Letter from the editor
Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but here at the Shore, it also reminds us of the people whose hard work made the season possible. Behind every meal served, hotel room cleaned and amusement ride operated is someone who put in the work to make it happen.
Work has always been a defining part of my life. Even as a young child, I understood that earning a living required sacrifice and persistence. It wasn’t necessarily enjoyable, but it provided a sense of purpose, security, pride and reward.
My dad was a hard worker. He was a factory machinist who spent all day on his feet. When we were young, he often held a second job to support our family. Back then, people called it “moonlighting.” Today, it’s called a side hustle.
My dad hustled from one job to the next. I remember when he drove a taxi at night and how excited I was whenever I got to ride in his yellow cab. Before surveillance cameras became commonplace, he even worked as a detective at a local department store, posing as a customer while quietly watching for shoplifters. That seemed pretty cool to me as a kid.
There was always work to do at home, too. I remember snapping beans for dinner, washing dishes and mowing the lawn. If I ever said I was bored, I was guaranteed to receive a list of jobs to make sure I kept busy. The work came with rewards though, in the form of an allowance. It was amazing what $1 could buy at the local five-and-dime store back then!
When I met Bob in college in 1989, it was clear that we shared the same work ethic. During the school year, we bonded over adventures around our campus in northeastern Pennsylvania. We explored new places, hiked and enjoyed social gatherings. Bloomsburg was a party school and we certainly had some fun. When summer arrived, however, we got serious about making money. Bob hauled furniture and drove a truck as a mover while I supervised children as a camp counselor. We had to earn enough to support ourselves during the following semester.
Years later, as a young mother of three, I worked several side jobs to make ends meet. Cleaning beach rentals on Saturdays and tutoring at the library in the evenings were the two jobs I did most.
Eventually, Shore Local became the center of our working lives. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Bob and I put in especially long days preparing each issue for print. The workload on other days may be lighter, but there is always something that needs to be done.
If we are lucky, our work and passions align. Bob and I are grateful to have reached that point, but it was a long time coming. Years of difficult jobs, side gigs and doing whatever was necessary to provide for our family helped shape who we are today.
Every job teaches us something. Even the ones we dislike can build the strength and endurance needed for whatever comes next. There is value in the journey.
This issue is dedicated to the workers who keep our corner of the world moving day and night. They are the gas station attendants, cashiers, drivers, restaurant employees, hotel workers and countless others we may sometimes overlook.
Imagine how frustrating and difficult everyday life would be without them. Our tourism and hospitality industries simply could not function without the people who show up each day and do their part.
So here’s to the workers. We see your effort, recognize your sacrifices and appreciate all you do. Whether you are working or resting, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
Peace & Love, Cindy
