Dear Readers,

Welcome back! Wow, does it ever feel good to say that. Welcome back to our magnificent beaches, to our stunning bays, to that fresh salt air, and all of the places that have become like a second home to so many – especially this past year.

Forty-five percent of all employees stay at their current position for less than two years, according to CareerBuilder.

Let us just say that Murray Wolf breaks lots of molds.

Australia is a world away from Cape May County. But you can soon experience a bit of the land Down Under when the Cape May County Zoo opens its new habitat for five red kangaroos and two emus.

The Borough of Avalon will hold a municipal election on May 11 to fill three Borough Council seats, each for a four-year term. Two of the vacancies will be created when Dr. Nancy Hudanich and James Deever step down at the end of June. Hudanich will retire after 32 years on council, having served as president and a member of the Finance Committee.

Shake off this past year and sign up to participate in your own creative way! Shiver & Shake any time between March 20 and May 2, and share your photos and videos to qualify for prizes, plus pick up your Shiver apparel at the Stone Harbor Welcome Center. Register at active.com. Proceeds benefit the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Family Promise of Cape May.

Easter Services

Bill Macomber embraces life’s next chapter.

The time has come not to worry about time. His toughest decision may now entail whether to enjoy a motorcycle ride, a sunset or a family meal.

When the time came for a change, Pastor Eloise Shanley did not seek relocation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Stone Harbor. The pastoral position found her.

Summer Nature Camp is back at The Wetlands Institute! Campers will enjoy a week (or more) discovering the New Jersey Shore in a fun and interactive schedule of activities geared to each age group and theme. Participants will engage in science experimentation and exploration; play games; embark on fascinating field trips; explore the beach; create arts and crafts, and enjoy the day in nature.

As the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom throughout the island, the anticipation grows for when your favorites stores will reopen for the season. As you frequent your favorites, be sure to also check out these businesses that have opened their doors in Avalon and Stone Harbor this year.

Undoubtedly, the love of our area is focused on the beaches of Seven Mile Beach. They are the cornerstone of so many memories, the provider of calm moments, and a keystone of the shore economy. When you spend time at the beach, it’s easy to notice the dramatic changes that take place constantly. Beaches have a seasonal rhythm that add to their mystique.

Starfish Equine Rescue, located in Cape May Court House, is working to make a difference one horse at a time.

There’s a saying that strangers are just friends waiting to happen. Perhaps that was one of the mottos that John “Jack” Ferguson Jr. lived by, as his life was enriched by the many, many friends he made.

The Borough of Stone Harbor reported on the status of a number of utility and road capital projects throughout town.