From the Editor
It’s true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. As soon as outdoor dining opened up on the 15th, Bob and I practically ran to one of our favorite restaurants. We were thrilled to enjoy eating out again; being served by a waiter/waitress and eating at a table with real plates and silverware felt like a slice of Heaven. With more and more things opening up I am especially looking forward to indulging in many simple pleasures I once took for granted, like getting a haircut and going to the gym.
As we are all adjusting to our “new normal,” pause to enjoy the “little things” that it turns out aren’t so little: walking into a store, eating out, and most of all spending time with friends.
Check out some of our area’s options in Al fresco dining highlighted on page 10.
There is no doubt we have gone through an unprecedented time, one which will go down in history and is certain to be talked about for generations to come. With the entire country being shut down in a matter of a few days, no one felt the sting more than the Class of 2020. This issue we honor the graduates….not for all they missed but rather for their resilience and perseverance to succeed in the midst of extraordinarily trying times.
Our daughter is one of those graduates. She came home in March for what was anticipated to be just another spring break. Within a few days, she was informed she would not be returning to campus at all. Her belongings, including her car, were in lockdown on a campus four hours away. She had to wait months until she was given a designated time to move out, when none of her housemates were in proximity. What a stark contrast to our experience filled with hugs, teary goodbyes, and celebrations. Check out the feature in this issue honoring our graduates on page 8.
The upside of our current situation is that some of life’s greatest pleasures are still at our fingertips. Check out Tammy Thornton’s Hidden Gem column featuring Atlantic County Park on page 24. Also check out the ingenuity and adaptability of the organization, “Our Children Making Change” on page 14. Although they had to recreate their methods and goals this summer, their impact is even greater.
This summer at the Jersey Shore may look and feel a bit different, but there’s no doubt, it’s still the place to be! With miles of coastline, breathtaking sunsets, outdoor activities, and finally dining & shopping opportunities at every turn, you are in a special place. Enjoy it.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
