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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have just wrapped up production on their educational film: Stormwater Pollution and Green Infrastructure Solutions. This film highlights stormwater runoff impacts in New York State and showcases several green infrastructure solutions to help mitigate the issues associated with stormwater runoff pollution. To download free educational outreach materials, go to www.NassauSWCD.org.
Every year the Long Island Sound Study, NYSDEC and Seatuck coordinate volunteer monitoring of possible alewife spawning sites around Long Island. This monitoring season runs from March 15 through May 31, and they are looking for volunteers to visit designated sites for 15-plus minutes to document the presence and numbers of alewives (exact schedule TBA). A training session will be held on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall for 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). Register for the training at lisstewards@gmail.com or 631-444-0474. Contact Sarah at mbpcExec@gmail.com or call 516-869-7983 or go to www.manhas setbayprotectioncommittee.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 is a who’s who in American sailing (not a complete list): 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, Bruce Kirby, Timmy Larr, Buddy Melges, Lowell North, Dawn Riley, John Rousmaniers, Ted Turner. Gary Jobson is the president of the 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 sailing. 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.nationalsailinghalloffame.org). Second, confirm that your candidate meets the 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 an impact on U.S. sailing). Third, decide which categories for which you would like your candidate to be considered: sailing, technical or contributor—you may choose one or more. Fourth, collect the following information: your contact info, legal name of your candidate, candidate contact info (if living) and a digital photo and 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 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, you might want to consider going to NSHOF. The organization trumpets achievements in sailing and inspires generations to excel on the water. The center exhibits and archives collections: sailing in American art, literature and music; American women in sailing; Tom Morris Library, including Walter Cronkite Sailing Books Collection; Yacht Club Profiles and Stories Project, with the support of the Gowrie Group, which collects and preserves the history of American sailing; U.S. Sailing Lists: Herreshoff Awards, Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman Awards, U.S. Olympic Medalists and U.S. Paralympic Medalists and an online film library.
Wouldn’t it be nice if one of our local sailors was recognized by NSHOF for their contribution in sailing this year?
