Crew Boat Named in Honor of Community Leader Jennifer Bowman

By LESLEY GRAHAM What’s in a name? For Jennifer Bowman, it’s a lot. Last year a new boat was purchased in honor of local resident Jennifer Bowman to celebrate her 50th birthday. Her family then decided to hold a contest to come up with the best name for the new vessel -- one that embodied Jennifer’s personality. “It was very humbling reading all the wonderful comments and cool names everyone came up with,” Bowman said. Tons of suggestions came rolling in from “The Connector,” since Bowman is known for connecting people through different organizations and opportunities in Ocean City, to “All OAR Nothing,” since she repeatedly gives her all to everyone. Ultimately, the name that was decided on was “Jennerosity,” due to Bowman’s giving spirit and compassion for those around her. Bowman has been a member of the Women’s Master Crew for over 15 years. The club originally borrowed the Ocean City High School’s crew team's equipment but with the formation of the Under the Bridge Rowing Club (UBRC) they have been slowly working towards building their own fleet of crew boats and equipment. The UBRC is the only community rowing club in all of Cape May County and hopes to continue to grow and flourish in the local waters. From left, Cape May County Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and members of the UBRC are all smiles with the new boat. The club operates on membership dues and donations alone to purchase equipment, maintain and compete in various races. Its mission is to promote and develop area amateur rowers, oarsmen and oarswomen for local, national and international competition in rowing. The club provides opportunities for high school rowers to coxswain and/or to row on their off season. UBRC also grants “Volunteer Scholarship Awards” to qualifying graduating high school rowers. The club’s vision is to expand their programs to younger children as well establish an adaptive program, thereby creating a truly inclusive rowing program. “This sport encourages the love of the water and athletic camaraderie that provides positive role models for athletes," Bowman said. "It focuses on development and inclusion of all participants while offering competitive opportunities; instilling lifelong values of perseverance, teamwork, personal growth, physical growth, and individual leadership skills.” For more information on how to become a member or make a donation to the Under the Bridge Rowing Club, contact Jennifer Bowman at [email protected] or call 609-425-1474.