Around Our Town with Cathy Finnegan > Edition of Nov. 16, 2011
Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 November 2011 12:45 Written by Cathy Finnegan Tuesday, 15 November 2011 12:42
Artisans Alcove Estate Jewelers opened their doors for business during the summer at 714 Asbury Ave. and recently held a grand opening party at their new location. William Scott, affectionately called “Wmie” by close friends, who opened his original location in Cape May 19 years ago, was joined by wife Diane and sons William II and Paxton, as they greeted guests when they arrived. Paxton sported a Green Bay Packers shirt with his favorite linebacker Clay Matthews, No. 52. Asbury Avenues neighbors Skip Tolemeo from Sea Oats, Paul Cunningham from P. Francis, Michael Lloyd from Sturdy Savings Bank and Rodney Blomdahl from Rauhauser’s were among the first to arrive. Paul’s mom, Lauralee Williford, pointed out several pieces of jewelry she liked to her son he might want to get her for Christmas. Michele and Jay Gillian were on hand for the party and son Noah Gillian held the large scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Lauren Dewitsky served as the official photographer for the opening. Jim and I enjoyed catching up with Carol Paynter-Arnold, a sales associate at Artisans Alcove. Carol recalled her younger days and good times she had when she sang in the Youth Choir at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Carol’s husband, Denny Arnold, a sales associate with Catamaran Media, realized I wrote a column in The Gazette after talking to me for a few minutes. Artisans Alcove Ocean City store manager Tom Kirkpatrick introduced me to his fiancée Kim Walter, who often passes me walking the Boardwalk. Tom and Kim first met in 1974 while students at Providence College and when they reconnected a few years ago their love blossomed again. Kim works at Senior Helpers in Somers Point.
Jim and I recalled the many businesses that occupied this store over the years. Back in the ’50s it was a cigar and newspaper store, then it became La Contour where Louise Franklin had a lovely selection of lingerie. In the 1980s, Dot Doll opened the Bayberry Bush that featured seashore pictures and trinkets for the home. In the early ’90s, Bunny Florentino made gift baskets filled with perfumes, lotions, creams and much more at Bare Essentials. The Animal House arrived in the late ’90s with treats for pets and when they moved across the street, Jane and Rich Lindley opened Doodles Unique Boutique featuring small household items. I sincerely hope Artisans Alcove will be a fixture at this location on Asbury Avenue for many years. We enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres while chatting with Pat McHugh, who works at Gabrielle’s, which just moved from Stainton Square to 715 Asbury Ave. Pat, who showed off a beautiful ring and gold earrings she just purchased, has lived in Ocean City since 1965, so I told her I had her beat by three years. While walking down Asbury Avenue to our car, we stopped in 7th Street Surf Shop where Paxton Scott modeled the new hooded sweatshirt with a mask that covered his face, his dad just purchased for him. We wished William Scott well with his new store that is a most welcome addition to the downtown shopping district.
When members of Eve Circle of the United Methodist Women got together to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Sister Jean’s Kitchen in Atlantic City recently, it took longer than usual as most members didn’t show up. Greta Liston, who coordinates this project for St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, had everything set out in the kitchen. While Greta and Joanne Budnick got to work spreading peanut butter and jelly on bread, they were soon joined by Mary Woods and Marion McCaughey. This columnist helped Meredith Neely find the room for the Staff-Parish Relations meeting, then took on the job of placing finished sandwiches in individual for delivery to Sister Jean’s Kitchen Friday by Phil Young and Bill Bateson. Dave Wilson and Joe Skutlin stopped by to chat on their way to the Flotilla meeting in the Stainton Room. Brian Roberts walked by between meetings and thanked the ladies for their good work. Brian is still getting used to the quiet at home with daughter Alyson away at college as she and her friends liked to hang out and play music in the evenings. Son Nathan and his friends prefer playing sports so there’s no music in the Roberts household for now. When heading home, I spotted Bill Crockford still waiting in the parking lot for wife Alice to finish up at her meeting.
Colony Club welcomed Drew Fasy and Gail Ping to their meeting recently. Drew gave a power point presentation on the planned improvements and extension of the bike path through Ocean City. Eileen Adams wasn’t going to be hungry during the presentation as she brought a plate full of goodies into the meeting. Noreen McBride and Joann Edwards were introduced as guests at the meeting. Denise Potter outlined plans for Colony Club’s new cookbook that is in the works. Jane Snyder reported 28 women attended the American Home meeting in September and they are looking forward to a speaker from CARA in October. Sandy Crescenzo informed members of the Travel Club’s trip to Longwood Gardens on Dec. 7 with the bus leaving at 11 a.m. from the Tabernacle. Sandy also read an original poem written by honorary member Ruth Rundgren titled “When Autumn Comes.” Ginny Holt got lots of orders for mother’s cheesecake after members enjoyed samples served by Karen Morelli.
Members of the Exchange Club and their wives were soaked to the bone by the time they arrived at the Masonic Temple for a party after the Halloween parade. Vonnie and Ed Price and Rich Ellerman had hoagie trays made by Sack O’Subs set out when everyone arrived. Irene Reeves saved the night for this columnist as she brought an umbrella that the two of us shared while judging Division I and watching the rest of the parade in the reviewing stand. George Reeves, who recently had another knee replaced and is still using a cane, was dry when he arrived as was Curt Gronert as they rode in the cab of the truck that picked up Exchange members after the parade to drive them to the party. Jon Batastini and Vince Iannace didn’t fare so well as they rode in the open trailer behind the truck. John LaRosa didn’t get wet as he was stationed in City Hall Annex where he gave out prizes to the winners in all seven divisions. Jeff Shirk, who chaired the parade for the 10th year and, while not being fortunate enough to find a new chair, figures he’ll do it another five years so he can beat Bill Woods record of 14 years as parade chair.
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