VOL. VIII NUMBER 4 January, 1997
"Farewell" - It Has Been Our Pleasure!
The New Jersey mosquito control community's ranks are being diminished by the retirement of Russell Byrd, Robert Dreyer, Herman Ehrenberg and Leita Hulmes. Together, these individuals have contributed over 120 years to mosquito control efforts in New Jersey!
Russell Byrd grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, and attended Bordentown Military Academy from the 9th through the 12th grade. Upon graduation, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the Army Corps of Engineers. Much of his tour was spent in Korea, where he was involved in the construction of roads and bridges. Russ began working for the then Union County Mosquito Commission as a Laborer on March 22, 1954. During his 43 years with Union County, Russ worked his way up through the ranks, becoming an Equipment Operator in 1955, a Heavy Equipment Operator in 1957, a Foreman in 1973, and a General Foreman in 1981. In 1989, Russ was assigned the task of overseeing the construction of the Union County Conservation Center in Springfield. In July of 1993, he was promoted to the position of Bureau Chief of the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control. Throughout his long career, Russ has served as a role model - not only for his own staff in Union County, but for many of us around the state. Russ will officially retire in June of 1997. He and his wife Edna have two daughters and three grandsons.
Robert Dreyer is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds a B.S. in Agriculture. As a student, Bob worked on the State Airspray Program with Mr. Jobbins, Wayne Crans and Henry Rupp. Upon graduation from college Bob was hired by the Monmouth County MEC as the Assistant Superintendent - a position which he held for a little over a year and a half. In November of 1965 he became the Superintendent of the Middlesex County MEC. As Bob entered the building on his first day at the Middlesex County MEC, the retiring Superintendent threw him the keys, walked out the front door, and never set foot in the building again! Bob survived and has been the Superintendent for the past 32 years, directing the Middlesex County MEC for over a third of its existence. During this time he has held various offices and has chaired numerous committees within the mosquito control community. His first committee responsibilities were in 1974, serving on the Convention Arrangements and Steering Committees. Since then, Bob has been President of both the NJMCA, Inc. and the Associated Executives of Mosquito Control Work in New Jersey. He is also the last Charter Member of the Associated Executives to retire. Bob's retirement takes place on April 1, 1997; his position will be filled by the Middlesex County MEC's current Assistant Superintendent, Rod Schmidt - himself no newcomer to mosquito control.
On February 1, 1997, Herman (Buddy) Ehrenberg will retire from his position as Acting Superintendent of the Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control. Buddy has dedicated his services to mosquito control work in New Jersey for the past 41 years. During that time, he has done extensive research in cooperation with the staff of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. He is responsible for the invention of the Ehrenberg pigeon trap, a very important tool in mosquito surveillance work. In March, 1978, Buddy's many contributions to mosquito control were recognized as he was made the recipient of the Jesse B. Leslie award. During his career, Buddy has served as an officer of the NJMCA, Inc., and has also served on a number of committees within the NJMCA and the Associated Executives.
Leita Hulmes retired from the Monmouth County MEC on December 31, 1996. Leita graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Geology, and earned her Masters in Geology from the University of Delaware. She was an instructor of Marine Science at Stockton State College for a year, and was employed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from 1985 to 1990. During that time, Leita was the Supervisor of the Land Use Regulatory Element Section. In 1990, Leita came to the Monmouth County Planning Board, and transferred to the Monmouth County MEC in 1992, where she served as the Commission's Environmental Specialist. During her tenure at the Monmouth County MEC, Leita was an active participant in the NJMCA, and she also served as the Secretary of the Monmouth County Water Resources Association.
The New Jersey mosquito control community is losing the services of four exemplary individuals. Our lives have been enriched by their presence within them, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Claudia O'Malley, Entomologist, Burlington County MEC
(Biographical information provided by Carolyn Vollero, Rod Schmidt, Leonard Soccio and Martin Chomsky.)
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I for one am happy to see the 1995-1996 mosquito breeding season pass on into the history books. While virus for EEE was present in several areas in the state and our area in general, we were able to conclude the season with no reports of human morbidity or mortality. This was quite an accomplishment when you consider the impediments we were forced to endure:
First - The weather this season has probably surpassed the greatest amount of rainfall ever recorded (55.25 inches in the 1870's) in our area.
Second - A compromise in our surveillance system (horrendous increase in the amount of mosquitoes we were prepared to analyze for EEE).
Third - Effects of a decade of reduction in our resources, both financial and personnel, probably based on the fact we are considered a part-time operation.
Fourth - Proposed changes in legislation that could eliminate our ability to adulticide.
Fifth - Loss of pesticides as well as expected increase in cost, as many companies are either discontinuing or selling off this part of their business.
Sixth - Lack of a disaster plan where helpful resources can be accessed within 72 hours for utilization on an emergent basis.
There is no doubt in my mind that we achieved our responsibilities of protecting the health and lives of our citizens for the most part through the experience and expertise of the mosquito control community, particularly the superintendents. We can be proud of the results of our efforts during this very challenging season. Congratulations to all.
Dr. Thomas Murray, President, New Jersey Mosquito Control Association, Inc.
MEMBERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION, Inc.
Benefits of membership in the NJMCA, Inc. includes the Newsletter, a copy of the Proceedings of the NJMCA Annual Meetings, and you'll have the opportunity to participate in the exchange of ideas and knowledge with other mosquito control professionals. To apply for membership fill out the following application and forward it to: Mrs. A.R. Hajek, Mosquito Research and Control, Cook College, PO Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Make checks payable to "New Jersey Mosquito Control Association", membership period is from March to March.
Name:___________________________________________________
Individual $25.00/yr: _____________
Sustaining $250.00/yr: _____________
Address:____________________________________
___________________________________________
Contribution to D.M. Scholarship: _____________
Phone: Office:( )______________ Home:( )________________
84th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NJMCA, Inc., FEBRUARY 25 - 28, 1997
AT THE TRUMP TAJ MAHAL, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
It's That Time Again!
Each year the Association solicits names of individuals for the various awards to be presented at the annual meeting. This year the deadline for submitting your candidate(s) is February 3, 1997. Please submit these names in writing to the Secretary. Just to refresh your memory, the three categories are:
In order to memorialize formal events of the year, the committee needs to know of events deserving such recognition to prepare resolution(s) in response to these activities which affect our mosquito control community. Please send these in as soon as possible to the Secretary.
Bunny Hajek, Secretary, NJMCA, Inc.
Awards Banquet Entertainment
The entertainment for this years Awards Banquet will be "Mr. Music" (Skip Kehr). Skip Kehr, with over 40 years of experience has appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, is an Alumni of the United States Navy Band & Sea Chanters, has toured Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Ireland and Germany, made TV, radio and stage appearances around the U.S.A., and entertained President Kennedy and guests.
Loretta Undercuffler, Cape May County MEC
NJMCA Is Going To The Dogs!?
Spouse Committee Going To The Dogs!? - The Golden Girls In A.C.!
The Spouse Committee this year is proud to announce that The Golden Girls - CH. Sugarbush Short Circuit, WC, JH, TDI, CGC; DBL B's Mill Stream Lucy, CD, WC, JH CGC: and Keela's Jewel of Topaz, CGC, TDI - will be appearing as part of the afternoon program Thursday the 27th at our Annual Meeting. The Girls are all Golden Retrievers, trained and registered as therapy dogs. Along with their corresponding two-legged friends (whom the Girls insist are well trained also, but are really only necessary as interpreters), their show will highlight a variety of techniques and job opportunities that exist in the canine world. These will include search and rescue, therapy, obedience, and hunting. This will be an informal, fun session open to all registrants.
Jim McNelly, Cape May County MEC
Thanks! and Thanks Again!
The Public Relations Committee, on behalf of the membership of the NJMCA, Inc. would once again like to thank all those of you that participated in the November Teacher's and League of Municipalities Meetings in Atlantic City. Members from the counties of Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Warren, along with the Office of Mosquito Control Coordination had the opportunity to attend and man the Association booth. Judging from conversations regarding the success of this years meatiness at the December Associated Executives meeting, our contact with these groups was well received, and future participation heartily recommended. Special thanks from the Committee to Dana Chort (Atlantic Co.) and Mike Romanowski (Ocean Co.) for all the extra effort needed to set-up and take down the Association's exhibit.
Looking towards the Annual Meeting, the Committee will be displaying representations of two proposed designs for an updated Association lapel pin. The design will be displayed in a prominent location in the Exhibitors Room, near the registration desk, beginning Tuesday Feb. 25. During committee reports at the Wednesday Business Meeting and Luncheon, the Public Relations committee will ask for an informal vote of the membership regarding acceptance of one of these two designs. Please take the time to look them over, and attend the Business Meeting to cast your vote.
Jim McNelly, Cape May County MEC
BRING YOUR ICE SKATES!
For anyone into ice-skating, there is a beautiful new skating rink on the boardwalk called "Ocean on Ice". The rink is directly in front of Convention Hall (next to Trump Plaza), overlooking the ocean (skate rentals are available).
NJMCA-Membership/Annual Business Meeting Luncheon
Members of the Association currently in good standing, dues from the 1996-1997 fiscal year have been paid, are entitled to the free luncheon held in conjunction with the annual business meeting of the Association on Wednesday February 26, 1997 (11:45) at the Trump Taj Mahal. While the business meeting of the Association is open to anyone who is interest, only members can vote and only paid members are provided a lunch at no charge. Individuals who are not members can attend the luncheon at cost or may choose to join the Association. Your participation and/or membership are welcome.
NJMCA MEMBERSHIP 1996 -1997, as of 12-31-96.
HONORARY MEMBER: Bunnie Hajek, Helen Sollers-Riedel, Frances Killeen
ATLANTIC COUNTY: Dana Chort, William Reinert, Ed Rock
BERGEN COUNTY: Herman Ehrenberg, Leonard Soccio
BURLINGTON COUNTY: Claudia O'Malley, Frank Somes
CAMDEN COUNTY: Howard Emerson, Robert L. Lamoreux, Leslie Miller, Dr. Thomas E. Murray, Robert S. Outlaw, Bernard Platt, Michael Rakoski,Esq., John Rigolizzo, Jr.
CAPE MAY COUNTY: Mary Banks, George Conover, Dr. Clayton Carr, Ralph Evans, Charles Gillis, Judy A. Hansen, Joyce Hoffman, James McNelly, William McPherson, George Neidig Jr., Ralph Sheets, Neil Stile, Luretta Undercuffler, Gregory Willis
CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Joseph Cox, Douglas McCormick
GLOUCESTER COUNTY: John Sweet
MIDDLESEX COUNTY: Robert Dreyer, Dr. Andrew Forgash, Sidney Frankel, Florence Gaspari, Roderic Schmidt, Dr. Donald Sutherland
MONMOUTH COUNTY: Martin Chomsky, James Gray, Douglas Guthrie, Leita Hulmes, John J. Merla, George Rue, Lionel Schusterman, Edward J. Stominski, Andrew Trocchia, Jr., Robert Shuey
MORRIS COUNTY: Jeff Donnelly, Frank Druetzler, Roderick Mac Dougall, Spencer Marsh, Daniel Rice, Michael Sawka Jr., Marc Slaff, Henry Sawoski, Floyd Tompkins Jr., H. Cory Walling, Stephen Wall Jr.
OCEAN COUNTY: Richard Braks, Richard Candeletti, Thomas Candeletti, Anthony D'Elia, David Ekelman, M. Dean Haines, James F. Lacey, Michael Mathis, Charles Mayer, Michael Romanowski
PASSAIC COUNTY: Alan Juszcyk
SALEM COUNTY: John Bradway, Alvin Crispin, Jack Elk, William Fisher, Donald Fowser, Richard Hinchman, Kenneth Porch
SUSSEX COUNTY: Scott Crans, Frank Wilpert
UNION COUNTY: Russell Byrd
WARREN COUNTY: John Borino, Duane Copley, Linda Dickson, Robert Duryea, John Hawk, William Mannon, Ann Pierok, Christine Musa, Michael Sloane, Ann Stone
RUTGERS: Dr. Don Caccamise, Dr. Wayne Crans, Dr. Farida Mahmood, Peter Bosak
STATE MOSQ. COMMISSION: Aaron Rappaport, Thomas Sellers, David Adam, Dr. Kenneth Bruder, Robert Kent
WAYNE TWP: T. R. VarcaDipane
CINAMINSON: Fran Leusner
DELAWARE: Chester Stachecki. Paul Sandridge
MASSACHUSETTS: Ken Ludlam Jack Card
COMMERCIAL VENDORS: Patrick Callahan-Cheminova, William Zawicki-NE Vector Mgmt., Wally Terrill-NE Vector Mgmt., Jonathan Cohen-Summit Chemical, Jeffrey O'Neill-Sandoz Agro, Inc., Clay Beach-Amphib. ATV, Joseph Fitzpatrick-Abbott, Gil Cheney-Cheney's Argo, Gwain Roundtree-Quality Industries, Kim Luteran-Agrevo Env., Peter Nelson-ACR, George Briar-LMC, Cas Kleczko-Edward Lowe, Karl Kutzner-Beecomist, William Jany-Am. Cyanamid, Edward Ryblewski-Grainger, Prescott Towle-CWC Chemical Co., Sandy Moore-Landpower Equip, Jeffrey Goldstein-Sinclair, Larry Erickson-Clarke
NEW JERSEY: Henry Rupp, Michael Hajek
New Officers for the Assoc. Executives of Mosquito Control Work in New Jersey
At the January 1997 meeting of the Associated Execs. of Mosquito Control Work in New Jersey the following were elected as officers of that association: President, Christine Musa (Warren County MEC), Vice President, Scott Crans (Sussex County Mosq. Control), Secretary, Dr. Marc Slaff (Morris County MEC), Treasurer, Dr. Wayne Crans (Rutgers MR&C).
Dr. Sutherland Recognized
Dr. Donald J. Sutherland was among those honored with a Volunteer Service Award by Bruce Carlton, Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He was recognized for his post-retirement work with the Mosquito Research and Control Program, preparing the annual Pesticide Recommendations for use in the state's counties, and his continued efforts to help the Entomology Department achieve stable funding for its graduate program. He was commended for his loyal service and excellent work.
Dr. Sutherland's award was presented at the Dean's Recognition Ceremony where generosity to Cook College is gratefully acknowledged. Annual and endowed support are increasingly important to ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in a highly competitive and ever-increasing global economy. During the 1995-1996 academic year, Cook College/NJAES received over $4 million in private support and gifts-in-kind for teaching, research, and outreach. The 6th Annual Dean's Recognition Event, "Honoring a Legacy of Giving," acknowledged alumni and individuals who support scholarships and programs; scholarship recipients; and the 1996 Volunteer Service Award recipients.
Dr. Don Caccamise, Rutgers University
Two New State Mosquito Control Commissioners
At the November meeting of the State Mosquito Control Commission, the two latest commissioners were seated - Jacob C. Matthenius of Phillipsburg and Mike Hajek of South Brunswick appointed by Governor Whitman for four year terms.
Jake graduated from Phillipsburg HS, was involved with the NJ Beekeeper's Assoc., Eastern Apiculture Society of North America, Northwest Jersey Beekeeper Assoc., Tall Cedars and the Delaware High Twelve Club as well as the West Jersey Shrine Club. In 1989 he was deputy director of the Warren County freeholders and in 1994 was Director of the Warren County Freeholder Board. From 1992 to 1994 Jake was a Commissioner on the Warren County MEC. As an elder at the First Oxford Presbyterian Church at Hazen he was also a member of St. James Lutheran Cemetery Board.
Jake has been involved in teaching beekeeping short courses at Rutgers and Delaware Valley College for the last 45 years. He has chaired the beekeeping advisory board for the NJ Department of Agriculture and is councilman of Pathatcong Township and member of the Executive Board of the Beekeepers Assoc. Don't know when, but it appears Jake has some time to spare. We have learned that he is President of the Pocono Region Antique Automobile Club of America
Mike graduated from Seward Park HS, New York and attended the Hydraulic School of Fluid Power and American Hoist. Ironically, Mike served in the U.S. Navy during 1949-52 in Korea assigned to the U.S.S. Oriskany. After his military stint he moved to New Jersey in 1952, eventually residing in South Brunswick. He has served over 12 years on various municipal boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Industrial Commission, Substance Abuse, liaison to the Board of Health, etc.). His technical background lies in engineering. Recently becoming a founding member of the South Brunswick Chamber of Commerce he serves on the Board of Directors and chair of the legislative committee. Mike is also a member of the SB Lions Club and held positions on the Mayor's Task Force on Toxic Waste and Waste to Energy. He is a member of Licensed Power Engineers.
For over thirty years of hearing about mosquitoes like an after dinner mint, Mike became a commissioner on the Middlesex County MEC. He has attended many of our annual meetings over the years and got to know many of our members.
Dr. Crans Receives Award
Dr. Wayne J. Crans, Research professor of Entomology, Mosquito Research and Control, Rutgers University has been nominated by the Eastern Branch of The Entomological Society of America to receive the ESA's National Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching. Dr. Crans will be recognized for his significant contributions to teaching entomology, especially through his very popular "World of Insects" course at the upcoming ESA Eastern Branch Meeting.
Public Relations Announcement
An article in the AMCA's Review last year ("Communicating the value of mosquito control as a public health benefit" , Vol. 22, No. 2) stressed the importance of relaying the benefits of professional mosquito control to the public. "If the public health benefit of mosquito control is under appreciated by the general public, it is our job to set the record straight."
National Public Health Week (NPH Week) was created through Presidential Proclamation in 1995; this year, it takes place from April 7-13. The purpose of this week, "to promote....and to heighten awareness of the many benefits good health brings", relates directly to the original mandate of our surveillance and control activities in N.J. - to eliminate mosquitoes for the prevention of disease. Going back to the AMCA article "...arbovirus diseases have not been eradicated. They are merely under control. They are "relatively rare" mainly due to the efforts of mosquito control professionals."
The timing of NPH Week coincides with a period when the publics thoughts are beginning to turn to the upcoming mosquito season. A typical question this time of year is one variation or another on the "So what kind of a year are we in for?" theme, and is often asked by a reporter along with a request for an appropriate picture or two. With this in mind, the NJMCA, Inc. Public Relations Committee would like to attempt to focus attention on specific county activities that would be coordinated, throughout the state, to coincide with NPH Week. "Activities" are numerous, and allow for a great deal of flexibility. They could include any aspect of your program that you might be willing to highlight as being unique, or as an example of "the big picture" - woodland pool surveillance, tire pile clean-up, Gambusia release, general mapping, mosquito I.D., a water management project, a piece of equipment, etc.
A member of the PR Committee will make contact in the next several weeks to determine your interest in participating, and answer any questions you may have. The committee perceives a great deal of potential for this week to send a strong message to the public about the importance of mosquito control. Your consideration of this event is greatly appreciated.
Jim McNelly, Chairman, NJMCA Public Relations Committee, Cape May County Mosquito Commission
PERSONNEL PROFILE
Doug McCormick
Mosquito control programs in New Jersey are directed by two types of people. There are those who learned the business from ground up. And then, there's everybody else.
Doug McCormick falls into the first category. Signing on decades ago with the Cumberland County Mosquito Control Commission as a field worker, he had been slugging it out day after day for years as inspector, hopping ditches on the marsh, until finally appointed supervisor several years ago.
Understanding the operations of a mosquito control program is only a portion of what is required in order to be it's executive officer. Granted, the experience that he gained during many years of working on water management projects...flying as crew on-board the aircraft of the State Airspray Program...surveying the targets before and after larval and adult spray applications and everything else in-between, DOES give him the support needed to run the operation. But, something more is needed in order to be a director, something which other veteran field-people might lack.
An aptitude for administration must be latent in the individual, in order for the office to relate to the field. For years, after the Mosquito Commission was dissolved, some with office credentials tried (and failed) to understand the field work that Cumberland was involved in. With all the present day requirements for permits, licenses, pesticide regulations, people managing, budget-balancing, annual reports and government austerity, as a career county employee Doug has filled the gaps between these disciplines.
Cumberland's program, under Doug's supervision, is one of those in the state which is truly involved in all aspects of an "Integrated Program". Such development is noteworthy when one considers the modest budget available to manage mosquito control there.
An accomplished musician, during his spare time the Bridgeton resident is involved in multi-media production of song and stories. The 48 year old supervisor has one son.
Robert Kent, New Jersey Office of Mosq. Control Coor.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
New Jersey Mosq. Control Assoc. Annual Meet., Feb. 25-28, 1997, Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, Contact: Bunnie Hajek at (908)932-9437
Mid-Atlantic Mosq. Control Assoc. Annual Meet., March 12-14, 1997, Sheraton Inn, Dover, Delaware, Contact Roger Wolfe, (302)422-1512
AMCA Annual Meeting, March 23-27, 1997 Salt Lake City, Utah, Contact: Sammie Dickson at (801)355-9221
NJMCA/AMCA Annual Meeting, April 2-6, 2000, Atlantic City, NJ
Aedes cantator (Coquillett) By: Dr. Wayne J. Crans,
Rutgers University
Spelling Correction: In the previous issue of the NJMCA, Inc. Newsletter the mosquito species Aedes cinereus was incorrectly spelled cinerius through-out the Newsletter. The correct spelling is Aedes cinereus. - Editor
JESSE B. LESLIE AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Future Of Mosquito Control?
Dr. Charlie Morris, Associate Professor and Extension Entomologist at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, Florida presided over a symposium at the Florida Mosquito Control Association's Fall Conference in November. At this symposium entitled "Preparing for Mosquito Control in the Next Millennium" he presented a paper entitled "Is It Time Yet?". The focus of this paper was on the lack of a national accreditation for operational mosquito control professionals and the need for a national association that would address this need in a way that would ensure that mosquito control personnel received the proper training and recognition for their expertise.
Dr. Morris raised a number of thought - provoking issues and presented some scenarios that could address this issue. The concept of national accreditation would definitely add credibility to the profession of mosquito control and would allow the establishment of some much needed basic guidelines for all individuals involved in both private and public mosquito control operations. The paper is well worth reading and I am sure that Dr. Morris would be happy to forward copies to any interested individuals. Dr. Charlie Morris, Ph.D., Florida Medical Ent. Lab., IFAS-University of Florida, 200 9th Street, S.E., Vero Beach, FL 32962-4657. Phone:(561)778-7204, Fax: (561)778-7204, E-Mail: cmdo@icon.vero.ufl.edu .
Jeff L. Heusel, Newsletter Editor, Mid-Atlantic Mosq. Cont. Assoc. Dec., 1996 Newsletter
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