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Dear Friends,
Spring is here and Sandy Hook is teeming with life and activity. We look forward to seeing you out and about, whether filling up for water at the hydration stations along the M.U.P., birding, biking or hiking, or perhaps at the May 20 Spring Soiree. There are so many ways to enjoy Sandy Hook at this time of year. We look forward to seeing you at the beach!
The Sandy Hook Foundation
| Photo Courtesy of Joe Powell, JC Powell Photography. | |
Tony Costa is no stranger to Sandy Hook. He’s been coming here since 1979 with his father who also loved the beach. Summer outings would either be to the Long Branch boardwalk, Twin Lights, or Sandy Hook on the bayside. A core memory of Tony’s is visiting the old dynamite bunkers near Batteries Kingman and Mills, and exploring the rackline and shallows of the beaches on the bay.
This love of Sandy Hook led Tony to eventually become an official and trained Volunteer in Park (VIP). On any given weekend you might bump into him staffing one of the historic buildings in Fort Hancock. Whether or not he’s officially on duty as a VIP, you might also find him walking the beaches picking up trash, surfing the waves, taking photographs that are regularly used by the NPS, or strumming his guitar. In his travels Tony uses an app called SEEK by iNaturalist to identify plants and know whether he’s wading in poison ivy as he’s picking up debris, and reminds everyone that Sandy Hook is a carry-in/carry-out park, meaning visitors should take their trash home with them!
One place you will find Tony on Saturday mornings in the summer is at Beach D, where he leads free Saturday Morning Beach Yoga from
8 am - 9 am, a program sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation. Years ago, Tony left his work in finance to become a full-time, certified yoga instructor. This year, yoga classes begin on June 3 and run through September 23, 2023. Everyone is invited to grab a large and sturdy beach blanket and join him at the North Chute at Lot D for his early morning practice.
This summer, The Sandy Hook Foundation is working with Tony to add programming in the form of wellness workshops. Tony has been running workshops for over 15 years and in addition to his yoga certification, he is a lifelong martial artist, and lay ordained Zen Buddhist.
A Self-Defense for Women workshop will take place at Spermaceti Lifesaving Station No. 2 on Friday morning, August 11 from 9am - 11am. This workshop is perfect for women going off to college or moving out for the first time. “Self defense begins before, and continues after, a physical altercation; the majority is what we do leading up to that. Our actions and mindset before it gets to the physical level is often the most important part of self defense. We need to not only learn physical tactics, but also learn to manage the mental and emotional aspects of it, as control of these can prevent many conflicts,” said Tony.
“This workshop will work on a combination of physical techniques and understanding the mental and emotional aspects of self defense, as one does not work without the other. The combination of the two will help bring you to a place of confidence in yourself.”
Through his practices, Tony stresses three things: 1) Situational awareness 2) a “no conflict” mindset and 3) not living from a place of fear. “Fear is a choice, danger is real,” Tony says. Tony believes that the “art of fighting is not fighting,” which is the highest form of self defense. Tony has studied martial arts since he was a child, and stresses that prevention is key.
Some believe that at Sandy Hook, the convergence of water magnifies energy, where two locally strong rivers, the Navesink and Shrewsbury, empty into the Sandy Hook Bay; the Raritan, East and Hudson rivers feed down; and the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream all meet here at the tip, where they swirl in powerful tides. Tony believes that all that water is moving energy. Please, join him and see for yourself … every Saturday morning for yoga, or for the self-defense workshop on August 11, when he will share with participants his practices, what he’s learned and how it helped him, and how you or someone you know can also use this knowledge to your advantage. The Sandy Hook Foundation looks forward to announcing additional wellness workshops with Tony soon. See you at the beach!
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Save the Date and Register Now!
Women’s Self Defense Workshop with Instructor Tony Costa
Friday, August 11
9am - 11 am
Spermaceti Lifesaving Station No. 2
$25 suggested contribution for participants
Hosted by The Sandy Hook Foundation
info@sandyhooknj.org
Register HERE, $25 suggested donation per registrant
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Bank of America Day of Service for National Volunteer Week
Thank you to Bank of America Community Volunteers for coming out to Sandy Hook during National Volunteer Week to help get the park ready for summer! BoA employees cleared debris and trash from hiking trails and painted lifeguard stands. The Sandy Hook Foundation and the Gateway National Recreation Area appreciate your support!
Does your company sponsor days of service? If so, reach out to us at The Sandy Hook Foundation to talk about a potential partnership. We'd love to host you!
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MAY Programs in the Park
Sandy Hook Proving Grounds History Walk
Parking Lot J
Saturday, May 6
5 PM – 7 PM
From the Fall of 1874 to the Summer of 1919, the U.S. Army developed and test fired all of its field and heavy artillery at the Army's first official Proving Ground here at Sandy Hook. The army's mission was to invent weapons that were not only powerful against those of foreign countries but were also safe for American soldiers to use in the field. The guns and ordnance tested here helped the U.S. Army win the Spanish-American War and World War I which in turn made the United States a world power. Meet a park ranger to take a walking tour of the old Proof Battery to discover how the Army conducted their ordnance testing here. Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 1 mile
Coffee with a Ranger – Facebook Live
Monday, May 8
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
Nike Missile Radar Site Tour
Horseshoe Cove, Parking Lot L
Saturday, May 13 AND
Sunday, May 21
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
Junior Ranger Horseshoe Crab
Beach Plaza B
Friday, May 19
7 PM – 8:30 PM
Celebrate National Endangered Species Day! Meet up with a park ranger and learn about the natural history of horseshoe crabs and why they annually visit Sandy Hook’s shores during the full moon phases in May & June. Wear shoes that can get wet. Reservations required, please call (732) 872-5970. ♥ 1 mile
Junior Ranger Angler
Fort Hancock - Officer Row House #18
Saturday, May 20
9 AM – 1 PM
The National Park Service and the American Littoral Society are partnering together to teach young children how to fish. Join us for a day of surf fishing and instruction on the beach. We will cover the basics of casting, knot tying, lure/bait selection, and “reading” a beach. All skill levels are welcome. Rods, reels, and tackle will be provided. Children between the ages of 7 through 13 are welcome with a supervising adult. Please bring your lunch and snacks. Call (732) 291- 0055 to make a reservation. Free.
Ocean Fun Day
Building #22, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
Sunday, May 21
11 AM – 3 PM
Spend the day with your family enjoying hands-on fun while learning about our environment. Join NJSGC and their Ocean Fun Days partners for this popular pre-summer event. Learn how to use a seine net or join the youth scavenger hunt foe energy savings tips. Test your sand science knowledge or become a hiker and search for natural treasures on a guided tour. Hear from NJ scientists and researchers all about the inner workings of the ocean and how to protect it for generations to come. Dozens of exhibits and children’s activities. Free admission.
Coastal Defense Day, SUNDAY May 21
Battery Gunnison /New Peck in World War II
11 AM – 4 PM
In cooperation with NJ Sea Grant Consortium, Army Ground Forces Association members in World War Two uniform bring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck and its 6-inch guns to life as they were in final modernization and activation in May 1943. This was part of the Army’s mission to defend New York Harbor during WWII. Learn about Army Harbor Defense Operations. See and experience restored 1920’s to 1940’s vintage electric, telephone, ammunition handling and chemical weapons protective systems. Learn about Fort Hancock Army medical support. Participate in loading the guns, tracking ships, learn “artillery math”, see a WWII era working machine shop and experience a soldier’s life at Ft. Hancock in 1943.
Also on Sunday, May 21
Lighthouse Tours
12 PM – 4:30 PM, Special Hours
History House
Officer Row House - Building 1
12 PM – 5 PM – Special Hours
Fort Hancock Post Museum
Building 28
12 PM – 5 PM – Special Hours
Stars of Sandy Hook & The Night Sky
Friday, May 26
Parking Lot E
8 PM – 10 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 various constellations in sight. Telescopes will be set up for the public to view the night sky. Weather Dependent.
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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
Friday through Monday every week
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.
| Does your company match employees' gifts? Don't know? Check HERE and double your impact with a corporate match today. | The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) has achieved the 2023 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. | |
Spring Soiree to be Held on May 20 | |
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 feature an auction filled with Sandy Hook-centric experiences, live music and fabulous food, and will raise proceeds to support our mission to preserve and protect Sandy Hook's natural and cultural resources, and enhance your experience at Sandy Hook.
Visit our page to learn more and purchase your tickets or sponsorship today! Artwork by Sarah Cassar
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Huge Thanks to Our Soiree Sponsors
Watchtower Title Sponsor
Carol Stillwell
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Harbor Seal Sponsors
Elizabeth and Dick Lilleston
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Piping Plover Sponsors
Pat and Bill Alcaro
Betsy and Bob Barrett
Nancy and Michael Del Priore
Peggy and Rich Eittreim
Marian and Pete Izzo
Pamela Lacy
Nancy Laird
Michele McGlyn
Teddi and Russ Smith
Maryam and Jesse Spector
Osprey Sponsors
Karen Cundari Berger and Brian Lichten Berger
Marilyn and Bob Broege
Monmouth County Clerk
Christine Giordano Hanlon,
Sheriff Shaun Golden and
Commissioner Director Tom Arnone
Marion and Sean Moran
Trudy and Charlie Parton
Moriah and Scott Rosenblum
Jane and George Schildge
Susan and Bob Sorokolit
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Turtle Sponsors
Debi and Doug Douty
Monica and Raymond Eppinger
Timothy Flanagan
Daren and Jim Hutchinson
Karen and Hal Hyatt
Lucy Matchett
Monmouth University Department of History and Anthropology
Marcus Porcelli
Reverend and Mrs. William Riker
Kelly Ryan
Lou Venuto
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
National Park Foundation
"The National Park Foundation celebrates the Sandy Hook Foundation’s Spring Soiree. We are proud to contribute to the event, and to the Sandy Hook Foundation’s important work to enrich visitor experience at the park, and to build community support for this special place."
Garrett Maltzan, Program Fellow
Community Partnerships, National Park Foundation
| With sincere thanks to our Soiree food and beverage, and entertainment partners: | Ocean Township Students Participate in National Park Postcard Exchange |  | |
Students from Mrs. Brannen`s 5th grade EXPLORE Science Club at the Ocean Twp. Intermediate School recently participated in a National Park Postcard Exchange organized by teacher Jen Koehler Reiter on the National Park Classroom (a Facebook community for teachers who are passionate about public lands and integrating them into educational experiences for students). Participating teachers and students chose a National Park site (park, historical monument, etc.) in their state and sent a “postcard” about their “home” park to each of the other classes on the list.
Mrs. Brannen’s class chose to highlight Sandy Hook and wanted to send something to classrooms across the country that was more than a postcard with a picture. They decided to create a Google Slides Presentation and added a QR code that teachers/students could scan to access the presentation. The goal of this project is to expose kids to the amazing National Park System.
Students are already thinking about next year and how they can improve their National Park Postcards!
| Thank You Sandy Hook Photographers! PHOTO CONTEST | |
The Sandy Hook Foundation is proud to partner with the SANDY HOOK New Jersey Facebook group and thanks all photographers who entered their beautiful images of Sandy Hook to our photo contest! Stay tuned for the winning results on May 5 on our Facebook page. The beautiful sunset photo above was submitted by Lynda Lettice. Thanks Lynda!
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. Special thanks to site administrator and FB expert Stan Kosinski!
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Thanks to everyone who came out for the Every Kid Outdoors program on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22.
Part of the program was 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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Breakfast with the MBF team and their Q1 2023 Grant Recipients was a lovely way to say thank you in person!
l. to r.: Laurie Bratone, SHF Director of Development; Catherine Franzoni, Manasquan Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Pete Izzo, SHF President of the Board
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NEW TRUSTEE
The Sandy Hook Foundation welcomes new Trustee, Professor Melissa Ziobro, to its board. Melissa is on the faculty of the History and Anthropology Department at Monmouth University and got her career start as an intern at Fort Hancock, working on an oral history project while an undergrad at Monmouth University. Welcome Melissa!
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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!
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GET YOUR WATER HERE
Summer is almost here! Don't forget your refillable water bottle while riding, walking, or running the Multi Use Path! Hydration Stations are located near Lot M and at the entrance to Camp Gateway.
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