The Light
By Raymond Tyler
So here we are at a hundred issues of Shore Local. So many stories and photos that I have had the honor of sharing. Here are my reflections on my time as a columnist here.
I do not recall exactly where I met Cindy, the co-owner of Shore Local. However, I was working at The Jersey Shore Children’s Museum when I first heard her name and the wonderful things she’s done for children with autism and their families. In addition to producing Shore Local Newsmagazine, Cindy and her husband Bob run a 501(c)(3) non-profit called Heart of Surfing. Heart of Surfing primarily provides surfing and skateboarding lessons for children with special needs. One of the primary motivations to create Heart of Surfing was that they have a son with autism. A year or so before I actually met Cindy, my buddy Mat Gilliano began teaching me how to relate to people with autism. Much of what I learned can be directly attributed to Cindy and Bob’s hard work. When I did meet Cindy and Bob, I immediately liked them. The vibes were great, and they seemed like good people.
I knew I wanted to be a part of Shore Local when I was given the opportunity to do so. I am proud to say that I have felt like a welcome part of the Shore Local family over the years. Cindy has always been a “say yes” and a “let’s try it” person. That has been the best part of being a columnist at Shore Local. I love Shore Local, Cindy, and Bob, and I hope that The Light with Raymond Tyler will be right here another one hundred issues.
The great thing about being a columnist is that I take you, the readers, with me. I have made readers aware of things that upset me in the arts community, like lack of opportunity for qualified artists of color. I am always proud to share new stories of new artists.
I have had the honor of explaining why several great people in the community, such as Barbara Hudgins and Joanne Lasane, will forever be missed.
I am proud of the article I wrote sharing life-saving information about climate change.
Over the next one hundred issues, look out for profiles of some of the people that made me who I am, like my art teacher Joseph Duffy and my freshman year homeroom teacher Frank Campo. I also want to introduce you to my former boss and forever buddy Mat Gilliano, a man with a heart as big as Texas who has dedicated over a decade to The Jersey Shore Children’s Museum. Look for The Light to continue to talk with celebrities in town, tell you where to get great food, preview parties, and most importantly be a part of the Shore Local community. One thing you can bet on is I will be getting to Brigantine, Somers Point, Margate and other shore towns I have not written about enough in the last 99 issues.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
