Happy New Year to all! It’s that time of year again for looking back and looking forward, and well, taking stock. This past year was a difficult one for most of us at the Jersey Shore. We are excited to see our communities slowly coming back, one by one, sand pile after sand pile. It will be a long road for towns like Sea Bright and Ortley Beach. Sea Bright is a town I spent every summer in as a child and teenager. My Grandparents lived there in a beautiful house with the river in their backyard and the ocean just a stone’s throw from their front door. A story book place to spend your summers and a huge piece of my life.
Those of us affected by Sandy learned a lot about ourselves in 2012. We learned how vulnerable we are and how strong we are. We learned how strong Mother Nature is, and how much we need each other to survive. Believe it or not, there were many great moments in the aftermath, examples of bravery and selflessness, kindness and camaraderie. I have no doubts that the Jersey Shore will be back to its beautiful self. In places it may look very different but hopefully that will make for more storm resistant towns for the future. One thing is for certain, we’re not going anywhere.
Here’s to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year for New Jersey and everywhere. From all of us here at Jersey Bites, we want to wish you a Happy New Year and to thank you for a wonderful 2012. And, remember, you can join your fellow Jersey foodies on Facebook and Twitter. We’re always chatting it up. Cheers!
