Gina Scala

Beach Haven

Writer at The SandPaper

Writer and Editor at Freelance

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Articles

Fundraiser Stacks Up Food and Fun in Surf City

2 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

It’s that time of year to hop, skip, jump and scramble your way to the annual Easter pancake breakfast at the Surf City Firehouse on Saturday, April 19. Sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. and EMS, the community event is slated from 8 a.m. until noon at the firehouse, located at 713 North Long Beach Blvd. Adults eat for $15 and children younger than 13 cost $10. Cash, checks and Venmo will be accepted.
Ship Bottom Business District Gets a Lift

2 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

When Ship Bottom Councilwoman Mary Basile ran for her borough council seat last year, one of her platform promises was to make Ship Bottom more beautiful than it already is. Together with Code Enforcement Officer Matt Bernstein and Kline Brothers Landscaping, she’s delivering. “I’m thrilled,” Basile said last week, a few days after the Laurel Boulevard beautification project began.
BPU Defers Electric Company Rate Hike Decision to August

3 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

Following the rules of engagement, the N.J. Board of Public Utilities moved to suspend a decision on a proposed rate increase for Atlantic City Electric customers for a second time. Action had been anticipated to be taken this month. “Approximately 30 days after filing, the BPU approves a four-month ‘suspension’ of rate changes, beginning the formal review process,” according to the company’s webpage dedicated to information about rates.
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate to Visit LBI April 10

3 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

Former radio host Bill Spadea, one of four candidates vying for the Republican nomination for governor in June, is slated to visit Long Beach Island next week. Spadea will speak during an April 10 event at Ship Bottom Borough Hall. The event begins at 7 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor. He was endorsed by the Ocean County Republican Organization in February and is campaigning on lowering taxes and fostering economic growth as well as improving public safety.
Ship Bottom to Highlight Its History All Year

3 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

From commemorative beach badges and lamppost signs to moving the borough council’s May meeting to the firehouse, Ship Bottom is going all out to celebrate its 100th year as Long Beach Island’s gateway community. “Our little town is rich in history,” Mayor William Huelsenbeck said in announcing the borough has “a lot of stuff planned” this year. The next event is the borough’s gala celebration at Hotel LBI on May 2.
Ship Bottom Public Works Springs Forward With Heavy Workload

3 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

With the anticipated completion of the final phase of the Causeway project less than 90 days away, employees from the Ship Bottom Public Works Department have their job cut out for them getting the borough in tip-top shape. “We refinished the rotary clock, the big clock that’s down by the construction (roadwork on the Boulevard between Eighth and Ninth streets). It looks gorgeous.
Ship Bottom Signs Off on LBI School Site Redevelopment

3 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

When the bell tolls for the final time at the LBI Grade School, a portion of the 4-acre property will be kept as open space after Ship Bottom officials agreed to terms with a borough developer who plans to build single-family homes on the site. “I signed the contract with the developer,” Ship Bottom Mayor William Huelsenbeck said at the borough council’s monthly meeting March 25.
All in the Family as Third Generation Takes Over Bike Shop

4 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

Surf City’s Jason and Avery Walters have some “wheelie” good news: They’re the third generation to own and operate Walters Bicycles and Pedego LBI. The couple purchased the Ship Bottom-based business earlier this year when Walters’ father retired. “I chose to carry on my family’s legacy at our bicycle shop because it’s more than a business. It’s a cornerstone of our community on LBI,” said Walters, who grew up working in the bike shop alongside his family.
Summer Prep Underway in Surf City

4 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

Spring had not sprung when Surf City Councilman Peter Hartney announced earlier this month that the borough had just 107 left of 1,000 holiday beach badges for sale. Whether the dash to snatch up the holiday badges was tradition or a frenzied wish for warmer temps doesn’t matter much now as the borough is in full swing of summer preparation. “We’ve sold 893 holiday beach badges for a total of $35,720,” Hartney said, noting the badge sales were reflective as of the close of business March 12.
Sparks Fly Over NJBPU Energy Affordability Report

4 weeks ago | thesandpaper.net | Gina Scala

The N.J. Board of Public Utilities last week unanimously accepted an energy affordability report that includes a proposal for income-based electric rates, even as it acknowledges the state’s bill discount program addresses most needs. “This option involves differentiating the monthly fixed charge based on income levels, which would involve increasing fixed charges for higher-income customers.