Prep Talk

Hermits help shore up erosion prone beaches

Posted October 16th, 2014

Prep Interact Club, aligned with Rotary District 7640 in support of “Project Green”, made a difference to help stop erosion in vulnerable areas of Atlantic City.  The event held October 18, was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Special Improvement District. “This area was significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy and remnants of the damage are still visible today,” explained Nancy McHugh, club moderator. The mission was to plant dune grass at McClinton Park on the Absecon Inlet, which is located at the intersection of New Hampshire and Madison Aves in Atlantic City.  Approximately 150 volunteers worked together.  Along with the Prep volunteers, Interact Clubs from Absegami, Holy Spirit, Vineland, Triton, and Cumberland County VoTech High Schools along with Rotaract club members from Cumberland County Community College worked steadily  from 9am to 1pm. Approximately 5,000 sprigs of dune grass was planted in three different areas.  Each sprig cost $0.16 so the boys were diligent in their planting – no sprig could be wasted.  The dune grass was planted to help stop erosion and to beautify the Park. Members of the Atlantic City Public Works Department gave a lesson on proper planting for long term viability prior to kicking off the event.  Volunteers were treated to lunch from the famous sandwich shop – Tony Boloney’s.  Collaborative work organized by the District Rotary is aimed at encouraging students to join local Rotary Clubs in their adulthood.  Prep Students participating included Steven Sontag, Dillon Taylor, Jared Carr, Jack Schediker, Sal Carfagno, Anthony Fama, Luke Henry, Roman Brooks, Joshua Blackley, and Chase Bisignaro. Check out our Facebook page here to see more photos of this day.