Brigantine Living - Issue 1

BRIGANTINE LIVING

© 2023 BRIGANTINE LIVING

PUBLISHERS

Kelly Lentz and Craig Schulte

EDITOR

Stef Godfrey gonenative@comcast.net

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kirsty Smith kirstyleighsmith@gmail.com

WRITERS

Kristen Dowd • Lauren Deckard

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelly and Craig Photography

The contents of this magazine are property of Kelly and Craig Photography. Reproduction of the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher, is prohibited by law.

LEFT

This pic entitled “Red, White, & Blue” of Brigantine Beach and a memorial lifeboat is offered as a limitededition print with only five available. Contact Kelly and Craig Photography for more info.

ON THE COVER

Brigantine’s bridge celebrated 50 years in 2022. The Vincent S. Haneman Bridge was built in 1972, replacing the old bridge. Haneman was mayor of Brigantine from 1934 to 1942.

Holliday

Ola

Rita’s

Shore

The

From the Publisher

What is Brigantine Living? It’s a breath of fresh air with views that never get old. It’s the start of a new life for so many of us. It’s a community with strong roots. It’s an island with a big heart. The list can go on and on because Brigantine is so much to so many people.

We often hear from visitors that they would love to live at the beach. They ask questions - “What’s it like to raise a family here?” “How’s the school?” “What’s winter like?” As two Brigantine transplants, we know how lucky we are to live here and happily answer them all because we understand the lure of full-time Brigantine living.

We both came here to start over. Little did we know we were not starting over; we were just getting started. Though we came to Brigantine at different times for different reasons, we both found our peace here. We learned to slow down and enjoy life on island time and soon discovered that the Brigantine community is so much more than beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. It’s filled with innovators, dreamers, successful entrepreneurs, creative individuals, and, most importantly, kindness. We all work together to keep our community strong and to provide help when someone is in need.

We are so fortunate to live where there are two very strong communities: our year round residents and our summer residents. These two communities are what make Brigantine so special. Winters here are quiet and perfect for rest, travel, and planning the incoming summer season. Yes, that’s right, as Brigantine business owners we never stop planning for summer!

Summers are vibrant, full of energy

and familiar faces. It’s like a big family reunion when our summer residents return.

For years, we talked about a magazine to celebrate the Brigantine community and its amazing small businesses. Late last summer, we decided to go for it. With the help of Stef Godfrey (our editor) from Gone Native Communications, we made it a reality. With Stef’s guidance and professionalism, we were able to focus on our dream of creating this annual publication you’re now holding in your hands. We will continue to grow and improve and as we do our mission will remain the same – to create community connections one publication at a time. Brigantine Beach truly is an island for all seasons of life and a community whose light shines bright. We’re so excited to share it with you.

We have so much appreciation and thanks for our advertisers and content creators for allowing Brigantine Living to be a vessel for light. Without their support, this magazine may never have come to life. Please visit the businesses you see on these pages and let them know we sent you. Finally, we’d like to thank everyone who takes the time to read Brigantine Living, share a copy with a friend, and consider joining us in volume two. If you see us around town or at the Farmers Market, please stop and say “hi.” We appreciate you all. Cheers to Summer 2023!

Yours in community,

Kelly Lentz & Craig Schulte

THE BRIGANTINE COMMUNITY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND STUNNING SUNSETS.

Photos by Allison McCafferty

Cool School

Superintendent and principal Glenn Robbins brings creative innovation and supportive leadership to Brigantine Community School

text by STEF GODFREY | photography by KELLY & CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Glenn Robbins sees the world a bit differently. This was clear almost instantly during a tour of his award-winning school the morning of St. Patrick’s Day.

Walking around Brigantine Community School with Glenn, where he is both the superintendent and principal, was like taking a tour with a rock star. Kids were smiling, excited to see him, teachers stopped him with

a question or for a quick hello, and every time he stopped happily without skipping a beat, smiling from ear to ear; a smile and enthusiasm that made you feel welcome and happy to be there. As he pointed out the special rooms throughout, giving a glimpse of what is and what’s to come, anytime he was asked, “Why,” he answered with a resounding, “Why not?”

This dream big attitude and its

IT’S OUR WAY OF SAYING, ‘HEY, WE LOVE YOU, WE TRUST YOU, AND WE WANT THE BEST FOR YOU.’

real-life results send Glenn to other schools around the country, including Compton, Ca and Alaska, where he inspires others with his ideas and gets inspired. Glenn’s ideas, like painting a mural in the school corridors, converting the library into the Commons - a shared learning space with kid-friendly (and kid-approved!) furniture, filling the cafeteria with high top tables and other different styles of seating and nooks for eating, hanging out, and studying, make the school a more fun place to be. He gets input from the kids directly on the color and furniture choices.

“We want the kids to feel happy. You want them to feel pride - different colors lighten up the mood a little bit for them. It’s our way of saying, ‘Hey, we love you, we trust you, and we want the best for you,’” said Glenn.

And that includes sending them out of the school from time to time. Glenn was able to get approval for teachers to take students anywhere on the island as a field trip with 24-hour parental notice.

“We have classes that go down to the beach a lot. We’ve had them down at the seawall, at the bird observatory. We’ve had them walk to the library,”

said Glenn. “My goal is for them to use as much resources as they can. It’s right here, at their disposal.”

Brigantine Community School has 400 kids enrolled in grades PreK-8. Creating functional spaces with the latest technology for the different needs of each class is a priority. The desks are writable, meaning kids can write directly on them. All the ELA classes have bookshelves right in their classrooms. Every grade is two to one with computers; Each child can take a computer home and have one in school. There’s a television studio, a maker space, a wellness room, and eSports room.

“I’m very passionate about what I do – I love what I do,” Glenn said. “I look at it from the lens of a designer, with an empathetic approach. When you cross that threshold into a building or into a classroom, does it say excitement, or does it say boredom? When you see desks in rows, it’s like, ugh. When you come in and see desks rearranged, that’s fun. That doesn’t happen if we don’t allow that to happen. When I say to our staff, ‘I want you to try different lessons.’ You know, it’s okay to fail forward. Cover the standards, cover the curriculum - how are you going to

get to it? Are you going to be at the beach giving a presentation, are you going to be at the sea wall, are you over getting ice cream at a local shop after reading? How are you going to get there, what are you going to do? It’s my job to challenge them and support them.”

Glenn’s been with the school for three years and recently won New Jersey Innovative Superintendent of the Year. This year, Brigantine Community School has had over 30 visits from other schools to see his innovative transformational leadership.

“We’re not preparing [the kids] for the past,” Glenn said. “We’re preparing them for the future.”

Brigantine Community School is for grades pre-k to 8, and is filled with innovative classrooms and programs for its 400 students.

Carter Catches Waves

Making a difference one wave at a time

text by STEF GODFREY | photography by KELLY & CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world… While Brigantine’s Carter Doorley has caught waves (a lot of waves), on the day we met up, he was sitting on top of a bench in Shark Park with his mom Dawn. It was a sunny afternoon, 15 days after he had celebrated his milestone goal to surf 1,000 days straight.

“I’m going for three years,” said Carter with a grin on his freckled face. “It’s 1095 days.”

Carter’s surfin’ safari began during the pandemic, at the end of his third-grade year.

“They were learning remotely, which didn’t go well for us,” said Dawn. “They closed everything else here - the hockey courts, the playground, even the baseball fields. The only thing Brigantine kept open was the beaches.”

So the Doorleys went surfing. And quickly thereafter, Carter raised a question.

“Do you think I can surf everyday before school opens in person again?” he asked.

With the support of his mom, dad Andrew (a lieutenant on the beach patrol and an Atlantic City firefighter) and brothers Owen and Miles, Carter did just that.

“It was like a little mini challenge. Then that came and went, and he asked, ‘Do you think I can surf 100 days?’ Sure. ‘Do you think I can surf 200 days?’ We said, ‘just set little goals for yourself because then it seems more reachable.’ Because if you say 500 days and you’re on day 17 [it sounds impossible],” said Dawn.

As Carter began documenting his daily waves on social media, interest grew, and he was able to turn the attention to helping locals in need.

“I’ve raised probably $4,000 to $5,000.

And collected maybe 10,000 canned goods for the food pantry,” Carter said. “I think it was the 900th day... Ron Jon said they’d donate $1,000 to a local charity if I didn’t make my 1,000 days. But if I did, they would give me $2,000 and I could send it to any charity I want. So, I sent it to our local food pantry. It’s where most people go, and I like to support local things here.”

If you’ve ever surfed in winter, you know it’s not easy. Between the wetsuit, gloves, and boots, and freezing cold conditions – it takes both physical and mental effort and determination.

“Just putting on that thick wetsuit every day and the boots and the gloves, that’s a mega challenge. Then to hang them up, put his boots and gloves on the dryer. There’s a lot of stuff he has to do himself. It’s not us doing it for him. Just like driving down to the beach. It’s a long walk and we don’t have four-wheel drive,” said Dawn. “Everybody wants to see their kid follow their dream, follow their passion. So, to see him day after day after day after day, not quitting, not giving up. I think it’s pretty awesome.”

Carter’s average surf sesh is about an hour, but the weather and surf can impact things. He’s surfed eight-foot waves in Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina, North Jersey, and Tennessee.

Wait, what?

“I’ve surfed in Tennessee on a FlowRider,” said Carter. “I was in Nashville.”

“The Gaylord Opryland Hotel opened their FlowRider just for Carter,” explained Dawn. “So that he wouldn’t break his streak.”

To follow Carter Doorley’s journey, visit him on Instagram at @ CarterCatchesWaves.

HE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE ATTENTION TO HELPING LOCALS IN NEED.

Seeds of Sustainability

Brigantine Green Team envisions a safer, cleaner and – yes – greener future for the city

text by KRISTEN DOWD | photography by KELLY & CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY + GREEN TEAM

EVERYONE CARES ABOUT KEEPING BRIGANTINE SAFE, CLEAN AND HEALTHY.

Since planting its roots in 2013, the Brigantine Green Team has flourished across the island.

What started as an effort to improve Brigantine for future generations has grown into a tremendous allvolunteer network of eight committees focused on making the city greener, cleaner, healthier and an overall more sustainable place to live.

“We are the Green Team. We’re green – we’re not red and we’re not blue. We keep politics 100 percent out of it and, because of that, we have over 70 volunteers of every political affiliation,” Brigantine Green Team Chairperson Janette Kessler said.

“Everyone in our community cares about keeping Brigantine safe, clean and healthy. That is what we focus on,”

said Janette. “The Green Team takes our responsibility to the City of Brigantine, its residents and visitors very seriously and the Green Team volunteers are simply the best!”

The Brigantine Green Team is a formal advisory committee to the city and is part of the statewide Sustainable Jersey municipal program, under which it has earned bronze certification. Becoming certified under Sustainable Jersey is no small feat, requiring a number of priority and prerequisite action items to earn points and demonstrate a municipality’s commitment to sustainability.

“We’ve had bronze for years,” Janette said. “We have been working toward silver. We’re working on a lot of projects that have a lot of points.”

With a number of successful ventures under its belt, such as the longtime Farmers Market and the recent Bridge Fest, knowing the Brigantine Green Team has more projects in the works is an exciting prospect.

“Hopefully we’re in a good place moving forward,” Janette said.

TEAMING UP

A self-professed “historic volunteer,” Janette has long prioritized the giving of her time and talents to help others. Therefore, getting involved with the Brigantine Green Team in 2014 was a no-brainer and – bonus! – this volunteer venture blended perfectly with Janette’s job as the risk manager for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority.

“It complemented my career … and has evolved into something wonderful,” Janette said. “Volunteerism to me is the most important thing you can teach your children or pass on to someone.”

The sheer number of dedicated Green Team volunteers has helped the group grow into what it is today, with eight committees spearheading different sustainability efforts around the island.

“There are a lot of committees, so there are a lot of opportunities within those committees to get involved,” Janette explained.

The eight committees include the Community Garden, Water Conservation, Health and Wellness, Recycling and Sustainability, Creative, Brigantine Local Business, Energy, and Farmers Market committees. Before taking the helm as chairperson four years ago, the latter was Janette’s first foray into the group and easily one of the most recognizable Green Team efforts.

“Everyone knows the Farmers Market, and a lot of people don’t realize the market is the Green Team,” Janette said. “It’s one of our Sustainable Jersey action items.”

ENHANCING EXPOSURE TO SUSTAINABILITY

Longtime Brigantine Green Team member Fran Ashley Paullin stepped into the role of Farmers Market manager in 2022. Running the show means Fran now wears many hats, juggling administrative duties with hands-on work alongside her seven fellow committee members and approximately 10 regular volunteers.

“It’s kind of like being a ringmaster sometimes, but in a good way,” Fran said with a laugh. “But for everyone on the committee, for all of us and the volunteers, it is truly a labor of love.”

While the Farmers Market runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with two more dates in the fall, it is a year-round effort that requires an incredible amount of dedication and planning to coordinate the 60 full-time summer vendors and 20 rotating pop-ups, ensuring the market offers a wide variety of items.

“We want to provide local access to fresh and healthy foods and unique artisan goods. Another goal is that we want to support local businesses – and by local we mean Brigantine and within a 50-mile radius,” Fran explained.

Vendors must make, grow or farm what they peddle. In addition, there are six free rotating spots for Chamber of Commerce members. “Charity Row” gives space for local nonprofits.

“We try to be a real community organization,” Fran said. “It’s really rewarding for me and all the volunteers every week, when people come up or we overhear them saying nice things about the market.”

Farming is the name of the growing game for the Community Garden committee, too.

When former Green Team Chair Lisa McClay submitted a Sustainable Jersey grant in 2015, the first seeds of the project were planted – figuratively and literally. Since then, the garden has become more self-sustaining and extended its growing season each year. Unlike most community gardens that rent plots out to individual gardeners for personal use, the Brigantine venture sets itself apart by growing fresh produce for those who need it.

“We established it as a community garden that would give back to the community,” garden manager Judy Starkey said. “Our produce goes to Meals on Wheels, and it also goes to the Presbyterian Church, which runs the food bank on the island. Anything leftover between those two goes to the senior center.”

Located behind the Brigantine Community Center, the entirely

organic garden started as a 50-by-100 foot plot of Green Acres property donated by the city. Over the years, the city contributed more space to the project, helping the original 12 raised garden beds grow to 14. Old compost bins serve as containers for sweet potatoes. There are two fig trees and two mulberry trees on the property, too.

“We utilize every space we have,” Judy said.

If one can plant it in New Jersey, the Brigantine Community Garden crew has probably tried it out. The bounty includes tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, carrots, spinach, lettuce – a lot of the types of produce that don’t require cooking, which is optimal for Meals on Wheels. An abundance of sweet potatoes and squash this year turned into hearty, delicious soups for the seniors.

“We also did a lot of fall gardening this year – planting in August, and harvesting in mid-October. So, we’re extending the time. It was originally June to September. Now it’s March to November,” Judy said.

“For community gardens, it’s pretty darn good,” she continued. “We do grow with a definite purpose, and we’re pretty proud of it.”

EYE ON THE FUTURE

The Brigantine Green Team is always looking ahead.

In addition to continuing its longtime efforts, including eight environmental cleanups a year, the group is always brainstorming new ways to turn Brigantine, the state, and beyond into a more sustainable place to live.

Volunteers are always needed and welcome, and someone who has any time to donate, from an hour a season to an hour a day, can come on board. There are plenty of opportunities, according to Janette.

Those who are interested can show up at one of the Brigantine Green Team’s weekly meetings at 7pm the second Thursday of the month at the Brigantine Community Center, 265 42nd Street; email the team at brigantinefarmersmarket@gmail. com; or reach them via Facebook @ brigantinebeachgreenteam.

Anyone who wants to make a difference is encouraged to reach out.

“The Green Team has done a wonderful job. It’s what we all want to do – make this a top notch community,” Judy said. “We care about our island. We care about it very much, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Anyone who wants to make a difference is encouraged to reach out. Volunteers are always needed and welcome.

Fired Up For Safety

text by KRISTEN DOWD | photos provided by THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Nearly 200 years after Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer fire company in nearby Philadelphia, the Brigantine Fire Department was established to protect the families, homes and businesses of this seaside resort.

Since that small start in 1926 as a company of four firefighters supported by a volunteer auxiliary, the department has worked to keep pace with the island’s growing population and popularity with visitors.

“Brigantine has gone from a nice small town to now – the island is just constantly growing,” Fire Chief Paul Fuller said. “Our department has been growing to try to match that over the years.”

Brigantine Fire Department has spent nearly a century protecting all who live on and love this barrier island

Paul has been with the department since 2003 and sworn in as chief in October 2022, although he set his sights on joining the fire department years earlier. In fact, while growing up in Brigantine, a career assessment test in high school determined Paul should become a fireman.

“It was something I was interested in, probably like every kid,” Paul reflected.

It was when he moved home after graduating from college that Paul decided to become part of the Brigantine Fire Department, and he’s been climbing the ranks ever since.

“With every promotion in our department, you get a little more responsibility. Finally being at the top, it’s at a point where I can try to make it better than how I found it,” Paul said. “The fire service is super rich in tradition, which we don’t want to forget or lose, but at the same, we want to match how the world is evolving and changing.”

YEARS OF GROWTH

Now just a few years shy of its 100th anniversary, Paul has dedicated a fair amount of time to piecing together a history of the fire department. This has amounted to many hours at City Hall, combing through historic documents and minutes from past council meetings.

“I’m trying to nail down good, solid detail,” Paul said.

In 1926, there were about 500 residents on the island, and for a long while they were protected by that initial team of four firefighters and a volunteer auxiliary. It was after World War II ended that Brigantine – and the fire department – began to grow.

“The island was really seeing its first super growth,” Paul explained, “and started increasing its number of firemen.”

By the early 1970s, the department numbered four platoons, each with five men. The platoons grew to six men in 1977, and the department also had two engines and an ambulance. (“I found a picture of a station wagon Cadillac ‘ambulance’ from before we had an ambulance,” Paul recalled.) In the 1980s, all firefighters became certified as EMTs, too.

“The Brigantine Fire Department is currently manned by four platoons with eight men apiece,” Paul said, adding that his position and a fire official with the fire prevention bureau round out the team. Each shift has one lieutenant and one captain, with the job of supervising the platoon.

As far as vehicles, the department is now home to two engines, a ladder and three ambulances. There is the fire prevention bureau, which is responsible for commercial and residential inspections, and the Brigantine Fire Department also mans a dive team to help during emergencies throughout Atlantic County.

While safety is its number one priority, community engagement is a close second. In fact, the two really go hand-in-hand, according to Paul.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help from the town, the residents and the businesses here,” he said. “They help us complete our mission.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

“One of the first parts of fire extinguishment is preventing fires from happening,” Paul explained. “Teaching people how to prevent fires is the best way to do this, so that’s crucial.”

With a population influx in the summer, the Brigantine Fire Department works with both local groups – schools and businesses among them – as well as visitors and summer

residents from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Fire prevention week in the fall brings the firefighters into the schools, teaching children about smoke detectors and fire escape plans. There are community CPR events and blood pressure screenings every month at the community center, too, which is a big draw for senior citizens.

Building this rapport and having a presence in the community is important, according to Paul.

“We’re here for the people. We’re here for the citizens. Whatever we can do to help them and make their lives easier, that’s what we’re here for,” Paul said.

The Brigantine Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2657 complement this community engagement by bringing Santa Claus around town on a firetruck in December, running the annual Brigantine Surf Jam for kids in August, and hosting a golf tournament to benefit the Burn Foundation for more than three decades.

“All the guys have done different things with the union for the community and the town,” Paul said, “on top of all the other daily routine stuff.”

As a barrier island, water safety, naturally, is a huge component. The department promotes water safety on social media, including if the lifeguards are running lessons. It’s important to take advantage and publicize services other groups are offering Brigantine, Paul said. Maintaining working relationships with these groups is crucial.

“With every call, all of the emergency departments will work together to accomplish whatever the mission is,” he said. “We work well together.”

Opposite

This

page: Old photos provided by Chief Fuller. Photos of Chief Fuller and Fire Official Jack Murray by Kelly and Craig Photography.

page: Clockwise from top left: Photo provided by Chief Fuller; An old ambulance; A 1963 CadillacMiller Meteor.

All Aboard!

Brigantine’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is looking for volunteers to help teach boating safety, support maritime security

text by KRISTEN DOWD | photos provided by THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

For Alan Moose, the reason he volunteers with Brigantine’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is really quite simple.

“It’s a way to give back,” he said, “and it’s a way to save lives.”

Alan came on board Flotilla 8-5 around 14 years ago. At the time, he was retired and looking for a worthwhile way to fill his time. The USCG Auxiliary with its mission of maritime safety fit the bill.

“I wanted to try to do something to give back a little bit, and teaching boating safety to the public seemed like a good way to do it,” Alan said.

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

While boating safety is a large part of what the Auxiliary does, its role has evolved since Congress created the organization in 1939. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USCG Auxiliary was integrated into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Auxiliarists began filling critical positions traditionally staffed by the Coast Guard’s active duty and reserve personnel.

According to Alan, Auxiliarists fulfill positions at Coast Guard stations, cutters and offices. There are also support jobs not traditionally thought of as “critical” that the Auxiliarists step into, making day-to-day administration of a Coast Guard unit go smoothly. When a volunteer Auxiliarist takes on the role of storekeeper, cook or training center instructor, active duty and reserve personnel have more time for direct operational duties.

“We can do anything the regular Coast Guard does – with the proper training of course – except direct law enforcement and military operations,” Alan explained. “There’s lots of

opportunities to get involved.”

According to the USCG Auxiliary website, there are more than 21,000 volunteers across the country and in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam. Currently, the Brigantine USCG Auxiliary is looking to up this number with more of its own volunteers.

There are not too many volunteer requirements beyond a spirit to serve and an interest in boating safety.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend the group’s monthly meetings, which are held at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, 265 42nd Street. starting at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. But there are no hourly requirements and volunteers can contribute however much time is feasible for their schedule. Volunteers also don’t have to be local or live on the island. Alan is a resident of State College, Pa., and his house down in Brigantine gives him the opportunity to support the Auxiliary.

While its duties are vast, the Auxiliary’s primary mission, Alan said, is to promote recreational boating safety. Auxiliarists encourage and teach life jacket usage for children, provide voluntary vessel safety checks to boaters and – a big part of their mission – offer annual safe boating classes.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE BOATING

In Brigantine, safe boating classes started in March and continue on Saturdays, May 13, June 17 and July 15. The 8-hour classes start at 9 a.m. at the Brigantine Beach Community Center. Cost is $60. Class size is limited, so preregistration is a must, and students must be at least 13 years old.

Boating safety certificates are required for all operators of power vessels and personal watercrafts in New Jersey. The Auxiliary’s class fulfills this need by awarding certificates to those who pass its course.

Students will learn proper life jacket usage, what safety equipment is required on a vessel, and how to understand buoys, beacons and the U.S. Aids to Navigation System. The course also covers boating law and how to handle boating emergencies.

While boating safety is required for boating beginners, the class is also a great refresher for boaters of all levels, according to Alan.

“We’ll get people that say, well, I had a boat 10 years ago. I had my boating safety certificate, but I’m a little rusty,” he explained. “Sometimes you’ll have a mother and father or a whole family that will take the course. Either the mother or father already has their certificate and they just take it as a refresher course, and it’s something to do as a family.”

The course is beneficial to the U.S. Coast Guard, too – beyond the reassurance of knowing people are boating in the proper and legal way.

“Not only does it help people to boat safely and come back without a problem, but it also keeps the regular Coast Guard from having to put their people in harm’s way to go out for a rescue,” Alan said. “We don’t know how many lives the class has saved, but certainly it has saved lives.”

To learn more about volunteering with Brigantine’s USCG Auxiliary or to sign up for one of this year’s remaining classes, email boatsafelyinnj@gmail. com or visit wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=053-08-05

Swinging into Summer with Sandlot Nights

Brigantine Baseball and Softball Association’s weekly pickup baseball games continue for second year on Thursday nights

text by KRISTEN DOWD | photography by KELLY & CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

“There’s just something about baseball.”

Brigantine Baseball and Softball Association President Tom Repici couldn’t quite quantify that “something.” Part of it, he said, is getting to experience a game out in the open air with friends. It’s the crack of the bat, he added, and the pop of the ball into a glove.

“Those sound cliche, but at the same time, there’s something about it that connects everyone,” Tom reflected. “I love being able to connect with people this way. I want to keep building up the program for the kids.”

This is Tom’s second year at the helm of the largest athletic program in Brigantine, which first started swinging on the island around 1950. Before leading the charge, he was the unofficial “commissioner of T-ball” starting when his now 13-year-old daughter, Cecelia, took up the sport in 2015. Tom’s T-ball days continued with his son, Robert, who is now 10 years old.

“And then COVID hit,” Tom said, “and nobody really played that season.”

Since then, Tom – along with former league leaders Chris and Jill Tate – set his sights on bringing the program back from the pandemic downslide. And the efforts worked, back to pre-COVID numbers last season and nudging up a bit in 2023.

Tom is quick to say the program is not

about winning or becoming the best ball player. For Tom, it’s about achieving a goal with your teammates and friends. And more than that, it’s about having fun.

“I want to do everything I can for these kids to make this program as impactful to them as possible and as fun as possible,” Tom said. “I’m not going into this to teach the kids the real intricacies of baseball. The coaches handle the legwork. I work on bringing more to the program to make it more fun for the kids.”

Towards the end of the 2022 season, Tom was remiss to see it come to an end. One day as he and his wife, Jessica (who is also one of the league’s vice presidents and the “backbone” of the whole program, according to Tom), were out hanging sponsorship signs, their kids started a pick up game on one of the empty fields. They wound up staying for three hours as more kids came to play.

“They kept the teams even, they kept calls fair, and although they had been letting their friends know via cell phone where they were and what they were doing, it felt very similar to how we grew up,” said Tom. “That’s where the idea for weekly pickup games came from.”

This got the ball rolling, and a true grassroots effort brought weekly summer Sandlot Nights to life in Brigantine.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT IT THAT CONNECTS EVERYONE.

The kids run the show at Sandlot Nights, too. Parents are there for support, of course, but the kids are in charge. The first night brought 124 kids out to the fields.

“We put it in the paper, on social media. We told kids to tell their friends to tell their friends,” Tom said. “All four fields were going with games, with more kids than they really could handle.”

Numbers settled down to 80 to 100 every week, a combination of local kids, summer residents, weekly visitors and other out-of-towners. Kids who showed up without a glove were able to borrow one. Kids as young as six years old and as old as 15 years old took part, although the majority were between seven and 14 years. Regardless of age, everyone was mindful of playing games with kids of different abilities. Tom also encouraged the kids not to keep score.

The snack stand at the fields was open during Sandlot Nights, selling all refreshments for $1 a piece. At the end of the games, the kids fanned out and collected any wayward trash that made its way onto the fields.

“They had a blast with it,” Tom said. “It really felt like old times. It was neat. The kids were out playing, the parents would socialize. I met a lot of people at Sandlot Nights.”

Tom is excited to bring Sandlot Nights back for summer 2023. The plan is to continue the games from 7

to 9 p.m. on Thursday nights, just like last year. For the first time in about 20 years, the Brigantine Baseball and Softball Association will be hosting a tournament in July, and Tom wants to tie the tournament into Sandlot Nights, too.

There’s a plan to end this year’s Sandlot Nights season in the same way it ended last year, with an outdoor showing of the 1993 baseball classic “The Sandlot.”

“We had over 120 people watching the movie last year. Rita’s donated water ice,” Tom said. “It was the perfect ending to the Sandlot Nights for the summer time.”

Thank you to the LePera Team for bringing this story to the page. For more on Brigantine Baseball and Softball Association, Sandlot Nights and July tournament, visit www. brigantinebaseball.com. Find the group on Facebook @brigbaseball.

Brigantine Inspired

Kids draw inspiration from island life in this first annual art contest

text by STEF GODFREY

Brigantine island is special for so many reasons to so many people, even our littlest islanders.

Earlier this year, we asked the students of Devine’s Martial Arts the simple question – “What is Brigantine living?” and asked for them to illustrate their answers. Once all the drawings were finished, they were collected and taken to the Green Team, who blind voted for first, second, and third place (the kids names were not visible to the voters).

Here are the winning posters and statements. We hope you’re as inspired by them as we are.

FIRST PLACE | Emma Lutz

13 years old, brown/red belt

“To me, living on Brigantine is about freedom. People come here to escape everyday life and have fun on vacation, to be free of trouble and worries. I love that on Brigantine, you can start fresh and be free.”

SECOND PLACE | Vida Smith

9 years old, white/orange belt

“What I like most about Brigantine is that me and Glory and my dad go fishing every Saturday when it is nice out. Being out on the water is so relaxing.”

THIRD PLACE | Kaitlyn Devine

10 years old, blue belt

“Brigantine living is beach life and lifeguard huts.”

T Y A L Y U V A J

FLIP THE PAGE

TO EXPLORE SOME OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS, STORES, ACTIVITIES, SERVICE PROVIDERS, PLACES TO STAY, AND MORE IN BRIGANTINE!

Casale al Mare

Want to live La Dolce Vita? This Italian lifestyle embraces pure bliss in everything from family to friends, to perhaps most importantly… food. For Esterina Casale, la dolce vita can be found in a delicious bowl of homemade pasta smothered in a fabulously fresh sauce, or any other Italian specialty food or dessert. Esterina is the owner of Casale al Mare, a shop filled with specialty Italian products like pasta, rices, sauces, cheeses, meats, extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, gelato, cakes, candies, cookies, espressos, coffees, and so much more. Though the selection is large, it’s entirely curated by Esterina, who knows a thing or two about what customers want. Prior to opening her Brigantine shop in 2015, she had a shop in Peddler’s Village in Pennsylvania for 15 years, and eventually became an expert in the business. All the products in her shop are selected by Esterina with guidance from her family in Italy, who she visits several times a year. With treats like the Limoncello - a scrumptious cake with chestnuts, chocolate, and of course, lemon, or the

Taralli - a cookie with either sweet or savory ingredients, you’ll be singing an aria in no time. Pair any of the desserts with a hot espresso drink and it’s like Italian heaven. Casale al Mare’s espresso bar has lattes, red eyes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and American coffee. Grab a seat at the outdoor patio, snack on your favorite dolce and experience the sweet life in Brigantine.

Along with their imported goods, Casale’s sells hostess gifts (including Italian ceramics) and gift baskets, sandwich trays, soups, antipasto platters, fresh baked breads, and more. Best of all, they offer tastings of their products and free samples. And they are open year-round, 9am-5pm.

After a few visits to Casale’s you may be inspired to head directly to the homeland. And Esterina can help here as well. She leads tour groups to Italy twice a year in spring and fall, with her niece Federica Casale - exploring from the Amalfi Coast to Rome. Groups get up close and personal with Italian history as Federica is a licensed tour guide of both Rome and Vatican City.

Stop in and say ciao to Casale’s!

Caya Retreats

Walk to the top floor of the Brigantine Yacht Club on any given summer morning and chances are you’ll enter into a room of yogis sinking deep into their practice. If you run in certain circles on the island, you may have heard of (or taken) one of these yoga classes. They’re open to the public, yet intimate, and they’re led by Brigantine local, Chelsea Fleming.

Relying mostly on word-of-mouth marketing, Chelsea believes people are more curious about wellness now more than ever, and looking around at the room full of yogis proves this. Her classes are suitable for all levels and are available for both members and non-members alike. There is no preregistration, you just show up.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Chelsea teaches an all-levels yoga and meditation class at 9am every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Brigantine Yacht Club. During the off season, she hosts wellness retreats with the company she founded in 2018, Caya Retreats. Caya, an acronym for Come As You Are, is an all-inclusive boutique travel and wellness collective that escapes to the likes of Italy, Costa Rica, the Catskill Mountains and various locations along the East Coast. Each retreat site is well-vetted and Chelsea emphasizes the importance of good food, luxe amenities and a hiddengem locale.

“I love to lead people somewhere they haven’t been yet, both on and off the mat,” said Chelsea.

During your time on retreat you’re encouraged to unplug and leave your phone in the infamous Phone Bowl, a bowl designated specifically for guests to rest their phone in so it’s not physically attached to them.

“We’ve gotten to a place in time where unplugging is a luxury,” she said.

“By the end of the week, the Phone Bowl is everyone’s best friend.”

While on retreat, guests can take surf lessons or go on a waterfall tour, craft custom ceramic pieces or unwind in the sauna. The attention to detail is something Caya Retreats is praised for by guests, which is no surprise given Chelsea received her degree in hospitality and has worked across the gamut in the industry.

In connection with hospitality, you may recognize Chelsea from the Brigantine Farmers Market. Her lemonade stand, Seatox Lemonade, often draws a line of loyalists who enjoy an ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade or home brewed tea every Saturday morning.

“Don’t be discouraged by the line,” she said. “It moves fast!”

But do go early, because she often sells out by 11am. This year will be her 10th year at the Farmers Market. Customers love her Lemonade Kits which include: lemons, branded cups and a Seatox simple syrup. They’re a fun post-beach activity for the kiddos or make great hostess gifts.

This summer, Chelsea is offering another addition to the island: Kids Yoga Camp. Since becoming a mother to her two daughters, Waverly and Willow, Chelsea has seen the benefits of a yoga practice for children. From July 24-27, she’ll bring that curriculum to her camp, along with nature-based activities and crafts for kids ages 5-12 years old. To sign up or get more information, visit CayaRetreats.com.

Along these small beach towns of the Jersey Shore, certain people embody what it means to be from here. Chelsea is a perfect example. She respects and understands her community and the small businesses it’s made of. She brings joy to those visiting, whether it be for a day, a week or the entire summer. Follow along this summer @CayaRetreats on Facebook and Instagram.

Devine’s Martial Arts

Heidi Devine is dedicated to changing lives one at a time through martial arts, education, and coaching. As the owner of Devine’s Martial Arts, martial arts are a huge part of her life and Heidi shares her passion with every student who walks through the doors.

Like many of our beloved local businesses, Devine’s Martial Arts is a family-owned and operated business. Her husband Todd, and their two children not only train together, but Todd and their son assist with teaching classes.

“It’s literally the whole family!” said Heidi.

At Devine’s Martial Arts, you’ll gain self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-defense skills, all while crushing your fitness goals. Their motto is to “Encourage, Empower, and Enable” their students. Anyone from pre-school age to adults are welcome at the studio.

Devine’s Martial Arts is a six-time Best of the Press GOLD winner that opened its first location in Mays Landing in 2014. With that location thriving, Heidi felt it was time to open a second location in her local community of friends, family, and neighbors in Brigantine.

“It feels good to offer my passion

to my community,” said Heidi. “We opened our doors here in Brigantine in February 2022. The response has been amazing!”

Heidi was named both Regional Instructor of the Year in 2019 and International Instructor of the Year in 2022. The Devines provide a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all students and families in their community dojang to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.

“Anyone can benefit from the martial arts and become a better person through hard work and endurance, mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “We strongly believe martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Throughout all our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, but we also stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.”

Devine’s Martial Arts is also a World Tang Soo Do Association-certified black belt studio, which provides an incredible community of martial artists from all over the world, with regional, national, and world events.

Brigantine Aquatic Center / Green Whales, Inc.

3118 Bayshore Avenue, Brigantine, NJ |

If you build it, they will come. Though this field of dreams story is decidedly more wet, the passion and dedication behind bringing a big idea to life is the same. In 1998, local swim instructor Robin Taylor realized there was no place in the Brigantine area for kids to learn how to swim and about water safety. Robin was teaching 4,000 kids at the time at a huge program in Toms River, where her daughter Sari Carroll first took infant classes in 1977, and knew the importance of swimming year-round, especially for people living on an island surrounded by water.

“I said ‘we should build a pool’. And of course, everybody laughed,” said Robin.

“My husband Chuck was from Brigantine and was a realtor at the time. I said, ‘Well, let’s start looking for property, maybe if we do some of the work ourselves...’ And we did. In 1999, we started building and we opened in 2001.”

Fast forward more than 20 years, and the BAC’s impact on the community is stronger than ever. At Brigantine Aquatic Center, there are memberships available year-round for lap swimming and access to water exercise classes, in addition to the popular swimming lessons for babies six weeks old all the way up to adults. Since opening, over 10,000 children have been taught at the Brigantine Aquatic Center that sits a block from the bay near the entrance to the island.

“I’ve had people come back that I taught when they were little and are now bringing their children in. We’ve come full circle. It’s everything I wanted it to be,” said Robin.

“The best part about our little pool on the greatest island in the world is the relationships that develop. The hundreds of kids, members, special needs moms, and staff know they always have a home at our small pool in Brigantine,” added Sari. Teaching respect, safety and love for water is a top priority for Robin and Sari, who’s an integral part of the business today as an experienced instructor, mentor, and businesswoman.

“(Swimming) is a lifesaving skill and it’s something that they’re going to take with them for the rest of their lives. Since

drowning is the number one cause of accidental death in children, it’s important that kids are experiencing or are exposed to water safety because it’s their best defense,” said Robin.

Quickly after opening, the need to help people in the community who couldn’t afford swimming lessons became apparent. And just as quick, Green Whales, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was born. Green Whales funds several programs offered at the BAC, including Whelan’s Whales, the Greenheads swim team, Stanley’s Special Friends, and Greenheads Special Olympics Team. They also run the Brigantine Beach Triathlon on August 5 and the annual Brigantine Open Swim on August 6. This year marks its 10th anniversary.

Whelan’s Whales is a free swim lesson and water safety program for Atlantic County kids that also provides scholarships to several young swimmers as they transition out of lessons to the Greenheads Swim Team. The Greenheads age group swim team, a nonprofit team since 2002, provides year-round scholarships and financial assistance to athletes in Atlantic County. They participate in USA Swimming as well as two leagues, winter (GSJSL) and summer (SSSL). Stanley’s Special Friends sponsors children in Atlantic County with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This sponsorship gives each child five free water safety and swimming lessons.

Robin credits Sari with providing the care, expertise, and vision for these programs and for helping any child who wants to learn. Sari has dedicated her life to swimming. She’s an American Red Cross lifeguard instructor, a water safety instructor, a certified USA Swimming coach and official, and an open water swim coach.

“She’s a godsend. She’s absolutely amazing in creating new programs and finding new ways to fund them. She is one of the best coaches in the county and one of the ones that cares the most,” said Robin. “Because it’s not about the money it’s about the kids. With her, it really is. It’s all about them.”

Haven Homes Builders

Scott Rote, owner of Haven Homes Builders, not only has a degree in construction carpentry but has hands on experience in the field; a combination that sets him apart from other builders. After 18 years in the industry, Scott was ready to take a leap of faith and start his own company, knowing he could offer a quality product with a deep emphasis on innovation and unparalleled craftsmanship. In 2011, Haven Homes was born with a vision that a home is an expression of your unique taste, preferences and lifestyle. Although Haven Homes builds up and down the New Jersey coast, most of their projects are in Brigantine, the island they call home. Their homes have distinct characteristics and style that sets them apart. The team is known for creating visually-stunning houses in all styles and budgets, from a classic family rancher to a high-end luxury home. Although the focus is on new construction, Haven Homes also does additions and major renovations. Ready to build your dream home but unsure where to start? Haven Homes will guide you every step of the way. You’ll begin with an initial consultation, discussing hopes and

expectations for your new home. Scott will coordinate with your architect while plans are drawn and then begin construction on your lot or one of theirs. As a bonus, there is no need to worry about meeting New Jersey codes and standards since Scott has the unique distinction of being a licensed NJ Building Inspector. From start to finish, you will work directly with Scott, who will offer guidance with selections, colors, and design features. Additionally, you will meet Molly McGruder, who’s been with Scott for over 30 years. Molly’s knowledge of construction rivals Scott’s, making her an intricate part of the team.

Haven Homes Builders is truly a family endeavor. Scott’s wife Barbara helps with design and daily operations while their daughters Julianna and Gabrielle help with property acquisition and marketing.

With elegant designs centered around the clients, budget, and needs, Haven Homes Builders is there from concept to completion. After all, the key to delivering high-quality custom-built homes is communication. At Haven Homes Builders, the vision for your new home becomes a reality.

Holliday Architects

Art not only inspires, it can be a savior for anyone going through tough times. For Scott Nehring, art by way of architecture was his saving grace growing up.

“I was a very troubled kid out of school and found direction in architecture,” Scott said. “I realized I could be creative and put my talents to work for me.”

After spending a good amount of his career without freedom of expression, he began working for Jim Holliday of Holliday Architects, a full service firm specializing in custom home builds, renovations, and additions.

“Jim has really given me the opportunity to be myself and do what I love,” Scott said. “I love being able to listen to people who come to me for a home with their hopes and dreams of what it could be. There is no greater satisfaction than when someone sees the design or when the house is done and they say ‘you captured everything I wanted.’”

Today, Scott is a partner, principal, senior project manager and designer at Holliday Architects. He brings 30 years of experience in single-family and multi-family residential design, mixeduse developments, and site design to clients ready to build their dream homes in Brigantine. Since he and his wife now live on the island full time, he also brings that firsthand experience to his clients.

“I am not the traditional architect. When people get to know me, it doesn’t

feel like a business interaction. It feels more personal,” said Scott. His relationships with builders, clients, and the community of Brigantine made his full-time move from Medford to Brigantine a nobrainer. Previously, he was a second home owner on the island.

“I wanted to be here all of the time,” Scott said. “There is so much opportunity and I look forward to a long future here.”

Transparency and honesty throughout the process are key from the proposal until the completion of the job, according to Scott. He takes the same approach with his clients whether the project is a renovation, addition, or a new custom home. Each client has his cell number - the team at Holliday Architects strives on being available and responsive to client’s needs – after all, for most, this is the biggest project of their lives.

Scott visits all the homes being built at different stages and sometimes, even on a whim. He wants clients to feel confident, knowing they have someone on their side and that their home is being built to the Holliday standard.

“The design of a home is not a monument to myself, it needs to be what people want, with suggestions on how to make it better,” said Scott. “The small renovations to the large custom homes are the same to me, it’s personal and you have to put as much thought into each.”

Insurance Agencies Inc.

In the 1920s, homeowner’s insurance cost $8.55 for a $1500 building. Do you know how much your insurance is today? With so many ways to purchase insurance, and so many different policies, the entire industry can feel overwhelming and impersonal. Unless, that is, you reach out to Brigantine’s Insurance Agencies Inc (IAI). Since its beginning, IAI has had one singular mission, “Take care of your customers and they will take care of you.”

Back in 1988, IAI was formed as a partnership… linking together smaller independent agencies in the area so customers can gain access to more insurance companies under one single roof. Though it was born in the late 1980s, two of its individual agencies, CJ Adams Insurance and SiracusaKaufmann Insurance, started selling both real estate and home insurance in the late 1800s. All IAI’s member agencies have deep roots in the communities they serve in Atlantic, Cape May, and surrounding counties, including, of course, Brigantine Island. They established an office in Brigantine because there were so many policies here, and because they had the perfect team member to run itPersonal Lines Manager Kim Schenck.

“Kim was raised in Brigantine and is passionate about our island town. She

serves on the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce and is always the first to ask about IAI putting a table at the Farmers Market or the Eagles beach tailgate or sponsoring various events and publications around town. Between her and her team led by Nora Kessler and Terry Andros, the office in Brigantine has been one of their biggest successes,” said IAI’s Adam Miller. Access to more carriers is just one of the advantages of using IAI. Another is availability and personal service. While insurance commercials with catchy jingles and funny mascots may be entertaining, what customers really need is someone to pick up the phone when they call. IAI’s team will take care of you when you need them.

“As the region’s top insurance agency, our priority is being there for our customers. That means being inperson during office hours, picking up when customers call, answering their questions when we can, and getting them answers when we don’t. It sounds simple, but it’s really what we focus on every day,” said Adam.

From pricing different carriers to policy questions and billing issues, IAI will be there if you need help or if something goes wrong and you need to use your insurance. Just give them a call.

Island Items

1214 West Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ | 609-576-0501

All clothing and accessories pictured sold at Island Items

This mother-daughter team had an idea to open Island Items seven years ago. Their vision and desire to bring their life of travel / fashion, the Caribbean / Inspiration and culture into one setting. The decision to settle in Brigantine was very easy. They realized the true gems on this island were its people. Once over the bridge they noticed everyone seemed to Breathe a little easier, Relax a little more, Inspire each other with their many talents and Grow greater within themselves. (B.R.I.G.) Breathe-Relax Inspire-Grow is one of Island Items’ most popular logos that they designed. You can see their Loyal Pirates all over the island wearing this logo on cozy sweatshirts, tees, and other unique handmade gifts. Since Island Items opened its doors, many locals would come in and become inspired. They would begin creating again or start to develop new talents and gain confidence by having Island Items showcase their art. It is a wonderful feeling to give someone the inspiration to begin living out their dream as well as to relight their spark of creativity that sometimes can so easily become dim. Island Items is a base for this practice. Something else Island Items is very proud of is their original way to up-cycle and repurpose. Many of Island Items artists create with unusual materials. These materials are considered used and discarded. Broken pieces of Brigantine dune fencing, wood and brick from the infamous Rod And Reel (RIP), Brigantine shells and old maps and magazines from decades ago, transforming them into Insane original Art.

The girls of Island Items are currently in St Barth’s meeting with designers to make their selection for the new Spring and Summer High Season in Brigantine. The best of the best fashion will be chosen. This boho beach chic vibe is very special and important to the brand of Island Items. It highlights how far they travel and how personal the connection is with the designing artists and customers. The vibe is the energy of the islands in everything they wear, and the feeling of sexy, free, and cool.

Along with the look of St Barth’s fashion, Island Items creates jewelry. Cynthia created her collection Free Spirit Pearls seven years ago and it has only gained popularity more and more each season. Free Spirit Pearls are made using hand rolled leather and either fresh water pearls or Tahitian. The only literal word to use to describe her following is “obsessed.” From selling out every week, to being out on commission for months at a time. Her daughters are beginning to learn her craft and in the works of making their own sister collection. Island Items also houses between 30-50 local artists a month. These artists are the locals of Brigantine Island, as well as other islands all over the world.

For everyone who has been with them from the beginning, a huge thank you, and gratitude fills their hearts.

And for those of you who will enter Island Items for the first time this season, be prepared to be greeted with blasting music from some of the most sought after play lists, perhaps some champagne, rock and roll, creativity unlike anything you’ve seen before, and of course MAGIC!

Kelly and Craig Photography

www.kellyandcraigphotography.com

267-614-5335

When the sun sets on another summer at the shore and the last of the sand is brushed away, memories of family fun begin. One of the best ways to keep those memories preserved is with pictures. And there is arguably no one better at capturing your special moments than Kelly Lentz and Craig Schulte.

After all, Kelly and her husband Craig are the dream team behind Brigantine’s Kelly and Craig Photography.

Kelly and Craig’s story began in 2018. At that time, both Kelly and Craig were working independently photographing weddings and families. A mutual photographer colleague connected the two and 11 months later they were married.

Today, they relish telling other people’s stories through timeless photography. Kelly and Craig Photography offers family beach sessions, engagement sessions, studio sessions, head shots and small event photography. All of their services are available year round.

Whether you’re a family of four or a family of 26, the session is given the same attention to detail. From the concept and location to wardrobe, their creativity is woven through their work. The best part? They can provide everything needed – like vintage beach buckets, Radio Flyer wagons, etc. The idea is to make the experience fun and playful. And if your wee one isn’t feeling very playful? They have a solution for that. “I refer to her as the child whisperer. If a family has young children she has the gift to patiently bring out their smile. I will stay behind the camera and let Kelly work her magic. She has a way with them that is so calming,” Craig said. Craig’s mastery is in the details, lighting and working with couples. “He has a way with couples and always highlights their connection. While I occupy the children, Craig gives mom and dad a moment and creates a beautiful portrait.” Kelly said. With their combined skills, Kelly and Craig produce timeless imagery to be treasured for generations. New for 2023 is handcrafted Italian leather story books. Crafted on the

Amalfi Coast using skills perfected during the Renaissance, these storybooks are a perfect addition to their product line. Kelly and Craig pride themselves in offering heirloom-quality wall art and prints. They believe your images should breathe life into your home and not die on a hard drive or live a lonely life on the “cloud”. Along with their popular beach sessions they offer a Santa experience filled with Christmas magic. This year the Santa experience will take place inside Santa’s workshop. These limited edition sessions are offered once a year over Black Friday weekend. If you don’t catch them on the beach, Kelly and Craig can be found at the Brigantine Farmer’s Market all summer long. Check out their booth filled with fresh, locally-inspired artwork, like the custom poster line that’s all about Brigantine. The Brigantine pop art collection features one-of-a-kind graphic designs created from their photographs. Their Brigantine photography collection highlights the ocean, the Brigantine beaches, and surrounding coastal details. Highlighting Brigantine, its locals, visitors, natural beauty, and small businesses is a passion for Kelly. In fact, she is the reason this publication is in your very hands right now (thank you for reading!). Launching Brigantine Living magazine in 2023 was a dream come true. Kelly and Craig enjoy working in the community and connecting summer visitors with year round residents. This publication is the best way for them to tell the stories of both.

This year, Kelly is also working with several local business owners to create fun experiences like Girls Weekends. This intimate Saturday and Sunday event features hair and make-up in preparation for a fun photo shoot, curated womenowned private shopping, champagne, food, and a workout experience. The weekends make great gifts for you and the women in your life. Whether you’re new parents, just had your seventh child, or just got engaged, Kelly and Craig Photography is there to tell your story one photo at a time.

Legacy Brigantine

Legacy Brigantine is a true story of the American dream. As firstgeneration Americans, siblings Nydia Stecky and recently retired SF Green Beret, Master Sergeant Pablo Rodrigues saw firsthand the hard work and sacrifices their father, who they affectionately called “Papi,” faced in order to leave a legacy behind for his children who he cared for so dearly.

Born on the Cape Verde Islands, Papi first immigrated to Argentina then New Jersey after finishing trade school and marrying his wife in Argentina. He raised Pablo, Nydia, and their younger sister while working two jobs – one as a refrigerator engineer in Manhattan, and the other, with “Mami’s” assistance, as a superintendent of a nine-story, 72-apartment building. Nydia helped her mother with her English until she was able to manage the new language well. This allowed Mami to manage interactions with present and potential tenants, flawlessly.

Sadly in 2021, Papi passed away. But with generous gifts he left for his children, Pablo and Nydia purchased a local investment property they hoped they and others would love and enjoy for years to come; one that would also honor Papi’s legacy of hard work and hospitality.

Legacy Brigantine is a two-bedroom, one bathroom, beach block, second

floor condo with washer and dryer. It was loved by vacationing families all summer of 2022.

“What a wonderful week we all had in Brigantine this summer. The beach was beautiful, as were the accommodations. The people there are the nicest the Jersey Shore has to offer. The condo was fully stocked with coffee, sheets, beach and bath towels, games, cable TV, WiFi, and more,” said Bethany, a guest of Legacy Brigantine in August 2022.

With a stay in Brigantine, you’ll find a genuine ease - a perfect combination of rest and relaxation with plenty to do within a 10-minute radius if you’re ready for action. And since all you need for a stay at Legacy is a change of clothes, toiletries, groceries, and yourself, you’ll be ready to hit the town or the beach as soon as you arrive. Nydia is available to help manage the rest of the vacation to-do list so you can enjoy every minute of your stay in Brigantine, stress-free.

“We know what it means to work hard. We understand the value of family and the importance of rest, especially in this season of history and in the area in which we live,” said Nydia. “Because of these, we want to provide opportunities of rest for others. It is why we love to host, and why we do our best to do so wholeheartedly.”

Mission Cafe

3201 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ | 609-800-5186 Facebook: Mission Cafe | Instagram: @missioncafe_

One Iced Almond Joy Latte coming up! Mission Cafe is on a mission, not only to serve the tastiest coffee and treats in Brigantine, but to clean up our oceans, one latte at a time.

With her husband, Robert Demos, co-owning Bucks County Coffee with his business partner, Tom Memmo, Dina Demos knew opening a cafe would fit so well in Brigantine, bringing their family’s passion for coffee right to the locals. Dina and her family couldn’t get enough of the island’s beautiful beaches and moved here full-time in 2001. In May 2021, the doors to Mission Cafe opened, offering a selection of delicious bites, and most importantly, quality coffee from their very own Bucks County Coffee. Knowing exactly where their coffee beans come from is of utmost importance to the team, as they only roast specialty coffees that represent the top three percent of coffees in the world. Bucks County Coffee purchases entire estate farms pre-harvest, to ensure the quality of their coffee beans. This allows them to maintain a close-knit relationship with local farmers. They’ve even helped raise money for their farmer’s families to go to school. This close and direct partnership gives customers the best cup of coffee possible.

Need some beach-side snacks with your coffee? Mission Cafe has options for everyone and is open by 7am from spring to fall. Customers

can enjoy freshly-brewed coffee, acai bowls, smoothies, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and salads. After a long day at the beach, try the Driftwood bowl. A pitaya base topped with granola, pineapple, kiwi, mango, coconut flakes, and a honey drizzle. If icey pitaya is too sweet for your palette, beat the heat with the Surfs Up – a coconut base topped with granola, blueberry, strawberry, hemp seeds, and a honey drizzle. Branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, and options to buy packaged granola for your own smoothie bowls or Bucks County Coffee to grind at home are also available on site. In 2021, Mission Cafe began donating $1 of each retail clothing sale to ocean conservancy –something Dina and her team are quite passionate about and will continue to do for years to come.

Bring your K-9 bestie, grab a nitro cold brew (or BYOB) and head to Mission Cafe’s ever-popular comedy nights, starting in April. The cafe hosts many events like blanket-making classes, and is available to rent out for private parties for meetings, book clubs, birthdays, or showers.

If coffee is your BFF, Bucks County Coffee subscription coffee services are a great option. Pick two of your favorites from medium roast house blend to raspberry mocha light roast and everything in between, delivered right to your door. Choose a plan that works best for you – every month, 3-months, or 6-months options.

Ola Kai

For Christina and Jimmy Perry, 2021 was the year they said goodbye to a high-stress lifestyle. That summer, they quit their jobs and gave focus to their true passion –opening a functional fitness studio for the Brigantine community.

The Perrys have always had a passion for fitness and functional movement. For years, though, Christina and Jimmy had worked together in an overly demanding career seven days a week. They found themselves unable to enjoy any outing or family gathering as work would quickly call them away. Most days they’d come home with no energy to spare and had to choose between spending time with their son, exercising, or cooking a homemade meal. They realized a new work/life balance was needed to be able to do the things they wanted to do together as a family.

Insert newfound freedom and adventure.

After leaving their jobs, Christina and Jimmy drove cross country with their four year old. While on this adventure, they often talked about what was important to them as a family. They debated moving out west but being away from home made them realize how much they love their Brigantine community.

Being active was central to their wellbeing and happiness and so was being in Brigantine. Their goal was to start a fitness studio where everyone would benefit.

“We really wanted to open a business to be more of a part of our community and bring health and wellness here to Brigantine,” Christina said. But it was another island that inspired the fitness studio’s name.

Christina went to college in Hawaii and lived there for almost a decade, with Jimmy joining her for part of the time. Her brother and sister have lived there more than 20 years as well.

“Living (in Hawaii) I fell in love with the people and the culture and wanted to bring a piece of that part of my life onto the island,” said Christina. The studio is named after two loves - ola and kai, meaning “health” and “ocean.”

Ola Kai offers fitness classes for everyone from kids to seniors. Regardless of your age, functional movement is crucial. As kids, it’s the foundation of our daily movement and strength. As we get older, functional movement helps us move and feel better. Understanding how to lift and move properly without hurting yourself is key. While they teach many styles of fitness classes, like HIIT and full-body functional movement, Ola Kai also offers CrossFit classes for kids and adults.

Ola Kai is open year-round in Brigantine and in the summer months offers seven to eight classes a day. Open gym and personal training options are also available in the spacious studio space.

Rita’s Water Ice

1301 W Brigantine Ave, Unit #1301 Front, Brigantine, NJ |

Once upon a time, in the center of Brigantine, there were no ice cream shops in sight. Does this sound more like a spooky story than a fairy tale to you? It did to Brigantine’s Jill and Chris Tate, who knew something needed to change.

“There was a need for something as the island continues to grow, especially in the central business district,” said Jill. Together with the help of Burns Klemm Builders, they opened Rita’s Water Ice to the Brigantine community in July 2022. It’s easy to be familiar with Rita’s; it’s iconic around these parts. The very first Rita’s Water Ice was created in the summer of 1984 by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo. His first shop, he affectionately named after his wife, Rita, with a goal to create the best-tasting Italian ice around. Today, Rita’s is serving up “Ice, Custard, and Happiness” to millions of loyal fans in over 30 states, and now Brigantine, thanks to Jill and Chris. Craving something sweet? Make your way to Rita’s. They have Italian Ices, Gelatis, Concretes, milkshakes,

Blendinis, Mistos, frozen drinks and take home treats like cookies sandwiches. Don’t speak Rita’s? A Blendini is custard and Italian ice mixed with your choice of toppings; a Misto is Italian ice and custard blended; a Concrete is a blend of toppings and custard; and Gelati (a fan fave) is a layered treat of custard and Italian ice. Drooling yet?

When you walk up to the window to get your cool sweet treat, chances are you’ll be greeted by a member of the Tate family - Jill, Chris or one of their three daughters. They’re all involved in the family business and have been active members of the Brigantine community since becoming homeowners here 14 years ago. Since then, Jill and Chris have coached just about every sport on the island –soccer, street hockey, softball/baseball, and football. They ran the baseball and softball league, too, from 2017 to 2021. This year, the Rita’s experience is even better with umbrellas, lights and music, and community events for local organizations. Now that’s sweet!

Shore Space Brigantine

3214 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd, Brigantine, NJ | 609-739-1904 |

Aboutique space close to the beach filled with natural light, modern furnishings, and beautiful décor… where you can work, have meetings, and host events?

Yes please!

Shore Space Brigantine, a coworking office and event space opened in summer 2022, two blocks from the Brigantine beach, in the center of town. During the pandemic, the work/ home balance was tipped on its side as families navigated being at home together. For Brigantine’s Krista and Christopher Baum, this need to maintain work/home balance was the inspiration for opening Shore Space to the community.

It’s easy to work at Shore Space. There’s no need to join or fill out extensive paperwork. Simply book directly on the website or call to get your desk either in advance or day of. The space is available during the work week and on weekends. Waiting to check in to your Saturday rental? Get some work done while you wait at Shore Space. There’s always (delicious) coffee brewing, a fully stocked kitchenette, and beverages and snacks at the ready.

When it comes to the flexible seating, there are a few different options. Grab a seat at the surfboard bar in the front window and watch the world go by, take a spin on the bike desk (it’s completely adjustable), or grab a desk in the main area to work alone

or together with your team members. There are also lounge chairs, a corner desk, and a standing desk.

Shore Space also has a variety of accessories depending on your need. There are two phone booths for additional phone call privacy, selfie rings, white noise machines and fans, keyboards, computer monitors, mice, basic office supplies, chargers, two big flat screen televisions (video enabled), 1GB super high speed Wi-Fi, plus an ethernet connection for security clearance needs.

While Shore Space was created with comfortable working spaces in mind, it’s also a perfect event space for the community. Desks can be placed together as large conference tables, dinner tables, or buffet tables. With this transformative furniture in mind, they’re able to host all types of events under 45 people from cocktail parties, bridal showers, and workshops to intimate dinners. Krista has partnered with local vendors and local businesses to provide catering if needed, and for cool community-driven open-to-thepublic workshops.

Knowing what it takes to host successful events comes naturally to Krista. She began her career running the food and beverage service at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City, later transitioning to the financial services industry before tapping into her entrepreneurial prowess with Shore Space.

The Teal Tail

Woman-owned, family-run, community-driven, and mermaid obsessed are just a few ways to describe The Teal Tail. It’s the perfect place for women of all shapes and sizes to get styled right here in Brigantine. Fashion can be hard for many, but as a local all-inclusive shop, The Teal Tail makes it easy by offering comfortable, affordable, and trendy clothing for all, sizes small to 3XL, all year round.

The store that you know today began as a small local shop online. Owner Kristen Pilch has always had a passion for business and fashion. After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in business and marketing, she quickly transitioned to a career in merchandising, management, and styling before having her son. As an independent retailer for an online based company, Kristen became one of their top retailers. At that time, she started including additional products and within a few years realized that selling out of her house was getting harder and harder. Her intention was to find a small space to keep store inventory and continue working on her online business, but that turned into a full retail shop once they fell in love with the new space.

“My heart belongs at the ocean and I’ve always had a strong connection to the sea,” Kristen said.

As a transplant from the Pocono’s region of Pennsylvania, she found herself vacationing at the beach every weekend. “We wanted a small town feel to raise a family and Brigantine is exactly that!” In 2016, they transitioned to Brigantine and absolutely love calling it home.

Recently, the Teal Tail was voted one of South Jersey’s best women’s boutiques with The Best Of The Press, as they strive to offer the best customer service around. Kristen and her team are very community driven and host multiple community events throughout the year such as silent discos, extreme date nights, murder mysteries, bingo nights, game nights, sip and shops, styling events, holiday gift-giving events, and so much more. Want the store all to yourself? You got it! The Teal Tail offers private events for you and a few guests to enjoy. Girls weekend? Check. Mom’s night out? Check. The Teal Tail also has a free downloadable app that can be shopped from 24/7. Scan the QR code to download.

“I stream live sales events every Tuesday night starting at 8pm all year where we launch 15-20 new styles each week,” said Kristen. “It’s the perfect way to shop even when you’re not able to be physically in Brigantine in case you fall in love with our store while visiting.”

Vacations by Coastal Haven

856-534-7422

Are you in search of the “perfect rental?” You know the one… you walk in and immediately notice how clean it is, with crisp sheets and towels provided, plus extra touches throughout making your whole experience special. You’re not alone.

Before Amanda McNally and her family purchased their Brigantine home in 2017, they rented shore houses for nearly 10 years, never quite finding one that went above and beyond their expectations. Inspiration struck during a bike ride and Amanda was inspired to share the island with others through a vacation rental home.

Two years later Coastal Haven Condo, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom steps from the beach, was available to families searching for a curated vacation rental experience.

“As soon as we purchased Coastal Haven, we made it our goal to meet our own guest expectations,” Amanda said.

They completely booked up that first summer and were nearly booked in the off-season as well. Since then, Coastal Haven Condo has maintained a 90-percent occupancy rate.

This success prompted Amanda and her team to launch Vacations by Coastal Haven, a consulting business helping other rental homeowners provide an equally special experience

for their guests.

Coaching includes how to build your brand, website, and the entire rental process whether you work with a realtor, an online travel agency like Vrbo, Airbnb, or would like her team to set you up with direct booking.

The Coastal Haven Condo team prides themselves on a curated vacation rental experience. If your goal aligns with theirs - to provide guests and their families a stress-free vacation with an immaculately clean rental and anything they may need during their stay – reach out to Amanda and her team. They will guide you through the entire process, offering support wherever you need it most.

Amanda’s dedication to details and passion for the rental experience is contagious.

“We not only want to delight our renters, but also make them feel that it’s their home away from home, while they are in Brigantine for their stay and after. We personalize communications so guests feel as though they are living the island experience year-round and are excited for their return,” said Amanda.

Hi there! My name is Ada Krebs, and I’m a licensed real estate agent dedicated to helping my clients buy and sell their dream homes. I have been working in the real estate industry for over 25 years now and have gained extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

My passion for real estate stems from my love of helping people find the perfect home for their lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, I am here to help you navigate the market with confidence and ease.

As “your neighborhood realtor” I’ve lived and sold property on the island for over 35 years. I’m originally from Havertown in Delaware County, PA and love the easy, small town feel of Brigantine. It’s conveniently located to Philly, North

Jersey, New York, and the wonderful night life and restaurants Atlantic City has to offer. Whether it’s a small summer getaway or a new primary residence I have the years of experience to find you the perfect home.

Winner of the President’s Circle 2022 and NJ Circle of Excellence Bronze 2022 awards. Real Estate professional since 1985.

Winner of the Chairman’s Circle Gold 2022 and NJ Circle of Excellence Gold 2022 awards.

Brigantine Farmers Market

The market, located in the Brigantine Community School parking lot (Sheridan Blvd Side), will be open to customers on May 27th, 2023 (Memorial Day Weekend) and will run every Saturday (rain or shine) until Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 (Labor Day weekend). There will be two Fall Markets: September 30th and November 18th .

All That Batters Angels in the Pines Farm Anita’s Vegan Kitchen

Aritimi Design Studio

The Bacon Jams

Brigantine Canning Factory

Bees NJ Carolina Artisan

Chef’s Key Lime Pie

Daddy’s Crayon Lady

Cream Ridge Winery Crescent Moon Clothing

The Cutting Board Man’s Daughter

D’s Authentic Philly

Rocks

Dogs

Cakes NJ Goji Juice Bar Good Boy Biscuits & Bones

Guideless Candle Company The Hangover Snacks Company Hank Sauce Harry & Beans Coffee & JuiceBox Jim’s Jam Johnny ocean Enterprises

Just Delicious Kettle Corn

and Craig Photography

Kitchen L.E.H. Soap Company

Nino Farm

Water Distillery

Marketplace Mary’s Mobile Diner Maui Joe’s Shave Ice Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy Monteleone Farms, Dave

Flow Farm

of one Design Wear Peplowski Fruit Farm

Dills

The Potato Homestead

Therapy

Rae’s Headband Co.

Room Café RSK Doughnuts Salty Acres

The Salty Sea Monkey Seatox Lemonade SES Sports

World Catering 2U

Empanadas

and Thicket Flower

Stir It Up Catering Tony’s Farm Table Triple C Angus Water Dog Smokehouse

An island for of life. all seasons