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While You Were Away…
A bit of breezy chat about the island’s happenings from Labor Day 2010 through Memorial Day 2011
An incredible indian summer ‘10 at the shore enticed tourists to extend their typical stay, while locals shared in fall’s bountiful abundance. Beautiful weather perfectly complemented a plethora of fantastic (and often FREE) events, with Irish, Italians, and music lovers of all kinds in enthusiastic attendance. As we trotted through a much-appreciated snow-free winter (with the exception of a post-Christmas snowfall), we eventually made a sunny stop for springtime, with numerous street repairs and detours through Surf Avenue and beyond, when birds and shoobies alike started to make their way back, culminating in another fabulous summer by the sea!
Because “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn,” (author Hal Bodland) we turn to the warming coastal season upon us as we recall all that occurred While You Were Away...
. . . to Improved Roadways
Road improvements are being made on Surf Ave. in North Wildwood from 18th to 11th Ave. The two-year project is being funded by a USDA grant, low-interest loan program. During this first year, sewer lines were redone with any necessary repairs made. The road must settle for a year before the roadway can be resurfaced next winter. Phase I is expected to be completed before the beginning of summer.
For all the latest updates from Public Works, as well as island news, visit:
www.northwildwood.com
www.wildwoodcrest.org
www.wildwoodnj.org
and www.westwildwoodnj.com
Newsworthy Town Reports
Neil’s Steakhouse said goodbye to Yogi Kurtz and welcomed new owners Jamie Mancini and Carolyn MacElreavey from Boston. Neil’s has undergone major changes since their purchase in July 2010. An outdoor dining terrace surrounded by palm trees was added, along with a newly paved parking lot. While complete makeovers were also made inside, both upstairs and down, their unique menu, however, continues to feature Neil’s infamous steaks and seafood, as well as their award-winning Clam Chowder and a variety of mouth-watering menu items sure to please everyone in your family.
A historical review of the establishment is as follows: Neil Gordon purchased Grenoble’s in 1962, thus making it Neil’s Steak & Oyster House. He sold in 1985 and for a short while Neil’s was Seasons, until Yogi Kurtz & Big Fish Restaurant Group bought it in 1998 and made it Neil’s Steak & Chowder House. It then became Neil’s Island Pub & Grille in 2010.
A Wildwood Harmony ~
In 1947, before Doo Wop’s time, “The Official Wildwood Song” was copy written and a 78-rpm single was recorded with words and music courtesy of Eddie Malle, Al Scottoline, and Harry Keating. The music resurfaced in 2010 when former Harrison Hotel owner Dick Powell and his wife Lucille removed a stack of sheet music from the hotel and took to the their Boyertown, PA home. Piano player Lucille randomly pulled out the long-ago music sheet one day and started playing the melodious tune. The Powells recently contributed a copy of the song that spoke so succinctly about the allure of Wildwood’s beaches and boardwalk to the George Boyer Museum. Powell, Greater Wildwood Tourism and Improvement Development Agency Ben Rose and Tracy DuFault at Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce are interested in reviving the song once legalities are resolved.
Honoring Wildwood’s History
The New Jersey Historical Commission honored the Wildwood Historical Society at the 27th Annual New Jersey History Conference at Monmouth University. They were the only organization to receive one of the seven awards made throughout the state from Bergen to Cape May Counties in recognition of their value to local schools, civic organizations, and avid researchers.
The Historical Society has over 2,000 artifacts and 120 photo albums covering Wildwood’s rich history at its George F Boyer Museum. The museum, which is located on Pacific Ave. between Spencer and Spicer Avenues, accommodates approximately 7,000 history buffs a year.
Founded in 1962, the museum, originally located in the Wildwood City Hall, moved to its more current, spacious location in 1990.
The 50’s arrive in Fabulous Style
The Fabulous ’50s weekend was held Friday, October 15th through Sunday, October 17th. The event celebrating Wildwood’s contribution to music got off to a wonderful (albeit windy start) with concerts and craft shows, dancing and Doo Wops. The weekend started at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday night as the Record Hop had Jerry Blavat spinning classic oldies.
The Free Fabulous 50’s Street Fair sponsored by WIBBAGE 94.3 FM was held Saturday, at Fox Park and included a live remote broadcast, food and craft vendors, a classic car show, Doo Wop tours and live entertainment. A valiant attempt was also made to break the Guinness World Record For Most People Dancing The Twist. The highlight of the weekend came Saturday night, when Chubby Checker celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Twist. A packed house twisted the night away! The concert at the Wildwoods Convention center also featured Dee Dee Sharp, Joe Dee and the Starlites and the Marvelettes.
Wildwood was proudly considered the epicenter of Rock ‘n Roll originality in the 1950’s and early 60’s when Bill Haley and His Comets debuted “(We’re Gonna) Rock around the Clock” here. Nineteen-year-old Chubby Checker performed Hank Ballard’s “The Twist” in July 1960 at the Rainbow Club. On August 6, 1960, he performed on Dick Clark’s national program, launching a dance craze.
A Children’s Home by the Sea Gets
a Fresh Look thanks to generous donations by generous people. The Children’s Fresh Air Home at 11th and Surf Aves. in North Wildwood had a record fundraising year and an eventful 2010 as the old but loved building began its renovations. None of this would have been possible, of course, without the noble efforts of countless volunteers. Lifelong Cape May County resident Ross Denham’s Construction stepped up as general contractor while The NJ Carpenter’s Union contributed labor for the home’s interior demo. Meanwhile, Mike Emmer, Bill Kelly and Morgan Kelly continue to maintain the lawn and grounds. The home’s founder, Ida Dukes of Haddonfield, started an organization in 1896 called Christian Endeavor. Dukes brought the first group of children to Wildwood starting in 1911. Since that time, thousands of innercity children between the ages of 7 and 11 have spent summers in the home, and will be again soon.
Escape to Coconut Cove!
Excitement is in the Anglesea air as local islanders witness the transformation of the former Sunset Bay Restaurant into the new Coconut Cove Restaurant. Steve Narrigan, who created and owned Sunset Bay since 1997, sold to NE Philadelphia restaurateurs, Jimmy & Trish Mikula, who are the majority owners, and Ed, Joe & Mike Milillo, the minority partners.
Wildwood historians would know that this property’s original establishment began at the edge of the bay with the Deaver family’s El Dorado Café & Motel in the 1940s. Ed Zaberer purchased the 48-seat restaurant in 1955, after getting his start in the business with his two Boardwalk ventures~ a hot dog stand and Holliday’s Restaurant. Ed Zaberer expanded into a 35,000 sq. ft. landmark eatery. At its peak, the North Wildwood “World-famous” dining hall served more than 3,000 dinners on a good, hot, summer-weekend night. When Ed & Ayne Zaberer retired to Florida in 1988, they sold to a New York businessman. It sadly foreclosed shortly after that and sat vacant for a few years before burning to the ground on June 10, 1992.
At Coconut Cove, the new owners are working toward creating the ultimate family-friendly oasis. The vision and creative concepts for the new tropical paradise came from Jim Mikula, who managed a myriad of tropical-related responsibilities, preparing to open the doors for Memorial Day weekend.
However, he admits that without the magnificent team behind him, none of it would have materialized. He would be remiss not to mention his Wildwood team of Lawyers~ Stagliano, DeWeese & Fuscerello, his Architect, Alan Blair, Jeff Curran owner of Patriot Construction, and Jerry’s Demolition. (Jimmy vows to name a few items after these guys.)
One of the main additions is a large, 2 story pub called the Tiki House, offering a casual menu, 3 full service bars, and 7 flat screen TVs for your favorite sporting events. Next to the Tiki House will be the sandy dance floor under the canopy called The Cove, an entertaining musical lineup is on the summer calendar with music noon til 10PM. After 10PM, music moves into the Tiki House til 2AM. The original restaurant, now recognized as the Bay Club, with indoor and open-deck dining, as well as a new upper deck, offers affordable, upscale casual dining, while enjoying the extraordinary innercoastal waterway views.
While there, experience a new version of the tropics complete with sandy beaches, authentic tiki huts, (even a professional masseuse), and lounge chairs, all with spectacular sunsets included.
Every Wednesday evening, starting June 29th, a Luau Dinner Show will be a feature attraction for the whole family. Coconut Cove will have 7 full service bars altogether, including the boat bar dubbed “7 She’s” after the Mikula’s 7 daughters that range in age from 11 to 26, who will mostly all be on deck working together for their inaugural summer at Coconut Cove.
Matt Sobon, is the manager at Coconut Cove, (he formerly managed all TGIFs in the tri-state area.) Matt has been overseeing menus and staff, preparing for opening day.
The Boardwalk Report
A Pine-Fresh Boardwalk ~
Boardwalk reconstruction began with the purchase of pressure-treated white pine last summer. Budget constraints prevented the city from purchasing the tropical hardwood that comprised the decking of the boardwalk reconstruction’s two phases. Public Works employees worked to complete the project reaching Montgomery Ave. by spring. The city’s section of the weather-beaten boardwalk spans from Cresse Ave. to 26th Ave. with much of the construction dating back more than 85 years to its innovative structure.
When it comes to food and beverage options, Morey’s Piers is always innovating, and this year, Morey’s will renovate its most famous boardwalk eatery, Jumbo’s, with a facelift and a “foodlift.” The exterior of Jumbo’s has a new look for 2011, as will the eatery’s menu. Not only will Jumbo’s continue to serve outstanding American cuisine, but this classic will offer a brand-new beverage menu with a full selection of beers and wines. Also new for 2011 at Jumbo’s is the unveiling of heated outdoor decks – the first of its kind in the Wildwoods and perfect for a chilly, Jersey shore night.
On the new Boardwalk Centre, big changes have begun to take place this year, as a new owner has taken over for the first time in many years. Nickel’s Midway Pier, a Wildwood legacy, was purchased in December 2010 by Andy Weiner, owner of Splash Zone Waterpark. Located in the front of the pier is proud boardwalk merchant Michelle Rutkowski’s latest, fabulous endeavor, Mariner’s Marketplace. With its vintage carnival themed ambiance, the spacious gift, souvenir, and variety store is located at 3500 Boardwalk and promises to join the ranks among the many positive boardwalk retail experiences, which include Michelle’s 2 other locations: Boardwalk’s Best Stores at Glenwood Ave. and 25th Ave. Mariner’s Marketplace is the largest store on the boardwalk carrying all things Wildwood!
Splash Zone Water Park kicks off Summer 2011 with new attractions and incredible savings. In Close Encounters, you will slide down this tube ride in total darkness until...YIKES... until you encounter the unexpected! Their new “Beach” promises to be a beautiful, delightful experience that families will love. Sign up for all the latest news & specials at www.splashzonewaterpark.com.
Splash Zone will be hosting its first-ever Christmas in July event benefitting various children’s charities on Saturday, July 30th AND a Halloween event on Friday, August 12th benefitting Children’s Hospital charities. You know the drill...details will be online.
Who loves a good old-fashioned breakfast? Everyone! And now NEW at Splash Zone...bring your family on Sunday mornings for the best breakfast buffet in town for FREE! The buffet is included with the price of one All Day admission for just $32.
Not to be missed...Memorial Day weekend at Splash Zone Water Park. Get the details on everything Splash Zone this summer by checking out www.splashzonewaterpark.com sign up for savings, their newsletter OR just “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @ SplashWildwood to get the hottest deals as fast as they think of them!
A Boardwalk Classic
Since its 1998 beginning, The Boardwalk Basketball Classic, a non-profit venture supported entirely by volunteers, has raised more than $250,000 in college scholarship money for Wildwood and Wildwood Catholic graduating seniors.
Sam’s PIZZA and 70° It felt like summer, if only for one day, weeks before the season officially started when Sam’s Pizza packed the house for their official opening President’s Day Weekend event. The sunny 70° weather perfectly complemented Sam’s special day on the Wildwood boardwalk!
The Return of a Classic The Wildwood Planning Board gave approval to the owners of Sam’s Pizza for construction of a new 55-unit Shore Plaza Motel. The motel and Sam’s were destroyed in a fire December 2005. While Sam’s Pizza was rebuilt and opened Memorial Day 2006, the classic 1950s Doo Wop motel site remained empty. Design tactics include many of the motel’s original plans, originally built by Will Morey in 1957. The groundbreaking work began in March with a completion date of April 2012.
A Winning Dish
Wally Jurusz, the Executive Chef of the Morey organization, won Best Entrée at the 10th Annual Men R’ Cookin’ event. The event, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, boasted 75 cooks and chefs from diverse backgrounds with various skills. The participants came prepared with secret family recipes and imaginative culinary creations. Wally’s winning dish, grilled Cape May Sea Scallops with Cuban spices and chimichurri, is available by request at Joe’s Fish Co. on the Boardwalk at 26th Ave. in North Wildwood. The proud winner is a 1993 Rutgers University graduate (with a B.A. in Economics and History and later graduated from the infamous Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
. . . More Boardwalk news
Across from SAM’S PIZZA, is Gateway26 Arcade with its gorgeous new façade which has contributed to the overall beautification of the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
A Fond (and Giant) Farewell
A farewell commemoration was held Sunday, October 10th for The Giant Slide at Morey’s Piers known as “The Wipe Out.” The public celebration included photos, a “Memory Lane” display, and an exhibit of future attractions.
In the fall of 1968, brothers Bill and Will Morey were in Fort Lauderdale, Florida when they spotted a giant 12-lane fiberglass slide operating near a shopping center. This inspired them to purchase a comparable slide they named “The Wipeout,” beginning a long-standing passion for amusement park rides.
To view pictures of the slide being disassembled, go to Ralph Grassi’s www.funchase.com and click on “Slip Slidin Away.”
Thanks to an online lottery system, 200 sliders were given the opportunity to take a final slide down the Wipe Out. One of those lucky winners was Wildwood lover Lori Altman pictured above. Lori happily made the long drive to Wildwood from Pittsburg, PA, to be a part of the send-off. She received the e-mail saying she’d won at 5 0’clock Saturday, the day before the big event, and was on the way to Wildwood with her parents within hours. A personal noteworthy event also took place for Lori this winter. Being a recent college grad, looking for work, Lori took her passion for ‘all things Wildwood’ on a leap of faith. She was determined to make her dream come true, which was to one day live here on the island. Lori set out on a job search in the dead of January winter. She made several long trips down from Pittsburg to go on interviews and apartment hunts. She could very well be a poster child for anyone who has a desire to pursue their dream. She did it! You can visit her at your local Bank of America branch and say hello, or you might see her strolling the boards or riding her bicycle! She’s the one wearing the big smile!
PUTTING the MORE in MOREYS
While You Were Away, Morey’s Piers has been refurbishing, constructing and planning like never before to bring visitors the most unforgettable season yet. Morey’s has stuffed a ton of new surprises into the events calendar this year. Enjoy an action-packed season of food, fears and flying through the air! “it” is in full swing, literally! The newest addition to the ride roster will spin and hurl riders 65 feet into the sky! Featuring a first-of-its-kind lap bar system designed by Morey’s Piers in collaboration with KMG, “it” gives riders greater freedom of movement. The ride combines a swinging motion up to 120° and a rotating center where gondolas seat a total of 24 passengers who are facing each other.
Ghost Ship 2011 will offer a new scare show, acting and lighting changes, a new costume and make-up scheme designed by industry professionals and a number of physical changes to the interior maze that will more fully immerse guests into the horrifying experience. Many of the cages and fences that separated guests from hungry zombies have been stripped down, leaving guests face to mangled face with the creatures of the Ghost Ship.
“The Ghost Ship’s new surprises are meant to immerse, impress and impart a deeper sense of gloom on the adventurous as they wind their way through the derelict vessel,” said Terry O’Brien, Ghost Ship Manager.
Speaking of scary surprises, Morey’s Piers will host an epic Halloween event for the first time ever. Morey’s FEARS: Terror on the Boardwalk will transform Mariner’s Landing into a nightmare for six nights in October. Aside from dark incarnations of the Sea Serpent, SuperScooters, Tea Cups, Pirates of the Wildwoods, Rollie’s Coaster, Musik Express and Moby Dick, look for an especially traumatizing Ghost Ship experience as well as two frightening all-new Halloween attractions that will only be available during Morey’s Fears.
“This event is geared toward teens and adults looking for a terrifyingly good time,” said Dino Fazio, Director of Operations. “We’re designing it to be one of the most frightening Halloween attractions out there.”
For the foodies and flip flops crowd, Morey’s Piers recently cooked up two more events this year. In addition to the Wild Half, a new half marathon that will take runners all across The Wildwoods, the boardwalk and the beautiful beach in August, Morey’s Piers will host the first Wildwood Surf Festival in July and a Chili and Chowder Cook Off on Souper Sunday.
“We are always looking for new ways for people to enjoy our beautiful beaches and a Surf Festival seems like a perfect fit,” said Nick Lassor, Beach Sports Manager.
The Wildwood Surf Festival will celebrate surf culture in a unique way this July. Participants can learn to surf for free, take in live music, dance at a luau, taste delicious barbeque and shop surf artists and vendors. This event is the first and only to offer after hours admission to Raging Waters Waterpark. There will truly be something anyone can participate in and enjoy.
On October 9th, experience a taste of fall at the Souper Sunday Chili and Chowder Cook Off. Professional chefs, individuals and corporate entrants will battle for the title of Best Chili or Chowder in the Wildwoods. Absorb the festive boardwalk atmosphere as contestants use their finest ingredients to prepare winning dishes. The competition will feature three divisions: Chili, New England Clam Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder.
“Our West Coast friends over at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk have two great cook off events so we decided to bring the idea to the best boardwalk on the East Coast,” said Kristel Fillmore, Events and Entertainment Manager. “Tasting kits will be available so guests can taste entries. What better way to end a season and welcome winter than with a hot bowl of chili or chowder?”
Always in a state of planning, Morey’s Piers understands what it means to have an “endless summer.”
“We don’t really ever stop moving,” said Kristel Fillmore. “Between parties, events, sports and performances, our minds kind of remain in a constant state of summertime and I’m definitely not complaining!”
For more information about what’s new at Morey’s Piers in 2011, visit www.MoreysPiers.com.
A Healthier Color
Rio Grande’s Green Street Market employees and local artists Terri Amig and Penny Beck joined together to brighten up the storefront with new signage and a new entranceway featuring faux marble painted columns. The grateful owners, and sisters, Trish McMonagle, Tanja Simmons, and Diane Carrick, attribute a boost in sales and an overall positive effect due to the new bright yellow signs. The yellow is drawing new customers into the store who are finding out, like their already large customer base, that this store, the first of its organic kind in Cape May County, promotes well-being through all of their unique, high quality whole foods and special care products. Be sure to visit!
The Sun by-the-sea gets even brighter as our online publication gains a dazzling amount of exposure on both our website and facebook page. Sun by-the-sea readers near and far can now enjoy each bi-monthly issue, hot off the press! at www.sunbythesea.com and on our facebook page www.facebook.com/The Sun by the sea Newspaper.
Also new this year, you can look for our bright yellow news box that will be stationed at 2nd & JFK in North Wildwood, so you can always have your favorite publication to tuck in your beach bag.
If you’re in Wildwood Crest, you can be sure to find your copy at the Nesbitt Center on Rambler and the beach, as well as 100s of locations throughout the island.
A couple cheery newsbits. . .
Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is celebrating 10 cool Summers all summer long!! . . . as Casey’s on Third Bar & Restaurant will have one long party this summer to celebrate their 5 great years thus far!
Celebrating Christmas by the Sea North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey lit the Christmas tree at Hereford Lighthouse on a very cold December 3rd evening. Despite the chill, hundreds came out to celebrate the free, family-friendly event which signaled the official start of the Christmas season. In addition to hot chocolate and cookies, a spectacular view, (and a visit from Santa Himself,) Steve Murray’s new book, “Guardians of the Hereford Inlet,” as well as “Cooking with Friends,” were on sale in the gift shop. A Ho! Ho! Ho! time was had by all!
Lighting the Way ~
Bidding for Phase IV for the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was completed, with highly-regarded general contractor Dell Tech, Inc. of Trenton, N.J. assuming the position. Interior and exterior work includes tower stairway reconstruction, fire suppression system, central air conditioning, water damage and various infrastructure repairs. “The Friends” devoted $55,000 to finance management costs not covered by grants, totaling $450,000.
2010-11 Winter Weather report
Following a perfect, sunny (and dry) summer of 2010, meteorologist predicted little snowfall for the winter of 2011. That, however, didn’t stop the post Christmas snow that blanketed the area, dropping up to 26 inches over the Cape May County area. 2010’s last snowy hurrah involved heavy winds, freezing temperatures, and snowdrifts, resulting in a state of emergency and, days later, an interference with cleanup. Old Man Winter’s presence was definitely felt as the state of emergency remained in effect until December 27th. The rest of the winter, at least by the sea, remained cold but otherwise uneventful (at least snow-wise).
The Beach Gets Graded
The Department of Public Works in Wildwood Crest continues in their efforts to most effectively protect and grade its beaches. An additional sand fencing was installed from Jefferson to Cresse Avenues with the purpose of improving the entire beach system.
In early 2010, an emergency beach grading project was finished to re-establish an elevated back beach as a way of removing all standing water in the back beaches. Further work is still required to successfully maintain the beach. The borough continues to work toward the structure of a controlled dune system between Jefferson Avenue and Rambler Road.
A Local Hero
We here at The Sun, proudly report local hero Matt Szczur and the Chicago Cubs have signed a $1.5 million contract, preventing Villanova’s wide receiver from pursuing an NFL career (Major League Football scouters remain interested in Matt should he change his mind). The 5-foot-11, 205-pound outfielder originally signed to the Cubs in June 2010, with the agreement of him finishing out his studies at Villanova University this year. Matt, having played three different minor league teams in the Cubs system, started his professional career with a 21-game hitting streak. The right-handed batter and center fielder by trade is considered remarkably fast. He hit .347 in 25 minor league games. According to an MLB source, Matt, who was living in Arizona during Spring Training, will start the 2011 season in Season A Peoria. He isn’t expected to return to his Lower Cape May County home until after the season is over in September.
The "Get in the Game. Save a Life" Campaign started in 1992 at Villanova University under the guidance of head football coach Andy Talley. The program has resulted in more than 3,500 potential donors being tested. Lower Cape May Regional High School graduate and star of Villanova’s FCS title in college football Matt Szczur became part of the National Marrow Donor Program. He did not know at the time that he would one day become a match for a 15-month old little girl and by donating stem cells would help save her life, as he did this past year. Matt has proven himself to be a true hero both inside and outside of the sports arena.
. . . More new business
After months of preparation, Tony Luke’s owners Nicky Luke and Mike Vicario didn’t know what to expect when they finally opened their doors on a chilly Black Friday morning. The friendly staff, including their hardworking Shark friend, happily served a famished steady stream of customers from early morning that typical- holiday- shopping day, until their fresh-baked rolls ran out around 4 PM. Selling out on their first day prompted Nick and Mike to remain open all winter long, a decision a hungry group gratefully approved. Fortunately, they are now prepared for the season, (which is upon us at last!) when they’ll be serving their award-winning sandwiches every day, all summer long.
Bobby & Margie Villon celebrate 10 of the best years of their lives at Tucker’s Irish Pub this summer. Bobby and crews worked every day this winter on complete interior renovations, from floor to ceilings and roof and in between. The newly exposed original brick walls reveal the grand old Wildwood structure that it was back in its banking days that began nearly 100 years ago. (pictured above) Come and check out their updated menu too. A new stage was built in anticipation of a great musical lineup which includes a Southern Rock with a little bit of Country night.
Phil & Debbie John would like to thank you for being part of their summer breakfast tradition for 43 years at the Sandcastle Restaurant in Wildwood Crest. They will now be serving breakfast every morning (except Tuesdays) from 7:30a.m. to 12 noon at their Jersey Girl Restaurant on Schellenger & Atlantic Aves. in Wildwood. Early dinner dining at Jersey Girl begins at 5pm.
Shoobies Good Eats which opened last summer by local islanders Joe & Nancy Rullo, are set to add an outdoor eating area on the 25th St. side of the building, complete with awnings and real palm trees for a cool afternoon Shoobie-style dining experience. Come in and check out their eclectic cuisine which features a wide range of ‘good-eats’ for the entire family.
Keenan’s Irish Pub owner Jack Keenan sadly passed away on October 4, 2010 from sudden heart failure. He was 66 years old. Alongside his two sons, Scott and Sean, Jack purchased the popular bar on Old New Jersey Ave in 1998, proudly serving as host during that time. The newest addition to Keenan’s was the old Harry the Hats which Jack proudly named “Angry Jack’s.”
Catina Blinebury Simmons proudly embarked on a life-long dream as she opened her own gift and variety store Beach Whiskers on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, next to the Crib Rental, across from Marvis. She brings with her years of experience in the retail business as she spent her summers working on the Wildwood Boardwalk at such places as Olympic Fun Center and Mariners Landing. Catina will carry a wide range of goods in her store such as MudPie, Ugly Dolls, Hammond’s Candies, Greeting cards, jewelry, accessories, lots of beach toys for girls and boys, and much more.
Pauly Szewczak & Michelle Milligan of Primos~
Pauly has been operating the Wildwood Crest PRIMOS location since 2000. In February, he became owner of the North Wildwood location. Pauly is now the proud owner of 6 PRIMO HOAGIES franchise locations. They’re not just a hoagie! They’re a Primo!
Last summer, KONA SURF & SPORTS celebrated its 40 years in business, as this summer signifies the opening of KONA OUTLET, located just a block away from the original location on Arctic & Rio Grande Aves. Now you can catch one of their famous sidewalk sales everyday!
Carl Gallucci, of West Wildwood, proudly poses at the very first ever MISTER SOFTEE Icecream franchise to open up on the Wildwood boardwalk. . . and also the first in Cape May county! You’ll not only see the brightly colored red, white & blue stand, and the familiar Mister Softee ice cream cone logo, but you’ll hear the old Mister Softee jingle. The name & tune have both been around since 1956. Carl is no stranger to the boards after having grown up working at his parents Dairy Queen since the age of 13.
Jon Paul Paxton succesfully opened Good Fish Grill in the heat of last summer, next door to his already established Juan Pablo’s Restaurant & Bar. New this year, Good Fish Grill will now be offering delivery on the island, while Juan Pablo’s will be featuring a Sunday Salsa Brunch complete with salsa music.
Conclusion...now that you’re back!
With idyllic days spent ocean side mere moments away, Wildwood promises to pull out all the sandy stops this summer. While blissful beach time does battle with starry boardwalk nights, outdoor concerts compete with creative craft shows. Bring your appetite, of course, as the ultimate sea-inspired restaurants, not to mention tasty boardwalk cuisine, take center stage. Meanwhile, miniature golf and mystery thrill rides find an exhilarating spot in everyone’s vacation guide book. With Wildwood Crest being named one of the top three family vacation spots (according to Trip Advisor) what better time to check out what’s happening beneath the Wildwood Sun? Turning the page to a warmer seaside season, we remember “that beautiful season. . . Summer . . . filled is the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if newly created in all the freshness of childhood.” Author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow must have spent time growing up by the sea . . .
Written by Meg Corcoran & Dorothy Kulisek |
