Letter from the editor
Last Friday was a big day! Aside from start of the holiday weekend, if vaccinated, we could, at last, peel off our masks! I don’t know about you, but I was thrilled. That morning I entered the grocery store, maskLESS for the first time in 15 months. Initially, I felt nervous, like I was doing something wrong, like all those times I forgot it in the car. Oddly, I felt naked and exposed. Cheeks, teeth, lips, nose, chin were never the parts we had to cover up, but it has been so long since I’ve shown these parts of my face. Was there anything in my teeth? Lipstick and honestly, wearing any makeup seems like a lifetime ago. I did it anyway. I was barefaced! Seeing other faces was heartwarming too…especially the smiling ones. But what if I didn’t recognize someone? No more blaming it on the mask!
The greatest joy I got was losing the mask in hot yoga class and at the gym. There is something about sweating and masks; they do not pair well. As summer draws near and temperatures rise, I am more than happy to be mask-free. Wearing sunglasses is a more pleasant experience as well. My ears were doing double duty and I never really figured out how to prevent my glasses from steaming up while wearing the mask.
Still, I realize many folks will be wearing masks in the days ahead. Perhaps they chose not to get the vaccine, or they have compromised immune systems. Whatever the reason, I completely respect their decision. And the beautiful thing about living in America is that we all have personal freedoms and the right to choose what’s best for us.
Masks may be gone, but in-person events are BACK and filling up the calendar quickly. I have a renewed appreciation for that! This issue of Shore Local Newsmagazine has all your entertainment and events to enjoy, beginning on page 10.
Meet Shore Local Talent, Jim Craine. This well-known man is also known as the “Singing Lifeguard.” What an extraordinary life he has led, with 47 years in the entertainment business and still going strong. Read about him on page 9.
The first few weeks of June are kind of like the calm before the storm at the Jersey Shore. We enjoy beautiful weather, with only moderate, albeit steady crowds. Once we near the end of the month it is peak season; in other words, game on!
As spring turns into summer, we encourage you to slip away from work to enjoy some sand on your toes, a ride on the boat or cast a fishing line. Take a little time to enjoy what the shore adds to your life before the summer kicks into high gear.
Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
