Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
There’s a special kind of energy that lingers on Seven Mile Beach this time of year. The sun sits lower, the evenings stretch longer, and we’re reminded why the joys of summer don’t end with Labor Day.
The cover sets the tone with a quote from Phil Jackson, the 11-time champion NBA coach, reminding us that “the strength of the team is each individual member, and the strength of each member is the team.” Nowhere is that more fitting than in Avalon, where the Avalon Beach Patrol claimed its second consecutive South Jersey Championship this summer. On page 24, Dave Bontempo brings that victory to life in “What a Team!,” capturing the dedication and teamwork that propelled Avalon to the top once again.
This issue also highlights the lifesaving spirit that defines our beaches. On page 32, Jack Byrne recounts “Tragedy Averted,” when the Avalon Beach Patrol and Avalon Yacht Club worked together to save 10 young sailors and instructors from a vessel driven into the jetty at Townsend’s Inlet. And on page 83, Celeste E. Whittaker shares “Bridging the Gap,” chronicling the history-making victories of sister lifeguards and the legacy they are building in South Jersey competitions.
Beyond the beach, on page 28, Vicky Parente profiles screenwriter Brad Ingelsby in “His Roots Are Showing Again,” exploring his new HBO series “Task,” his creative inspirations, and his family’s enduring ties to Seven Mile Beach. On page 46, Dave Bontempo tells the story of the Blair Family Reunion, where six generations and nearly 50 relatives gathered in Stone Harbor to celebrate more than a century of family tradition, proving that deep roots and lasting memories continue to bind people to this island.
As summer shifts into fall, this issue offers plenty of seasonal flavor and inspiration. On page 40, “Must Haves for Fall” highlights the essentials to carry you stylishly into the new season, while on page 61, Jean Miersch stirs up comfort and warmth with “It’s Chili in September.” On page 90, Dave Coskey brings us “Old-School Back to School,” a nostalgic reflection on the Labor Day exodus and the timeless rituals of preparing for a new school year at the Shore.
As always, we could not bring you these stories without the support of our advertisers, the hard work of our dedicated staff, and most importantly you, our loyal readers. Thank you for allowing us to share in the moments, milestones, and memories that make our island so special.
Here’s to an Endless Summer filled with great reads, good company, and plenty of time at the beach!
See you on the beach,
Monica Coskey
Publisher & Editor
Seven Mile Times
mcoskey@7milepub.com