Download the goings-ons of previous years

While You Were Away…

Preparations are happily underway for another infamous, Wildwood Fun-in-the- SUN-filled summer. Locals prepare to welcome back strictly summer lovers, as offseason happenings linger in the recentlywarmed breeze. Despite winter's numerous dark clouds, the Sun continued to shine brightly all across town. With the Summer of 2010 upon us, we're reminded that current events are merely a bright reflection of the sea-tinted past. As poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning advised, "light tomorrow with today," while pondering the numerous, newsworthy events that joyfully occurred While You Were Away...

Sentimental Send-offs
We’ve reported on thousands of demolitions over the past seven years in this column, many of them near and dear to our hearts. This year, there were only a few buildings razed, the most noteworthy being the house that
Jack and Harriet Bevans lovingly built, whose story was included in the Labor Day 2009 edition of the SUN and located at 233 1st Ave. It was demolished on an appropriately dismal, grey day in January. The house echoed the strong love affair that Jack and Harriet lived...

Building Blocks
On that same day, "The Block that Rocked," (that covered the entire west side of the 3400 block of Pacific Ave. between Oak & Cedar, and was once considered one of downtown's most popular places), was dismantled. Vacant for years, it formerly housed such celebrated hotspots as the Penalty Box and Playpen. Its most recent occupants were The Wildwood Nights Hill 16 and H20 nightclubs. A new development is being designed. Meanwhile, as winter barreled down, plans were underway to reopen the Fairview after years of vacancy.

Wildwood Catholic Forever!
Fighting for an Education With word that Wildwood Catholic High School would be closing as St. Ann's and Our Lady Star of the Sea were set to merge, a group was quickly formed to save the school. Many quickly responded on Facebook to the "SaveWildwoodCatholic" organization, which consisted of Wildwood Catholic High School alumni, students, and parents as well as St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church parishioners. Morey's Pier employee Norris Clark, who is also known for getting the word out, stressed his belief in the need for good private schools alongside good public schools. He stated, "Schools are based on values, and values are based on faith, be it secular or religious. Private Christian schools can openly teach, and practice Christian values. Public schools cannot. When we loose schools like Wildwood Catholic, our community loses (to some degree) those values."

Students Mark Rucci and David Von Savage quickly issued a press release regarding the peaceful protest held January 10, 2010 to save their school, as signs went up all over town to Save Wildwood Catholic.

On March 5, supporters of Save Wildwood Catholic met at Westy's Irish Pub for a fundraiser. Joining them were the priests, Father Field & Wallace, who praised the efforts of Joe Catanoso, David Von Savage and Carole Pantalone who boldly and steadfastly led this crusade, along with many others, to a successful outcome. It was a glorious moment when it was announced that the school would remain open. The priests explained that beginning in September 2010 the building at 15th & Central Aves. in North Wildwood would host 2 schools- Cape Trinity for the elementary grades, and Wildwood Catholic HS, as well as serve as a Community Center for the new Notre Dame de la Mer Parish of the Wildwoods.

Back to a Fun-Filled Fall at the Shore
Fall at the shore offered an endless, exciting array of cool activities. Lower temperatures offered comfortable beach and boardwalk jaunts, with a scintillating stop at a festival or two. The Mummers String Band was on hand, leading the way to the 3rd Annual Wildwood New Jersey Boardwalk Classic Car Auction.

"Second Season," filled with a succession of Fall's fantastic events, received a warm welcome following a sluggish summer season. Executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Chamber of Commerce Tracey DuFault played a key role in orchestrating these events (including the fact that there were almost no motel room vacancies during the Firefighters Convention Weekend). She believes fall events are successful in part because people don't want to relinquish Wildwood's summer experience.

Music, Merriment, and Meatballs Blue skies ushered in Wildwoods' Fourth Annual Italian Festival held at Fox Park on October 2nd and 3rd. Thousands attended the two-day party featuring Italian-American food, music, and customs

The Sylvester Grande Lodge #1838 of the Sons of Italy sponsored the event while The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority provided advertising. Dozens of food vendors, hand-crafted items, games and rides lent a hand to the familyfriendly event. Following an intense competition, with over a dozen entries, North Wildwood's Brian Ianieri was proudly awarded the trophy for "Best Meatball."

When Irish Eyes are Smiling
Despite the threat of rain, more than 200,000 Irish and non-Irish alike attended the 18th Annual Irish Fall Festival held September 24-27. Included in the long activities-packed weekend were amateur boxing matches with Belfast, Ireland boxers, a 5k race, bagpipe groups, Irish music and dancing, and an Irish-inspired parade.

More than 100 vendors lined the Entertainment District with the official Irish music tent housing performers Paddy's Well, the Wolftones Derek Warfield, and the Highland Rovers, to name a few. An Irish time was had by all!

The 19th Annual AOH Fall Festival Irish Weekend will be held September 23- 26, 2010.

The Fabulous 50s Live on
Despite dark and stormy skies as a double nor'eastern brought major coastal flooding and high winds to the island, the 6th annual Fabulous '50s Weekend events took place Oct. 15-18 and was a fabulous success, with 6400 music lovers in attendance for the Golden Boys concert featuring Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, and Fabian. While most of the live entertainment and ceremonies for Saturday afternoon were moved inside, the Classic Car Show had to be canceled due to the weather.

Former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andy Cripps started the Fabulous 50's Weekend, emphasizing Philadelphia's bond with Wildwood and the 1950s. The event consistently contributes to Wildwood's economy while extending the season. Present Executive Director Tracey Dufault, along with her Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce team, have done a tremendous job organizing and promoting the last five years of events with no sign of stopping

Fabulous 50's Weekend, an island-wide celebration of Wildwoods' place in Rock 'n Roll history, are all about music, dancing and most of all having fun! Friday night's dance party is hosted by legendary Philadelphia radio DJ Jerry Blavatt "The Geater with the Heater" in the Wildwoods Convention Center and is a fabulous way to welcome in the weekend. Saturday afternoon's feature is a free all-day Street Fair in Fox Park with live entertainment, food, vendors, hoola hoop contests and this year a Twisting Contest!

Save the Date! Get your tickets early! This year's Fabulous Fifties Weekend will be Friday, October 15th to Sunday October 17th, 2010 and is sure to be another 'fabulous' sell out! Saturday evening's feature concert will include performances by Chubby Checker, with a celebration of 50 years of the TWIST!, Joey Dee & the Starliters who performed the Peppermint Twist, and the Marevelettes who performed Twistin' Postman.

New 2010 Beach Read!
Wildwood-by-the-Sea: Nostalgia & Recipes, a book by Anita Hirsch, is a collection of her stories that have appeared in The SUN-BY-THE-SEA over the last seven years, which are nostalgia-packed, lavishly illustrated with photos and includes more than fifty recipes in all. Revisit people and places that make the Wildwoods so special. Read how Wildwood- By-the-Sea came to be: stories of your favorite places with more than 250 photos that will take you back to the best times of your youth and your family vacations.

Publisher/Editor of Wildwood's endeared Sun by-the-sea magazine, Dorothy Kulisek, contributed to the book by designing the cover, as well as writing her childhood memories about her family's North Wildwood summer home and submitting her favorite Chicken Soup recipe. Publisher/Editor Jack Wright of Cape May's favorite magazine, Exit Zero, designed the layout of the book, while he captured the spirit of the book with his excellent use of design and his expertise in editing. It is available at both the Wildwood & Wildwood Crest Historical Museums, as well as from the coupon in this paper.

Keeping up with Traffic
Starting Oct. 13th, various traffic lights changed to flashing mode for wintertime, and will return to working mode sometime this May. Drive safely! Life is busy. These days it seems the demands on our time are ever increasing and the pressure to accomplish more in a day has never been greater. But when we're behind the wheel, driving should not take a backseat to other activities. Research shows that driving while distracted is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes. We encourage you to take the time right now to change your voice mail on your mobile phone to say something like this, "I'm sorry I missed your call. I'm either away from my phone or driving. Your call is important and I will get right back to you as soon as I'm safely able to." As we look forward to a super Summer of 2010, besides the normal admonitions urging people Not to Drink and Drive, we beg those inclined NOT to TALK or TEXT WHILE DRIVING in THE WILDWOODS! Have a happy and safe summer.

The Campaign Trail
The 2009 Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) continues its successful public relations campaign, yielding a significant 230% increase in advertising value for all news placements compared to its successful 2008 public relations campaign.

Since its January 2009 beginning, the GWTIDA's 2009 public relations campaign has acquired 600+ story placements in both print and web media outlets in regional, national, and international broadcasts, equaling an advertising value of more than $5 million.

The campaign promotes all that Wildwood has to offer, including FREE beaches, an infamous boardwalk, and over 180 year-round events, many of which are free. The campaign's strategy focuses on news release distribution, target pitches, tours, and promotions, reaching hundreds of media outlets across the US and Canada.

A rise in vacation information packet requests occurred despite an unstable national economy.

The Online Experience
The Wildwoods launched its entirely refurbished tourism destination website, www.WildwoodsNJ.com, which personifies the overall Wildwood experience while showcasing the fun and appeal of the Wildwood's 2009 marketing campaign.a

The new website comes complete with vibrant colors, eye-catching graphics, flash animation, new features, user-friendly updates, mini flash photo gallery and lists of unending activities, attractions, services, beaches, and hotel and dining information in Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.

The original website, which got underway in 2005, and the recently designed website were accomplished by Suasion Communications Group/Smith O'Keefe of Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Bienvenido al Wildwoods!
...and its Spanish Equivalent
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority's new Spanish language website, www.wildwoodsnj.com/bienvenidos-awildwood.cfm, greets its Spanish-speaking visitors "Bienvenido al Wildwoods ("Welcome to the Wildwoods!")

The site maintains the same brilliant colors, graphics, and flash animation as the English edition with Spanish content. The goal of GWTIDA officials is to develop a deeper connection with the increasing Hispanic market.

Like its English counterpart, the Spanish site provides information on vacation planning as well as information on special events, concerts, accommodations, dining and attractions, and the Wildwoods FREE beaches and award-winning boardwalk. The site can also be accessed by going to the primary site's homepage (www.wildwoodsnj.com) and clicking on the "En Espanol" navigation button.

More Claim to Fame
The Wildwoods was honored with two major awards from Time.com (part of Time, Inc.) and Sherman's Travel. The Wildwoods was named one of Time.com's "50 Authentic American Experiences" in 2009 for its unique doo-wop environment, musical aspects, and its distinctive boardwalk. Sherman's Travel, one of the US's leading publishers of top travel deals and advice, listed the Wildwoods Boardwalk as one of the nations "Top 10 American Boardwalks" for 2009 based on its piers, waterparks, tram cars and exceptional food, but most importantly because it offers something for every member of the family.

A Sweet Dedication
A memorial dedication was held for Pop Redding at 2nd Avenue and JFK Blvd on Aug. 22nd. A plaque was presented by North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey and Council President Patrick Rosenello in remembrance of the man who started the beach's Fudgy Wudgy enterprise.

A Wildwood Dedication
Hundreds attended the dedication of the new Cape May County Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Lodge 7 including representatives of police departments throughout the county and beyond. Philadelphia architect Richard Stokes followed design guidelines developed for Pacific Avenue with the lodge's exterior a prime example of retro mid-century design. The new building accommodates meeting and office space, serving the needs of its 250 members of active and retired police officers.

The renovations received an award from the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce with nearby Crest Savings Bank providing financing. Located at 3207 Pacific Avenue in the downtown business district, F.O.P. Lodge 7, which was founded in 1957, has finally found a home.

A Wall worth Remembering
Following the halfsize replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that was temporarily placed in a field at Fox Park in the summer of 2008, a plan to bring a permanent replica of the wall was soon underway. Treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 955 Vincent DePrinzio, with the help of the Vietnam Veterans post and American Legion Post 184, began fundraising efforts to have the black granite wall replica permanently built in the city. DePrinzio's cousin, the late Greg Mazzotta, a Vietnam Veteran, inspired the cause.

North Wildwood Projects Completed!
North Wildwood City Hall Annex- What's old is new again. Project 2009 at North Wildwood's City Hall & Court was completed in the Fall with the new expansion of the Court Room. The original City Hall building, which was built in 1922 between 9th and10th and Atlantic Avenues, posed a challenge for years with a shortage of space. The original court rooms and offices were built in 1974. While changing times necessitated more space, city fathers did not want to abandon the building's innovative beauty. Architecture's aesthetics, therefore, blended the old with the new, skillfully merging the past with the present. The new annex uses the same brick and sandstone as the original. Court and council meetings are now held in the new annex with old council rooms converted into new office space. Perhaps the one person enjoying the new court room the most is our Honorable Judge Louis Belasco!

A Distinguished Group of Homegrown Superior Court Judges
Wildwood High School class of '81 graduate John C. Porto, who, (according to his yearbook caption,) once aspired to be a yachtsman, was recently appointed a Superior Court Judge. His former aspirations should serve him well, as judges oftentimes must sail through stormy waters! John joins a distinguished group of Wildwood High School graduates serving as Superior Court judges including: Nathan Staller, William C. Todd, III, Max A. Baker, and Louis F. Hornstine.

Pride in Public Works North
Little press is given to Public Works, a vital organization that maintains our sewers, beaches, and streets. Since 2006, Harry Woznuk has been superintendent of Public Works, beginning in waste management, leading to Supervisor of Water/Sewer Grounds, Streets, Beaches, and Special Events. After passing the state license test given by the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs, Woznuk received the position of Certified Public Works Manager, emphasizing the level of commitment his experienced and licensed crew maintain, including preparing for and cleaning up after North Wildwood's festivals and snowstorms. Woznuk has been Treasurer of the Southern Branch of the New Jersey Public Works Association since November 2009, President of CMCount Public Works Association since 2008, and is Deputy Coordinator of CMC CBRNE, which deals with chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear explosions. He is moving toward state accreditation for North Wildwood Public Works, which no New Jersey public works department has qualified for. At that time, only one had applied.

Woznuk announced as of February 1st, one bulk item (such as old TVs) could be placed curbside alongside trash cans on the first day of the trash week (a mattress and box spring set count as one item). Other acceptable disposable items include metal, brush and tree cuttings (securely tied and no longer than four feet), electronics, and rigid plastics. Trash needs to be put out by 7 a.m. that day or the night before. It is not necessary to call Public Works for a pickup.

Pride in Public Works South
The borough of Wildwood Crest has hired Joseph Bond as its new Superintendent of Public Works. He is overseeing all aspects of the public works department, including building maintenance, parks and landscaping, sanitation, fleet maintenance and road maintenance. He will also work closely with the borough's police department on issues concerning public safety and with the recreation department on issues regarding special events.

Bond comes to Wildwood Crest with extensive experience, including 10 years as a public works director in the city of Vineland where he oversaw 125 employees and was responsible for eight departments under the city's public works umbrella. Previously, he was the owner of the Vineland-based Eastern Asphalt Maintenance Company. More recently, Bond was the equipment manager and purchasing agent for South State Construction, a company that specializes in highway construction and bridge building. Bond plans to continue the good services the borough already has in place, continuing to make it a great place to live and visit.

Retiring in Beautiful Style
Superintendent of North Wildwood's Parks Steve Murray retired in December after 35 years of making Wildwood beautiful. During his career, Murray took loving care of the city's parkways, playgrounds, public parks, and gardens. He's most known for meticulously transforming the grounds surrounding the Hereford Lighthouse. His "labor of love" began in 1986 when the grounds consisted of sand and rocks.

His landscaping designs garnered him many awards including "Suburban Greening Award 2002," and the "Suburban Greening Maintenance Award 2004." He received The Freeling Hewitt Award at last year's Charity Ball sponsored by the Friends of Hereford Lighthouse and The Heritage Award for Preservation from the CMC Historical and Genealogical Society. A devoted volunteer, author, writer and editorand- chief for the Hereford Lighthouse newsletter and contributing writer for the SUN, Murray has much work and little free time ahead of him. Happy Retirement!

Joining Forces
North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest formally moved forward to launch their new construction offices while sharing specific construction-related services as preparations were underway to finish their association with the Construction Office of the Wildwoods (COWCO) by the end of 2009.

Absecon's Patrick Malia will be the new construction official for both towns. A new construction office and technical assistant will be hired. They will contract a third party for additional sub code officials.

A New Year and a New Construction Office
On January 4th, the new North Wildwood Construction Office was opened for business. They manage the issuance of all permits for new construction, additions, and renovations. They also plan reviews and inspections within the city of North Wildwood including fire, electrical, plumbing, and building while insuring each project adheres to appropriate codes.

The office resides on the second floor of City Hall (901 Atlantic Ave.) and is opened daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Construction official office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Street Funding in North Wildwood
North Wildwood was chosen to receive $186,000 in funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (NJDOT) fiscal year 2010 Municipal Aid Program that was used toward reconstructing Chestnut Avenue, aiding greatly in the plan to improve the city's roads. NJDOT provides $78.75 million yearly in municipal aide from the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) with an additional $25 million from TTF given this year for further support.

Wintertime is when many improvements come to North Wildwood. This year, the city worked on a new bulkhead at 10th and Delaware Aves. Mayor Bill Henfey was concerned about the flooding Delaware Ave. receives and believes this should help the residents there effected by the flooding. Road work took place on New York Ave. between 10th and 26th Aves. The blacktop will be taken care of along with all the storm, water, and sewer drains on those streets. Other areas where the city is making similar improvements include 9th, 12th, and 14th Aves., as well as Maryland Ave. from Chestnut to Spruce, and Delaware Ave. from 2nd to Spruce.

A North Wildwood Win
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved $3.65 million in federal funding to North Wildwood for sewage and wastewater improvement projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). New Jersey was one of 27 states to receive ARRA funding for water and environmental improvement. The USDA Rural Developments Water and Environmental Program supervised the plan which included the building and replacement of 8 inch sanitary main manholes and sanitary sewer laterals in regions where weakened roads have resulted in traffic commotion and possible soil contamination.

Campaigning for a Pizza Break
Proving how important Cape May County voters are, (and how good Wildwood's boardwalk cuisine really is) candidate Chris Christie was in North Wildwood Sept. 5th, where he took a tram car ride chauffeured by Gigi to Sam's Pizza for lunch after meeting with North Wildwood's City Council.

Brief Political Break
City of Wildwood Recall Election Results 2009 as follows:
John Roat 42 1.90%
Bill Davenport 453 20.47%
Ernest Troiano Jr. 496 22.41%
Al Brannen 577 26.07%
Edward E ('Chip') Harshaw 600 27.11%
Ernesto Salvatico 45 2.03%
Total 2,213 100%
Welcome Mayor Gary DeMarzo and Commissioners Al Brannen & Ed Harshaw!

Preparing the Plow through Winter
On October 20th, the Cape May County Public Works Association, in anticipation of snowstorms to come, held their Annual Snow Plow Rodeo at Erma's Naval Air Station with county road supervisor Joseph Versaggi as chairman.

The purpose of the event was to promote constructive criticism among cities as they prepare for winter. Little did they know at the time just how much plowing they would be doing this winter!

Vendors displayed equipment with three tests of snow plow driving expertise included in the competition. Participants included those form North Wildwood, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, and Cape May. First place went to Ken Martin, Tom Nessler of Cape May County.

Weather Update, Impact on Beach Project
Significant storms delayed the North Wildwood Beach Replenishment project's September start date. The project was expected to take 45 days to complete with nearly 1.2 million cubic yards of sand being moved from a borrowing area in the Hereford Inlet to beaches between 2nd and Ocean Avenues in North Wildwood to Juniper Avenue in Wildwood. The $20.5 million project included installing a dune system, reconstructing two storm sewer outfall pipes, as well as handicap, pedestrian, and vehicle crossovers. The project, designed to protect properties and beaches' natural beauty, was funded by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the City of North Wildwood. North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey and City Council stressed the importance of the project for the community's future safety.

Now, as fresh dune grass takes its place, nature's beauty is a breathtaking sight to behold to all those fortunate enough to cross its sandy path!

Looking for the Calm After the Storm
Three Nor'easters occurred during the soggy fall months, including Sept. 10-12, Oct. 16-19, and Nov. 11-13. A typical Nor'easter lasts three tide cycles. The severity of tides is pending on where the moon is in its cycles. The days after the storms are usually fair with blue skies. November's storm event lasted through five cycles, with the Wildwoods scoring high in storm preparations. Offices of Emergency Management personnel, Public Works, the Recreation Departments and firehouses all quickly sprung into action, with crews covering day and night shifts from Thursday through Saturday. North Wildwood also aided neighboring communities, as fire department high-water vehicles responded to emergency conditions. Meticulous planning kept damages low.

In December, while much of the East Coast endured a pre-Christmas blizzard, Wildwood tackled another rainy Nor'easter, mixed with small snow accumulations. A few more winter coastal storms sandwiched two back-to-back blizzards in February. Although the Farmer's Almanac predictions for a snowy Wildwood winter were right, we are hoping their forecast for this year will allow locals and tourists to enjoy a mild season of delightful weather.

Pre-Valentine blizzards consecutively arrived on February 5th & 10th, blanketing our already spectacular seascape with heavy snow and high drifts. The storms resulted in downed wires and telephone poles leaving many homes without electricity for up to 7 days. To explain the severity better, Atlantic City Electric had dedicated one-third of their entire work force (70 crews out of 200) to the Wildwoods. Convoys of electric trucks from all over the tri-state area were seen heading south on the Garden State Parkway that week.

A week earlier, the infamous groundhog promised six more weeks of winter (as visions of balmy beach days filled our snowed-in heads).

Boardwalk News
A New Phase in Boardwalk Restoration Phase II Boardwalk Reconstruction began December 7, 2009 and was expected to be completed in a timely manner by Easter Weekend 2010. The project was fully funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority. Approximately one block from Oak Avenue and Cedar Avenue was replaced. That portion of the boardwalk remained closed during construction.

Boardwalk Memorial
As Wildwood prepared for the summer of 2010, Wildwood Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) director Lou Ferrara announced plans were underway to place 150 new 8' long benches along Wildwoods' boardwalk, with many bearing written "memorials" purchased by residents to honor loved ones. Benches were purchased by the UEZ for $925 each, along with a mechanism to print the memorials.

More Morey's, More Fun!
First and foremost, a major new mystery attraction is coming to the site of the old miniature golf course, located on Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier. All employees associated with "Project 5292010" have signed "secrecy agreements." A curtain will cover the work site until the opening event to ensure that the attraction remains a mystery until some time around Memorial Day. Those who make their way up the "boards" to Morey's Surfside Pier, located on 25th Street, will find a new contemporary boardwalk family restaurant called Joe's Fish Co. The menu, under the direction of Executive Chef Wally Jurusz, will emphasize local and regional finfish and shellfish but will also offer a variety of non-seafood items. Entrées include brick oven pizzas, salads, sharable appetizers and Morey's famous "Curley Fries." Besides a selection of sodas and the boardwalk's celebrated "Lemon Shake Up," there will be bottled and draft beers, wine by the glass and bottle, and Joe's Fish Co.'s signature drink, the Margarita.

Speaking of boardwalk food, Morey's Piers will bring the first annual "Curley Fry Food Festival" to the Wildwoods Boardwalk, starting at noon on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The festival's marquee event is a 90-minute Major League Eating show starting at 1:00 pm, including "amateur" and "professional" Curley Fry eating contests. Besides enjoying a variety of featured boardwalk fare, the kids can enjoy face painters, stilt walkers and other entertainment. All of this boardwalk food calls for some beach exercise, and this season Morey's Piers will expand its Beach Sports to include the 1st annual Beach Lacrosse Summer Tournament, Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18. Billed as one of the only Beach Lacrosse Tournaments in the world, the event will draw lacrosse players of all ages to the Wildwoods for a new "beach" version of the sport. The games are 5 vs. 5, with four field players plus a goalie, and a maximum of 10 players per team. Visit http:// www.moreyspiers.com/s4/140/beach-lacrosse for more information.

Last, but not least, a final addition to this dizzying maze of new experiences is a new mirror and laser maze attraction! Morey's Piers is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Bob Masterson, former CEO of Ripley Entertainment "Ripley's Believe It or Not" to host a first-of-its-kind Adventure Mirror Maze, designed by Adrian Fisher of the United Kingdom, the king of mazes. It will also contain "The Vault" Laser Maze Challenge and a Selfserve Bulk Candy Shop. Look for this new attraction around Memorial Day Weekend.

Stewart's Root Beer begins their third year of serving all-American cuisine with an amazing, all-American view from the top deck, while they proudly introduce Captain Jack's Restaurant, planned to take the place of the recently closed Magic Brain and Stewart's water ice (neighbors located on the front of the Old Hunt's Pier).

Wildwood Crest Business Bits
The Borough of Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works is now accepting Sunday trash and recycling drop-off year round from 3 to 5 p.m. at the borough's recycling depot located at 120 W. Newark Avenue. Beginning May 16 through Sept. 19th, Sunday trash and recycling drop-off service will increase its hours of operation to 4 to 7:30 p.m. Don Cabrera, the Commissioner of Public Works and Recreation, stated "this will especially help our weekend visitors, who now will have the option of properly and safely disposing of their trash and recyclable items before they depart the borough. For further information, call (609) 522-7446.

Blame it on the Weather
Long periods of off season inclement weather pushed back the projected completion date of the third and final phase of the Seaview Avenue/ East Side Storm water reconstruction project. Originally schedules for May 15, the date is now projected for July 2.

STONE HARBOR'S JEWELRY STUDIO OPENS NEW PANDORA SHOP IN SHOP PANDORA is a global Danish brand that has been making its mark on international jewelry fashion for 25 years and has become known for its high standards, craftsmanship, quality, and design. PANDORA's customizable charm bracelets and matching line of rings, earrings, and necklaces are all handcrafted from 14-carat gold and sterling silver, many with precious stones such as topaz, sapphire, amethyst, or brilliant- cut diamonds, and range in price from $25 for silver to $500 and above for solid 14-carat gold. Stop into the Jewelry Studio to view the extensive PANDORA collection in their newly designed Shop in Shop area.

A Local Hero
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 in support of high school friend Lauren Muholland, who battled juvenile leukemia. 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 a 20-year old college junior with a bright future as an NFL receiver or professional baseball catcher who can hit and run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, he risked numerous side effects (which could have temporarily sidelined playing football) and missing the championship game to save the life of a child he'd never met. He never once hesitated, proving himself a true hero both inside and outside of the sports arena.

What is a Chipstix?
For those of you unaware, a chipstix is a deep fried potato on a skewer and seasoned to perfection. It took awhile for the concept to migrate to the USA 'til entrepreneurs Brian and Iryna McDowell purchased the licensing rights for the east coast and opened the 1st North American store located on the Wildwood Boardwalk. Stop into their new location at 3018 Boardwalk (corner of Maple&Boardwalk). Have a Chipstix made for you by a Donald Trump fired Apprentice. Atlantis Realty, located at 5604 Pacific Ave., opened in the fall of 2009 fully staffed with Wildwood locals who maintain a wealth of real estate experience.

Real Estate Chain Links With Local Realtor
Keller Williams Realty International, the third largest real estate franchise organization in the United States, merged with Oceanside Realty of Wildwood Crest, N.J. The offices will operate under the new name Keller Williams Realty Oceanside and operate out of 5406 New Jersey Ave. and continue to be led by operating principal Paul Chiolo.

NEW BUSINESS BITS. . .
The former Jon Paul Café, which was formerly Al the Steak King at 25th & NJ Aves., is now Joe & Nancy Rullo’s SHOOBIE’S. Cuisine will consist of a range of ‘good eats’. . .and everything in between Al’s cheesesteaks and JP’s organic salads. . . Name Change! The DEPOT on Aster & NJ Aves. is now JERSEY AVE. CAFE with the same great homestyle cooking! The Wildwood Crest Wawa, which closed in the fall of 2008 at the southern end of the island opens as South Station Market for a real shopping experience. Tony’s Island Cafe is now O’Boyles Irish Pub across from Crab Island Restaurant & Liquors on the corner of 26th & Delaware. Neil’s Steak House had a complete makeover inside and out and is now Neil’s Island Pub & Grille. Rick’s Seafood has been the hotspot for fresh seafood in North Wildwood for 25 years! Keenan’s is now serving Killer Crabs at Peggy’s Crab Shack. . .

. . .and guess what? the Vegas Diner in North Wildwood now has expanded parking. . . and so does Neil's Island Pub & Grille in Wildwood! More parking = more cars = more delicious meals! Pacific Cuts hair salon is now Michelle's Island Cuts at 3102 Pacific Ave. owned & operated by Michelle Lambert. Further south on Pacific Ave. is the hottest night club & restaurant LUNA, newly renovated for the Summer of 2010!

If you haven't already heard the buzz, Tony Luke's is coming to The Wildwoods! Only if you are not from Philly, would you not know about one of the greatest Philadelphia institutions, serving the best cheese steak & roast pork sandwiches ever! Look for their grand opening soon on the corner of SweetBriar & New Jersey Aves. where Island Bait & Tackle used to be. Plenty of inside seating, as well as covered patio seating, will be available, as well as a quick & easy Take Out window.

As they begin their 19th year in business, their goal is that every person has one of THESE (MMOMGM!) when they visit the SAND JAMM SURF SHOP @ Juniper Ave. (across from Sam's Pizza) on the World Famous Wildwood Boardwalk. They hope that your enthusiasm for the SAND JAMM SURF SHOP is as ROBUST as the effort they put into building their store! North Face, Roxy, Billabong, Burton, Oakley, Hurley, Nike 6.0, Bikinis, Reef Sandals, Skullcandy, Sanuk, Rayban Sunglasses, Accessories, Coastal Home & so MUCH more! 19 yrs. of scouring the planet looking for the very coolest stuff to bring to Wildwood for you & your children! WWW.SANDJAMM.COM. Servant Leadership! NO SHIRT...NO SHOES...NO PROBLEM...@SAND JAMM SURF SHOP in Wildwood, NJ!

This year the Ravioli House celebrates 40 delicious years! Teresa and Antonio DeSanctis immigrated from Italy to Philadelphia as teenagers and met when they worked at a suit factory in Philly. In the summers, they visited with Antonio's Aunt Esmeralda who made pasta in a store front of a building she owned at Bennett and New Jersey Ave. Eighty year old Aunt Esmeralda taught Teresa how to make pasta. The DeSanctis family moved to Wildwood and purchased the building from Esmeralda in 1970. With hard work, they made a success of the business, adding a Pastry Shop and an e-commerce site, 40 years later.

Conclusion
An anonymous, but no doubt wise, shore-loving person once said, "All glory comes from daring to begin." As we begin another daring and glorious season of sunshine and SUNsational events, we look forward to many sun-surf-andsand moments on the best (not to mention FREE) beaches along the eastern Atlantic seaboard, with leisurely strolls on an awesome, award-winning boardwalk, all available within our little hamlet by the sea!

Written by Meg Corcoran & Dorothy Kulisek