Ampersand
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•January 20, 2021
Here Is the Reason My Trump Sign Will Stay Up
To the person who sent an anonymous letter to my home:
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•December 17, 2020
Joy to the World: Letters to Santa
The world was different last pre-COVID Christmas when the Long Beach Island Historical Museum in Beach Haven hosted its annual Christmas Craft Festival. Children were busy making tiny gingerbread…
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•October 29, 2020
‘Are You Reeling in the Years?’
2020 has not been a year of perfect vision. Everything is blurred. For those millions working from home, furloughed from their jobs, jobless or retirees, one day begins to look like another.
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September 23, 2020
Crustacious
Major changes in all our lives these past six months have affected everyone in the world. I have adjusted and kept my sanity by doing small things to stay positive. If I smile behind my mask…
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•September 8, 2020
There’s a Silver Lining … Even in a Pandemic
Some things never change in this ever-changing world, as four college girls have learned this summer. There’s always a silver lining.
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•August 19, 2020
Be Mindful and Safe on Extra-Crowded LBI
I’ve noticed that with each passing year, more and more people seem to be unaware of the laws and safety guidelines on the Island. Here are just a few of them to clear things up to help ensure safety…
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•August 12, 2020
Why Angels Fly
Why do angels fly? Well, I suppose it’s because they have wings. I mean, except for Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He was earning his wings, if I remember correctly. Yes, I guess there are…
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•July 15, 2020
This New ‘Game’ Has No Winners
Rejoice, children of all ages! A new beach game has appeared this summer. Tired of ladder toss? I never liked that game. It reminded me of those awful “clackers” from my preteen years. If you’re old…
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•May 20, 2020
Life Is No Pandemic Picnic
News about the pandemic portrays the horror of it as well as stories about the heroes and major events – just watch every day’s news. The following relates to an ordinary person’s events. By ordinary…
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•February 26, 2020
Beloved Community
On Jan. 20, the nation again paused to remember the most visible spokesperson and leader of America’s civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr.
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•February 6, 2020
Lessons in Longevity
1. They eat mostly organic food, not much animal protein, a bit of dairy, not much gluten and many veggies. They don’t drink alcohol or smoke.
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•January 15, 2020
Democracy Refresher
Not too long ago I had the opportunity to visit Williamsburg, Va., with friends. This was a return visit for me since my father insisted on a family visit there years ago while on a trip to Florida…
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•November 27, 2019
Don’t Worry, Be Thankful, Blessed
At its earliest, Thanksgiving stemmed from the festival to observe the end of the harvest. American history also indicates Thanksgiving as a day of distinction by recalling how Native Americans saved…
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•October 30, 2019
Halloween-ish Cat Meets His Match
“Popcorn! Cut it out! Mom, when will your cat stop hissing at me? Look at his back, it’s up like a Halloween cat’s.” My youngest adult son backed away, shaking his head in disgust. Dan is not the…
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•September 25, 2019
Last Community Bridge Walk Hits a High on Revamped Span
In its 10th and final year, the Community Bridge Walk on Sept. 22 made great use of the finished Manahawkin Bay Bridge project. One of the two westbound lanes on the rebuilt span was coned off for…
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•September 11, 2019
Raising Monarchs No Longer a Lofty Initiative
Back in 2016 when I started the Monarch Butterfly Project for the Garden Club of LBI, I thought I was doing a good thing.
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•September 11, 2019
The Boy in the Box
This true story begins by my saying “no children or animals were harmed in the telling of the tale.” I’ve seen this at the end of films involving pets or young actors.
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•August 28, 2019
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag): Going Green on LBI
“Going Green” is definitely the theme of the Island this year, though it really started last year with BYOB, meaning “Bring Your Own Bag.” What did you think it meant?
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•August 21, 2019
Leave No Trace
Mary was 19 when she fell victim to a fishing hook that was left behind. Mary is just one of the 100,000 ocean creatures that die to sea pollution each day. It may be too late to save her, but we can…
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•August 7, 2019
‘Seagull School’ Is Now in Session
This is the first cartoon in a series I am creating called “Seagull School,” where seagulls learn about humans, their summers and what happens on Long Beach Island. I’d love to hear ideas about what…
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•July 3, 2019
Plastic Surgeon: ‘The Skin-ny’ on LBI Summers
I spent every summer on LBI with my grandmother, Marjorie Evanson, who lived on the Island and was the elementary school nurse in Barnegat for over 30 years. Margie was an active member of the Brant…
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•May 22, 2019
State Takes Aim at Seismic Blasting
Imagine someone blasting an air horn next to your ear. Now imagine that sound thousands of times louder. That’s how experts describe the sound of seismic testing to whales, dolphins, sea turtles…
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•April 24, 2019
Dating 101: A Short How-To for Seniors
Hi seniors. Looking for someone? We are living longer thanks to wonderful doctors and medical research, but some of us may have lost someone along the way. We all need companionship to fulfill our…
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•December 19, 2018
Ho! Ho! Ho! Pop’s Santa Tradition Resized to Fit
It’s that time of year … when the world tries to fall silent and reflect on the traditions that make the holiday season bright. That is what brings our block on LBI together every year. We celebrate…
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September 5, 2018
T.G.I.O. – Saying Goodbye the Old Way
Well, here we are, the week after Labor Day weekend. The 100 days of summer are done. It seems strangely quiet as kids get ready for school. We easily get in and out of Wawa for morning coffee. The…
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•August 29, 2018
Donald’s
Alternate universes have long been a tool for science fiction writers to explore what didn’t happen but could have happened. Here’s one instance…
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•August 22, 2018
Seeing Red
I live a quiet, ordinary life and seldom attempt to garner attention for myself. However, I have discovered a trend and feel compelled to expand on the information I have observed. I will admit, it…
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August 14, 2018
Brood of Grandkids Follows in Family’s High Bar Harbor Footsteps
All 14 grandchildren of Rosanne and Joe Schmidt of High Bar Harbor, ranging in age from 3 months to 16 years, recently gathered along the bay for a group shot. The picture was taken at the dyke off…
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•August 8, 2018
Too Hot to Think? Studies Show Heat Affects the Brain
During summer heat waves, you know your body will be hot and sluggish. But did you know that your brain is affected by the heat, too?
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•July 25, 2018
LBI Reunion Brimming With Camaraderie
SYNCHRONIZED STYLING: This group of friends from grade school and young adulthood in the Bronx meets every year at Francine Rinaldi’s Surf City house, on property that has been in the family since…
