Brigantine Living Issue 2

BRIGANTINE LIVING

PICTURED: Brigantine Lifeguard Boat ON THE COVER: “Solace” - both photographed by

PUBLISHERS

Kelly Lentz and Craig Schulte brigantineliving@gmail.com

EDITOR Stef Godfrey brigantinelivingeditor@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kirsty Smith kirstyleighsmith@gmail.com

WRITERS

Kristen Dowd // Anthony Mazziotti III

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kelly and Craig Photography

LET’S CONNECT

Find us on Pinterest and YouTube at Brigantine Living and follow us on Facebook @brigliving and Instagram @brigantineliving

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.

Publisher’s Note Seeing the Future Pages of the Past

At the Ready Safety First

Bed Time Stories

Good Vibrations

The Road to Sustainability

Ahoy Matey!

AlisonPaul Builders

Casale al Mare

Clam Daddy’s

Devine’s Martial Arts

Haven Homes Builders

Holliday Architects

Island Fly

KB Luxury Home Hosting

Kelly and Craig Photography

Legacy Brigantine & Clearwater

Mission Café

RipTide Bait and Tackle

Rita’s Water Ice

Sandy Jack’s Deli

The Teal Tail

Please Note

As you’re flipping through these lovely pages, you’ll see QR Codes throughout. When you see one you’d like to scan, like this one to the right, simply open your camera app, point at the code, and click the link that pops up.

Kelly Lentz

Brigantine is changing and it is growing.

Publisher’s Note

It’s a confusing time for folks in our generation; with information coming at us a mile a minute and communication happening through screens rather than across a dinner table; we struggle to keep up. Living in a vertical world and seeing things through the lens of our phone made us long for a slower pace and a tangible read. As creatives, we wanted something we could experience as a family and with our community. We work hard to remain creative in our delivery; whether it be in print or on YouTube (more to come on that later), we want our content to have depth and make you feel more connected to this community.

We have been full time residents for a short time in comparison to many and we often hear how “Brigantine is changing.” We agree. Brigantine is changing and it is growing. Brigantine is beginning to embrace technology at a faster pace, have a larger involvement in youth athletics, have more family centered events, have more families calling this island their summer home,

have more entrepreneurs open their small businesses here, and of course, have more pickleball! What an exciting time for our community with all of this growth and expansion. Change is hard and takes some adjusting but through sharing our stories and embracing our differences change is a beautiful thing. Working on issue two reminded us we wanted to curate content that would encourage readers to unplug and connect deeper with what makes our little island function. In issue two, you’ll see the return of a few favorites and some new additions like “Good Vibrations” and “KBYG.” Good Vibrations highlights individuals and groups who help our island vibrate on a higher level by simply doing good. Know Before You Go (KBYG) is an extension of our Instagram highlight; things, events, and places we think you should know before visiting Brigantine! We almost forgot one of our favorite additions for this year is “Hide and Seek” (See below to learn more).

2024 brought forth an opportunity to expand more into the digital world. We

added YouTube and continue to expand our social media presence. Initially YouTube started as a more traditional TV experience it has since shifted format to a magazine style show. What will you find on YouTube? Well we both step in front of the camera to interview local business owners, artist’s and deliver city news. Kelly’s daughter Emma has joined forces on the YouTube front as an editor, interviewer, and overall creative. We look forward to the growth of not only our print publication but also the year round coverage we offer through our digital media.

You may not see our faces at every event in town, but you’re guaranteed to catch us at the Farmers Market Saturday mornings, on the beach almost every evening working with families or relaxing on the front yard in our garden! Wherever you see us feel free to stop us, say “hello“ and let us know how we are doing and what you want to see more of.

Cheers to another great summer Brigantine!

Yours in community,

Hide and Seek

Come find us Saturday mornings at the Brigantine Farmers Market and tell us how many times this icon is hidden throughout Issue Two for a chance to snag a swag bag

Kelly Lentz & Craig Schulte

Seeing the Future

BRIGANTINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL IS LEANING INTO THE FUTURE WITH NEW PODCASTS, ITS SEASONED TV STATION, AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL, GIVING STUDENTS PRACTICAL (AND FUN) EXPERIENCES TO BUILD REAL WORLD SKILLS AND EXPAND THEIR CREATIVITY

text STEF GODFREY // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Artist Andy Warhol said in the future everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame. At Brigantine Community School – the future is now. With their developing podcasts, seasoned television station and YouTube channel, many students are putting themselves in front of an audience creating custom content for viewers and listeners of all ages. And becoming at least school famous for now.

Exposing students to cutting edge technology and today’s communication and work trends is nothing new for Brigantine Community School principal and superintendent Glenn Robbins. Under his leadership, the school has a functioning e-sports arena, green room, and podcasting room, where students can develop skills both social and professional and to simply, have fun with their peers. They also have new classes in cyber security and AI for the eighth grade. Artificial intelligence being one of the buzziest trends around.

“English class is using AI. They use it to gather quick facts to build their argument or story or whatever it is they are writing. They have to cross

reference and make sure it’s cited. It’s interesting because this is where we are now. What’s it going to be next year or the following year,” questioned Glenn.

This year, the newest thing is podcasts.

“We have several podcasting groups. A sixth grade one that’s called Fresco, it’s all about new video games and new movies and so forth,” said Glenn. “In eighth grade we have the Play By Play podcast. The boys talk about all sports around the country. They’ve interviewed three Super Bowl champions already; Two Giants players and a Patriots player who lives here. Then in seventh grade, we have three young ladies who do Powered Up Podcast, which is all about female empowerment and female leadership. That one has really taken off. Then we have a second grade teacher who does an interview with each one of his kids for the second grade podcast. The older students are doing everything in regard to it. They do storyboarding, questioning, editing, and all the electronic work. All right here.”

Older students are able to work on podcasting during two different parts of their schedule, Buc time (Brigantine Community School are the Buccaneers) and flex time. Each of these periods are non-graded, a chance for students to explore things they want to learn, or simply to get some fresh air.

“Sixth through Eighth grade have a flex period and a Buc time. It’s also recess time, so they can go outside and get fresh air or they can go upstairs and podcast, or they can work on the YouTube channel, or they can work on something else, some play e-sports at that time,” said Glenn. “They do this during flex time too.”

On the Play by Play podcast, the trio of boys who host are not only learning everything involved with the technical creation of the podcast, they are also cementing their social skills for adulthood, in an environment where they can relax.

“They talk about every Eagles game, Sixers game, and they sound like true professionals that you and I listen to on 97.3 ESPN. They work on the podcast during the day, but it’s during flex time which is ungraded. They don’t feel stifled by a rubric or a syllabus of some sort. They make it theirs, no extra pressure on them. Their grade is what the people listening have to say. They are trying to make it perfect for a much bigger world than one person getting a grade,” said Glenn. “I want them to be successful with soft skills, looks someone in eye, have a conversation. If we can teach these kids to be better networkers as they grow up, they can have a firm handshake and look someone in the eye, and ask deep inquiry questions, it makes them dive in and have a more impactful conversation. It’s empathy and compassion. It’s also for negotiations, it’s like perspective taking.”

Kelly Grimley is the digital arts teacher at Brigantine Community School, and runs the BCC and does the podcasting.

“This is my 25th year of teaching,” said Kelly.

Kelly’s enthusiasm for art and her students is contagious as she walks around the school’s green room and podcasting room. She took over the BCC program after it had stopped briefly.

“It started with the news, but then went into other segments,” explained Kelly. “The first I started was Caught Being Great. It gave the opportunity to catch kids being great in schools. They couldn’t wait to be on TV, and it was really fun.”

Each morning, the entire school tunes into the YouTube channel to hear the news read by honors-society students.

“The kids record the day before during their lunch or recess time. Brigantine Community School is our YouTube Channel. Every teacher has smart boards in their room, and they put it on,” said Kelly.

Next year, they are considering a

“I want them to be successful with soft skills.”

change up to the news delivery.

“We’re going to have our flex kids do the news. I want my digital arts class to do the news for a grade. Everybody wants to be part of the news,” said Kelly.

Students can create their own segments too, like Leland, who loves music. He created a segment call “The Hook” where he plays a tune around the halls for other students and then they need to finish signing the lyrics.

“He said, ‘Mrs. Grimley, I record for my church, I’d like to learn a little bit about editing.’ Leland comes up every day during lunch. He has a crew that works with him. He goes out, finds music he likes, then he starts the song for a player, then they have to finish singing the part. The last one, we did a tribute to Toby Keith. Leland researched the music and found his favorite five and we did them,” Kelly said.

Another of Mrs. Grimley’s students Gavin, hosts Let’s Talk Books, a spinoff on Hooked on Books. Why? The answer according to Gavin is simple.

“I just wanted to talk about books and did that. I have too many books that I like,” said Gavin.

This sense of creative pride and positivity are a force around Mrs. Grimley and her students.

“I got very lucky, I can spread some positive message to these kids. I always thought the art room was where I would do it, but now I’m reaching so many more with this TV station,” Kelly said.

Though technology changes fast, what we can learn from it all hasn’t changed a bit. Social and professional skills, empathy, connection, and more are being fostered every day in the classrooms and specialty rooms at Brigantine Community School. They are leaping to the future, with lessons that are timeless.

The cover image of a pamphlet by the Brigantine Company of New Jersey

“There are at least 2,300 lots, a majority within two blocks of the ocean.”

In January 1896, lots ranged from $100-$550.

“In 1890, the Brigantine Beach Railroad Company built a road from the middle of the island westward.”

An 1892 map of Brigantine Beach, showing the island’s railroad, trolley line and three major hotels.

“In the summer of 1895, there were built eleven cottages. Seven of these belong to the Brigantine Company, and four to individuals”

“RENT - Of these cottages, for season, will vary between $200 and $350.”

“Brigantine Beach, owing to the protection it gets from the shoals off shore, is a safe one for bathers.”

Pages of the Past

HOW DO YOU TRAVEL BACK IN TIME? PAGE BY PAGE IT SEEMS. THESE VINTAGE BRIGANTINE PUBLICATIONS NOT ONLY TELL THE ORIGIN STORY OF OUR BELOVED ISLAND, BUT ALSO THE TALE OF LIFE AT THAT TIME, THROUGH OLD ADVERTISEMENTS, ARTICLES, PHOTOS AND MORE.

images provided by JESSE ESTLOW & THE BRIGANTINE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

It’s easy to think Brigantine has always been as it is today, a thriving island for all seasons. Brigantine is cherished by locals and visitors alike, each charmed by its natural beauty and its involved leaders and community. But its origin story has humble roots.

According to Jessica (Jesse) Estlow, a third generation Brigantine teacher and local historian, the island was first populated by a few Coast Guard families who decided to make it home. As love for Brigantine grew and more families decided to stay and build

their lives here, printed materials like pamphlets and magazines were published to spread the word about this incredible island’s offerings (we love continuing this tradition!). Here is a look back at Brigantine’s past as seen through its vintage pages.

“The Hotel Brigantine rises castlelike on the shore of this American Riviera.”

“You may not have had a truly good night’s rest for long past, but you will sleep soundly here.”

“Luxurious buses maintain regular schedules between Brigantine Beach and the Playground of the World.”

“There is no draw-bridge annoyance, and craft anchorages are quiet and safe.”

The cover of the Brigantine Home Beautiful pamphlet

Vintage advertisements include ones from C.J. Adams Co. and Master Plumbers Association of Atlantic City

“See Brigantine Beach for Yourself and Be Convinced ‘It’s a Good Place to Live”

“Make your own ice box a Frigidare - $190.”

“Whether it be Summer or Winter, Spring or Autumn, Brigantine Beach and the Hotel Brigantine know no unhappy moods.”

“Most excellent fishing can also be had on the pier directly in front of the hotel. For those who enjoy the strenuous activities of a metropolis resort, large and extremely comfortable buses which travel back and forth between Brigantine Beach and Atlantic City will carry guests.”

“The playground of the Lenni Lenape Indians. The reported haunt of Captain Kidd and his buccaneers...” - A History of Brigantine Beach by H.G. Harris, the president of Island Development Company.

“Today, electric refrigeration is considered essential to the well-equipped home. It renders a new service incomparable to old-fashioned methods of refrigeration.” This is the first line of the Electric Refrigeration story by Frank R. Pierce.

From blanket and candle making to resin artwork and kids’ parties, Shore Space o ers a variety of DIY workshops and classes. See our full calendar on our website or follow us on social media for upcoming events.

At the Ready

BRIGANTINE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS CONTINUES TRAINING YEAR-ROUND TO ENSURE SWIFT, SAFE RESPONSES TO EMERGENCIES

text KRISTEN DOWD // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY // additional photos submitted by CHIEF PAUL FULLER

For the Brigantine Fire Department and EMS, continuous training is essential to ensure its members are at the top of their game. All year long, training in live burns, fire and water rescues and other situations ensures the town’s firefighters and emergency services personnel will be ready when a real emergency arrives.

“I’m really focused on trying to make sure these guys are trained really well. They’re the ones that do the work. I have to set them up to succeed by giving them the proper training,” Chief Paul Fuller said.

The department bases its training model off of best practices and NFPA standards, which require certain hours of training, such as with hoses and ladders, throughout the year. Then there are the training aspects the public may not consider.

“Once the beach patrol is done for the season, any water rescue falls on us,” Paul said.

“In the off season, the water’s colder. There might not be anyone around to help. It may be in the back bay. We hit that training every year,” he continued, adding that last year his team trained with the beach patrol.

One way the fire department has amped up its water rescue protocol is by purchasing its own JetSki. The department previously borrowed the beach patrol’s water rescue craft. The new model is configured with a beach dolly, meaning the vehicle towing the JetSki doesn’t have to get down to the water – it just needs to get the dolly to the sand.

Other upgrades over the past year include turnout gear, which the department is working on getting on a five-year rotating basis for the whole team based off of grants, and a new

truck.

“The big thing this year was upgrades in equipment that needed to be addressed. We took the liberty of a new ladder truck, which was something we’ve been working on for several years,” Paul said.

The department’s former 75-foot straight-stick ladder truck was outdated at 20-plus years old. It was always ready to respond, Paul assured, but it was at the point that they were putting more into it than they were getting out.

The new truck is equipped with a 100foot mid-mount ladder with a bucket at the end, the latter feature a huge boon to safety when rescuing someone from an upper floor.

Setup is faster, too – at one minute versus two or three – and only takes one person instead of multiple.

“Time is something you can’t make up,” Paul said. “It also allows other firefighters to go take care of other operations instead of setting up the ladder.”

A new supply hose, which connects the fire hydrant to the engine, also joined the team this year. The former four-inch hose was upgraded to a fiveinch model, giving the engine water more quickly and easily.

“These fires burn bigger, hotter and faster – really time and water is what’s going to put those out,” Paul said, comparing today’s fires to how they burned in the past. This is due to not only much more petroleum-based plastics being used to make furniture and carpets, but also designs of houses being open floor plans and more quickly burning structural elements.

“We have less time in these buildings before they reach the point of somebody unable to survive in the

house and us being able to get in without the floor collapsing,” Paul said. “Time is paramount to us.”

Ensuring the 34-member Brigantine Fire Department and EMS is ready for emergencies is a true team effort – not only among the department itself, but with the community. To that end, the department is always focused on community outreach, too, by partnering with the schools, town and businesses.

Not everyone understands all that goes into the Brigantine Fire Department when driving by the fire house. By building community relationships, Fuller sees this changing.

“To build those community bonds, it becomes more personal,” he said.

“We’re a small town, so to know who’s going to your house when you have an emergency and you see a familiar face, that puts people at ease a little bit more, too.”

Safety First

BRIGANTINE BEACH PATROL TRAINS CONSTANTLY, BOTH SWIMMING AND ROWING, DAY IN AND DAY OUT TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE READY TO RESPOND TO AN EMERGENCY AT THE DROP OF A HAT

text ANTHONY J. MAZZIOTTI III // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

“We’re always looking to get the best of the best.”

Somewhere between the old adages

“absence makes the heart grow fonder” and “good things come to those who wait,” sits the Brigantine City Beach Patrol, a group of 110 of the city’s most brave, athletic and courageous people who have one of the most important jobs a shore town can offer: Keeping beachgoers safe around the water.

Their day job starts simple – show up to headquarters before 9:30am to pick up a radio before dispatching

to whichever part of the 4.8 miles of protected area ranging from the front beach to the cove area and the docks for those who wish to take a dip in the bay. Chief Kip Emig says no lifeguard within their first three years on the patrol works with anyone who has fewer than four years’ experience. So, with a team in place, the stations are manned until 5:30pm, although lifeguards remain on call at headquarters until 8pm in case of an emergency, according to Chief Emig.

“Oceanfront lifeguarding is a huge responsibility,” he said. “Making the patrol and then competing against other good athletes to get a position; we’re always looking to get the best of the best.”

In other words, iron sharpens iron. The patrol trains constantly, both swimming and rowing, day in and day out to make sure they’re ready to respond to an emergency at the drop of a hat. One of the ways to ensure their lifeguards are up to snuff is by competing against neighboring beach patrols in the form of a little friendly competition: The South Jersey Championships.

Emig is in his 11th year as a chief of the Brigantine City Beach Patrol, although he’s been a member since 1983. In his going-on-42-year tenure, his patrol had previously only won the South Jersey Championships two times, in 1979 and 1992.

So, with the absence of winning making the heart grow fonder and the waiting 31 years to taste victory again, one can imagine it was a sweet feeling to take home the 2023 championship title.

“That was pretty cool,” he said with a laugh. “I remember in ’83 everyone was talking about winning in ’79.”

Emig explained that racing is a big part of lifeguarding and organized racing in both rowboats and swimming has been around for more than 100 years. The South Jersey Championship includes 15 patrols in the South Jersey Chief’s Association.

Brigantine went undefeated in the North Jersey Shore races at Island Beach and Lavalette while the male and female crews took home gold in Ship Bottom. In the South Jersey races, James Haney, a 17-year-old, placed fourth in the one-mile swim while Jack and Joe Savell won doubles crew, which is a mile and a half row. Their father, Paul, is one of the captains for Brigantine and is the crew coach at Drexel University. Emig noted Jack Savell won the singles row, too.

“That’s very rare,” he said. “Only a few people have done that. It’s a halfmile row and takes about four to six minutes.”

With their championship in hand, Brigantine has a home beach advantage of sorts in this summer’s

race. On August 9, on the 17th Street beach, your Brigantine City Beach Patrol defends their crown. It’s free to attend and Emig expects a few thousand people to show up. So, while good things come to those who wait, it is important to note that better things come to those who work hard for them – and that’s what the Brigantine City Beach Patrol does. They’re a hard-working group of 110 fiercely competitive women and men who understand the responsibility their job entails. They are hungry to prove what they are capable of when the time comes; be it responding to a cry for help in the surf or boat racing Avalon’s rowers.

For more information on the Brigantine City Beach Patrol, visit their Facebook page, Instagram or their section of the BrigantineBeach.org page.

* Article made possible by Ada Krebs and Margaret Gallagher of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox & Roach Realtors

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 of Atlantic City.

Bed Time Stories

BRIGANTINE’S GARDEN CLUB WAS FOUNDED OVER 40 YEARS AGO AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY TO BEAUTIFY THE ISLAND. TODAY, THEIR COLORFUL LANDSCAPES AND BEDS CAN BE FOUND ALL AROUND TOWN FROM THE FOOT OF THE BRIDGE TO THE SEAWALL. THE VOLUNTEERS FOSTER COMMUNITY CONNECTION BY CELEBRATING THE ISLAND’S HOME GARDENERS WITH ADVICE, PLANTINGS, AND AWARDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

text STEF GODFREY // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

They say what you sow is what you reap. For the Brigantine Garden Club, the seeds of community beautification, social connection, and community pride they planted more than 40 years ago have spread deep roots throughout Brigantine Island. Their impact on the island can be seen almost immediately, as Garden Club volunteers are responsible for the flowers and flagpole at the foot of the bridge.

Volunteers for the Garden Club maintain about 100 beds throughout the island and the pots on the seawall, host annual secret garden tours, and join community events like the weekly Farmers Market where they have giveaways and presentations to enrich the community.

Though its presence is widespread these days, the Garden Club had humble beginnings.

“The Garden Club was started by five couples. It was a social activity, they wanted to beautify the island, and to

this day, that’s still our goal, to beautify the island,” said Debi Ples, who’s been a member for over 35 years. “They all chipped in $10 and that was their budget. The big thing they did was plant daffodil bulbs. Throughout the island there are over 8,500 daffodil bulbs. That was the start of the Garden Club.”

What began with 10 founding members, has grown to a team of nearly 100 volunteers who play a pivotal role in keeping Brigantine beautiful. Today, the Garden Club, a city-sponsored organization, has a board of directors, a team of volunteers, and a budget.

“If you’re a board member, you’re a member, and everybody else that helps, and there are so many other people who help, there are 98 right now, they are volunteers,” said board member Louise Groeber, noting that everyone in Garden Club, including all board members are volunteers.

Fran Streeper and Phyllis Glomb are the southend and northend bed coordinators, respectively. They oversee all the beds in their area, making sure each has a bedtender, who will plant and maintain the bed throughout the year.

“The Garden Club’s master gardeners let us know which plants are droughttolerant, which are strong rebloomers, which do well in sandy soil. Then a group of Garden Club members will order everything, pick them up, then they split the plants between the two sections of town northend and southend. Then everyone comes and picks what they want from what’s offered,” said Debi.

Bedtenders can either use these purchased plants or place whatever plants they’d like in their beds. Though there are a few rules to consider.

“People should always consider height, so that they’re not blocking traffic. Three feet is the maximum,” said Debi. “You want something that’s drought tolerant.”

If this seems daunting, the Garden Club has you covered. A few volunteers, including Linda Mantello, are master gardeners, ready and willing to help with tips and advice.

“They come to me with their questions. I also started the Facebook page for this club @ BrigantineGardenClub. Because I’m a master gardener, I’m required to only put fact-based stuff online,” said Linda. “I think I’ve answered close to 300 questions on the page. Plus, we have a phone number with an answering machine. If you don’t feel like Googling it yourself, you ask us.”

Phyllis writes a weekly article in the Brigantine Times keeping the community posted on Garden Club events, monthly meetings, gardening tips and more.

“I love it. It’s a labor of love,” said Phyllis.

If you do seek advice from the Garden Club, perhaps you’ll win next year’s biggest tomato contest or win one of the best garden awards.

“Just a few weeks ago, I got a phone call from someone who wants someone from the Garden Club to come give her advice about the flagpole that’s in Kings Cove at the Point. They wanted to spruce it up, so we put her in touch with Johanne Milnes, another one of our master gardeners. We work with anybody who needs help,” added Fran.

At the monthly meetings, advice and plants are shared as volunteers gather to socialize, learn, and grow their garden so to speak. There are speakers throughout the year as well, lending their expertise to the room.

“If you have plants in your yard, let’s say you have hostas, you can bring them to our monthly meeting. This past meeting, we had strawberry plants, canna bulbs. Our goals are still the same as our founders,” said Debi. “It was social, beautifying the island. That’s what we do. If you choose, you can come 15 minutes early, we have refreshments, you get to talk to people, ask questions of the master gardeners.”

On June 29, the Garden Club will have its annual secret garden tour.

Home gardeners can volunteer their garden to be included in the tour by reaching out to the Garden Club. June is also when the club gives out their annual garden awards. In past years, volunteers visited every garden on the island and selected the best for awards. These days, nominations are needed for a Garden Club member to visit your garden and consider it for an award. It’s easy to nominate, and you can nominate yourself. Reach out through the Facebook page, email brigantinegardenclubnj@gmail.com or call 609-266-7800.

“We award people who are home gardeners. In June, we give them awards for keeping their gardens so beautiful. That same month, we also do free secret garden tours,” said Louise. “We go out on a certain morning in June, this year it’s June 29, and meet and are given a list of homes to go to. Many times gardens are not in front, so you wouldn’t see them. Last year, it was like going into Narnia. It was lovely.”

* Article made possible by Ralph Paul Busco of Soleil Sotheby’s.

It’s a fun day with friends, coming together for the collective good of the island.

Good Vibrations

FOR BRIGANTINE’S TERI GRAGG AND ZACK LAIELLI, GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS SECOND NATURE. TERI IS THE BRAINS BEHIND ARTS NIGHT, THE BELOVED SCHOOL EVENT THAT TOOK ITS FINAL BOW LAST YEAR. AND ZACK HELPS RUN SURF JAM, THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY SURF AND BOOGIE BOARDING CONTEST EACH AUGUST

text STEF GODFREY // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Arts Night

It all began with a bit of mischief. When Teri Gragg’s kindergartner son Bobby got into a little trouble at school, Principal Don Marrandino came up with a creative way to help. Teri had an art degree in illustration and art therapy from Philly’s University of the Arts and was teaching classes in art after all. Don suggested she consider coming in as a teacher so Bobby could see her, and she could make sure he stayed on the right path.

“And it worked! I thank my son every day for my career. Thirty-five and a half years later, I finally retired, I have to say, it was the most amazing job,” said Teri.

Thirty-two of those years were spent as an art teacher after briefly teaching first grade. Quickly into her arts tenure, the school was experiencing a population boom with nearly 700 kids in the elementary school alone.

“I was struggling in the beginning as to what direction to take the art. I noticed the children in the school weren’t always getting along very well. There was a little bit of tension between the kids because there were new people here that might have dressed or spoken differently,” said Teri.

That’s when inspiration struck.

Teri approached Don with her idea to have a multicultural arts program. This, she hoped, would promote respect amongst the students.

“If we used art as a platform, we could teach the kids beautiful art from beautiful places around the world and maybe they would learn to respect each other a bit more through the art,” Teri explained. “Mr. Marrandino

thought it was a really good idea.”

Her multicultural-based program taught art through culture and locations and then backdoored in the skills, so to speak.

“For example, when we learned about watercolor painting, I taught them about China. Then they learned how to hold a brush and calligraphy and how to paint using a brush and use Chinese calligraphy to help explain that,” said Teri.

It wasn’t long before change was noticeable. The students treated each other with more kindness.

“Instead of thinking people were all different, they were starting to realize every culture is a wonderful culture and we did it through the use of art,” said Teri. “It was so successful.”

This same idea of connecting culturally through art was put into place when Teri was asked to host her first large scale art show.

Art Night was born.

“At that time, I had over 700 students. It was 4,200 pieces of art since it’s about six art pieces per student. It was a lot. So, I reached out to the community, I wrote home to parents interested in helping. It was amazing how many parents wanted to participate. It was huge, now they are sharing their culture with me. The thing just snowballed,” said Teri.

When new music teacher Elaine King started at Brigantine, Teri found both a friend and a fellow collaborator.

“She loved cultural arts as much as I did. When she started working at the school, I asked her if she’d like to participate with me in Art Night. She

jumped in with two feet. And Art Night, became Arts Night, because now it wasn’t just art, it was music. From there the librarian jumped on, so now it was art, music, and story-telling. Then the gym teacher jumped on and there was dancing. Then the tech teacher came on, so we had technology,” said Teri. Arts Night ran until 2023, when Teri retired.

Now she is excited for more time with her family.

“I’m a mom of twin daughters and a son. I’m a grandma and am very proud of that. That’s my biggest identity. My second biggest identity has been being the art teacher at Brigantine Community School for the last 32 years,” said Teri. “It was a ride. It was an amazing ride.”

Surf Jam

Brigantine firefighter Zack Laielli is picking up good vibrations. He, along with fellow firefighter Tim Daley, run the annual Surf Jam, a Brigantine community surfing and boogie boarding contest and all day beach event held every early August.

“I grew up in Brigantine and spent mostly my entire life here. For three years, my wife and I bought a house in Absecon, prior to having kids. Then we moved back,” said Zack. “I grew up surfing. My parents both surf, so I spent everyday at the beach as a kid. Then my parents opened up a surf shop, Primal Surf, in 2003 and that’s how I got involved in the Surf Jam.”

Surf Jam evolved from the Brigantine Wave Riders Association, formed back in the 1980s by Bob Simon, Linda Davoli, and Bob McClay. They formed the organization and put on a Brigantine surf contest every year called the Surf Fest.

“In 2005, after a long time, they decided to step away. Tim Daley of the Brigantine Fire Department decided to take it over. Nick Manara, he worked

for the Brigantine CER, approached Tim and asked him if he’d like to take it over. So, he did.”

With the help of the Brigantine Fire Department, the IAFF Local 2657 Union, the event got a new life (and a new name) - the Brigantine Surf Jam.

“This will be the 19th year of the Brigantine Surf Jam. It’s really a cool event,” said Zack. “The Fire Department runs the event, since it’s already a nonprofit itself. Every dollar that is profited is saved in an account. When we come up with a good idea on how to give back to the community, we do some type of donation.”

The first donation from the Surf Jam proceeds was an AED Defibrillator that was placed at Acme, a locally accessible public place intended to help the entire Brigantine community.

“Surf Jam funded purchasing it and the training. That’s there just in case there is ever a cardiac arrest event in that area with signs telling you where to go. That was about 2011,” said Zack, explaining that there are 15-20 AED Defibrillators in public places throughout the island.

Since then, Surf Jam has continued to make a positive impact on the island with its donations. One year, Tim and Zack collaborated with a local design company to create those cool nature signs at the south jetty beach.

“We designed three displays that are along the south jetty walking and driving path. Seaside Road and Sandy Lane Road. They show what wildlife is in the area; one for sea life, one for birds, and then other animals that live there,” said Zack.

Other donations include a rescue board for the Beach Patrol and creating a surf-themed area for students at Brigantine Community School.

“The school wanted a surf themed hallway, so we paid for a mural by artists Charles Barbin and Randi Meekins, and then I shaped three

surfboard tables for it,” said Zack. “I did a lot of ding repair working for my parents’ surf shop over the years, I was familiar with working with foam and fiberglass.”

Now, the Surf Jam team is looking for its next charitable donation.

“It’s been two or three years, so we are waiting for a good idea to benefit the most people, especially the surfing community. They are the people who sign up, pay for it and it’s their money,” said Zack. “We like to have it go back to them in some way, and if it can benefit the entire community, it’s even better.”

Surf Jam registration is accepted on liveheats.com. The community event is open to both Brigantine residents and summer vacationers. There are upwards of 15 divisions between boys and girls, shortboard and longboard, and the different ages. There’s also a boogie boarding division.

“The junior boogie boarding division is our most popular. Last year we had more than 50 competitors in that division alone. Every one of those competitors 10 and under receive a medal. The young ages, everybody goes home with a competitor medal in addition to a trophy if they finish in the top three,” said Zack.

With about 160 entries from ages of five to 60 or 70 maybe, the Surf Jam attracts so many people from the Brigantine surf community. It’s a fun day with friends, coming together for the collective good of the island.

“Registration includes an event t-shirt, one event, and lunch. We always barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers. The Fire Department and Police Department volunteer and do all the cooking,” said Zack.

Follow Brigantine Surf Jam on Facebook for updates on contest day and more – www.facebook. com/BrigantineSurfJam.

The Road to Sustainability

BRIGANTINE GREEN TEAM PREACHES IMPORTANCE OF GOING GREEN

text ANTHONY J. MAZZIOTTI III // photos KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY & GAIL ZESERMAN

The importance of going green and practicing sustainability cannot be overstated.

We only have one planet after all, and while as a people we are far from taking part in a real life version of the Disney Pixar post-apocalyptic movie “Wall-E,” the point remains that measures need to be taken to preserve life on this planet.

Enter the Brigantine Green Team – a volunteer group appointed by the mayor whose sole purpose is to not only preach sustainability and environmentally-conscious practices, but turn them into reality.

“Our city is a beautiful part of nature,” Chairwoman Janette Kessler said. “The Green Team is formed to protect nature so definitely the number one reason [to become involved] is giving back to the community and protecting our community.”

One of the many ways of which the Green Team services the community is through the Farmer’s Market which runs on Saturdays from 8am to noon from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the community pool parking lot.

“People come out in droves,” Janette said. “It’s a must-do thing that people do before they hit the beach.”

With a laugh, she explained that if you checked TripAdvisor.com, the number one thing to do in Brigantine was go to the beach – and number two was the Farmer’s Market.

“It’s kind of funny, the best weekends aren’t the holiday weekends,” she added. “Our best weekends are the ones where it doesn’t seem like quite the perfect beach day.”

The Brigantine Green Team doesn’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk.

But the Farmer’s Market isn’t the only thing the Green Team does for the island – in fact it is just one facet of an organization looking to earn Sustainable Jersey Silver Status. Janette explained that the Farmer’s Market is good for 10 points on the grading scale that requires at least 350 points to earn Sustainable Jersey’s highest honor. Per SustainableJersey. com, a silver certification means a municipality is a leader in sustainability not just in the state, but across the nation.

Part of what makes Janette confident they can achieve this honor is the team’s ability to put political differences aside for the greater good. So, what other Brigantine staples has the Green Team put their stamp on? Around Arbor Day they were responsible for distributing 1,000 tree shrubs and plants. They were behind the prescription drop box that was installed at City Hall. The butterfly garden and mural that spread the importance of pollinators? Green Team. The community permit-free yard sale, the Cherry Blossom Festival, the nontraditional recycling programs and

a community solar project? Check, check, check and check – that’s all Janette’s team.

Quite possibly the biggest thing they are behind – their second claim to fame, according to Janette – is the community garden. The garden provides food to the Brigantine Meals on Wheels program as well as the produce for the Presbyterian Church Food Bank.

The Brigantine Green Team doesn’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. When Janette speaks on behalf of her vast group, it’s clear their actions back up their message.

“Our purpose is for the community,” she said. “Everything we do makes Brigantine a more sustainable community.”

The road to sustainability is a neverending one and Brigantine’s Green Team works tirelessly to make a more sustainable future on the financial front, the food source front and of course, ensuring there will be clean water for all. Basically, there won’t be a “Wall-E” situation in Brigantine so long as Janette and the Green Team are around.

Ahoy Matey!

FREE BOAT SAFETY CLASSES OFFERED ALL SPRING AND SUMMER IN BRIGANTINE

text ANTHONY J. MAZZIOTTI III // photos JOE GIANNATTASIO, USCG AUXILIARY PUBLIC

AFFAIRS & KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

“M other, mother ocean, I have heard your call. Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall.”

If the thought of heeding the call of the ocean – much like these famous first lyrics of the late Jimmy Buffett’s song “A Pirate Looks at Forty” – ever crosses your mind, you’ll first have to become a licensed boat operator. And before you can earn that license you need to complete a boat safety course. As luck would have it – boat safety courses are offered right on the island.

Per Flotilla Staff Officer Bob Ward, New Jersey requires all boating operators to have completed a boating safety course to operate on the state’s waters. A class for anyone age 13 and older taught by Ward is available twice in the month of April, and monthly in May, June and July. The class is a oneday event that covers everything from jet skis to power boats and everything in between. During the last part of the class each student takes a 60-question, multiple-choice test.

“Once they pass the test, they are issued their New Jersey Boating Safety Certificates. They now meet the boating requirements for the State of New Jersey. The big thing is safety,” Ward said of the class. “How do you get out there and have a good time but also be safe.”

Some of the highlights of the class are: the use of lifejackets including how to size them and take care of them; a review of all safety equipment that must be on board the vessel; the navigation system of buoys and beacons; boating laws and how to handle boating emergencies such as hypothermia; boating accidents; and what to do if someone falls overboard. What the course isn’t is a tutorial

of how to operate the boat of your choosing.

“We tell them what they can or can’t do but not ‘here’s how you drive,’ because all boats are different,” Ward explained.

Ward has been teaching the course for four years, although he’s been involved with the Flotilla for six years since he retired and moved to Brigantine. A novice boater at the time, he quickly became more involved with the auxiliary which gave him the opportunity to do more boating and learn more about boat safety.

Spreading knowledge about boat safety is the name of the game for Ward, especially since the state of New Jersey doesn’t require a boating license to purchase a boat, meaning anyone can buy a boat, but not everyone can operate a boat.

He told a story about a time where he walked by the dock and saw a family with two small children getting on a boat and the mother asked the father if they should put lifejackets on the kids. Ward, overhearing the conversation, let them know that in the state of New Jersey anyone younger than age 13 is required to wear a life jacket.

“It was a situation where the people

The class is a oneday event that covers everything from jet skis to power boats and everything in between.

didn’t know and didn’t have the proper education and it was an opportunity to get the word out there and get them out on the water safely,” he explained.

Ward noticed that there was an uptick in boat sales during the COVID-19 pandemic and, while the Coast Guard and the Flotilla were shut down, there was an increase in accidents possibly due to uneducated boaters getting out on the water without proper knowledge.

“As soon as we were able to get out there teaching and getting the public educated the accidents and fatalities went down,” Ward said. “I find that very satisfying to get safety information out to the public,”

For those looking to sign up or to request more information, email Ward at boatsafelyinNJ@gmail. com. He will provide you with a link to register at that time.

Brigantine Living is…

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE SENTENCE, “BRIGANTINE LIVING IS…”? FOR MR. GATTO’S THIRD GRADE STUDENTS AT BRIGANTINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL, BRIGANTINE LIVING IS, AMONG MANY THINGS, WONDERFUL, REMARKABLE, AND AMUSING. WE ASKED EACH TO WRITE AN ESSAY ON WHAT BRIGANTINE LIVING IS TO THEM AND WHY. HERE IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY.

text editing STEF GODFREY // photo KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Brigantine Living is Stunning BY BEN

BOURBEAU

There is no trash on the ground. There are no cigarettes on the ground. You can buy trash cans and there are cleaning trucks. There is a cleaning group. There are trash cans on the beach. The water is clean and there is fresh air. Brigantine living is stunning.

Brigantine Living is Beautiful BY

ROCCO CACOPARDO

My favorite place to watch the sunset is at the cove. Brigantine living is beautiful. We have great nature here - foxes, rabbits, whales, dolphins, and lots of fish, and we sometimes even have seals, yeah seals. To be honest I think seals are the cutest. Brigantine living is beautiful.

Brigantine Living is Remarkable BY

RYLIE SERA

Without a doubt, Brigantine living is remarkable. There’s a great government and mayor, good waves at the beach, and people are nice. Brigantine living is remarkable. We are a small island with a big heart. We all love each other!

Brigantine living is Wonderful BY

LENORA TASSO

There are great restaurants, you can drive on the beach, and there is Shark Park. Brigantine has so many amazing restaurants such as LaScala’s where you can enjoy a dinner on the beach while listening to a band. Are you in the mood for a smoothie? Soulberri has many delicious smoothies to choose from. Brigantine living is wonderful.

Brigantine Living is Amusing BY EASTON MOSS

Are you looking for a place to play games? If so, come to the Smile Factory, where you can play games you don’t even have at your house. You can go any time in the summer. Brigantine living is amusing.

Brigantine Living is Delightful BY MATTHEW

MANSOR

You can drive on the beach, you can see some nature and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Brigantine living is delightful. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center saves marine mammals up the coast of New Jersey. There is also a little part that is a museum that has seal pelts, fish skeletons and you can see marine mammals on TVs.

Brigantine Living is Pleasant BY JOSEPH MAGUIRE

With hearts as strong as rock, teachers as kind as ever, and the kids and adults are outstanding. It’s B-R-I-G-A-N-T-I-N-E. Three syllables Brig-an-tine to create a little but cool town. Brigantine living is pleasant.

Brigantine Living is Likable BY SHEA FULLER

Are you looking for a peaceful place to go, you should go to Brigantine, a place you will love for life. For example, there are good surfing spots, you can go boating and fishing, and there are great first responders. Brigantine living is likable.

Brigantine Living is Fun BY BROOKLYN DUFFY

Brigantine school is very fun. I love it when we take field trips and when we do fun essays. And our principal dresses up every holiday! We have two of the best teachers, Mr. Gatto and Mr. Booth.

Brigantine Living is Entertaining

BY ARIA DISTEFANO

Are you looking for beaches and oceans,

then come to Brigantine! We have one of the best beaches in NJ. With our sandy feet we can do anything! Hey! Wanna hear a joke? I think you said yes so… Why don’t clams give to charity? Because they’re shellfish. Brigantine living is entertaining.

Brigantine Living is Great BY SAYLOR COOKE

Without a doubt Brigantine is the best. The surfing is great, the school is fantastic, the restaurants are excellent. As you can see, Brigantine living is great.

Brigantine Living is Breathtaking BY MILANIA

CARTO

If you don’t live by the beach, then go to Pepper Cove. It’s so pretty because it’s by the casinos. You get a closeup view if you are in the water… they are so big! You can eat on the hot sand and you can play on the rocks. In my opinion, Brigantine has the best beach. Brigantine living is breathtaking.

Brigantine Living is Dandy BY RICHARD GARBUTT

If you like making good friends Brigantine is the perfect place to be. You can walk pretty much anywhere and make a friend like Acme, Dunkin, and Wawa, and even your kids can do little businesses like selling fruits and vegetables, lemonade and golf balls. Brigantine living is dandy.

Brigantine Living is Cool BY LIAM GUO

Brigantine has nature. It has underwater animals like sharks, whales and more underwater creatures. The air creatures are eagles, seagulls, more birds. Brigantine living is cool.

Brigantine Living is Extraordinary BY EVAN HOWELL

We have Shark Park, where you can play with your friends and family while bonding! There are great hiding spots like a slide, a boat or under a platform. It is also a great place to play tag because there are great open spaces. This is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Brigantine living is extraordinary.

Brigantine Living is Lovely BY ISLEY KEASLER

Do you love shopping and getting all the things you need? Well you are in luck. Acme is the place for you. You can get so many things like breakfast, lunch,

dinner, snacks, juice and many more things. Brigantine living is lovely.

Brigantine Living is Epic BY IZZY TRIOLO

Brigantine is epic. It’s one of the best places in New Jersey because we have beautiful sunsets and you can drive on the beach!

Brigantine Living is Peaceful BY ABDUL KHAN

There is lots of wildlife, you can watch the sunrise on the beach, and mother nature is everywhere. There are dolphins, birds, foxes, and whales. Do you love nature? Brigantine living is peaceful.

Brigantine Living is Enjoyable

BY BRYCE MALLOY

Do you love staying active in Brigantine? There are many different sports that you can play like basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and pickleball. Brigantine living is enjoyable.

Brigantine Living is Joyful BY DOMINIK MARTINES

Brigantine has one of the best beaches and some days they have small waves but some have super big waves! Lots of people, tons of 4x4’s, great surfing classes, phenomenal fishing, and, best of al, an amazing place to relax and read.

Brigantine Living is Pleasant BY BRYCEN SCHAFFER

The Smile Factory is a fun place where you can meet up with friends and family in summer. In my opinion, the best game is the SpongeBob game. If you get every character, you get the jackpot. Brigantine living is pleasant.

Brigantine Living is Amazing BY GEORGE NAPOLITANO

You have a low crime rate in Brigantine and there’s police and state troopers here so you don’t get robbed. Medics are here if you get seriously injured. Brigantine living is amazing.

Brigantine Living is Enjoyable

BY RYAN MORRISON

If you feel like you don’t want to cook, just come over to the Elks. It is a great place to relax or have some fun. Even as parents you can have fun. Sometimes they put out games for people 18 or older. So just come and have fun. Brigantine living is enjoyable.

K B Y G

Know Before You Go

YOU’VE ARRIVED. YOU’RE FINALLY BREATHING IN THE SALT AIR AND LOVING LIFE. BUT DO YOU KNOW ALL THE AMAZING THINGS OFFERED RIGHT HERE ON OUR ISLAND? BRIGANTINE LIVING OFFERS SO MANY THINGS FOR SO MANY PEOPLE, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO LIST SOME HIGHLIGHTS, KEY INFO, AWESOME EVENTS, AND MORE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, HELP YOU NAVIGATE, AND LIVE YOUR BEST ISLAND LIFE WHILE HERE.

Accessibility

ADA mats at 10th Street, Roosevelt, 16th Street, 26th Street, 34th Street, 38th Street beaches. There’s a rinse shower and pavilion also at 16th Street beach.

Beach wheelchair program is at Beach Patrol headquarters. First come first serve. There is a limited number of chairs, please visit headquarters to make a request if you need a beach wheelchair. Wheelchairs must be used where the headquarters are located. Hours are 9:30am - 5:30pm, 16th Street South & Beach, (609) 266-5233.

Community Events

Brigantine Farmers Market

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THROUGH LABOR DAY 8AM - 12 NOON (check Facebook for updates and fall market dates)

City Wide Yard Sale

JUNE 7, 8, AND 9

Secret Garden Tour

JUNE 29

Brigantine Garden Club hosts its annual garden tours on June 29. Reach out to them on Facebook to be considered for the tour.

Brigantine Yacht Club Regattas

JULY 18

Juniors event with about 100 boats in different classes on the water.

JULY 27

South Jersey Championship regatta for Sunfish and C-420 sail boats - about 40 boats on the water. To watch these events head to the Yacht Club and enjoy!

Bingo

JULY 15, 22, 29 & AUGUST 5 AND 12

Children’s Bingo at Temple Beth Shalom (4419 Brigantine Avenue) will be on Monday evenings with prizes and snacks beginning July 15 for 5 weeks from 7-8pm, for ages 6-13.

Sandlot Nights

JULY 11- END OF AUGUST

Community focused pick-up baseball games start on July 11 and run Thursday nights from 7-9pm through the end of August at the 26th Street fields. Follow @BrigBaseball on Facebook for more information.

Wiffle Ball Homerun Derby

DATE TBD

Please visit www.brigantinebaseball.com for more information.

Brigantine Races sponsored by Green Whales

JULY 10

Greenhead Ocean Mile

AUGUST 4

Brigantine Open Water Swim

AUGUST 10

Brigantine Triathlon/Festival Register up to the day of the event for Open Water Swim and Ocean Mile. Triathlon registration closes August 9. For more information, visit http://greenwhales.org.

Surf Jam

Surf Jam is typically in the first or second week of August. Dates to be finalized closer to event. Follow on Facebook for details.

Lifeguard Races

Including the big three listed below, which include all South Jersey beach patrols. Women’s races are on Wednesdays throughout summer. Follow on Facebook for schedule, https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100064372852843.

Dutch Hoffman Race

JULY 26

Wildwood, 6pm/6:30pm start

Margate Memorials

AUGUST 2

6pm/6:30pm start

South Jerseys Championships

AUGUST 9

Hosted by the winning team from the previous year. Brigantine will host this year’s championships at 6pm/6:30pm at 17th Street beach.

Marine Mammal Stranding Center

Educational programs for children available through the Marine Mammal Stranding Center throughout the summer. please check their website for the full schedule, https://mmsc.org.

Polar Bear Plunge

JANUARY 1, 2025

This is the Plunge’s 25th anniversary. Join in at noon on 16th and 17th Street beaches. Follow on Facebook for details, www.facebook.com/ BrigantinePolarBearPlunge.

Mother’s Day Flower Sale

MAY 7-11, 2025

At the Community Presbyterian Church, from Wednesday, May 7 to Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025

Good to Know

Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp is located at 5th Street South and Bayshore Avenue.

Beach Tags

Beach tags can be purchased at the Beach Fee Office, 265 42nd Street. Open all year long. 609-264-7350 #6.

Parking Lots

Beach parking areas include Roosevelt Boulevard and Brigantine Avenue, 16th Street, 26th Street, 34th Street, 38th Street and Ocean Avenue. Brigantine offers permitted parking in these lots, starting May 24 through September 2. New for 2024, ParkMobile app is available for purchasing seasonal permits or daily permits.

Public Dock

The City Dock on 26th Street is great for swimming with little kids and for paddleboarding.

Volleyball Courts

Find public volleyball courts at 38th and 39th Street beaches.

Basketball

Public basketball courts are on 24th Street.

Fishing

Tune in to the fishing report posted every Friday through RipTide Bait and Tackle on Facebook and on Brigantine Living’s Facebook page.

Pickleball

There are eight public outdoor pickleball courts at the Brigantine Community Center, 265 42nd Street. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Indoor pickleball is available inside the Community Center gym on certain dates and times. Call the Center to check the schedule – 609264-7350 ext. 1.

Guarded Beaches

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Guarded beaches begin on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with guards at Roosevelt, 15th Street, 26th Street, 36th Street, weekends only.

SUMMER

Fully-guarded beaches begin the third week of June through Labor Day weekend. For a list of guarded beaches, follow the Brigantine Beach Patrol on Facebook - @ Brigantine City Beach Patrol.

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

AlisonPaul Builders

When moving into a new construction home built speculatively, families need to adapt to fit the home.

With a custom home from AlisonPaul Builders, it’s the other way around.

“We don’t have one house to say, well, this one house fits all. Every house we do is different because every family is different,” Ralph Busco said.

Ralph founded AlisonPaul Builders – named after his two children – in 1987, and over nearly four decades, the company has established itself as a premier custom builder in Brigantine and the surrounding area.

In talking with Ralph, it’s easy to see why.

“My motto has always been to hire the best people that I can,” Ralph said, “and also to build the home as if you own it.”

These philosophies have served Ralph well. The company never builds to spec (which Ralph calls “building to sell”), but instead works with its clients and architects to construct a fully custom dream home.

“They’re getting exactly what they want and not what I want. They pick their carpets. They pick their paint,”

Ralph said. “This is truly a custom home.”

Just as AlisonPaul Builders creates one-of-a-kind homes, the story behind the company itself is anything but ordinary. It all started back in 1987, when Ralph found out his home was situated on a lot zoned for a triplex.

Ralph asked his wife, Kim, if they could move their entire house to a new lot in order to build three townhomes to sell on the current plot.

“You know what she said? Okay,” Ralph said with a chuckle. “All she had to say was, ‘Don’t do it,’ and I would have backed off. I would have never built if she wasn’t on board.”

The decision was the soft launch of Ralph’s career as a builder, although at first he juggled this newfound passion with his fulltime casino job. Ralph was

able to quit the casino in 1996, and ever since, it’s been full steam ahead.

“We’ve done quite a bit in Brigantine. I’ve built on every part of this island –waterfront, middle, bay, ocean, north end, south end,” Ralph listed. “Most of my work is in Brigantine.”

The process starts with a wishlist, when Ralph sits down with a client to find out what they envision for their dream home. The location determines the size, he said, and once that’s established, the architect gets involved.

“Architects usually take six to eight weeks. The house usually takes 10 to 12 months,” Ralph said. “With COVID and supply chains how they’ve been, nothing has really gotten back on track yet. The first thing used to be the cost. Now it’s how long and then let’s talk about the cost.”

But even with plans in place, details change along the way. That’s part of the whole customized service a client gets with AlisonPaul Builders, whether it’s as simple as adjusting a window early in the process to as complicated as adding an elevator late in the game.

“When we talk about custom, these are the things that we do,” Ralph said.

Both of Ralph’s children are attorneys – Alison in entertainment law and Paul in real estate law. After 10 years of running a real estate law practice in Brigantine, Paul focuses his efforts now as a real estate salesperson with Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty.

Ever since Paul has been more involved with the building company on the real estate side of things, AlisonPaul Builders has become somewhat of a one-stop shop for clients.

“We’ve almost created another part of AlisonPaul,” Ralph said. “We can help you with the land. The architect. Build it. And you want to sell it? We can do that as well.

“This is how it’s evolved over the years.”

Casale al Mare

We didn’t make it past the bread. When you walk into Casale al Mare on a bread delivery day, the entrance is filled with baskets of delicious breads like sesame baguette and hearty olive. And we bet you’ll have a hard time passing by without bagging a loaf to take home.

“It’s different bread than we have around here,” said owner Esther Casale, as she lured us toward a round sourdough-based loaf. “It’s from up north – the bread tastes different because the water is different.”

Different is also how you can describe the shopping experience at Casale al Mare. Casale translates to “hamlet” in Italian, a small idyllic town, and the shop lives up to its name. As you walk through the aisles, ooh and ahhing over the various olive oils and balsamics, imported pastas, breads (did we say that already?), craft pottery, spreads, cheeses, and more, chances are you’ll start chatting it up with the other patrons, as they sit at the coffee bar sipping a perfectly-brewed macchiato while nibbling a chocolate-coated biscotti. And bam, suddenly, without even leaving Brigantine, you’re swept away into an idyllic community in the heart of Italy.

It is indeed la dolce vita at Casale al Mare.

Esther is a first-generation American (check out the pic behind the coffee bar of her father arriving in New York with her mom waving to him from the crowd); and regularly visits family throughout the year back home in and around Rome.

While there, she selects products to bring home to her shop in the states, and hosts group trips – sharing her knowledge and crafting fun foodie experiences. There are already two trips planned for this year– May and September. In one of her last tours, Esther and her group had pasta making classes, visited Little Pompeii and

toured a local winery. Visits to Rome include touring the Vatican and its museums (Esther’s niece Federica is a tour director affiliated with the Vatican and handles all of Esther’s historical and religious touring).

Back in Brigantine, on Saturdays and Sundays beginning around noon, Esther gives cooking demonstrations throughout the day. On cooking demo days, she’ll take a lap around her shop, grab a few items and get on her way.

“It’s however the spirit moves me –whatever I’m going to make. I don’t know until I come in and start walking around. I just pull things, and I have products a lot of folks aren’t aware of.

In the frozen section, there are chickpea fritters (you sauté them to a golden brown), pizza doughs, soups, stuffed pastas, regular pastas, and so many specialty items.

“These are stuffed zucchini flowers with mozzarella inside and battered,” said Esther as she pulled the beautiful flowers from the freezer. “They come out of Palermo and are awesome.

Ninety-five percent of what I have in the shop is from Italy.”

We recommend starting at Casale’s with a coffee drink and a dolce (dessert first). There are the aforementioned biscotti, plus gelatos, cookies, cakes, and other treats. Then begin peeking around, browsing the products, selecting a fun pasta and a jar of San Marzano tomatoes, or maybe choose one of Esther’s sauces – she bottles them – and finally, a bread or antipasto accompaniment.

From egg based pastas that boil up quickly (Esther says, don’t only go by the cooking time on the back, cook until it tastes the way you like it) to an entire line of delicious gluten free pastas, there is something at Casale al Mare for you. Esther and her team also cater - creating antipasto and sweet trays for customer celebrations.

Clam Daddy’s

Abushel of crops comes to mind when thinking about New Jersey’s roots as the Garden State. Sweet and savory tomatoes, sun-ripened blueberries, glossy aubergine eggplants – and, in Brigantine at least, a hearty harvest of fresh and delectable hard clams burgeoning in the back bays.

Clam Daddy’s has been farming its namesake in Brigantine’s waters since 1984. The small family business has honed its craft over the past 40 years, perfecting the art of aquaculture in order to serve up the freshest, tastiest clams around.

“Aquaculture is a way for us to farm in the bay. It’s the most green type of farming that there is. We’re taking these animals and putting them back in the environment where they’re found, letting them sit in the bay and filter the water,” Billy Mayer Jr. explained. “And then we just harvest them.”

Billy is the farm manager of Clam Daddy’s. It was his dad, Bill Mayer Sr., that got on the ground floor of aquaculture to start the business, which is also run with help from Billy’s sister, Nicole, and the Mayer family matriarch, Lori.

While the idea of farmed seafood can get a bad rap, Clam Daddy’s is proof that this practice can be a boon for all involved, including the environment.

“It’s different because aquaculture is letting them go back in the wild where they’re from,” Billy said. “Our job is to protect the clams and take care of them.”

A Clam Daddy clam’s journey starts at the business’s lab on East Shore Drive, where the clams are bred, spawned and protected in a land-based nursery system that utilizes pumped bay water. The clam “seed” – which are actually the five-mm baby clams – are transferred to the bay, where they spend the next three to four years hunkered down, filtering the water and growing into the plump and delicious clam everyone knows and loves. Farming in the bay is really not that different from farming on land, according to Billy. If you picture a

large corn farm in Pennsylvania, that’s basically what’s going on underneath the water. There’s a grid system with rows that are color coated and marked for certain years, with rows rotating over time just like fields on a landbased farm.

“We have to do a lot of crop rotation and a lot of organizing,” Billy explained. The areas behind Brigantine island where Clam Daddy’s raises its broods are all secured via aquaculture leasing through the state. Even though Clam Daddy’s has been in the business for decades, it’s still a unique venture, Billy said, with few commercial shellfish leases in the area. So unique, in fact, that they were just featured on an episode of From Scratch on Tastemade. Once harvested, the clams either head to one of the business’ wholesale customers, some of which have partnered with Clam Daddy’s for more than 20 years, or they head to market –the Brigantine Farmers Market, that is.

“That provides the community a fresh place to get the clams,” Billy said, adding that clams from the market will last three to five days in the refrigerator.

Clam Daddy’s also offers local delivery on the island for a minimum order of 100 clams. Placing an order is as simple as sending a text to Billy at 609-266-0677. (Calls are welcome, too – just be sure to leave a message if Billy is out on the water and can’t answer right away.) If clams are available, Billy will drop them off. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on Clam Daddy’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, which may highlight some last-minute clam availability.

“What I’m trying to provide is almost a farm-to-table experience. When you’re purchasing the clams from us, you’re not only supporting a small local business, you’re also supporting the Brigantine environment,” Billy said.

“You just know when you’re getting them from us, they’re harvested fresh daily.

“You can’t get fresher.”

Devine’s Martial Arts

4288 HARBOR BEACH BLVD, BRIGANTINE, NJ

4450 BLACK HORSE PIKE, MAYS LANDING, NJ

609-837-0956

WWW.DEVINES MARTIALARTS.COM HELLO@DEVINES MARTIALARTS.COM FACEBOOK: @DEVINESMA

Empowered.

That’s how Heidi and Todd Devine want people to feel at Devine’s Martial Arts.

“I want them to feel, through hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything,” Heidi said, “even if they thought it was impossible when they first stepped foot in our doors.”

Empowerment isn’t the only goal at Devine’s Martial Arts, which has locations in Brigantine and Mays Landing. The business’ motto is “Encourage, Enable and Empower” – the three E’s that truly go hand-inhand.

“Martial arts is kind of incredible, and it’s truly for anybody,” Heidi said. “We have everyone from the person who comes in who’s athletic and gets it right away to someone with special needs. When we work as a group and work together in classes, everybody is on their own journey.”

The Mays Landing Devine’s Martial Arts location will be celebrating a decade in business this October, whereas the Brigantine studio is two years young. Opening up in their hometown was a “no-brainer,” according to Heidi.

“We live here. My husband was born and raised here. Our kids go to school here. Our family is here,” Heidi listed. “When this opportunity arose, it was exciting.”

With no martial arts businesses on the island, it also filled a need.

“Before we had the Brigantine location, a lot of people said we should have something here,” Todd said. Programming is slightly different at each location. Both studios offer martial arts for kids through adults. In Brigantine, there is also a cardio kickboxing program.

Each spot includes a summer camp for kindergartners through fifth-graders. The Brigantine camp is July 22-26 and August 5-9 at the Community Presbyterian Church. The Mays Landing camp is full-time, Monday to Friday, from the time the school year

ends until Labor Day.

“It’s almost like a separate business that we run,” Heidi says of the camp.

The Mays Landing studio also hosts day camps during the school year based off of the local school district calendar, providing a fun and enriching spot for parents to bring their kids during spring and winter breaks and other days off.

“They’ve been a huge hit. Parents are thanking us left and right,” Heidi said.

“A lot of these kids can’t go to daycare, but they’re too young to stay home by themselves.”

Parents can also take advantage of Parent Night Out events, which are held in Mays Landing. The monthly program is four hours of themed fun, games and activities in a safe and clean environment for the kids, giving parents a chance to run errands, grab dinner or just get in a little “me” time.

The evening’s price includes pizza for the kids, too.

“I think, part of it, is that we are parents, so we understand the importance of having a place that you know, like and trust to bring your kids,”

Heidi said. “Another part of it is really just looking at what we can offer the community.”

Community is a big focus at Devine’s Martial Arts – both the community built within its walls and the community beyond. Heidi and Todd have made it a point to make their business a presence in both towns beyond the studios. They take part in school and town events, raise money for a variety of worthy causes and host an annual spring fundraising bash. In addition, Todd works with kids all year round as the SRO officer at Brigantine Community School.

“Without the community, we don’t have what we have,” Heidi said. “To be able to give back in any sort of way is just really important to us.”

Todd agreed.

“It’s great to be able to give back to the community,” he said. “And it helps us to reach more people so we can change more lives.”

Haven Homes Builders

312 31ST STREET, BRIGANTINE, NJ

609-230-5027

WWW.HAVEN HOMESNJ.COM

HAVENHOMESNJ@ COMCAST.NET

Abeautiful, expertly-crafted home is a refuge, a safe harbor from the hectic and bustling nature that can rule the day. It’s a haven – and arguably no one knows this better than Scott and Barbara Rote.

The Rotes own Haven Homes Builders, an award-winning, custom homebuilding business that set sail nearly 20 years ago in Brigantine. The company is known to build quality, beautiful constructions fast, never sacrificing integrity or safety along the way.

“Scott meets with people and there’s no wasting time,” Barbara said. “He is on the ball, moves forward and gets the house built.”

That personal touch is important to Scott, who ensures he’s the one meeting with clients from day one forward. There are no subcontractors; every phone call goes through Scott.

“You’re always with me,” he said. Being a people person and making that connection has served Scott well through his career – and long before. Coming from a small town on the lower socioeconomic side, Scott worked hard to forge his path, putting himself through community college before securing a job with a prominent builder in South Jersey. He was hired as a laborer in 1983 and quickly worked his way up to assistant manager and, a year later, to managing his own projects. After 12 years, he moved onto a new company, helping them increase revenue from $5 million to $75 million before leaving to start Haven Homes Builders.

Scott has a simple answer when asked how he came into so much success.

“Hard work,” he said. “That’s it.”

“He has a drive,” Barbara added. “He’s extremely focused. He’s task oriented. He’s efficient. … He also has a great personality.”

All that charm and drive – and magnificent builds – was recently noticed beyond his own clients, too, when Scott was inducted into the Builders League of South Jersey’s Builder Hall of Fame just last year. It’s another feather in his cap, but not an honor that goes to his head – because

Scott is still focused on helping his clients bring building dreams to fruition.

When someone reaches out to Haven Homes Builders for a new build or remodel, Scott heads out to meet them on site.

“I feel them out. Feel out their personality. Feel out if it’s going to be compatible,” Scott said. “I’m not coming over just so you can interview me. I want to make sure that I can work with you.”

Scott is expert on managing expectations and giving guidance right from the start. This includes problemsolving before supplies are even secured – but that doesn’t mean things can’t change along the way.

“If I see something that doesn’t quite look right – even if it’s a matter of we have to rip out windows – we’ll do it,”

Scott said, adding, “We don’t do a lot of it because we usually catch it way before that.”

Scott is also a licensed construction official in the state of New Jersey – a title he has held since 1990 that enables him to know building code forward and backward. It’s a boon to his business, because Scott will know if something a client wants is not in code, getting the ball rolling on a new idea right away.

Haven Homes Builders jobs stay within about an hour of Brigantine. They build new and specialize in remodels, too – but only large-scale jobs when no one is living in the home during construction.

Speed is also the name of the game for Haven Homes Builders, largely thanks to the solid relationships Scott has built along the way, including with his own employees. Once plans and details are finalized, a new home can be finished in about six months from the day of permit.

“People cannot believe it. Neighbors will say, ‘I have never seen a house go up that fast,’” Barbara said. “Scott’s process is so efficient. He knows how to get it done. If you pick everything and can keep moving forward personally, he’s building the house.”

Holliday Architects

It was Brigantine’s small, tight-knit community that convinced Scott Nehring to purchase a second home in this seaside town in 2020 – but it was the ample opportunity to design beautiful, one-of-a-kind homes across the island that led the Holliday Architects principal/partner to make Brigantine his primary home one short year later.

“I’m not the typical architect. I think I’m very grounded, very down to earth,” Scott said. “I try to listen very carefully and give people what they need and what they want.”

The Medford-based Holliday Architects has an expansive portfolio, from residential custom homes to commercial builds and everything in between. The company opened its second office in 2021 in Brigantine, where it primarily focuses on customized, single-family homes.

Regardless of what the project is, Scott said, the client always comes first.

The process of building a home is “a lot of back and forth and soul searching for a lot of people,” according to Scott. His job is to help guide them to the perfect plan – and sometimes to play mediator a bit along the way.

“Some people have no idea what they want. Some people know exactly what they want. Some people are undecided between the husband and wife and you’ve got to pull them together,” Scott said.

Scott loved architecture as a kid growing up in Moorestown, which is what led him to earn his associates degree in specialized technology at the American Institute of Design in Philadelphia right out of high school in the early ’90s.

After working for a couple years at homebuilder Toll Brothers and then 18 years at another firm, Scott reached out to Holliday Architects founder and president Jim Holliday, with whom he already had a working relationship. He took a chance to get his foot in the door.

“It just skyrocketed from there,” Scott said.

The first house the team worked on in Brigantine was in 2011, and

Holliday Architects started pursuing more jobs down the shore. They developed relationships with local custom builders, such as Ralph Busco of AlisonPaul Builders, and started to establish themselves as a top architectural firm for beach builds.

Brigantine was desirable because it was a more affordable market when compared to its southern neighbors, such as Avalon or Stone Harbor.

During COVID, that secret got out, and Brigantine “kind of exploded,” Scott said. The firm has completed about 120 houses in Brigantine since opening the local office, both in renovations and new houses.

“I could probably keep the whole office busy with Brigantine consistently,” Scott said.

Renovations can be simple, such as opening up the floor plan of a one-floor beach cottage, to much more complex, like adding an entire floor to an existing structure.

“And then there’s the new market which is really a lot of fun. That’s what I’ve enjoyed,” Scott said.

He likes the challenge of the tighter lots in Brigantine and figuring out how to work within the size restraints and building requirements – all while making a client’s dream home become a reality.

“I love everything about it,” Scott said “It’s like a puzzle. And we’re dealing with views.”

At only a few blocks wide, the views in Brigantine are plentiful, whether it’s the bay, the ocean or the Atlantic City skyline. Determining the best view for the lot is how the whole design process starts out.

“Views are gold,” Scott said. “There’s a lot of opportunity with how to lay the house out.”

When walking through the finished house with a client, seeing their excitement and happiness is a boon for Scott. He always likes to ask what they would have done differently, but thanks to the customized nature of Holliday Architects, the clients usually say not much, if anything.

And that, in and of itself, is perhaps the greatest compliment.

Island Fly

F or Island Fly proprietors Capt. Jason Moore and Ashley Dentler, their Brigantine business is all about connections. Their fly-fishing experiences give guests the chance to connect with nature, with fish, with each other – and even with themselves.

“That connection allows us to frame ourselves in the bigger picture of life,” Jason said. “To explore the bigger world around us and to connect with that as intimately as you can, I think, is a gift.

“That’s how we live our lives and it’s what we try to give to all of our guests.”

Ashley grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and Jason was raised in Margate. They met in Colorado and it was a natural progression to make their way back east to the shore.

“We both had strong ties to the ocean and to the salt water,” Jason said. “We knew we wanted to move back to the East Coast … and four years ago we started Island Fly.”

Saltwater fly fishing is an active endeavor. It doesn’t use bait, but instead casts flies that resemble fish, crabs and shrimp. It can be done from land or offland in a boat or wading in the water. Casts need to be precise, and the individual fishing is the only one providing movement to the fly.

“You’re being very intimate with how you’re presenting that fly to the type of fish. It’s a lot more skillful and artful,” Ashley said. “There’s a lot of science behind it.”

There’s also a lot of nature. Island Fly is strictly a catch-and-release operation, or what Jason calls CPR –catch, photograph and release. And it brings people to parts of Brigantine they may not have known existed.

The area Island Fly explores spans the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, some 150,000 square acres of protected habitat that features sandy flats, tidal creeks and sand islands not found in many places.

Every trip is custom designed, so no

two days are the same.

“We intentionally do not have a set program because of the nature of fishing. We’re always doing the dance with the tide and wind and sun,” Jason said.

Island Fly shutters its Brigantine business from December through March. But while things are quiet in South Jersey, it gives Jason and Ashley a chance to focus on the other side of Island Fly – bringing guests on specially curated and fully vetted fly fishing trips around the globe.

In addition to locations in the United States, these trips also include catching bonefish in the Bahamas, giant tarpon in Nicaragua or golden dorado in Argentina – to name a few. Island Fly covers everything from pre-trip planning through the travel itself.

“We’re helping folks make that international trip a lot more fun,” Jason said.

The couple’s professional experience outside the world of fly fishing is a boon for business, too. Jason has a PhD in epidemiology and works as a physician associate in emergency medicine.

Ashley has her doctorate in physical therapy. It’s reassuring to know Jason and Ashley bring skills to the table that can help in an emergency situation.

Island Fly is centered around the team approach for the couple – both usually go on all outings and trips.

There is, however, a special branch of the business Ashley handles called “Hey Ladies,” which works against the misconception that only guys like fly fishing – or fishing in general – by hosting custom outings for women.

Whether it’s a ladies’ trip, a back bay Brigantine adventure or a trip overseas, it all circles back to the main mission of Island Fly – having the ultimate experience.

“We’re super passionate about sharing this with people,” Ashley said.

“We love it ourselves but we love it even more when we get to bring other people into this world. … It transcends.”

KB Luxury Home Hosting

Walking through a home with Krista Baum is like being with a mashup of Martha Stewart, Marie Kondo, and your best friend. She knows where the cutlery is, how to work the fancy stove, can give you a reco for a fab in-home masseuse, all while styling your new living room furniture.

Krista is the “KB” of KB Luxury Home Hosting, a boutique cohost and luxury home management agency, based in Brigantine. If you’re a homeowner who could use help with your own home or rental property – no matter what aspect, Krista and her team at KB Luxury Home Hosting are here for you. And “luxury” doesn’t refer to size or grandeur.

“It refers to the level of service provided. We create an elevated experience for both vacation rental guests and homeowners,” said Krista. “As an Air BnB co-host, we manage bookings, hire cleaners, schedule maintenance, communicate with guests, provide concierge services, and more.”

With KB Luxury Home Hosting as your property co-host, your guests will receive the “superhost” experience (and so will you). Krista is an expert in hospitality and uses her experience to increase your bookings and revenue. In fact, AirBnB just recognized Krista, as one of just 1500 cohosts worldwide (there are over 5 million!), as part of an elite group of experienced cohosts.

“I’m here to meet the goal of client, working on the front end in the home and the back end in AirBnB to get the best results possible,” said Krista.

This superior level of hospitality and attention to detail includes inspections between guests, meeting vendors at the property, crafting detailed house manuals with ongoing maintenance reminders, interior decoration, home watch services, building and managing online property listings, home staging, stocking the home with essentials, photography, setting

prices, understanding algorithms to result in high occupancy rates, writing descriptions, and formatting everything for accessibility.

“I pass along my experience to clients and guests based on my years in the hospitality industry and working for high-net-worth individuals,” said Krista. “We give updates on what’s happening in town that can impact them, take pics of any issues like erosion, walk through between every guest, inventory the home, and so much more. I want my client to feel like they’re my only client.”

A key to success that sets the KB team apart is being right here in Brigantine.

“Because we are based in Brigantine full-time, we provide local, onsite support for any guest or homeowner and can arrive within one hour of the request. We’re also on call and available 24/7. Our team can do everything, we’re very risk-adverse, and we’re insured, said Krista. “I’m building long term relationships with my clients, I’m the boots on the ground, I’m their eyes. That trust is there.”

Krista and her team are passionate about making sure each and every homeowner and guest has a fabulous time right from the start while they are in their Brigantine vacation property.

From an immaculate home to enjoy, to luxurious, curated bed linens, robes, and bath and body products, you and your guests will feel as special as the home you are in. If you want a massage, groceries when you arrive, a chef, a photo shoot – anything - Krista and her team can arrange it. They specialize in concierge services, going above and beyond for clients, and giving 100 percent to any requests.

“When people come in for a week, they need to feel it. I want them to walk through the door and live the dream,” she said. “I’ve been very lucky. I want to do what’s best for my town and neighbors,” said Krista. “I’m passionate about being a good community member.”

Kelly and Craig Photography

We all know how fast life can move. It’s breathtaking to think of the speed. Blink, you’re getting married. Blink, your first born is heading to kindergarten. Blink, they’re seniors ready to graduate high school. Blink, your first grandchild has arrived.

FACEBOOK: KELLY AND CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

When you’re ready to capture these precious moments in time, call Kelly and Craig Photography. They specialize in documenting everyday life and its celebratory milestones, helping them live on forever in both fine heirloom quality print, digital, and video formats.

“We’re not your casual photographers. This is an heirloom-quality experience and product,” said Kelly Lentz, who owns the business with her husband Craig Shulte.

Kelly and Craig’s story began in 2018 while they were both working independently, photographing weddings and families. A mutual photographer colleague connected the pair and the rest, they say, is history. Today, the duo uses their 25 years of experience to tell local family’s stories and guide them with a helping hand through the custom process.

The first step is a discovery call with Kelly.

“We go over time of day, family dynamics, locations, and more. We do everything we can to accommodate all clients’ mobility and needs, trying hard to make the whole experience enjoyable. We want our clients to have fun, like they just made new friends,” said Kelly.

After the discovery call, the session is planned and executed; most being 60 minutes long. Then a gallery is curated and edited, sent to the client for previewing and selecting. After selections are made, the images are inspected one final time before going to print.

Kelly and Craig make the entire process as easy as possible for their clients and families.

“We take the work out of it,” said Craig. “Once a family books, they even receive a style guide with local stores.”

A print from Kelly and Craig Photography is heirloom quality, designed to be shown proudly on a wall in your home or displayed in a fine album.

“Our most popular album, the Storybook, is from Italy. It’s handmade with skills that go back to the Renaissance,” said Kelly.

Kelly is the creative behind the husband-and-wife duo, while Craig’s mastery is in the details, posing, and lighting. His calm demeanor makes for a comfortable and fun experience on set. While Kelly’s ability to connect and be patient and kind, inspires joy and confidence.

“Kelly’s customer service skills are top notch. It’s important because we sometimes have clients who aren’t tech savvy,” said Craig. “We’re available for post session consulting, measuring walls, discussing product selections, and more.”

Though their end goal is always to create artwork to be cherished for generations, both Kelly and Craig want to foster connections to last a lifetime. Every client is treated like family, with relationships being nurtured and respected.

Kelly and Craig Photography offers student athlete portraits, graduation sessions, senior sessions, wedding photography, anniversary sessions, and everyday moment captures. Each print package purchase comes with a digital companion. This year, the team has a new offering – small family film sessions.

“We’re available to tell your story in both stills and video,” said Kelly.

Continuing their holiday tradition, Kelly and Craig will offer a timeless experience with a visit to Santa’s kitchen. These are limited sessions, offered over Black Friday weekend.

Legacy Brigantine & Legacy Clearwater

Find rest. Make fun memories. Enjoy the sun.

That’s the simple, yet impactful, philosophy behind Legacy Brigantine and Legacy Clearwater, part of the Legacy Vacation Condos. There may be more than 1,000 miles separating the sister properties – one nestled on a cozy community beach block in Brigantine, the other a two-level unit with a gated pool off the back patio in Clearwater, Florida – but both are focused on offering short- and long-term tenants comfortable, relaxing and one-of-a-kind visits.

“My brother’s desire was to invest. Mine was to have a place to rest. We brought them together in purchasing our condos,” Nydia Stecky said. “Creating that space for our family and for other families is really the great motivator.”

Nydia, who lives full-time in North Jersey, owns Legacy Vacation Condos with her Philadelphia-area sister and Florida-based brother. A bit of happenstance factored into the 2022 back-to-back purchases, although the initial desire to purchase the Brigantine condo was deliberate, inspired by the trio’s father and his American dream. Growing up, vacations were not normal for Nydia’s immigrant family. Their parents instilled in their children a strong work ethic, by example. As adults, they desired to accompany their learned work ethic with a work-life balance and being intentional about rest.

When their father passed away three years ago, the siblings inherited his East Rutherford condo, which they renovated and rented out long term.

The experience planted the seed for Legacy Vacation Condos – a project that served as a tribute to their father and also a business model that would afford both their own families and others a place to get away.

The siblings decided their first spot would be at the Jersey Shore, and they ultimately settled on Brigantine, charmed by the quiet, small town feel right at the beach. The condo opportunity in Clearwater presented itself the same week they were closing on the Brigantine property in 2022, and within a few months, both “fixer-uppers”

were officially Legacy Vacation Condos.

The families pooled their talents to reimagine and renovate the spaces. The experience was difficult with a huge learning curve, Nydia said, but it was also amazing, especially as it brought all of their families and children closer together.

The two spots offer very different types of vacations.

In Brigantine, where stays average a week, there is a sense of community with plenty of walkability.

“You park your car and, for the most part, rarely need to use it,” Nydia said.

Guests can walk to the beach, restaurants, shops, a nail salon, and other recreational activities. On the other hand, in Clearwater, where stays are a minimum of 30 days, everything is an easy drive away including the Phillies training facility, Clearwater Beach, two airports and plenty of shopping and restaurants. Still, with the pool just outside the patio gate, there are also things to do at home base.

“You make your vacation what you want it to be,” Nydia said.

Despite the locations offering different experiences, she and her siblings are resolute in maintaining both properties to the same high standards.

“We are meticulous about cleanliness and neatness and hosting our guests with the spirit of hospitality,” Nydia said. Without being intrusive, they want to cater a stay for their guests. They offer special amenities depending on who is visiting, such as age-appropriate kid corners and a selection of beach gear.

Both locations have helpful books and binders full of information about the condo, the town and surrounding areas.

“Once the reservation is set, I send them a Google doc with easy questions for them to answer to help me, and people fill it out right away. They’re super grateful. They feel from the onset like they’ve been taken care of,” Nydia said.

“I’m here to make sure your guest experience is as best as we can make it.”

Note: Photos on this page and bottom right four on opposite page are of Legacy Clearwater. The others are of Legacy Brigantine.

Mission Café

T609-800-5186

FACEBOOK: MISSION CAFE

INSTAGRAM: @MISSIONCAFE_

here are a few Brigantine guarantees – a killer sunset at the cove, a stranded beach vehicle or ten, and an awesome monthly night of comedy at Mission Café.

“I may have had a repeat comedian a couple times but that’s only because they are so good. I have comedians that play Borgata, Ocean… That’s always advertised on our social media,” said Dina. “You can order tickets right from our website.”

Dina and her husband Robert Demos opened Mission Café back in 2021, following the success of his other business venture – Bucks County Coffee with partner Tom Memmo. Dina knew a coffee shop would be a hit in Brigantine – after all, she and her family moved here full-time 23 years ago back in 2001. Fueled by her passion for coffee and giving back, the Café is now in its fourth season. As for the mission in Mission Café, it’s still going strong with Dina giving back a portion of proceeds of the retail clothing line to ocean conservancy every year.

“This year, we’re introducing a new menu item - poke bowls,” said Dina. Poke bowls join Mission’s other bowl line up as the sole savory bowl in the crowd which includes acai, coconut, and pitaya bowls with fruit, granola, honey drizzles, coconut flakes, Nutella, whey protein, and peanut butter. There’s also bee pollen, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and cacao nibs to add on to the sweet bowls.

Poke bowls start with a base of fresh salmon, tuna, or poached shrimp, and brown or white rice with other savory toppings like edamame and

seaweed, and will be made to order during lunchtime hours. There are salads, wraps, and smoothies, too, for your midday meal at Mission. Try the Cast a Waves salad – romaine lettuce, hardboiled egg, bacon, tomatoes, feta, avocado, tossed with a red wine vinaigrette. Or the Reel ‘em In wrap with chicken salad, apple slices and goat cheese.

If you’re more of an early riser, pop over to the café for a grab-and-go meal to start your day. The café is open from 7am daily til 3pm and offers online ordering directly from their website.

“People love to come in for coffee and breakfast. I get a line out the door because it’s an easy and quick breakfast,” said Dina. “We have sandwiches, hash browns, bagels, croissants, pastries, muffins, and cookies.”

There’s oatmeal, parfaits, and avocado toast too, and, of course, there’s coffee. No matter how you like your coffee, be it iced, hot, as a latte, macchiato, Americano or cappuccino, Mission has you covered. They use their own Bucks County Coffee Company beans for the brews and offer an assortment of milks for every diet. They sell beans by the bag in store and online – where you can also subscribe to have beans come right to your door each month). There’s a large selection of tea drinks on the menu, too.

Another new offering this year is gelato. It’s what people want according to Dina, so she is delivering. Make it your mission to end on a sweet note with a scoop or two of this Italian frozen treat.

RipTide Bait & Tackle

If you’re looking for decadent pound cake from Philadelphia’s famed Stock’s Bakery, all natural bug spray to keep those pesky green heads at bay, and a novelty calendar featuring cars beached in Brigantine, there’s no need to leave the island. In fact, you can grab them all in one place if you swing by RipTide Bait and Tackle.

“So, who cares about fishing tackle or bait?” RipTide owner Andrew “Captain Andy” Grossman quipped. “I sell bug spray, I sell pound cake and I sell calendars!”

All joking aside, the Brigantine bait and tackle shop has been servicing local and visiting fishermen alike for the past 20 years, offering most anything that could be needed for catching fish in the back bays, surf or deep sea.

“We cater to the novice all the way up to the pros and the experts,” Andy said. “I don’t care if it’s your first day and you have no idea how to fish or you’re on the Pro Bass Tour, we treat you all the same,” he continued. “Everybody who works for me, we treat people how we want to be treated.”

If you’re in the market for fishing rods, reels or waders; in need of new line, tackle, hooks or weights; or require fresh bait, RipTide’s got you covered.

The cake, bug spray and calendar? Those are just a bonus.

“People can’t believe they come to a tackle shop to get Stock’s pound cake,” Andy said with a chuckle. It’s the same iconic cake the Philadelphia bakery has been serving up for 100 years, the same cake one of Andy’s 90-year-old customers had on her wedding day.

As for the bug spray – Captain Ron’s All-Natural Insect Repellent, to be exact – Andy credits himself with bringing the near-magical product to New Jersey.

“Nothing really worked against green heads in Brigantine – and the bugs and the mosquitoes,” Andy said.

He brought the product into his shop, getting it into the hands of local

clammers, fishermen and beach bums. The all-natural formula makes it perfect for kids and even dogs, too.

“It’s the miracle bug spray,” Andy said.

The Beached Cars of Brigantine calendar stemmed from Andy taking photos of the many cars that get stuck on the beach before he helps tow them back to safety. The calendar spans spring-to-spring instead of the traditional January-to-December, making it a fun souvenir for the summer crowd, too.

After going viral thanks to spots on radio and news programs, the calendars have made their way all over the world since starting four years ago. In other words, if you get your car beached in Brigantine, you may just get your 15 minutes (or 12 months) of fame!

Part of the proceeds from selling the calendars benefits local charities, too – a move that makes perfect sense for anyone who knows Andy. For him, helping others – whether it’s a charity, a new fisherman or a little kid who stops in to check out the shop’s live eels in the bait tanks – is the name of the game.

When Andy came across the closing Brigantine tackle shop two decades ago, he thought buying it could be a good change of pace. Burned out from his job at the casinos and a recovering compulsive gambler (who is now 26 years clean), he decided to make the move, and it all paid off.

Even if he didn’t realize he’d be working 90-hour weeks, 10 months out of the year.

“I don’t work. I love what I do,” Andy said.

He appreciates his customers, and thanks to RipTide’s welcoming atmosphere and Andy’s friendly persona, he’s built up quite a regular business. It all comes back to treating his clientele like he would like to be treated – and taking the time to show a novice how to cast a line.

Rita’s Water Ice

Let’s go to Rita’s. These may be the loveliest four words strung together. And around these parts, it wouldn’t be summer without someone saying them over and over.

In Brigantine, “let’s go to Rita’s” means hanging out at the corner shop’s outdoor patio under the umbrellas or bistro lights at the picnic tables slurping down a cool, freshly-made mango gelati with friends and family. The Tate family opened Rita’s back in July 2022. They are Brigantine locals and have one of the only locally owned and operated ice cream shops in town. Jill, Chris, and their three daughters are active members of the community with both Jill and Chris coaching many different sports teams on the island. The couple also ran the baseball and softball league for five years until 2021. When you head over to Rita’s for a Blendini on a hot summer night, you’ll more than likely see a Tate (or five).

“You’re going to see familiar faces; we’ve been living here the past 13 years. Every last one of us will be working in the store,” said Jill.

You may already have your order memorized and ready to go; but the clever desserters at Rita’s added some new menu items to the mix to cool us all off this summer. The Misto and Ice Drinks got a glow up this year and are now called Gelati Blender and Ice Blender. One of which happens to be one of Jill’s favorite things.

“I love the Florida orange gelati or the Florida orange gelati blender,” she said. “Florida orange flavor is one a lot of people have loved. It’s made with fresh oranges.”

Other popular water ice flavors always on hand are mango, blue raspberry, cotton candy, lemon and cherry, but there are so many more to try. At Rita’s, all the ice is made fresh

every single day, ensuring the most delish treat you can eat. Head over to the website by scanning the QR Code on this spread to see all the available flavors, other menu options, and to order online. Rita’s just partnered with UberEats, Door Dash, and Grubhub for delivery right to your door. How sweet is that?

When you do order, will you pick a simple treat or is ultimate decadence on the menu? If it’s the latter, try a Concrete.

“A Concrete is a blended treat – the most popular is the Oreo or the peanut butter cup. After it blends, there’s a hole left in the middle and then we fill it with peanut butter and chocolate sauce,” said Jill. “We have a very extensive menu; you can get a little bit of everything and it’s made fresh daily. You know you’re getting something that hasn’t been in the freezer for a month. It’s consistent.”

Another thing that’s consistent at Rita’s is giving back with special discounts and community events like September’s Ice Cream Social for Brigantine Community School and this summer’s happy hours. During summer happy hours, you can score an afternoon treat for less before the start of the evening. Look for details on their social media pages and keep an eye out for coupons also – either in the mail or local newspapers. They can be used at both the Brigantine Rita’s location and the Ocean City location (the Tates own both).

There are so many ways to get your Rita’s this summer - whether you order online for Rita’s delivery, head over to the shops, or have them cater your next fiesta. They can serve water ice in gallon, two and a half gallon or even five-gallon sizes. Ice cream sandwiches are available for catering, also.

Sandy Jack’s Deli

Ever heard of the Mandela effect?

609-264-5811

FACEBOOK: SANDY JACK’S DELI

It’s where you’re sure something happened one way, but it actually happened differently. This is what it’s like for the new Sandy Jack’s Deli in Brigantine. It seems like the deli’s been here forever but instead only opened early this year. After just two weeks in business, the family-run shop was already welcoming back a strong contingent of regular customers.

The key to their success? Good quality food, fair pricing, service with a smile, and a bit of a homegrown niche.

“We’re a friendly, full-service deli and grill offering all the best of the British Isles and Ireland,” Pam Hume said. “It’s good quality. It’s great value.”

Owning an eatery near the beach is a dream come true for its proprietors – Pam, her husband, Robert, and the couple’s 22-year-old son and store namesake, Jack. Sandy Jack’s Deli comes by its neighborly, welcoming vibe because that’s exactly how the Hume family is – welcoming.

The hybrid store is half deli and grill – serving up cheesesteaks from freshshaved rib eye and freshly chopped chicken breast, classic hoagies and breakfast sandwiches, to name just a few menu items – and half specialty grocer, stocking imported products from the British Isles and Ireland, the latter being where Robert spent his childhood.

“I’ve been here 35 years,” Robert said. “I came here to work for the summer and never went home.”

That was in 1989, when a 19-year-old Robert landed in Ocean City and got work cooking at The Promenade on the Boardwalk – which is where he homed in on a love of cheesesteaks.

“His apprenticeship was 1,200 cheesesteaks in a weekend,” Pam joked.

The couple owned a shop in Haddonfield a quarter century ago before leaving the retail world for corporate work. But the thought of being a chef and owning a little place of their own – an idea that started germinating when Robert was 14, washing dishes at a restaurant in Ireland – never went away.

“We always wanted to get back down the shore,” Robert said. “My vision was

to have a store where I could work eight or nine months of the year and take a month or two and go back to Ireland or travel.”

There was a chance to buy a business last year, but it was too close to the summer season. (“We wanted to do it right,” Robert explained.) When another opportunity presented itself, the Humes bought the equipment but opted to create their own restaurant identity with Sandy Jack’s Deli.

Part of this identity is using quality ingredients. Sandwiches feature Thumann’s brand deli meats and cheeses. Steak sandwiches are made with fresh-shaved rib eye from a local butcher, and fresh-sliced chicken breast is used for chicken steaks. Breakfast sandwiches are served to order on brioche, kaiser, multigrain or rye and available all day. There are fresh soups, daily specials, potato and pasta salads, and a coffee bar with cold brew, lattes, cappuccinos and more. There are specialty sandwiches, too.

Jack’s favorite? The Big Jack, of course: chicken steak with pepper jack cheese and Asian sweet chili sauce. For Pam, it’s The Ma: pork roll, egg and Irish cheddar on brioche. When Robert is hungry, he goes for the ribeye with onions, provolone cheese and hot peppers (because, yes, he’s roasting long hots in the back).

The groceries imported from the British Isles and Ireland have been a huge draw. Products include sweets, condiments, relishes, jams, snacks and frozen meats. And if there’s something missing from the shelves, they can order it.

“If you don’t see something, just let us know. We can order it for you and it will be here within the week,” Jack said. Bringing that kind of happiness to customers, whether with a special grocery item or a delicious sandwich, is what Jack loves most about a business he knew he wanted to get into since he was 14 years old. He enjoys being his own boss now, and his parents are happy to start a legacy they can fully pass on to their son one day.

“That’s the charm as well,” Robert said. “There’s a face behind the whole operation.”

The Teal Tail

Every town needs its own Cheers, that local spot where everybody knows your name. It’s a judgmentfree zone, a place to build friendships and community. Sometimes that local Cheers is a restaurant, coffee shop, or a gym.

In Brigantine, it’s a boutique.

The Teal Tail opened its doors on Brigantine Avenue in 2022, after five and a half years of building a successful online business offering a carefullycurated selection of women’s clothing and accessories. Initially, owner Kristen Pilch wasn’t looking to open a brickand-mortar location, but once she did, she said “it took off like crazy.”

It also gave Kristen an opportunity to give back to a town she loves.

“I believe community helps one another. Being a part of the community is really big for me, especially with owning a business,” Kristen said. “Every time somebody makes a purchase, it allows me to give back.”

Kristen lives in Brigantine with her husband and school-aged son, and this connection makes it that much more meaningful when The Teal Tail can sponsor local sports teams and support in-town fundraisers and events. The shop also donates to nearby women’s shelters, nursing homes and food pantries.

This idea of community is fostered within The Teal Tail’s walls as well, where special events are held yearround to bring locals together.

“They’re great opportunities to get to know others who live in the community,” Kristen said.

In January, it is a Favorite Things party, when attendees bring beloved items to share with other party-goers. There’s a Murder Mystery around Halloween and a Cookie Exchange in December.

While most events need a purchased

ticket to attend (and typically sell out within days), in the summer, there is a free Mermaid and Pirate Day for families. Kids can take photos with mermaids and pirates, make themed crafts, get their faces painted and more.

“Each season and almost every month we have some sort of event. It just gets people out,” Kristen said. “The Teal Tail is our own little community.”

This year, the Teal Tail has a new location – a larger space for more fabulous inventory and more events to bring the community together.

It is a bit like Cheers, in that Kristen and her staff remember customers’ names. Shoppers remember the staffers’ names, too, partly because they’ve all been on the team since The Teal Tail opened two years ago, but also because the all-woman staff of varied ages resonates with customers, according to Kristen.

“Women want to feel comfortable and want to be helped and want to be dressed,” she reflected. “This makes for a more comfortable experience.”

Kristen brings her past profession as a personal stylist to The Teal Tail as well. She travels the country to handpick all merchandise for her shop, primarily focusing on fabric quality, pricing and comfort. The Teal Tail carries some popular picks, such as Corkys footwear and Judy Blue denim, but inventory doesn’t chase trends that are bound to fade away.

“It’s timeless,” Kristen said. “At The Teal Tail, you’re shopping things that are cute, comfortable and practical that you can wear year after year.”

The Teal Tail releases about 20 new styles each week and hosts a live online sale every Tuesday evening. Scan the QR code on the bottom left page to download the app to shop the store from home.

Owner Carolyn Riegert is a dental professional with over 25 years experience. She lives in Brigantine and is making the Shore more beautiful one smile at a time. Schedule your party or appointment today!