Morey's Piers announces Dippin' Dots Flavor Naming Contest

Morey's Piers' 50th Anniversary season promises to be full of cool surprises, of all sizes!

Social media is still buzzing about the announcement of the Runaway Tram roller coaster, which will debut this summer at Surfside Pier.

Today, it was revealed that Dippin' Dots has created an exclusive flavor to celebrate the occasion. The new treat "screams classic boardwalk with a salted caramel flavor that has pieces of pretzel bites mixed in."

The only thing needed is a name - but there's where YOU come in!

The public is invited to submit entries HERE, with the opportunity to score a grand prize that includes Dippin' Dots for a Year (yes, for real!), ride and water park passes, a $50 dining car and more.

But make sure to get right on it, as the contest will run for just one week, ending on Thursday, January 24 at 11:59 PM EST.

50th Anniversary Dippin' Dots Flavor Naming Contest

Wildwood Crest to join county dispatch system

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has authorized a shared services agreement with the County of Cape May to provide public safety call answering and dispatch services for emergency calls relating to police, fire and emergency medical services on behalf of the borough through the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management.

The measure was passed by resolution at the regular meeting of the Wildwood Crest Board of Commissioners on Dec. 27, 2018.

This shared services agreement is tentatively scheduled to take effect on or about March 1.

Local municipalities were first informed of the opportunity to enter into a county-wide dispatch system in 2014. At that time, the county contacted all of its municipalities to gauge interest in participating in a county-wide dispatch system. Upon receiving a favorable response, the county engaged InterTech Communications to do a study on all local dispatch needs.

The county forged ahead while constantly communicating with the local municipalities and ultimately built the Cape May Communications Center, which opened in June 2018 at the Cape May County Airport.

Wildwood Crest is latest to enroll in the countywide dispatch system, joining the Township of Lower, Avalon-Stone Harbor (fire and EMS only) and the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office. According to Cape May County OEM coordinator Marty Pagliughi, two other municipalities are set to join the county dispatch system before the end of the calendar year.

Pagliughi said the county dispatch system allows Wildwood Crest to cut costs while also increasing public safety through the streamlining of the dispatch communication system and the use of the latest dispatching technology that is currently not available in Wildwood Crest. It is anticipated that the level of services provided by the county dispatch system will improve over what is currently in place in Wildwood Crest.

“Time is of the essence in the event of an emergency and the county dispatch system improves the time of response significantly,” Pagliughi said.

The county dispatch system is also expected to provide an increased level of service with respect to response to non-emergent matters, Life Alert and other medical alert systems.

The Wildwood Crest Police Department will continue to diligently monitor Crest Memorial School and other public buildings and places throughout the borough. Residents of Wildwood Crest will not have to register into the county dispatch system. The transition will happen automatically and without any interruption in service.

Wildwood Crest is expected to save between $90,000 and $150,000 per year by entering into this shared services agreement. All interested current dispatchers with the Borough of Wildwood Crest have been offered the opportunity to apply for employment in dispatching with the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management through an inter-governmental transfer.

The county dispatch system will feature a total of 16 dispatchers when fully operational. It is likely that three of these dispatchers will be from Wildwood Crest’s current dispatch staff. Each shift will feature a four-person dispatch crew that includes a supervisor and three dispatchers.

The county’s system includes some of the latest dispatching technology, such as Next-Generation 9-1-1 and Emergency CallWorks. Next-Generation 9-1-1 allows cellular users in Wildwood Crest to text to 9-1-1 and receive a text response from a dispatcher, while Emergency CallWorks allows dispatchers to pinpoint the location of a cellular call to 9-1-1 to within 150 feet.

None of this technology is currently available under the current local dispatching system in Wildwood Crest.

Representatives from the Wildwood Crest Police Department met with Cape May County and reviewed the county’s dispatching technology prior to the borough’s decision to join the county’s dispatch system.

“The long-term benefits of entering into the county dispatch system are very significant to the residents and taxpayers of Wildwood Crest,” said David Thompson, Wildwood Crest Commissioner of Public Safety. “Not only are we anticipating a savings of about $100,000 per year or more but we’re also entering into a state-of-the art dispatching system that is a substantial upgrade over what is currently in place in Wildwood Crest.

"There also are tremendous benefits to this move to the county dispatch system in terms of the upkeep and maintenance of equipment, the basic radio systems and all of the technology involved with it. That will all produce further savings and an increased level of service to the taxpayers of the Crest.”

According to Pagliughi, Atlantic County is the only county in the State of New Jersey that currently does not have some form of a county-wide dispatch system.

Volunteers needed for NW Shovels Program

Calling all local high school students and scout troops looking for service hours:

With the impending weekend weather and the inevitable potential for more snow this winter season, North Wildwood is looking for volunteers for its NW Shovels Program.

NW Shovels is a volunteer-driven initiative that aims to help seniors and disabled homeowners with snow removal.

For a full list of guidelines, qualifications and services click HERE.

Applications are available at the link above and are also being accepted via email to nwshovels@northwildwood.com.

For additional information on the NW Shovels Program, call North Wildwood Administration at 609-522-6464.

Watch the Runaway Tram at Morey's Piers this Summer

PRESS RELEASE
 
The Wildwoods, NJ – Morey’s Piers, celebrating fifty years on the boardwalk of the Wildwoods, NJ, will debut a new ride this summer on Surfside Pier: the family-friendly Runaway Tram.

The new family roller coaster is themed after the recognizable Wildwood Sightseer Tramcar, an icon of the Wildwood Boardwalk since it debuted nearly 70 years ago on June 11, 1949. Originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the trackless trains take passengers along the two-mile boardwalk while echoing the famed, pre-recorded phrase “watch the tramcar please.”

“The Wildwood Sightseer Tramcar is a beloved sight on the boardwalk, and it made complete sense to pay homage to this Jersey shore staple as we celebrate 50 years on the piers,” said Jack Morey, second generation partner of Morey’s Piers. “To keep our family business ever-evolving, we strive to create innovative new experiences for our guests that honor the history of Wildwood.”

A total investment of four million dollars, the Runaway Tram will climb 40 feet before coasting, twisting and turning riders along 922 feet of track. The Force 280 coaster was manufactured by Zierer and features one train with 10 two-person passenger cars.

Attraction Design Company JRA is custom designing the ride’s train and station. To make room for the new ride Morey’s Piers had to move seven rides and completely reconfigure Surfside Pier.

For more information on Morey’s Piers, visit www.moreyspiers.com.


About Morey’s Piers

Duffinetti's to open with new winter schedule, starting January 17th

There was a time, not too long ago, when winter dining options in the Wildwoods were slim.

A recent trend has seen more restaurants attempting to operate during the island's "offseason months," bringing welcomed variety for locals and visitors alike.

Duffinetti's Restaurant & Lounge (4600 Pacific Avenue) is the latest institution to announce that it's going "year round."

Beginning on January 17, Duffinetti's will be open Thursdays through Sundays, in addition to being available for parties and banquets. The restaurant is also planning a special Valentine's Day menu, now taking reservations at 609-522-0002.

The Duffinetti's name has been synonymous with fine dining in the Wildwoods since Duffy and Mary Asselta built the original Duffinetti's Restaurant in the Crest in 1965.

The Asselta family's roots on the island go back even further, dating to 1947, when it opened the Garden State Restaurant at Pacific & Davis Avenues.

The current Duffinetti's stands only one block to the south, at Pacific and Burk Avenues. The location is entering its fifth season, having opened in the Spring of 2015.

For more information and updates, visit www.duffinettis.com and follow Duffinetti's on Facebook.

Gateway 26 to open one week earlier for polar plunge - January 12 & 13

Gateway 26 has announced that it will end its winter break one weekend earlier than usual, to coincide with the biggest event of the season in the Wildwoods!

The iconic casino/arcade at 26th & Boardwalk will kick off its 2019 operating schedule on Saturday, January 12 - the same day the Special Olympics NJ Polar Bear Plunge takes place. It will also be open the following day.

Hours are set as follows:

Saturday, January 12  -  11 am to 6 pm

Sunday, January 13  -  12 pm to 4 pm

From this point on, Gateway 26 will be open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays for now), with hours to be announced.

(No, Kohr Bros. won't be open for some time; but we'll keep you updated on when!)

For additional updates and info, visit Gateway 26's official website and follow its social media pages (Facebook, Twitter).

Wildwood Crest names new OEM Coordinator

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has appointed Ron Harwood as its new Office of Emergency Management Coordinator.

The appointment was made via resolution at the regular meeting of the Wildwood Crest Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, January 2.

Harwood, who also serves as Wildwood Crest Fire Chief, is replacing current Wildwood Crest Police Chief Joseph McGrath as OEM Coordinator for Wildwood Crest.

Harwood’s duties as Wildwood Crest OEM Coordinator will include but are not limited to planning and directing disaster response and crisis management activities; providing disaster preparedness training and emergency plans and procedures for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, snowstorms and flooding; working in concert with the Wildwood Crest Police Department and the Offices of Emergency Management of the Cape May County and the State of New Jersey regarding emergency management issues; and planning and directing any of the borough’s potential dealings with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For further information, contact Wildwood Crest Borough Hall at (609) 522-5176.

Boardwalk Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show ~ January 17-20

PRESS RELEASE

Attention all dog lovers!

Four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes will return to the Wildwoods Convention Center for the annual All Breed Dog Show. The Atlantic Ocean Classic Dog Show Cluster, hosted by the Boardwalk Kennel Club, will feature four days of competitions starting Thursday, January 17 through Sunday, January 20.

Multiple judges will determine the winner of each category, and various prizes will be awarded.

Competitions begin at 8:30 a.m. daily. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $2 for children under 12. Tickets will be available at the door the day of the event. The schedule of competition for the All Breed Dog Show is to be announced.

Additionally, vendors will offer unique merchandise for those looking for something special with which to pamper their pooch – from collars and leashes, to books and training tools, and everything in between. Guided tours and new exhibitor briefings will be available throughout the event to educate the public about all aspects of the sport of dog showing.

For additional information about the Boardwalk Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show, visit www.facebook.com/Boardwalk-Kennel-Club-Inc or call 856-952-8042.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

Greek Street Grill opens for new season, Monday, January 7th

Local gyro lovers and Greek cuisine enthusiasts will not have to wait until spring for another authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Greek Street Grill, a noteworthy addition to the downtown scene in 2018, will open for its second season on Monday, January 7.

The eatery (3421 Pacific Avenue, directly across from Byrne Plaza) has a slightly modified name, after operating as Greek Street Eats during its inaugural season.

According to owner Angelo Bilios, the operating schedule for the time being will be Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm. It will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Meanwhile, the popular Bagel Time Cafe (4600 Atlantic Avenue), also owned and operated by the Bilios family, will open for weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 7 am to 12 pm) beginning next weekend.

Polar Bear Plunge ~ January 12

PRESS RELEASE

Dig out your bathing suit and join in the fun! The annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods to kick off 2019 with an icy plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, January 12 at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The Polar Bear Plunge is a FREE event for spectators to watch, but Plungers must raise a minimum of $100 in pledges to participate in the event. Early registration is available online by visiting www.njpolarplunge.org. Additional registrations and donations will be accepted on-site the day of the event.

The Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge is a family-friendly event benefiting more than 25,000 athletes of the Special Olympics New Jersey. There are incentives based on the total funds raised, and there will be special recognition for the person who raises the most money.

Check-in will take place from 10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. inside the warm Wildwoods Convention Center before the event. Immediately following the Plunge, participants and children under the age of 12 can enjoy a free lunch inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. For those who are not participating in the plunge, lunch can be purchased for $10.

The night before the plunge, Friday, January 11, Special Olympics New Jersey will host a Beef ’n Brrr Benefit at the Blue Water Grille at the Bolero Resort and Conference Center, located at 3320 Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood, from 7-11 p.m. A $20 donation will raise money for the event and includes roast beef sandwiches, salad, wings and draft beer, as well as a 50/50 raffle, live auction and live music. You do not need to be a participant in the Plunge to attend the Beef ’n Brrr Benefit.

The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Organization is sponsoring the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge and is comprised of Law Enforcement officers who volunteer and are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The Special Olympics Torch has become one of the most colorful aspects of the Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Ceremonies.

Year after year, the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge continues to grow in popularity and is just one of the many FREE events to attend in the Wildwoods. Beat the winter blues by showing support for a worthy cause and come join in the excitement of this annual event.

For additional information regarding the Special Olympics New Jersey, visit www.sonj.org.

For additional information regarding the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge, call 609-896-8000 or visit www.njpolarplunge.org.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

REMINDER: Morey's Winter Holiday Sale runs through Friday, January 4th!

Christmas has come and gone, 2019 is officially here...

But there's STILL time to take advantage of Morey's Piers' Annual Winter Holiday Sale and score the biggest savings up the year!

The sale, highlighted by deals of up to 40 percent off for a season of wild rides and water park admissions, runs through this Friday, January 4.

Check out the Winter Holiday Sale packages HERE or clicking the image above.

The annual sale winds down as Morey's Piers gears up for its season-long 50th Anniversary celebration. For additional info on all things Morey's, visit www.moreyspiers.com.

East Coast Helicopter Tours receives 2018 Best of Wildwood Award

PRESS RELEASE

East Coast Helicopter Tours, LLC has been selected for the 2018 Best of Wildwood Award in the Helicopter Tour Agency category by the Wildwood Award Program.

Each year, the Wildwood Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.

These exceptional companies help make the Wildwood area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2018 Wildwood Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Wildwood Award Program and data provided by third parties.

East Coast Helicopter Tours runs seven days a week during the summer season, located at the back of Morey's Piers' Adventure Pier (Boardwalk & Spicer Avenue).

For more information, visit www.FlyEastCoast.com.

Cape May County police raise funds to help local man through No-Shave November Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

This November Police Officers across the Nation, including those from Cape May County participated in the No-Shave November Campaign.

The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free and donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming, to educate cancer prevention, save lives and aid those fighting this battle.

The members of the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association, collectively chose to support a local resident and member of the United States Army National Guard, 253rd Transportation Company; Richard Burrows. This past August Richard was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, defined as a grade 3 Alaplastic Oligodendroglioma, which required a craniotomy to remove a 6cm mass, approximately the size of a golf ball from his frontal lobe.

Richard is required to travel daily to the Perlemen Center in Philadelphia for treatments. Therefore, the men and women of the law enforcement agencies of Cape May County, and the members of the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association, are proud to present a check to the Burrows Family in the amount of $17,265.00. We hope that these funds will help offset the costs of the daily travel expenses of gas, tolls and food while traveling for treatment.

We wish Richard and his family the best of luck with his continued fight against cancer.

Thank you to all that donated and supported the No-Shave November program, wherever you are!

As we proceed into the holiday season, please keep all those battling this horrible disease, including Richard Burrows, in your thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of all law enforcement officers in Cape May County, we hope you have a safe, joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year to you and your families.

Please be safe!

11th Annual Family Holiday Celebration kicks off this Saturday, December 1st, at the Wildwoods Convention Center

The 11th Annual Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration will be the first to see the event extended to include two weekends of Christmas festivities.

The merriment begins this Saturday, December 1, with a full day of activities - a bazaar, live entertainment, movies, tree lighting and, of course, SANTA! - at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Festivities will continue next weekend, with the beloved Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and Byrne Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 7.

(Additional events will include the inaugural Christmas in the Plaza on December 7 & 8, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7 and the Pinch the GrYnch Boardwalk 5K Run on December 8).

Below is this Saturday's schedule of fun at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

For additional info and updates on the Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration, check out www.wildwoodholiday.com.

North Wildwood sponsoring 30th Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

PRESS RELEASE

The City of North Wildwood is sponsoring its Annual Holiday Decorating Contest. All residents of North Wildwood are welcome to join in this festive occasion.

Each category will be judged on the following:

• Most Creative
• Best Theme
• Most Original
• Best Decorated
• Best Illuminated

Forms may be obtained at the following locations:

• North Wildwood Recreation Center @ 900 Central Avenue
• North Wildwood City Hall @ 901 Atlantic Avenue
• Crest Savings Bank @ 5th & New Jersey Avenue

* If you are unable to up a form, call 609-522-2955 and we can drop one off at your home or business or mail or email one to you.

The deadline for entries will be NO LATER than Friday, December 14.

Judging will be held during the week of December 17, from 5:30 to 10 PM.

Awards will be presented on Thursday, December 20 at the North Wildwood Recreation Center at 6 PM.

For additional information, please call Jodie DiEduardo at 609-523-2728.