Jennifer Smiga, 732-872-0111, Events@cleanoceanaction.org

Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day a 100% Success

     On April 19th, Whole Foods Market of Middletown, NJ generously donated $2,900 -- five percent of their total day’s sales, to COA.  Three times per year, individual Whole Foods Markets across the country hold “Five Percent Days.”

     Throughout the day, COA was on hand to thank customers for their support, answer questions, and educate customers about nonpoint source pollution by inviting them to participate in a coastal watershed model demonstration. 

     Nonpoint source or “pointless” pollution is the number one cause of coastal water pollution.  Pointless pollution is caused by many sources, including runoff of litter, pet wastes, fertilizers, pesticides, leaky septic systems, faulty sewage pipes, and antiquated stormwater systems.  By keeping informed and making small changes, people can be the solution to ocean pollution.  Remember, what goes down a drain, down a storm sewer, into a gutter, or on a lawn, eventually ends up in the ultimate “sink”...our ocean.  To learn more, read COA’s Ten Tips Series on our website (“Education Programs”).

     Thank you to Kristen Rabourdin, Whole Foods Marketing Team Leader; Paula DiMeglio, Store Team Leader; and the customers and Whole Foods team for continued support for a cleaner ocean and greener world.

Dean’s Natural Food Markets, Naturally Gives Back

     For ten years, Loretta and Dean Nelson, owners of Dean’s Natural Food Markets, and their employees have raised awareness of the benefits of living healthy lifestyles.  “Raising awareness must not stop with ourselves, but should extend to our community,” says Dean.  With this in mind, Dean’s Natural Food Markets is partnering with its customers to better the community.  Dean created a customer loyalty program that allows the store and customers to lend a hand to local nonprofit organizations.

     The Dean’s Customer Advantage Program is easy to use.  Every time you make a purchase, you earn points.  It’s that simple…naturally!  If you enroll on the Dean’s List®, when you reach 250 points, Dean’s mails you a $9 gift certificate, and $1 is matched and donated by Dean’s to a local cause.  That’s $2 donated to one of four local nonprofit organizations in the community.  Current participating organizations include: COA, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, Monmouth County SPCA, and The Wellness Community.

     For complete rules and restrictions visit www.deansnaturalfoodmarket.com or write to: Dean’s Natural Food Market Customer Advantage Program, 1119 Hwy 35, Ocean, NJ 07712.  Another store is located at 490 Broad Street in Shrewsbury.

Winter Flounder Tournament Kicks-off 2006 Fishing Season

     On April 1st, over 200 anglers and ocean advocates participated in COA’s 12th Annual John Murphy & Bob Hunter Memorial Winter Flounder Tournament, hosted by Bahrs Landing of Highlands and Lead Sponsor West Marine.  This fun-filled free event honors the local shore legends John Murphy and Bob Hunter and kicks-off a new fishing season.  Guests attending the morning breakfast and Blessing of the Waters Ceremony, led by Reverend Martin D. McGrail, Jr. of Highlands, included comments by NJ Assemblyman Steve Corodemus (R-11) and Monmouth County Freeholder Anna Little.  Afternoon “fish-tivities” included a 50/50 raffle and auction, which raised $5,800 to benefit COA.  Fish winners (see below) received cash prizes and gift certificates, donated by West Marine.  The First Place winner was also awarded a trophy, carved by artist Chuck Abel.

     Waves of thanks to Lead Sponsor West Marine and Co-Sponsors Channel Club Marina of Monmouth Beach, Hunterdon Brewing Co. of Phillipsburg, Allied Fire & Safety Equipment Co. of Neptune, Brookdale Community College, Buhler & Bitter of Hazlet, Complete Marine Transport of Leonardo, Elite Design of Sea Bright, Highlands Business Partnership, Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Horgan LLC, Monmouth County Department of Economic Development & Tourism, OceanFirst Foundation, Salty Dog Publications, and Skipper’s Boatyard of Atlantic Highlands.  Many businesses donated a large assortment of prizes: Carmine’s of Highlands, Dunkin Donuts of Sea Bright, In the Garden of Highlands, Lockwood Boatworks of South Amboy, Manhattan Bagel of Red Bank, Montauk Mike’s Lures of Shrewsbury, Sciortino’s Tackle Box Fishing Co. of Hazlet, Sea Tow of Central NJ, and Windansea of Highlands.

     The event was organized by Committee Members: Jay Cosgrove and Ed Wisniewski, Bahrs Landing; Dery Bennett, American Littoral Society; Joe Daly, West Marine; Bill Duncan, Highlands; Jean Marie and Ed Horgan, Skipper’s Boatyard; Dorothy Obropta, Metuchen; and Joan Wicklund, Highlands.  Special thanks to volunteers: Don Abrams, Helen Aquino, Robby Barradale, Barbara Bennett, Leigh Campbell, Ann Commarato, Steve Schrenk, Carolyn Waters, Dotty Wilson, and the staff of West Marine’s area stores.

2006 Tournament Winners

• First Place: Tony Wojciechowski of Edison 2.63-pound
• Second Place: Billy Dowd of South River 2.23-pound
• Third Place: Gene Bradford of Rumson 2.15-pound

Taking Action for Winter Flounder

     As part of the tournament, COA held a press conference where US Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6), NY/NJ Baykeeper Andy Willner, Hi-Mar President Bob Kamienski, anglers, and ocean advocates rallied to demand no further delays to the plan to cleanup PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) from local waterways, specifically the Hudson River.  Tournament participants recorded video messages targeting General Electric, one of the culprits of the contamination, and signed petitions and letters renewing the call for the cleanup.