“Your only as good as your team,” the high school lacrosse coach reminded us daily. He went on to explain that no matter how good you are, you are nothing without your team. Your team will make or break you. You have to work together, build each other up and capitalize on your strengths. Together you can be great.
That was 1983. Those words stuck with me because they apply off the field as well. Bob and I have so much gratitude for the amazing group of individuals that come together to form the Shore Local Team.
From the first core group of four people who sat nervously over breakfast creating a plan just 19 months ago, to the most recent additions of top-notch columnists such as Harry Hurley and Nancy Adler. Every step of the way, we have been blessed with talented and creative writers joining the Shore Local Team. Jeff Whitaker, with his wealth of communications expertise, Marci Lutsky of Vegging at the Shore and Somers Point poet laureate and founder of The Elegant Root, Maria Provenzano, along with her now-husband Nick Leonetti, a talented writer with knowledge on a wide range of topics. Maria and Nick were married this past Saturday and we congratulate them. We are proud to call them a part of the Shore Local Team.
Chuck Eberson was there at that breakfast meeting so many months ago when it all began, and has been an integral part of Shore Local ever since. He writes the Senior Moments column and has a large fan base, especially with the 55 and over readers. Chuck has over 25 years of experience in all facets of the news industry. This summer he came out of retirement to handle advertising sales along with his column. Robin Minichino, joined our team in August reuniting Bob, Chuck and Robin, in advertising sales. The three of them have decades of experience working together for the area’s daily and weekly newspapers. Shore Local couldn’t have dreamt of a better sales team.
Mari Dattolo and Seth Grossman are both talented writers who have contributed in the past and recently joined Shore Local as regular columnists. Becky Jewell, Jacqueline D’Angelo, Sean Fawcett and Meghan Mangel are regular contributors who add so much. Steffen Klenk began as an intern but quickly became an employee, and is now a huge part of the Shore Local Team. Steffen covers many events and has proven himself to be excellent with both a camera and a pen.
Shore Local has also been blessed by outstanding photographers who allow us to print their photos both on the cover and inside the magazine. Donald B. Kravitz has contributed so much and we will forever be grateful for his contributions. This issue and in upcoming issues, Patty Hutton has contributed her talents as a high school sports photographer. Look for “Game Faces” in this issue featuring Patty’s work.
Lastly, the one who is the glue that binds us all together, Maddy Vitale, the Managing Editor. She is the orchestrator and kicks into high gear the days just prior to publication or what we refer to as “deadline.” She collects, revises, formats and corresponds with graphic designers often until two in the morning prior to officially “going to print.” She irons out the 10,000 details that need to be taken care of and we would be lost without her.
Bob and I also have a deep gratitude for you, the reader. Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local, inviting it into your homes. We hope you enjoy it and find it uplifting and informational.
Peace & Love Cindy
