Cindy Christy Fertsch - Shore Local Newsmagazine

This is the moment

by Cindy Fertsch | Jul 23, 2026 | South Jersey, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, Letters from the editor

Letter from the editor I love looking forward to something. For much of the year, that something is summer. Like many, I’ve always been drawn to this season. I love warm sand between my toes, the refreshingly cool ocean, the sound of crashing waves or an...

The messages we leave behind

by Cindy Christy Fertsch | Jul 16, 2026 | South Jersey, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, Letters from the editor

Every day, we receive thousands of messages. Texts. Emails. Social media posts. Road signs. Commercials. Most are read in seconds, forgotten in minutes and replaced by the next thing demanding our attention. Yet sometimes, the messages that leave the deepest...

Live whelks surprise young beachcombers in Ocean City

by Cindy Christy Fertsch | Jul 16, 2026 | Features, Cape May County, Ocean City, South Jersey

A day at the beach in Ocean City turned into an unexpected marine biology lesson last week when several children discovered live whelks along the shoreline. While many visitors are familiar with the large spiral shells that frequently wash onto South Jersey beaches,...

Smithville Inn chef crowned 2026 Gumbo King at Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off

by Cindy Christy Fertsch | Jul 16, 2026 | Features, Atlantic County, Food & Beverage, Smithville, Somers Point, South Jersey

A taste of New Orleans came to the Jersey Shore on Monday as hundreds gathered at The Point Tiki Bar for the annual Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Louisiana Music Festival. Hosted by Tony Mart Presents, the event featured an afternoon of unlimited gumbo tastings, live...

Skate AC’s Uptown Takeover returns with world-class skateboarding, cash prizes and live music

by Cindy Christy Fertsch | Jul 16, 2026 | Features, Atlantic City, Atlantic County, South Jersey, What's Happening

On Saturday, July 18, Skate AC will celebrate the one-year anniversary of Uptown Skatepark with its largest Uptown Takeover yet. The free festival, held at Uptown Skatepark, 201 N. Massachusetts Ave., is part of the North to Shore Festival and will feature...