Dog parks come to Manahawkin

Manahawkin dogs will soon have two parks for socializing and exercise. On Febuary 15, 2011 the Stafford Township Council unanimously approved a plan to open two dog parks.  Though the exact locations haven't been determined, the parks being discussed are an area close to the Beach Avenue Playground downtown and the Lighthouse Park (on Lighthouse Drive at Clearwater) in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin.

The expected cost for the two parks is $8,000 to $10,000 for fencing and waste stations.  There was some opposition to the proposal, residents expressed concern about spending the money and irresponsible dog owners who don't clean up after their pets.

But the dogs had their day, will keep you posted as the parks progress.

Eyes wide open

For as ridiclous as this sounds in our picturesque, beachside, hamlet someone stole a fire hydrant from our community.  The fire hydrant was damaged during winter snow plowing operations and while it was waiting to be repaired someone came and stole it.  It has since been replaced but this incident serves as a reminder to the community, if someone or some group is doing something they shouldn't or acting in an improper manner call the police.  Its as simple as calling (609)-597-8581.  They will be happy to take care of any issue you may have.  In the future, if something isn't right The fine members of the Stafford Police Department is here to serve our community.  Remember this is our community lets keep it great. 
In an emergency always call 911.

The pool

One of the things that makes our community unique and valuable is the pool. With summer rapidly approaching the pool becomes the focal point of our community. Traditionally the pool opens Memorial Day weekend. The pool is then open on weekends until July 4th where it's opened daily until Labor Day. After Labor Day it's opened on weekends until mid-September. The time of operation is 9am to 8 pm. The pool is also heated on chilly days for our comfort. As a community member your input is valued regarding the pool's operation and condition. As summer approaches we will give you the opportunity to be part of the pool committee. Look for the list of pool rules too. Following them will allow the community to have a safe and enjoyable pool season.

Meet the board members

With the appointment of Frank Cangiarella as our newest Trustee of Island Gate, we thought it an excellent time to review the trustees or board members of our community. Joe Martyn is the president and our longest serving board member. Anne Doyle is the vice-president. Frank Cangiarella is the secretary. Edward Fortunato is the treasurer. Last but not least Carol Osten is our member-at-large. Regardless of title, each member has equal say and voting rights on the board. If you would like to contact any of the board members their email adresses are below.
Joe: Jamrtyn@aol.com
Anne: Cannedoyle@Verizon.net
Carol: Cao50@aol.com
Frank: Frankcangi@aol.com
Ed: edwardfortunato@gmail.com

Remember the board is working to serve the community so please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to offer guidance, information and hopefully answer any questions or concerns you may have with the community.

Summer is just around the corner

With the first day of spring here, summer is just around the corner. With that, you may have noticed our new landscaping company, Brickman, beginning their spring cleanup and edging. They will be a frequent visitor to our community over the next three seasons. Your comments both good and bad about Brickman or any of our Island Gate service providers are vital to keeping our community operating and looking the best it can. Please feel free to contact our management company Association Advisors with any comments, issues or concerns. Your participation in the community will keep Island Gate looking its best.

Grill notice

It may be a shock to some of our neighbors but grilling on your deck using gas,charcoal or propane is illegal in multi-family dwellings like ours. In fact any open flame on our decks is illegal. This information was recently brought to the board's attention through the hard work of one of our trustees in conjunction with our lawyers. Please note the board is beginning to work on amending the by-laws to abide by the law while making grilling possible in our community. Stay tuned for more news and be involved, remember the community needs to vote on any by-law change and yay or nay your vote counts.

First IGHA blog

Thanks for visiting our site. We hope you find it useful. At a board meeting on March 19, 2011 the board agreed to try a blog site to more effectively communicate with our neighbors. We would also like to state that the board has a new member, Frank Cangiarella. Frank replaces Don Dietz who resigned as of March 1. We wish Frank luck in his new position.