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CONNECTICUT
Number 45
Now that we have a Maryland Chapter, the State of Connecticut couldn't be out done so they formed a chapter of their own. The Connecticut Chapter of Surfrider Foundation was officially recognized by the Board of Directors on August 27, 1999.
The Chapter has hosted two conservation events already. The first, a beach awareness clean up at Cedar Island where 25 members collected "lots of crap" including 1,114 cigarette butts. The second, a clean up at Hammonassett State Park in Madison. Surfrider Foundation members who were involved in the clean up received free admission into the park for the day.
Connecticut Chapter activists held their first fundraising event at the Chart House. The "Beach Ball" was attended by 112 supporters of Surfrider Foundation's mission to protect and preserve our coastal resources along the Connecticut coastline. The money raised will be put towards the implementation of such Surfrider programs as; incorporating water quality monitoring into shoreline high schools and middle schools. The chapter is planning a training seminar for interested teachers. At the end of the
monitoring period students will present their data at a conference where they can share their research with other schools and compare data along the Connecticut coast.
MALIBU
Save the 'BU
It was a surfer's dream: strong, clean swells rolling down the point at Malibu on an uncrowded day. It was surfing at its best. But since it was Malibu, a place with long-term pollution problems, it was also a reminder that ocean users everywhere need to give something back by helping to protect our waves and coastlines. That was the message of Surfrider Foundation's Malibu Chapters third annual "Save the Malibu" event in late June.
50 people on Long boards, short boards, surf stars, boogie boards, grommets, beginners, graybeards and everyone in- between started the day's event with a Chumash sunrise paddle out ceremony.
The Malibu Chapter event continued with the "Kids Conference" on protecting our waves and beaches, conducted by Ed Begley, Jr. actor and environmental activist, along with Michael Wisner, noted expert on what we can do to solve our pollution problems.
As a rap up to the event around 250 Surfrider Foundation supporters gathered at the Adamson Museum for the chapter's annual fundraising dinner and auction. The attendees were entertained with music by Jackson Browne and a fantastic selection of surfing art.
Over $10,000 was raised for the fight to stop the health threats to ocean users at Malibu beaches. Surfrider Foundation's Malibu Chapter activist won't give up until solutions are developed and implemented to restore healthy water quality to the beaches of the Malibu coast.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Surf Access
The Virginia Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation was able to support and assist the local VB group; Surfing Access for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) in expanding surfing access in Virginia Beach. The Virginia Beach City Council voted unanimously to remove all surfing restrictions in the City's "North End" and Croatan beachfront communities Monday through Thursday. Working with City Council, City Staff and EMS safety personnel the groups drafted a new City Ordinance that took effect in July to reduce surfing time restrictions in these areas on weekends and holidays.
This new ordinance was reviewed at 30 and 60 day intervals and will have final review on October 31, 1999. If the pilot project goes well, the City Council will renew the ordinance as permanent. This is a great day for Virginia Beach surfers, local activists, SAFE and Surfrider Foundation's Virginia Beach Chapter.
Please contact the Virginia Beach Chapter to become an active volunteer on issues that effect the Virginia Beach coastline. The chapter could really use your help.
Palm Beach County
fundraising event.
Rocky of Rocky's
Surf Shop with donated Beach Bill Surfboard.
