PUBLISHER – 1-13

From the Publisher’s Wife

A Protestant Looks at the
Closing of Wildwood Catholic

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”

The quote from Charles Dickens’s “Tale of Two Cities” might easily describe the two families in the spotlight of this week’s column. Readers can decide which is the best and which is the worst.

From the Publisher

Sen. Lautenberg,
Sen. Menendez,
Where Are you?
Are You Asleep?
Are You deaf?

Do you have any idea how your constituents are suffering?
How could you? Do you ever spend any time among those who elected you down here? Do you not realize that we are in financial straits and have no money for a trillion-dollar health care system?
Please get the priorities straight. First and foremost, we need Washington (and Trenton, for that matter) to unshackle us so we can bring customers to our businesses. This will create jobs for people.

The last time I walked upon and looked under the Beesley’s Point Bridge it was cold but sunny on Dec. 30, 2008. That was after a grand “photo op” with local, county and state bigwigs. They all stood tall and smiled with confidence, like a guy who finally won a date with his sought-after love.

They all agreed that this bridge was as necessary to Cape May County’s well being as water to a fish’s survival. And such a bargain it was: $1. That’s right, just like everything in a dollar store: one dollar, 100 pennies, 10 dimes, 20 nickels, four quarters or two halves.

Last week I attended the eighth birthday celebration of Volunteers In Medicine, a group of people who drew together a dozen years ago to build a health clinic for the medically underserved. The clinic opened its doors to the people of Cape May County eight years ago.

What was the spark which ignited this effort? Dr. Joe Salvatore and his wife Annie, Tom Scott, head of Burdette Tomlin Hospital, among others had learned about the work of Dr. Jack McConnell in South Carolina and decided to replicate it here.

“I-rish” you much mirth today, St. Patrick’s Day, and also on Friday, at the “Farewell to St. Patrick’s Day” Irish Hooley which will take place from 6-10 p.m. at the Deauville Inn, Willard Road and the Bay in Strathmere.

The event is presented by Frank McCall and the Ocean City Repertory Theater.

The South Jersey Ceili Band will perform audience favorites, including Irish ballads and songs, while the Jersey Shore Irish Dancers, led by Ed and Bonnie Quigley, will entertain with jigs and reels, and Repertory Theater actors will read Irish poetry and short stories.

Last Sunday I had the privilege to say a few words at the 17th annual Cape May County Elementary and Junior High Honors Choir held at The Performing Arts Center in Court House. My first order of business was to introduce the choir director, the awesomely talented June Camizzi. June to me is a dedicated and remarkable young woman who puts her heart and soul into everything she does.

Average underclassmen often toil in obscurity with scholastic athletics.

The few freshmen and sophomores talented enough to compete with juniors and seniors are elevated to the varsity level while contributing a couple of quarters of playing time to the underclassmen contests.

Their classmates during the school day, those perhaps not as quick or tall enough to move up, joust in half-empty gyms with spectator unfriendly 4 and 5:30 p.m. tip-off times. They are the opening act before the headliner takes over.

After blatantly returning to the track for the sheer goal of getting revenge on Brad Keselowski at Las Vegas two weeks ago, Carl Edwards has been issued a warning and placed on probation for the next three Sprint Cup Series races by NASCAR officials last week.

Edwards, whose No. 99 Ford made contact with Keselowski’s No. 12 Dodge, sending the vehicle airborne, avoided suspension, points deductions, and any fines. NASCAR officials stated that they would meet with Edwards, Keselowski, and their owners to settle their on-track dispute.

Monday, March 22: Baked ziti, meatballs, asparagus, roll, salad, apricots, chicken rice soup.

Tuesday, March 23: Roast turkey, stuffing, peas and carrots, Cole slaw, vanilla pudding.

Wednesday, March 24: Meatloaf, mashed potato, spinach, salad, mandarin oranges.

Thursday, March 25: Sliced ham, cabbage, boiled potato, applesauce, tropical fruit, bean soup.

Friday, March 26: Stuffed pepper, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, pickled beets, pears.

Monday, March 22: Roast beef platter, lettuce and tomato, potato salad, roll, lemon pudding, grape juice.