From the Editor
The Eagles gave us a fun run this season! Like many of us, I’m still a little bummed about the Super Bowl loss, but for the biggest sports face-off of the year, all you can ask for is a great game, and our favorite team gave us just that.
While we might not be gearing up for a celebratory parade, rest assured parades are right around the corner. The weather is warming up, and spring is on the horizon. Spring is a special time down the shore. Everything is a little bit brighter, the sun stays out a little longer, seasonal businesses prepare to open their doors, and we look forward to strolls on the boardwalk.
As the years pass, the seasons seem to fly by faster than they used to. Life is busy, and work gets in the way. We often forget to slow down and be present in the moment. Each season brings its own sense of beauty and wonder. While many of us might not love the cold, there is still something to be celebrated about the changing of seasons.
It’s too easy to wish your life away, longing for another Friday or for the next season to pass. There is always something else to wish for or look forward to. I find that when I am too focused on what lies ahead, I miss out on the beauty of life that’s right in front of me.
Nonetheless, spring fever is inevitable, especially with mild winters like the one we have had. So, how do we stay present while feeling the buzz of spring circling in the air?
Try incorporating spring activities into your daily life, whether that’s pulling out your summer clothes early or incorporating some pastel colors into your wardrobe. With the recent mild temperatures, get outside and prep your garden or start planning your next outdoor party. Check out Shore Local gardening column for tips on how to prepare for the season on page 24.
Alternatively, you can shift your thinking by leaning into the current season for all that it has to offer. Light a fire pit, take a skiing trip, make a hearty soup, or throw on your favorite sweater. Embrace the last few weeks of winter because soon, we will be wishing for cooler days.
While preparing this edition of Shore Local, I was inspired by the people in our community who follow their passions regardless of the season. Check out our cover story about 12-year-old Carter Doorley from Brigantine, who will surf for the 1,000th day in a row this Saturday. Regardless of the temperatures or conditions, for nearly three years, Carter has caught a wave. Read about this extraordinary boy on page 8.
The Atlantic County Rowing Association doesn’t slow down for cooler temps either. They hit the water in all kinds of weather. Read about them on page 26.
Pickleball is all the rage these days. Learn about our area’s first indoor pickleball facility which opened its doors this month on page 20.
March is winter’s home stretch, though it’s not unusual for it to “come in like a lion” with one final blast of cold. If you’re a snow lover or want to make the most of the season, plan your next skiing or snowboarding trip with tips found on page 22.
Thank you for reading this edition of Shore Local. There is always something to celebrate at the Jersey Shore. As each season passes and we look back on the stories we’ve covered over the years, we are excited to be a part of a beautiful four-season community.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
