The Fourth Annual Lines on the Pines was held March 8, 2009 at the Vienna Inn on the White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. "Lines" has become almost cult-like in its popularity; dozens of noted Pinelands dignitaries were present either as visitors or at tables displaying their specialties, whether it was writing, art, photography, artistry, music and yes - even websites. PineyPower.com was honored yet again by being invited to this wonderful event! I saw many old friends, and met new friends. I saw folks that had previously only been "an email name." As always happens at an event in which I have a take part, I was not able to take as many photos as I wanted, but here are a few for your viewing pleasure.

Volunteers from Whitesbog.org had items on dsiplay, as well as their new tee shirts for sale.

Artwork by artists Carol Freas and Ann Ramp-Fox

Authors prepare for the onslaught of visitors for book-signing

Jim Murphy and the Pine Barons provided entertainment for the the diners, and what fun it was! Along with other songs, Jim sang about Molly Pitcher, and one of his favorites, Marilyn Schmidt, who is in his song, "Chatsworth Town!"

I had the opportunity to speak with Jim a few times during the course of the day; he is a wonderful and charming man, and his Irish eyes are always sparkling!

The Guest Host for the evening was Paul W. Schopp, author of "The Trail of the Blue Comet." In the photo, coordinator Linda Stanton and Paul thank the many attendees and others without whom this great event would not have happened.

As for the buffet dinner, at $33 per person, it was quite tasty, service was good, and a cash bar was in our banquet room - quite a bargain considering The Vienna Inn was in use by "Lines" from 11:30AM (or earlier, I'm sure), until at least 8PM! That's longer than some weddings!

ABC's of the Pines is a FREE event and open to the public. Afterwards, the dinner, entertainment and keynote speaker alone were worth the price!

Linda is to be commended on the countless hours of labor she puts into this event. So many things that are taken for granted - the centerpieces and gifts, arrangement of the tables, publicity, and even finding a venue for the affair after the unfortunate loss of Sweetwater Casino....so much was handled by Linda! Once again, it was a great success!

Well-known and respected Author Howard Boyd was the Keynote Speaker this night. Mr. Boyd started his writing career in 1991 with "A Field Guide to the Pine Barrens He also wrote "A Pine Barrens Odyssey: A Naturalist's Year in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey," published in 1997 and "Wildflowers of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey" in 2001. "The Ecological Pine Barrens of New Jersey...an Ecosystem Threatened by Fragmentation" is his newest book...so far!

Mr. Boyd, who at 94 years old, spoke eloquently yet humbly about his background. He touched upon meeting "Rattlesnake" Ace Pittman, and of his own background in entomology, specifically Tiger Beetles, but of course the primary focus of Mr. Boyd's speech was the Pine Barrens. He mentioned that only one-fourth to one-half of the Pines are "truly preserved", and that the NJ Pinelands Commission is "working hard, but not hard enough." He specifically mentioned four violations the Pinelands Commission "could not prevent."

Mr. Boyd closed his speech with a very poignant and important remark:

"It is up to each and every one of us to do everything we can do . . . to preserve the Pine Barrens."