The SandPaper

12/12/2025

Who else feels as though each passing year since the doldrums of 2020 has evaporated exponentially faster than the one before? It makes sense if we consider the fact that pandemic times forced the global community to pivot on a daily basis, the politically charged social climate has deepened divisions on seemingly every talking point, and technology – especially AI – has evolved at a rate that no human is designed to comprehend or keep up with.

Who else feels as though each passing year since the doldrums of 2020 has evaporated exponentially faster than the one before? It makes sense if we consider the fact that pandemic times forced the global community to pivot on a daily basis, the politically charged social climate has deepened divisio...

12/12/2025

Joe Rulli, owner and operator of the Joey’s Pizza and Pasta restaurants on LBI and the mainland since 1990, recently partnered with New Jersey filmmaker and actor Kevin Interdonato to produce both a film titled “LUPO” and a three-part documentary of Rulli’s father’s life story.

Joe Rulli, owner and operator of the Joey’s Pizza and Pasta restaurants on LBI and the mainland since 1990, recently partnered with New Jersey filmmaker and actor Kevin Interdonato to produce both a film titled “LUPO” and a three-part documentary of Rulli’s father’s life story. “We finis...

12/12/2025

About six minutes into the second period on Dec. 3, Max McTague and Keegan Costello started throwing their bodies around a little more. That’s when the spark happened and the light flickered to life.

About six minutes into the second period on Dec. 3, Max McTague and Keegan Costello started throwing their bodies around a little more. That’s when the spark happened and the light flickered to life. “It took them four periods to wake up and realize that some of the players who were here last ye...

12/11/2025

The clock is ticking. Soon, the Stafford Township Recreation Department will begin packing up toys and gifts for families in need this Christmas.

The clock is ticking. Soon, the Stafford Township Recreation Department will begin packing up toys and gifts for families in need this Christmas. As they have for the past several decades, the recreation department and Stafford Township PBA 297 again are accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts.....

12/11/2025

The Stockton University Performing Arts Center will end its 2025 season with three shows in the coming days, all usual suspects.

The Stockton University Performing Arts Center will end its 2025 season with three shows in the coming days, all usual suspects. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 and at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 the Atlantic City Ballet will perform a holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” As per usual at...

12/11/2025

Jimmy Harrop grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons, sprawled on his stomach and doodling away. While he never received formal art training, he parlays this hobby into a festive wonderland for his childhood friend whenever the call comes, and this year he’s turned the windows at Wally’s restaurant into something he definitely is not: the Grinch.

Jimmy Harrop grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons, sprawled on his stomach and doodling away. While he never received formal art training, he parlays this hobby into a festive wonderland for his childhood friend whenever the call comes, and this year he’s turned the windows at Wally’s rest...

12/11/2025

Not long ago, Karleigh Stout used to come to the St. Francis Community Center to compete against the Southern Regional girls swim team. On Dec. 2, she was the new coach of the squad, just trying to keep things as they were, moving in a tremendous direction.

Not long ago, Karleigh Stout used to come to the St. Francis Community Center to compete against the Southern Regional girls swim team. On Dec. 2, she was the new coach of the squad, just trying to keep things as they were, moving in a tremendous direction. “I knew I was walking into something tha...

12/10/2025

Yes, Anthony Mason is one of the leaders of the Southern Regional wrestling team this winter. And yes, he’s probably going to be in the hunt for a state title in March.

Yes, Anthony Mason is one of the leaders of the Southern Regional wrestling team this winter. And yes, he’s probably going to be in the hunt for a state title in March. “I want that state title,” he said just before the preseason began, days after signing with Bucknell to continue his wrestlin...

12/10/2025

As families and friends gather to deck the halls, two volunteer fire companies invite the community to give back to those who answer the call. The annual Christmas tree sales in Ship Bottom and Surf City are about more than holiday cheer as they support first responders who serve the Island all year at all times in all circumstances.

As families and friends gather to deck the halls, two volunteer fire companies invite the community to give back to those who answer the call. The annual Christmas tree sales in Ship Bottom and Surf City are about more than holiday cheer as they support first responders who serve the Island all year...

12/10/2025

Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s office is intervening on behalf of his constituents around the Long Beach Island region to address ongoing mail delivery issues that surfaced in September. Van Drew’s congressional district is the largest in the state.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s office is intervening on behalf of his constituents around the Long Beach Island region to address ongoing mail delivery issues that surfaced in September. Van Drew’s congressional district is the largest in the state. “We can absolutely reach out to our liaisons at...

12/10/2025

Not really ‘the sugarplum charm of the holidays,’ the Grinch mugs for a SandPaper cover photo of the 46th annual Ship Bottom Christmas parade, held on Saturday afternoon. 📸 by Ryan Morrill

12/09/2025

Throughout the holiday season, the members of the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh of Ocean County do their part to help their fellow residents who may be going through tough times with food insecurity.

Throughout the holiday season, the members of the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh of Ocean County do their part to help their fellow residents who may be going through tough times with food insecurity. Recently, group members teamed up with three local organizations to help make the holiday season a lit...