Dear Readers,

Welcome back! Wow, does it ever feel good to say that. Welcome back to our magnificent beaches, to our stunning bays, to that fresh salt air, and all of the places that have become like a second home to so many – especially this past year.

Forty-five percent of all employees stay at their current position for less than two years, according to CareerBuilder.

Let us just say that Murray Wolf breaks lots of molds.

Australia is a world away from Cape May County. But you can soon experience a bit of the land Down Under when the Cape May County Zoo opens its new habitat for five red kangaroos and two emus.

We often hear about immigrants pursuing “The Great American Dream.” Struggle and perseverance are often necessary steps. To see a great example of a family’s success in pursuing the dream, you don’t have to look any further than Stone Harbor, right here on the Seven Mile Beach.

The Borough of Avalon will hold a municipal election on May 11 to fill three Borough Council seats, each for a four-year term. Two of the vacancies will be created when Dr. Nancy Hudanich and James Deever step down at the end of June. Hudanich will retire after 32 years on council, having served as president and a member of the Finance Committee.

Shake off this past year and sign up to participate in your own creative way! Shiver & Shake any time between March 20 and May 2, and share your photos and videos to qualify for prizes, plus pick up your Shiver apparel at the Stone Harbor Welcome Center. Register at active.com. Proceeds benefit the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Family Promise of Cape May.

One of the best parts of spring is spring shopping! There’s just something about the sun shining and the temperatures rising that makes me want to replenish, renew and redecorate! Whether your closet needs some new items, or you are looking to update the décor of your beach house, there are stores right here that carry everything you need.

Easter Services

Bill Macomber embraces life’s next chapter.

The time has come not to worry about time. His toughest decision may now entail whether to enjoy a motorcycle ride, a sunset or a family meal.

When the time came for a change, Pastor Eloise Shanley did not seek relocation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Stone Harbor. The pastoral position found her.

Summer Nature Camp is back at The Wetlands Institute! Campers will enjoy a week (or more) discovering the New Jersey Shore in a fun and interactive schedule of activities geared to each age group and theme. Participants will engage in science experimentation and exploration; play games; embark on fascinating field trips; explore the beach; create arts and crafts, and enjoy the day in nature.

As the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom throughout the island, the anticipation grows for when your favorites stores will reopen for the season. As you frequent your favorites, be sure to also check out these businesses that have opened their doors in Avalon and Stone Harbor this year.

Undoubtedly, the love of our area is focused on the beaches of Seven Mile Beach. They are the cornerstone of so many memories, the provider of calm moments, and a keystone of the shore economy. When you spend time at the beach, it’s easy to notice the dramatic changes that take place constantly. Beaches have a seasonal rhythm that add to their mystique.

Starfish Equine Rescue, located in Cape May Court House, is working to make a difference one horse at a time.

There’s a saying that strangers are just friends waiting to happen. Perhaps that was one of the mottos that John “Jack” Ferguson Jr. lived by, as his life was enriched by the many, many friends he made.

Happy spring! We’ve weathered a winter of social distancing, and, while still not quite “normal” yet, life is significantly better with a little spring in the air – and for some of us, with a little vaccine in the arm.

Wow, what a year 2020 proved to be. This time last year, as I wrote this article in March, I had been to Sixers and Flyers games at the Wells Fargo Center. We were looking forward to a trip to Miami for the kids’ spring break.

At this point, everyone is probably eager to get back out on the town again. We sure are! After hanging inside for so long, it might be tough to try and put together an outfit that is on point for spring. Fortunately, you have us to help! The Preppy Palm is an easy go-to when you are ready to hit the town.

This might be a casual outfit, but you will surely look like you just stepped out of a magazine when you wear it! Beach chic has officially arrived on Seven Mile Beach with the new store in town, Here Comes the Sun! Here Comes the Sun offers everything you need to complete your casual beach outfit, which is also perfect for a day out on the boat.

Wanna hear something pretty strange? For the last few months, my wife and children have been taping their mouths shut while they sleep. Seriously. They take a small piece of 3M Durapore Tape and place it vertically over their mouths before bed.