I Lived In Ventnor, NJ, For 35 Years -- But, Felt Like A Stranger

Don't let the headline fool you. This is not a knock on Ventnor City, New Jersey, which we love and lived there for 35 years.

This is the most unlikely article that I've ever written. At around 9:00 a.m. this morning, I asked my wife, Margie if she would like to take a walk on the Ventnor City, New Jersey Boardwalk. She was delighted to do so, and, off we went.

I Felt Like A Stranger -- Maybe Even a Little Bit Like A Shoobie, Today

I never thought that it was possible to feel this way. Ventnor was our home for more than half of our lifetime. While we were walking on the Ventnor City Boardwalk, The runners, bike riders and walkers were doing their thing. It's something that I had experienced hundreds of times over 3 1/2 decades.

But, today was different. I felt like a stranger. I felt like a "newbie" that didn't quite have a feel for the traffic flow. It felt a little bit strange, yet, it was beautiful day and we had a nice 2-mile walk.

I Have Run Thousands Of Miles On The Ventnor Boardwalk & Beach

That's why today's sensation was so unexpected. We've only gone back to walk on the boardwalk a few times over the past 30 years -- so, I know that that is a big part of the "newbie" feeling.

We lived our final 13 years in Ventnor on Lafayette Avenue, a great family neighborhood, near the Ventnor City Educational Complex.

During our walk, I had to stop and take a photo of this boardwalk street sign, (Lafayette Avenue) see above.

The Ventnor City Library & Cultural Arts Center

Kudos to former Mayor Tim Kreischer for his vision. Kreischer took a lot of heat from political opponents over the years for the construction of this great facility and the overall vision of the Ventnor Memorial Beach Front Park (see below).

No one is complaining now. The facility is beautiful, with majestic views of the beach, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean.

Former Ventnor City Commissioners Sandy Verspertino and Paul Maccagnano also deserve credit for supporting Kreischer's vision.

Great Beach concerts and other activities take place at this incredible beach from park.

I Did An On-Air Monologue Earlier This Week

It also inspired this article. I talked at length about how we are no longer in awe of the beach, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean. We take it for granted. Yet, visitor's, who rarely , or, have never seen it -- their jaws drop in disbelief at what they are beholding.