Letter from the editor
It’s hard to believe Labor Day weekend is already here. How did summer slip by so quickly?
This holiday has always felt like summer’s grand finale, one last hurrah before the season gives way to sharpened pencils, new schedules and cooler days. For children, September means a new grade and fresh notebooks. For teachers, it’s lesson plans and classrooms waiting for eager faces. And for parents, it’s the start of carpools, sports practices and routines that reshape family life.
Here at the shore, September marks both an ending and a beginning. The hectic pace of July and August slows, yet the calendar remains full. Festivals, air shows, farmers markets and community events give locals and visitors plenty to enjoy. Parking is easier, wait times at restaurants shorten and the beaches are quieter, but the weather is still warm enough to swim, stroll the boardwalk or catch a breathtaking sunset. Some even say the sunsets of September are the most golden of the year.
Like many small business owners, I find that July and August leave little room to pause. September, however, offers a chance to breathe. I look forward to planting my toes in the sand with a good book, or slipping into the back bays with a kayak or paddleboard. Area residents call it “locals summer” for a reason — these weeks allow us to enjoy the beauty of where we live without the whirlwind of crowds.
Labor Day is also a moment to remember its deeper meaning. It was established as a tribute to workers, honoring the people whose labor keeps our communities thriving. Here at the shore, it is especially fitting to recognize the servers, lifeguards, housekeepers, cooks, clerks and so many others who keep our summers running smoothly. Their dedication ensures that millions of visitors each year leave with memories of carefree vacations and treasured time by the sea.
So as we savor these final golden days of summer, let’s carry a little gratitude with us. Thank the workers, treasure the moments and hold on to that summer spirit as long as we can.
Peace & Love,
Cindy



