The Pillars of Sea Girt

They pick up the garbage and recycle bottles and cans. They sweep the streets, mow the grass, and mulch flower beds. They rake the beach, plow the snow, break up ice, and spread sand. They clear fallen branches after storms. They hang and water flower baskets from lampposts in summer and help transform the town into a festive wonderland at Christmas.

They set up and break down lighting and equipment for special events. They support local organizations, including the Holly Club, the Library, Recreation, and the Conservancy Committee. You might wonder who they are.

They are the Sea Girt Department of Public Works (DPW)—the group of men and one woman who work behind the scenes to keep the town running smoothly. They take great pride in the work they do.

Keeping the Town Moving

The DPW crew is managed by Directors Mike McArthur and Trevor Palmer. Mike’s career with DPW began 28 years ago. As he notes, “I started mulching, went on as a mechanic, then worked with water. Over the years, I have worked in just about every area of public works.” Then he goes on to explain, “The department works as a team to get all the necessary tasks done. Sure, we have routine jobs every day, but something new always pops up to challenge us.”

Trevor, who has served the town for more than 21 years and now works alongside Mike agrees. “Every day is different. Some days present more challenges than others, but we try to take care of it all. In addition to our regular work, we help fire, police, the library, and the crossing guards.”

As crew member Thomas Strohschein puts it, “Sea Girt is a small town, and things can change day to day. Everybody in our crew always pitches in to help.”

Gianni D’Acquisto works primarily in sanitation, a job that requires heavy lifting and endurance. “Even in the most brutal weather, we always pick up the garbage,” he says with pride.

Neil Robinson, who comes from a third-generation family of landscapers, remarks, “Tending to gardens is something I have been doing since I was 11 years old. Now, putting to use all I know, here in Public Works, gives me joy. Plus, working with a great team of guys is very fulfilling."

Mark Rosendin, an expert in water maintenance, knows how quickly conditions can shift. “Water is something that can change fast depending on weather and other elements of nature. We work hard to face these challenges and fix problems.”

One of the most recognizable faces in town is Victor ‘Vic’ Fraternale. “I’m a people person,” he says. “I love talking to residents and getting to know them—and their dogs. I also love to sing and have a great time performing with Sentimental Journey during their summer concerts at the library. We at DPW are a team. We work together to get everything done. It is a privilege to work in a town where people come from hundreds of miles away to enjoy their summer vacation. Our ‘office’ is the beach and the ocean. You can’t beat that.”

Besides manpower, the DPW relies on a yard full of equipment to get the jobs done: eight plows, two heavy plows, two loaders, two tractors, a mini-tractor, a skid steer, and three garbage trucks.

Inside the office, Tara Vermillion keeps the operation running. After serving 15 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, she now handles resident requests, phone calls, files, and computer work. She says she’s “happy that my ‘boys’ check in on a regular basis. Their cooperation helps get jobs done.”

More Than Co-Workers

The Sea Girt DPW is more than a department—they’re a family. They spend time together outside of work, and some of them even played in a band together. 

As Justin Macko, Borough Administrator and Chief of Police remarks “Quietly, day after day, Sea Girt DPW keeps the town running, working behind the scenes to solve problems before most even notice. Through storms, heat, and long hours, their work builds the foundation of our town that feels cared for. It’s the kind of dedication you don’t always see, but you always feel. The Borough is truly blessed to have such a dedicated DPW crew!”

Photographs by Michelle Wolfe

Judith Jones-Abrosini is a Sea Girt resident, member of the Holly Club of Sea Girt and author of the “Sisterhood of Diabetes.”