Easy Living

Captain Scrap in Woodbine To Celebrating Spring with an Antique Appraiser.

2010-03-14T22:26:20Z

It’s that time again! Bring your antiques and collectibles to Capt. Scrap Antiques, Collectibles and More and receive a free appraisal. Cynthia Schofield Olivier will be available on Saturday March 20, 2010 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 602 Washington Ave. in Woodbine.

There will be no charge for the appraisals but please limit your items to just a few so that everyone can be accommodated.

Free refreshments will be served. Also take advantage of the 20% off sale on all flowered items and help us celebrate the 1^st day of Spring!

Second Annual Wildwoods Spring Bridal Fair will feature over 100 vendors, live music, menu samplings, a fashion show and a FREE honeymoon giveaway!

2010-03-10T01:53:02Z

Wildwood, NJ- The Second Annual Wildwoods Spring Bridal Fair will be held in the Starlight Ballroom at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Sunday, March 21, from noon-5 p.m. This event will be a one-stop shop for brides-to-be, featuring over 100 vendors, live music, menu samplings, a FREE honeymoon giveaway, FREE door prize drawings, a fashion show and much more.

The Wildwoods Spring Bridal Fair will feature a Bridal Fair fashion show highlighting the latest Bridal, Bridesmaid and Mother-of-the-Bride gowns from David’s Bridal; tuxedos by Men’s Wearhouse; and sportswear from Boscov’s. More than 100 vendors will participate, including florists, bakeries, caterers, salons, spas, limo companies, honeymoon destinations, DJs, wedding announcements, photographers/videographers and more. There will also be a menu sampling courtesy of the Wildwoods’ own Executive Chef Drew Tuano, elegant wedding table top displays and live music performed by Shake, Rattle and Soul.

Brides-to-be can register to win a fabulous, FREE dream honeymoon at the luxurious Excellence Playa Mujeres All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, courtesy of Liberty Travel/Deptford Mall. Admission to the Bridal Fair is FREE, and there will be FREE registration gifts for all brides. FREE door prize drawings will take place throughout the event.

Don’t miss the bridal event of the year! To register or for additional information, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com and click on the 2010 Bridal Fair icon or call 609-465-7181. To be a vendor at the show, please contact John Kelly at 609-465-7181.

The Bridal Fair is being sponsored by 98.7 The Coast, Atlantic City Weekly and NJWedding.com. Participating sponsors include Liberty Travel-Deptford, David’s Bridal, Men’s Wearhouse, Boscov’s, Shake, Rattle and Soul, and the Wildwoods Convention Center.

For more information about The Wildwoods visit

www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609.729.9000.

GABLES of Cape May presents their Third Annual Diversity Weekend

2010-03-07T17:31:57Z

GABLES of Cape May County, NJ, announces Cape May’s Third Annual Diversity Weekend presenting the hilarious performance of “Bait and Swish,” a night of comedy from America’s most out there performers. The show will be Saturday April 10, 2010 at Cabanas on the Beach, 429 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ. Comic Adam Sank will host a line-up of America’s funniest and most recognizable gay and lesbian comics, guaranteeing two hours of laughs.

Most recently, Sank has toured the country with his comedy show, and has also opened for many comedians such as Roseanne Barr. Sank’s television credits include NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Vh-1’Best Week Ever, and Here!

Kate McKinnon who audiences will recognize from LOGO Network’s Big Gay Sketch Comedy Show. McKinnon performs regularly at New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and recently received the Best Actress award at the 2009 LOGO NewNowNext Awards.

Brad Loekle, stars on TruTV’s The Smoking Gun Presents, and at NYC Electro-Shock Therapy Comedy Hour. Some may recognize him from hosting Morning Jolt on the Sirius Radio Network, Brad is thrilled to return to Cape May for his second appearance, last year Brad brought the house down with his spontaneous comedy.

Gloria Bigelow who is said to “have a bone to pick with everybody” will be appearing. Glo” has made multiple appearances on LOGO, most recently in the fourth installment of the award wining Laughing Matters series. Last years pre-show host of the NewNowNext awards. She can also be seen on Here TV’s Hot Gay Comics.

Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8:30pm. Cash bar and menu available. Admission is $25.00. Seating is limited, reservations are required. Admission also includes an after-party until 2am., which will be held directly upstairs at the beautiful Martini Beach Club and Bar. DJ Sean Styles supplies his unique mix of after-party dance tunes.

Links for reservations and ticket purchase can be found on the GABLES website www.gablescapemay.com or by phoning GABLES at 609-861-1848.

Fiber Arts - SPRING TRUNK SHOW & BAG SALE - 25% Savings NOW thru Mar. 31st

2010-03-05T18:57:41Z

Just a reminder, Fiber Arts Store in Cape May on Washington Street Mall is having a huge storewide spring trunk show and sales. Stop by over the weekend for some great deals.

Share your Irish spirit with the Wildwood Leader – join in the fun!

2010-03-04T13:43:17Z

Got Irish Festival photos? St. Patrick's Day photos? Share your Irish spirit! We will print the photos you post on our facebook wall in a special photo collage just for our print version of the St. Patty's Day Parade featured in the Wildwood Leader

The Wildwood Leader - Wildwood's only local home town community paper is local home town pride when it comes to community events. St. Patty's Day in the Wildwood's is a big piece of our heart. So join in this print version of the St.Patty's Day Parade which will be an in-paper showcase of readers with Irish ethnicity & Irish hearts alike. Show off your Irish roots and pride.

Join the lucky & lovely, submit a photo to join in on our 1st annual Wildwood Leader St. Patty's Day Parade. It's a brand new "parade" in the St. Patty's Day edition of the Wildwood Leader, Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Irish & Irish loving readers alike will celebrate St. Patty's Day by visually parading up and down the Wildwood Leader on 3/17. Adults, children & pets are all welcome. The more, the merrier so pass it on.
Become our friend, upload your photograph to our "I'm in the Wildwood Leader" by clicking here or email your photograph to

front.desk@catamaranmedia.com no later than Monday, 3/15. And IT'S FREE!

HAVE A QUESTION - CALL ME. 609 - 602-0082. Caroline Ranoia

We are Catamaran Media – publishers of the positive paper!

P.S. there is still time to get your business highlighted in our special St. Patty's Day section. Next section coming out next week 3/10 and only in the Wildwood Leader on 3/17- call for rates 609-602-0082

Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Announces March Luncheon.

2010-02-26T17:24:48Z

Small Business Plans and Loans

Wildwood, NJ - February 26, 2010 - Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will host Joseph Molineaux from Stockton Small Business Development at the March Membership Luncheon. Mr. Molineaux will speak on Small Business Plans and Loans.

The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, March 10th 2010 at

Casey's On Third - 301 New York Avenue~North Wildwood. The event will start at 11:30am Networking~12 Noon Lunch.

Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce members, non-members and the community are invited to attend. Cost is $15.00 per person and includes a lunch complete with soup, entree, dessert, coffee, tea and soda.

RSVP by Monday, March 8th 2010 to the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce

Call: (609)729-4000 Email: erin@gwcoc.org or Fax: (609)729-4003

About Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce

The Mission of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce is to foster positive growth, development, and tourism in the Wildwoods, while respecting the island's unique quality of life, to the benefit of our membership and community. We will serve as a business advocate for all of our members and the five mile island known as The Wildwoods.

Cape May Sandal Shoppe announces BLOW OUT SALE this weekend Feb. 26, 27 and 28. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

2010-02-26T15:01:29Z

Mary from Cape May Sandal Shoppe just sent me an e-mail saying that she is having a huge blow out sale – she wants to make room for the 2010 Spring and Summer merchandise that will be arriving in a few weeks. Stop by this weekend and you’ll receive an additional 20% off already marked down merchandise.

Cape May Sandal Shoppe

www.capemaysandals.com

108 Jackson Street
Cape May, NJ 08204-1440
(609) 898-3547

This just in from my buddies at Natali Vineyards

2010-02-19T18:00:10Z

The Feast In February Wine Festival
"A Taste Of South Jersey" FEBRUARY 27TH 12-5 FREE ADMISSION

Join us Saturday Feb. 27th for our 2nd Annual "Feast in February" Wine Festival featuring 6 "LOCAL CMC" restaurants offering Samples of their newest dishes. Ravioli Shanker Band will rocking the vineyard all afternoon and guest will be able to shop amongst many great Local business. Bring your friends and grab a front row seat, buy a bottle and enjoy the food and atmosphere of our vineyard. We will have free vineyard & barrel room tours of our "Old World Farm Winery". Don't forget to try our newly Released Summer Blueberry, Cabernet Sauvignon, and our newest release's Strawberry Wine & first time ever 15.9% Banana Wine (Limited supply 2 bottles per person)

Don't Forget:

This months featured LOCAL charity will be the Cape May County United Way. They will be on hand helping to raise money for CMC families in need! They will be doing their $5.00 Donation feeds a family of 4 for a day in Cape May County program so please give a little if you can!

THIS EVENT IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT ~ WE HAVE TENTS AND HEATERS BUT PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

UPCOMING EVENTS AT OUR VINEYARD

SUPPORT & SHOP LOCAL

Support Local and please don't forget us! We are open everyday from 10am-5pm for vineyard tours and tasting.

Book your next special event with us! Tastings with a tour and Imported cheese's starting at only $10.00 per person. Call Kevin for more info

609-972-7318

UPCOMING MARCH EVENT

Our 2010 "Spring Fling Jazz Festival" featuring Jazz Master Joe Bridenstien. March 27th from 12pm-5pm (Free Admission)

March's featured Local Charity will be the Red Cross Of Cape May County.

We are raising money for our community one charity at a time.

SUPPORT LOCAL!

Dear friends of our vineyard

First we would like to thank all of you for the continued support of our vineyard. The past few years we have made so many great friends and met some really amazing people. We know that without the word of mouth support from all of you, our business would never be the success that it is! Thank you all for the fantastic "Local" support of our little vineyard! I hope to see all of you in the near future!

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Celli

Natali Vineyards LLC

Cape May County Case Club FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN CAPE MAY COUNTY

Order 6 bottles or more and we will deliver to your door FOR FREE! Go to Natalivineyards.com and check our price list and availability, call and we have same day delivery if orders are received before 3pm. If you already know what you like just call 609-972-7318. Must be 21 to order. Valid ID will be needed at time of delivery!

Directions to our vineyard

Natali Vineyards "Old World Farm Winery" is located at

221 route 47 N. Cape May Court House (Goshen) NJ 08210

Just come down 47 we are at mile marker 12.9

NOTE

If using GPS or another navigational system enter 221 Delsea Drive in Goshen NJ 08210

For more info log onto our website at Natalivineyards.com or Facebook us under Natali Vineyards ~ We are also on Myspace and Twitter under Natali Vineyards

Please Call for any other information 609-465-0075

You’ve got to love these guys, they’re hard workers that truly support local business! Stop by to see them – p.s. their wines are very good.

There's some pretty nifty ideas here! COFFEE FILTERS – Who would have thought? Someone I guess??

2010-02-05T00:00:50Z

Coffee filters ..... Who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing even the large ones.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter..
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters..
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. It soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
15. As a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliquéing soft fabrics.
16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.
17. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.
18. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car.
19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.
20. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.
21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.
22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.
23. Use them to sprout seeds.. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a plastic baggie until they sprout.
24.. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book..
25. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc.

Valentine’s Weekend ideas on what to do.

2010-02-04T17:04:31Z

Special Valentine Movie Screening, Feb 13

Cape May Film Society is hosting a special Valentine's Day on Saturday night, February 13, featuring the movie "For Roseanna" starring Jean Reno (who also starred in "The Pink Panther" and "The Da Vinci Code" and Mercedes Ruehl (who also starred in "Married to the Mob" and "The Fisher King". "The film is a romantic comedy that's rarely seen, and it's very touching," says JC Stinson, Creative Director for the Film Society, who adds: "Of course, the program comes complete with chocolates and champagne." Screening begins at 8:00 pm, Saturday, February 13, at the Church of the Advent (Franklin and Washington Streets, Cape May, NJ). Cost is $10 for members of the Cape May Film Society, $15 for nonmembers. Call 609-884-6700 for details or visit www.capemayfilm.org

Animal Outreach of Cape May County is hosting is Annual “Gimmie Shelter,” Fundraiser

Show Your Love: Animal Outreach Shelter Shindig!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Does it include showing your love for homeless kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs? There is one way to "show your love!" Animal Outreach is hosting its annual Shelter Shindig Fundraiser, and again it's on Saturday, February 13 from 6-11 p.m. So show your love... for stray cats and dogs that is! And this is one easy way to support a good cause, with great food, beer, DJ Ed McDonough, and lots and lots of great prizes and giveaways! Animal Outreach has helped more than 2,300 stray cats and dogs find permanent homes. The group also helps to keep pets in their homes by helping owners by providing assistance for medical bills or other necessities. Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. If you can make it, call 609-898-1738 or visit www.animaloutreachofcmc.org.

Snipper Salon and Spa has some nice offers, and gift certificates as well – they’re located on Bayshore Road in the Villas, check out their coupons in the Cape May Gazette this week.

I’ll be back to you with a few more ideas. Until then, if you have an idea, let’s hear about it!

Happy Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T14:05:17Z

Punxsutawny Phil has spoken and he predicts 6 more weeks of winter – great right?

For those of you who don’t know the legend of Punxsutawney pronounced (puhnk-suh-TAW'-nee) Phil, story has it that it that PP has to emerge from his hibernating hole to see his shadow, if he does, it means winter will last another 6 weeks, if he doesn’t spring will come early.

Every February 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas in the German tradition holds a gathering in Punxsutawney, PA of the Inner Circle of Punxsutawney Groundhog Club which announces Phil’s forecast at dawn on Gobblers Knob, which is about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

Phil’s announcement came before hundreds of onlookers this morning who were huddled together as low teen temperatures hovered. Interestingly enough this club has gathered since 1887 and it should be noted that Phil has predicted more winter weather by seeing his shadow nearly 100 times.

Happy Groundhog Day – looking forward to March 16!

4th Annual Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge a Huge Success

2010-01-20T15:49:35Z

The Wildwoods, NJ – January 19, 2009 – The 4^th Annual Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics, which took place Saturday, January 16, was a major success.

The Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge had an amazing turnout, attracting over 500 of the region’s most daring men and women who raised a total of $135,096 in pledges for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Plungers braved the 45-degree waters of the Atlantic Ocean behind the Wildwoods Convention Center during the event. Some participants took a quick dip in the water and sprinted out, while others spent a minute or two in the icy water.

“We are very happy with the results of this year’s Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge,” said John Siciliano, Executive Director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. “The amount raised in pledges for Special Olympics New Jersey is phenomenal, and we are very proud to have hosted this worthwhile charitable event for the fourth consecutive year.”

The Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge is a family friendly event that benefits more than 18,000 athletes of the Special Olympics New Jersey. Year after year, the Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge continues to grow in popularity and continues to be one of the Wildwoods' most popular off-season events.

For the fourth consecutive year, the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run sponsored the Wildwoods Polar Bear Plunge. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey is comprised of volunteer law enforcement officers dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The Special Olympics Torch Run has become one of the most colorful aspects of the Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Ceremonies.

Technorati Tags: Wildwoods Convention Center,Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce,GWITIDA,Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood

Natali Vineyard has their 2nd Annual Kick the Winter Blues Festival this Saturday, January 23, 2010 – noon to 5pm

2010-01-19T19:46:38Z

The Boardwalk Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show Returns To The Wildwoods Convention Center February 3 -7

2010-01-12T23:28:23Z

Wildwood, NJ- Attention all dog lovers! Four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes will return to the Wildwoods Convention Center for the annual All Breed Dog Show hosted by the Boardwalk Kennel Club. This 5-day event will take place from February 3-7, 2010 with competitions beginning at 8 a.m. daily. Multiple judges will determine the winner of each category and various prizes will be awarded. The schedule of competition is as follows:

Wednesday, February 3^rd

Union County Kennel Club: All Breed Dog Show; Meet the Breed

Thursday, February 4^th

Sand and Sea Kennel Club: All Breed Dog Show; Obedience and Rally Trials

Friday, February 5^th

All Breed Dog Show; Best Veteran in Show Competition; Obedience and Rally Trials; Canine Good Citizens (CGC) Clinic

Saturday, February 6^th

Boardwalk Kennel Club: All Breed Dog Show; Best Puppy in Show Competition; Chihuahua Club of Mid-Jersey Specialty Show; Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America Inc. Supported Entries; Black Russian Terrier Club of Northern New Jersey will supply prizes for the entries of Black Russian Terrier; K-9 CPR Seminar; Westville, New Jersey Police K-9 Unit Search, Rescue and Service Demonstration

Sunday, February 7^th

All Breed Dog Show; Best Breed by Exhibitor in Show Competition; Black Russian Terrier Club of New Jersey will supply prizes for the entries of Black Russian Terrier; Canine Good Citizens (CGC) Clinic

Additionally, vendors will offer unique merchandise for those looking for something special to pamper their pooch, from collars and leashes to books and training tools, and everything in between. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $2 for children under 12. This event is entertainment for the entire family and a great way to have fun during the middle of winter!

The Boardwalk Kennel Club is an AKC All Breed Dog Club located in Atlantic and Cape May County, New Jersey. For more information, please call 856-456-2548 or visit www.BoardwalkKennelClub.com.

For more information about The Wildwoods visit

www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609.729.9000.

Technorati Tags: Wildwood Convention Center,All Breed Dog Show,Dogs,Dog Show,Wildwood New Jersey

Wildwood Catholic School Students, Alumni, Parents we need your help!

2010-01-08T00:40:17Z

WANTED -- WILDWOOD CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES

In honor of Wildwood Catholic High School "The Wildwood Leader (Catamaran Media)" the only hometown paper in the Wildwoods is planning a 15 week special feature section of your memories. Send a digital photograph to me (Caroline Ranoia) caroline.ranoia@catamaranmedia.com of your favorite memory, or a then and now photograph and it may be published in this very special section of the Wildwood Leader.

Wildwood business owners, if you would like to sponsor this section send me an e-mail. Rates start as low as $20.

We as a community are all sadden by this quick decision, but would like this section to be a positive experience.

Happy Holidays to all of my dog loving friends.

2009-12-30T22:04:03Z

Get One At - Friendster Comments

Special Olympics Floor Hockey Tournament Returns To The Wildwoods Convention Center

2009-12-30T14:44:01Z

Wildwood, NJ- The Special Olympics State Floor Hockey Tournament will be held at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10, 2010. Floor Hockey teams from across New Jersey qualified for the state tournament by participating in league competition through November and December. Games begin at 9 a.m. with awards to be given out as competition is completed in each division.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. The community is encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes and take the opportunity to learn about Special Olympics. Floor hockey is just one of many sports that the Special Olympics offer with various levels of competition. Over 200 coaches/chaperones and 1,000 volunteers dedicate their time to these athletes.

The floor hockey teams consist of eleven players; two rotation groups of five and a goalie that play the entire game. The games are played on a gymnasium floor and a felt puck is substituted for the hard rubber puck and players use round sticks instead of hockey sticks.

The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with special mental and physical limitations.

The Special Olympics will be returning to the Wildwoods Convention Center for the Spring Sports Festival Basketball Finals on March 27 and 28, 2010. For additional information about the Special Olympics call 609-896-8000 or visit www.sonj.org.

For more information about The Wildwoods visit

www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609.729.9000.

Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Announces Paul Revere & The Raiders will headline the 2010 Sensational '60s Weekend

2009-12-30T14:41:32Z

Wildwood, NJ - Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Paul Revere & The Raiders will headline at the 2010 Sensational '60s Weekend. Also scheduled to perform at this event are Gary Puckett and The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill.

The Sensational '60s Weekend will take place April 23 - 25, 2010 in the Wildwoods.

Other Sensational '60s Weekend Events

Friday, April 23rd

Sensational '60s Dance Party

Hosted by "The Geator with the Heater" Jerry Blavat

Saturday, April 24th

FREE Sensational '60s Street Fair

Live entertainment, Food Vendors, Classic Car Show, Craft Vendors, Fun Contest & So Much More!

Sunday, April 25th

Sensational '60s Sunday

FREE Live Entertainment & Fun Contest

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Sensational '60s Weekend showcases the Wildwoods rich mid 20th century heritage, and presents a unique and positive image for our island and state. This event also creates a strong early-season tourism event for southern Cape May County. Adds an additional profitable week for seasonal businesses and their employees, and attracts new businesses to our area. This event has proven it will bring overnight stays to the Wildwoods and surrounding area.

Tickets for the Sensational '60s Concert will go on sale Monday, January 11, 2010 at 9:00am only through the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce.

The skies are a little brighter

2009-12-28T23:10:32Z

When I think of growing up and my close knit group of friends, all of which were really my brother’s friends; I think about one in particular. A friend that I wasn’t very nice to, yet a friend that was always nice to me without questions, without pretense and without pause. He was the standard good guy, the one everyone liked, admired, looked up to and the one in our crowd that was always there to give you a ride, help you in bad times and lend a hand. He had the girl and lost the girl, he was our sad sack of happiness. You never saw him down and out, he just kept on going.

We all go back to grade school, we’ve been friends for that long, and even though I have not seen many in this group for years, they all were my core of existence in the late 60s and 70s . We didn’t make a move without the other back then – it was easy, our friendships were easy, yet as we all started to come of age, one by one in our small way we moved on. As years went on, we watched one another get married, buy houses, have children, struggle through hard times and our lessons about life were being taught to us still every day in many ways. Our idyllic childhoods didn’t really teach us our lessons learned in adulthood.

When I take the drive back home, usually I will see an old friend from the group – in a grocery store, when I am walking the dogs through the old neighborhood, when I am at the local mall. We stop, give the look over, tell each other we still look great, talk about how crazy we were back then, we chat, catch up, make promises to call or have dinner, yet it never seems to happen.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I drove home and I was looking forward to it – it had been a while. Sitting at the red light and waiting for it to change green, I saw my old friend Leif in his place of business. His name was Richard Erickson, but we all called him Leif. He was a big Swedish looking guy – hence the name. Back in high school he was a motor head, yet was the best quarterback on the high school team and had a bright future with Penn State, but that wasn’t has thing. He always had his head in a car, either working on, or fixing, and he was good at it. He was funny too, and wanted to be different. He drove around in an old white Impala which had a red leatherette interior. That car was as long as our block, but you always knew when he was stopping by. He loved that car if I remember correctly, but finally got rid of it for an equally impressive ride – which we named the “pimp mobile.” It was a dark green 1973 Lincoln Continental. As nice as that car was, we scratched our heads and thought that it was just Leif’s way of being funny and different. He was a real character. When most of us were heading off to college, Leif knew what he wanted and went after it. He bought a car repair shop and a towing business and never stopped working.

I stared for a bit as I sat in my car. Memories flooded my brain of our youth. He was still tall but had lost some of his baby fat. And unlike me with all of my grey hairs coming in, his was still the color of our youth, the color of sand. He still wore his hair somewhat long, which back in the day was his form of rebellion, but he was not that at all – he was our gentle giant. As the light turned to green, I slowly continued my drive past his shop and watched him through the rear view mirror. Turning into his place and saying hello was on my list of to dos for the next time I was home. I won’t be stopping at his place of business, I will be stopping at the cemetery to say my good byes to an old friend.

When it comes to growing old, there seems to be two kinds of people in the world. There are those who look to the past. They spend their days remembering what was, what couldn’t be and what will never be. I always think to myself that they are the “get busy dying” group. They waste their today on regrets and lack of accomplishments from yesterday. Sad really.

The other group consists of those continually keeping their eyes trained on the road ahead as they contemplate what has yet to be. They dream, they aspire and they never stop learning. I call them the “get busy living” group. It’s nice to watch people that fully embrace the fact that life has a time limit. Their aging beauty comes from the freedom that accompanies their realization that life is, in fact and indeed, too short. I believe it is true; only the good do die young.

What, one may ask, is so good about realizing life is short – it’s a wake up call to make up with your past and not let stupidity get in your way in the regret line.

Over the past few weeks my mind kept thinking of my friend Leif, I needed to drive home and make my peace. I promised to myself that I would be part of the “get busy living group,” life is full of regrets but it isn’t an option to sit and think about regrets. Early on Sunday morning I had a dream that I was standing in my back yard looking at the night’s sky, and there were stars, billions and billions of bright shining stars, shooting stars, star clusters and it was beautiful, peaceful, calming.

On Saturday evening while sleeping my friend passed away. He had a heart attack. I would like to think he is at peace, probably up there eating a sausage and pepper sandwich with my dad and they’re at peace in a star lit world. Knowing my friend, the stars were his way of saying, it’s ok.

Good bye my friend. The world will be a much dimmer place without you in it.

My heartfelt condolences, prayers and thoughts go out to the Erickson families – Mr.. and Mrs.. Erickson, all of Leif’s sisters, Barbara, Karen and Donna, and of course his wife and children. May you rest in peace my old friend.

MEDIA ADVISORY Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour Cancelled

2009-12-19T17:52:17Z

The Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. has been cancelled due to inclement weather.