History, Information & Projects

History

The Realty Owners Association of Stone Harbor (ROA) began at 10:30 A.M., August 30, 1952 with an organizational meeting attended by 125 property owners in the Park Theater, now no longer standing. At this meeting, a draft of the by-laws was approved in which the objective, function and purpose of the Association shall be “to inform the membership on matters of importance to them as property owners in Stone Harbor” and “to advise and consult with Borough officials about matters of concern to the membership.” In 1955, the ROA hired its first Executive Secretary, Mr. Harry Letsche, who is credited as the prime mover behind the early successes of the ROA. In 1959, the very essence of the ROA was voiced - "To keep Stone Harbor a family town and a wholesome and safe resort for our children".

Membership in the ROA is open to all property owners in Stone Harbor who pay annual membership dues to the Association. (See Becoming A Member tab on our website.) As an organization, we work to keep our members informed of what’s going on in the town where all of us have invested our resources and memories. We take as our mission to be “a bridge” to borough officials, that is, to advise and consult with them about issues of importance to our members, as many are not local voters. (See the drop down tab Organization under the About tab for information as to how the ROA is organized.)

The ROA has developed an aggressive program to keep our members informed. In addition to our general meetings in June and September and periodic mailings, we send out member emails (broadcast emails or “Blasts”) for information of immediate interest and announcements so our members can check our website for the latest reports of borough meetings and regional items of interest. These blasts enable our members, wherever they are, to stay informed of the latest happenings in Stone Harbor. Additionally, ROA newsletters are published two times a year, which focus on the most pressing issues in the Borough, and are mailed directly to each ROA member's permanent address. Specific ROA information is available to our members in the member login portion of our website. The ROA works together with the Chamber of Commerce, Garden Club, Stone Harbor Museum, and other borough organizations on various cooperative projects and annual events.

The ROA makes periodic gifts to the Borough and community organizations and participates in the following continuing projects:

• Conduct surveys and polls of membership to determine positions on issues of concern
• Attendance at Borough Council and board meetings (notes are published on our website)
• Presentation of the annual ROA Outstanding Citizen of the Year award
• Donation of all-terrain beach wheelchair for handicapped beachgoers

2011