On The Bay: Environmental Updates

Sarah Deonarine, executive director of Manhasset Bay Protection Committee, has made available some interesting updates about local environmental information.
The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District and the NYSDEC have just wrapped up production on their educational film: Stormwater Pollution and Green Infrastructure Solutions. This film highlights stormwater runoff impacts throughout New York State and showcases several green infrastructure solutions to help mitigate the issues associated with stormwater runoff pollution. Readers can watch the video on YouTube at www.youtube/ATNy-vaIPXI?t=3s. For more information and to download free educational outreach materials, go to www.NassauSWCD.org.
Every year the Long Island Sound Study, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Seatuck coordinate volunteer monitoring of possible alewife spawning sites around Long Island. This monitoring season runs March 15 through May 31 and they are looking for volunteers to visit designated sites during this time for 15-plus minutes to document the presence and numbers of alewives (exact schedule TBD). A training session will be held on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Hempstead Town Hall Board Room for all those interested (no experience required). Potential sites for monitoring in Manhasset Bay include: Mill Pond, Baxter Pond, Leeds Pond and Whitney Lake/Manhasset Valley Park. There is also a site on Little Neck Bay (Saddle Rock Grist Mill) for which they need a volunteer. Please register for the training directly to the Long Island Sound Study (Amy and Cassie) at lisstewards@gmail.com or 631-444-0474.
If you have questions, contact Sarah at mbpcExec@gmail.com or 516-869-7983 or go to www.manhassetbayprotectioncommittee.org.
The National Sailing Center and Hall of Fame is a national nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of sailing and its impact on our culture, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to American sailing, teaching math, science and American history, inspiring and encouraging sailing development and providing a landmark for sailing enthusiasts. Their Honorary Advisory Board (not a complete list) is a who’s who in American sailing: Morgan Freeman, Honorary Advisory Board chair, Walter Cronkite Honorary Advisory Board chair (Sept. 14, 2006-July 17, 2009), Betsy Alison, Harry Anderson, Hobie Alter, Ed Baird, Janet Baxter, John Burnham, Paul Cayard, Dennis Conner, Bruce Farr, Gilbert M. Grosvenor, Sally Helme, Olaf Harken, Peter Harken, Halsey Herreshoff, Stan Honey, Terry Hutchinson, Bruce Kirby, Timmy Larr, Buddy Melges, Lowell North, Dawn Riley, John Rousmaniers and Ted Turner. Gary Jobson is the president, board of directors. There is a Youth Advisory Board as well.
Each year the National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) recognizes sailing heroes and their contribution to the sport of sailing. Nominations are now being accepted throughout the year. The nominating period for the Class of 2016 will end on March 30, 2016. If your nomination is received after March 30, it will automatically be entered for consideration for the next year’s class. The next Induction Ceremony will be held on Oct. 30, 2016, at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA.
The NSHOF has developed some helpful tips to consider when making your nomination. First step is to review the documents found on their website (www.national sailinghalloffame.org); Sample Completed Form, By-Laws and Rules for Election. Second, confirm that your candidate meets criteria: at least 45 years old, if deceased, at least five years since death, or deceased was at least 45 (whichever is sooner), a U.S. citizen (a non-citizen may be considered if that person had a significant impact on the growth and development of sailing in the U.S.). Third, decide which category (or categories) for which you would like your candidate to be considered: Sailing, Technical or Contributor—you may choose one, two or all three categories. Fourth, collect the following information to complete the form: your contact info, legal name of your candidate, candidate contact information (if living) and a digital photo and/or other documents that can be uploaded to support your submission. Finally, prepare a statement (as long or short as you like) telling the committee why you feel your candidate should be considered for the National Sailing Hall of Fame. NOTE: the online file must be completed in one sitting, you can’t save your work and then go back to it.
If you are looking for a weekend away during sailing’s offseason, you might want to consider going to NSHOF. The organization provides a home for sailing that trumpets its achievements and inspires generations to excel on the water and serve the sport. The center exhibits and archives collections: Sailing in American Art, Literature and Music; American Women in Sailing Story Project; Tom Morris Library, including Walter Cronkite Sailing Books Collection; Yacht Club Profiles & Stories Project, with the support of the Gowrie Group, to collect and preserve the rich history of American sailing; US Sailing Lists: Herreshoff Awards, Rolex Yachtsman & Yachtswoman Awards, U.S. Olympic Medalists & U.S. Paralympic Medalists; and an Online Film Library: North Sail’s 50 Anniversary, The Hooligan Navy, etc.
Wouldn’t it be nice if one of our local sailors was nominated to the NSHOF and was recognized for their contribution in sailing this year?