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Community Corner

Welcome, Summer

Ceremonial ribbon cutting in Ship Bottom sets off official start to the summer season on LBI

Dozens gathered in Ship Bottom on Saturday morning as the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Ceremonial Season Beach Opening Event, signaling the official start to summer on Long Beach Island.

Chris Schwab, president of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that Long Beach Island hosted a similar event many years ago, and he felt that with a positive economic outlook for the coming summer, it would be fitting to bring back the ribbon cutting.

“Rentals are up this season,” said Schwab, indicating that the increased rentals will most likely result in giving local businesses a boost.

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Jerry Thompson of the Chamber’s Board of Directors said that LBI was chosen as the site of the ribbon cutting due to not only its geographic prominence, but to its family friendly allure as well, citing the island as being “safe and secure.”

“2010 was a very good year,” Thompson said. “But with gas prices elevated, (LBI businesses) are going to do even better this year than they did in 2010.”

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The organizer of the event, Lauri Pepenella, agrees with Thompson that high gas prices will surely boost island tourism, as LBI is reachable from Philadelphia and New York City in less than a tank of gas.

“And there’s no baggage fees, and no security checks,” she said, describing the ease that a tourist has coming to LBI.

Under blue skies and a 75-degree  temperature, Assemblywoman Diane Gove stood next to Congressman John Runyan as he did the honors of snipping the ribbon at about 11 a.m., officially opening the beaches.

As soon as the ribbon dropped to the sand, County Clerk Scott Colabella spread his arms and announced, “Welcome to LBI!” The announcement was met with cheers and the feeling of a positive outlook for the area businesses.

Freeholder Gerry Little took the moment to inform the crowd of how important Ocean County is to New Jersey’s commerce. Little said that tourism in the area amounts to $3.2 billion dollars annually, and is responsible for over 70,000 jobs.

Once the ceremony was complete, demonstrations were held from Island Surf and Sail out in the placid ocean. Small waves made their way in as riders for the shop showed off their skills on stand-up paddle boards.

Throughout the event, 17th Street’s beach entrance was lined with tables represented by area businesses and organizations.

Tuckerton Seaport brought along a refurbished sneak box, celebrating 175 years since the small bird hunting boat’s inception in West Creek in 1836. To honor the anniversary, Runyan christened the bow of the sneak-box with champagne before taking his place behind the ribbon for the official cutting.

The Seaport also had vintage surfboards on display from their surf museum – the only one of its kind on the East Coast outside of Florida, according to Paul Hart, executive director for the Tuckerton Seaport. The museum keeps about 50 boards on display at all times, with a revolving display set up so that visitors need not experience everything in just one visit.

And as businesses and organizations took the time celebrate the start of the season, some took the time to ask event attendees to think about helping give others the gift of an LBI summer.

Operation Jersey Shore Vacation, which had a presence at the event, was created two years ago by Monsignor Donovan student Lexi Sinor. The organization helps military families enjoy a low-cost vacation at the Shore, and is now run by Sinor's sister Amy, who is currently president of the club at Monsignor Donovan.

OJSV collects private and corporate donations, but it relies on local residents to supply the lodging for the military family. Owners of rentals donate leftover time to the military families seeking a week’s vacation at the shore.

The organization also asks people to donate gift cards to local restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities so that the week can be enjoyed by the military family at as little cost to them as possible.

“It’s a good feeling for these kids to see what it is to give back,” their mother, Robin Sinor said.

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