THE GIVING YEAR initiative on Giving Tuesday last November. THE GIVING YEAR will focus on organizations serving causes related to arts and culture, health / wellness, food insecurity, diversity, equity and inclusion, or financial management or other services to underrepresented populations. Click HERE to learn more about The Giving Year Program.
Huge thanks to everyone at the Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America for the generous support!
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APRIL Programs in the Park
Coffee with a Ranger – Facebook Live
Monday, April 3
11 AM
Please join as the live video starts or pre-register in the events tab on the park’s Facebook page - @GatewayNPS. Topic TBD
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Junior Ranger Spy an Osprey
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Saturday April 22
10AM to 11AM
Join a park ranger to learn about osprey behavior and habitat. Wear comfortable shoes. Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 1 mile
Photo courtesy of NPS
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Restoring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck
Saturday, April 15
12 PM – 5 PM
The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer group in WWII era uniform performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/New Peck. Visitors are invited to stop by to chat and learn more about the historic time period of 1943 at Fort Hancock.
Nike Missile Radar Site Tour
Horseshoe Cove, Parking Lot L
Saturday, April 15 AND
Sunday, April 23
12 PM - 4 PM
Guided tour of the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area will allow you to see the inner workings where nuclear armed Nike Hercules missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time top secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked on the Cold War era Nike Air Defense System. Free.
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Family Fun Day at Sandy Hook
Visitor Center – Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Saturday, April 22
2 PM – 4 PM
Every Kid Outdoors is a national initiative that provides fourth graders with a free entry park pass for themselves and their families to visit federally managed public lands, waters, and shores. Visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov to print your voucher then come to the park and pick up your pass. Families join us for an afternoon and evening filled with programs and adventure. There will be a live falcon and hawk demonstration, America250 scavenger hunt and later in the evening the Stars of Sandy Hook program led by S.T.A.R. and the NPS, will be set up in Parking Lot E (see below for details). Lighthouse tours will be available from 1 PM to 3:30 PM (every half hour) and the History House, Building #1, will be open from 1 PM to 5 PM.
This program is sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation with support from a generous grant from our friends at the Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation.
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Junior Ranger Spy an Osprey
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Saturday April 22
10AM to 11AM
Join a park ranger to learn about osprey behavior and habitat. Wear comfortable shoes. Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 1 mile
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Stars of Sandy Hook & The Night Sky
Parking Lot E
Saturday, April 22
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Join S.T.A.R. and a park ranger to view the night skies. A waxing crescent moon will be observable with Mars, Venus, and Mercury in sight. Telescopes will be set up for the public to view the night sky. This program is sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation.
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Photo courtesy of Eric Thacke: Eric Thacke Photography
"Planets on parade last week at Officer's Row. The moon, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars. The smaller planets are faint and on the horizon. Venus is the bright "star" on the right. The moon is the sun looking object in the center."
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Sandy Hook Visitor Center (Lighthouse Keepers Quarters) & Park Store
Saturdays and Sundays
10 AM – 4 PM
Visit the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters exhibits on New Jersey lighthouses, a rotating art exhibit, and please visit the park store.
Call (732) 872-5970 for more information.
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Gateway National Recreation Area Celebrates 50 Years as a National Park in 2022-2023
Get your Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Commemorative Poster Today!
Receive a high-quality print of Erick Sahler’s WPA-style Gateway National Recreation Area 50th Anniversary print. The prints measure 8.5” x 11”, ready to be displayed or framed.
Your donation supports the work of The Sandy Hook Foundation, to preserve and protect Sandy Hook's natural and cultural resources. Limited quantity. $40.00 each, includes shipping.
Order Today!
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Gateway National Recreation Area is Hiring!
The Park Ranger (Interpretation) Seasonal Announcement is open and available on usajobs.gov for openings in all 3 units of Gateway NRA - Sandy Hook (NJ), Staten Island (NY) and Jamaica Bay (NY) Units.
Park Ranger (Interpretation) Standard Duties include:
- Develop and present a variety of programs including guided walks, illustrated talks (PowerPoint amphitheater and campfire programs) and demonstrations.
- Develop programs using principles of the NPS thematic interpretation model through topic research, familiarity with and creative use of delivery techniques.
- Provide informal interpretation and orientation for park guests in visitor centers, ranger stations and while roving in the field.
- Perform cashier duties and assist with a variety of special projects to support park goals.
- Actively promote the safety of park visitors and stewardship of park resources in all interactions, and potentially serve as the initial contact for accident reporting and emergency assistance.
#NPSSeasonalJobs ##GATEWAYNPS #EmploymentOpportunity
NPS Photo: NPS Park Rangers and SCA Bilingual Water Safety Interns pose for a group photo in Guardian Park, Fort Hancock - Sandy Hook, NJ.
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We are delighted to be hosting the 2nd annual Spring Soiree at Spermaceti Life-Saving Station No. 2 on Saturday, May 20 from 5:30 - 8:00pm. The event will raise proceeds to support our mission to preserve and protect Sandy Hook's natural and cultural resources, and enhance the visitor experience at Sandy Hook.
Visit our page to learn more and purchase your tickets or sponsorship today! Artwork by Sarah Cassar
With sincere thanks to our food and beverage partners, and our Watchtower Sponsor, Carol Stillwell - Stillwell Hansen.
| Calling all Sandy Hook Photographers! PHOTO CONTEST |  | |
The Sandy Hook Foundation is proud to partner with the SANDY HOOK New Jersey Facebook group and would like to invite any and all interested photographers to post high-res images taken at Sandy Hook for consideration in a photo contest to this group page. The beautiful fox above is a submission from photogapher Nancy Plumfield. Thank you Nancy!
The winning images will be printed by the Foundation in 11" x 17" format, framed, and displayed as an auction item with photo credit and any other information the winners would like to share, at our upcoming fundraising event, the Spring Soiree, on May 20. Use this link to register!
The Soiree itself raises money to support our work in the park for things like the hydration stations along the MUP, the rebuilding of the observation platform near Lot M, free yoga on the beach, and the opening of the group camping experience at Camp Gateway this May. The auction is another chance to raise additional support at the event.
The Foundation asks that submitted images, posted to this Facebook group, are then available for the Foundation's use to help promote our national park, Sandy Hook, with proper photo credit.
Three winners will be selected based on Facebook "likes" and a final selection by site administrators, and will be chosen by May 5 and announced on the Facebook group page.
To harness the love of Sandy Hook from this talented group and help support our efforts to preserve and protect Sand Hook's natural and cultural resources, each entry is a $5 registration fee which will go directly back into the park to support our mission of preserving and protecting Sandy Hook's vast resources.
Use this link to register and get your date and time stamp.
Feel free to register/enter as many times as you'd like! After you've registered and receive your email receipt, please paste the date and time stamp, "Date: 2023-03-20 17:06:26 UTC", along with your photo to your post, to confirm your contestant status.
Each of the three winners will be awarded six free tickets to the September 9 (rain date 9/10) Benefit Beach Concert Bash at Lot E featuring three live bands, food trucks, and a beer garden by partner Chef David Burke and Red Horse Rumson, a Sandy Hook Foundation water bottle, and a feature about you and your work in our June monthly newsletter that is sent to over 5,000 people. Prize value is $100 each. Join us and show off your talents AND support our beloved national park, Sandy Hook!
Special thanks to site administrator and FB expert Stan Kosinski!
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Meet Ranger Amber Hagan
For anything having to do with special events at Sandy Hook, Amber Hagen is your ranger. Her busy days and weekends are filled with managing and executing a wide variety of events that take place in our National Park, including everything having to do with the Jersey Shore Half Marathon, bike races, large and small weddings at the chapel, on-location filming permits, beach concerts, and maybe the most unusual request, a wiffle ball tournament. Amber is also instrumental in The Sandy Hook Foundation’s events inside the park, including the upcoming Spring Soiree at Spermaceti Life-Saving Station.
Amber’s career with the National Park Service began at Shenandoah National Park as a Student Conservation Associate (SCA) intern while she was doing a research project for her undergraduate degree in environmental studies with a concentration in research management. Growing up, Amber always had an interest in law enforcement. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Shepherd University in West Virginia, close to her home town of Brunswick, MD, where she studied topics such as learning the most effective way to control an invasive species.
Along the way she got a seasonal job as biological technician at Monocacy National Battlefield. While there she learned of the ProRanger program offered through Temple University. ProRanger Philadelphia was established in 2009 as an academic and technical skills training and internship program that was cooperatively administered by the National Park Service and Temple University. Amber took academic coursework and participated in trainings and internships to gain exposure to the career field of a law enforcement park ranger, before attending the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy. Students who successfully completed the program were eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent law enforcement ranger through a direct hiring authority. Amber applied and was accepted. She went to Temple through their certificate program and graduated in 2012, then got hired by the NPS and was told she was going to Sandy Hook, where she worked in law enforcement for 6 years. Amber went to Federal Academy in 2015, and in 2018 she stepped away from law enforcement and moved into Administrative Assistance for Visitor Experience and Resource Protection. Amber then applied for her current job as Special Events Coordinator at Sandy Hook.
Currently Amber has been accepted into the select Generating Organizational Advancement and Leadership (GOAL) Academy of the National Park System, which has 3 residential sessions. Only 50 rangers from across the country were selected. For her group’s project, Amber and her team decided to create and deploy a survey to NPS employees. The survey requested employees to nominate other employees they think are great leaders in the NPS. In February, 390 employees from 163 units across the country recognized 463 of their peers as inspirational leaders, and 14 of those were nominated 3 or more times. As they work through the completion of their project this coming May, they will be identifying deliverables to give to NPS leaders as recognized by their peers, and celebrate them accordingly. Amber says the GOAL Academy is the “best thing I've ever done.”
Amber loves Sandy Hook - she never thought she would get to drive to the beach every day to go to work - but also plans to visit the Redwoods and Acadia. When she retires her goal is to first visit every National Park in the US and then end up somewhere warm and sunny. Once a special event is complete and everyone is happy, she feels satisfied. Amber believes her job is to help people use and enjoy the park while making sure that natural and cultural resources are taken care of for the enjoyment of future generations. That’s why rangers like Amber exist, and we appreciate them every day!
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FISH ON
Fishing Access Permits will be available for purchase,
online only, through recreation.gov until May 15 and again between September 15 and November 15.
Permits will not be available before 10 am on March 1, and payment will not be accepted in person. Information about when and where to pick up vehicle decals will be available on recreation.gov at the time of purchase.
You can find out more about fishing access permits (as well as some of the other permits available throughout the park) on Gateway's website. Click HERE to learn more about permits.
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The Sandy Hook Foundation Named Charity Partner of Jersey Shore Half Marathon on Sandy Hook for 2023
JOIN OUR TEAM!
The Sandy Hook Foundation is very pleased to again be named the official Charity Partner of the 2023 Jersey Shore Half Marathon. The race will take place on Sunday, October 1 on Sandy Hook and will be produced by the Shore Athletic Club (Shore A.C.), with support from the National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
This year, we invite you to be a part of The Sandy Hook Foundation Team in this 2-mile run or half marathon race, as we raise funds for our work in the park. Early Bird discounts for signing up soon. Please, join us!
| The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) achieved the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar/Candid which is the highest level of transparency. Guidestar's mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. | |
