Wildwood Police Office Chris Chobert, Toni, and John Lynch


John Lynch, director of sales and entertainment for the Wildwoods Convention Center, said that groups love beach resort destinations for their meetings for many of the same reasons that families love to vacation there.


John Lynch of the Wildwoods Convention Center introduces - Toni: A Local Icon


Toni was born and raised in Germany, but after a stalled romance and having developed asthma, her aunt suggest- ed that she come live by the sea and join her in the Wildwoods, NJ. In 1954 Toni moved here and has since remained as one of our most beloved residents.


In 1958 she married and took a job at a clothing factory on Schellenger Avenue. She said her entire working career was at the factory making pockets for slacks. In the sum- mer she would work a second job on the boardwalk as an ice cream store clerk. She was very proud to say that for a few months a year she worked from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm all summer long.


When Toni married, she was 35 and her husband was 45, which she said was kind of late in life at that time. They decided not to have children because of their age. But, over time, her family became the countless others in the Wildwood community - those of us who say "Hi" and talk to her during her travels throughout the Wildwoods.


She said her husband passed away at 65 years of age, leaving her a widow since that time. But she has such a bright lookout on life that there seems to be no sadness when she speaks of him - just deep admiration.


She has grown to be immensely proud of her life in America, too, and loves to ride her bike every morning from Lavender Road to 2nd Street, and then in the afternoon she walks the entire boardwalk from her home. She contin- ues to do this EVERY DAY, even now at age 92. The only thing that stops her is the rain, as she does not like to get wet when walking or riding.


So after spending the last 26 years following the same routes, it can be estimated that Toni has walked and rode her bike a combined 102,960 miles. That means Toni has walked/biked just a little less than “half-way” to the moon.


She loves when people say hello to her. So when you see her out and about just say "Hi, Toni" and watch her smile.


Here in the Wildwoods, the power of community truly comes in all ages.


36 May  June 2015


"People like to come to the beach because it's outside of what they're used to," he said. "It's a more relaxed environ- ment, so groups coming here can leave their formal busi- ness attire at home. Where else can you have a morning meeting, step outside, take your shoes off and walk to the ocean to put your feet in the water, and then head back in for an afternoon educational session? It's a very unique experience. Just being here - and seeing the ocean, the beach and the sun - puts you in a different frame of mind."


"Here at the Wildwoods," he continued, "we're a great meeting destination for bringing your spouse and children along. In the summer, spring and fall especially, because everything at our resort is open and available - from restau- rants and accommodations to games and rides. And that's not all, as there are fishing boat charters available, and the Cape May County Zoo is fun for the whole family. Not to mention the architecture and the popularity of Doo Wop here in the Wildwoods."


That architecture is a great example of how the people of the Wildwoods have embraced the history of this beach town. Even when properties renovate and expand, Lynch said, they still want to pay homage to its Doo Wop history, so they make sure their refurbishments and additions are designed in a way that honors this tradition.


Further illustrating the town embracing its unique community culture, Lynch cited an "unofficial," quirky statistic about the Wildwoods, saying that the town is said to be home to more plastic palm trees per capita than anywhere else in the world. The Wildwoods truly embraces its identity, and is a fun place for both the young and the young at heart. This community harkens back to a simpler time and reminds everyone who visits just how fun it is to play at the shore.


But the Wildwoods also makes it easy to mix a little work into its playful atmosphere. "The Wildwoods Convention Center is definitely the catalyst for the conventions, meet- ings and many of the events that we host here," said Lynch. "We can accommodate a wide range of groups, and they can vary in size from 10 people for a team building session to 7,000 attendees converging on the Wildwoods for the annual meeting of New Jersey Firefighters."


And the Wildwoods Convention Center is no ordinary meet- ing venue. About half of the building features large windows or glass walls to provide views of the beach and ocean. In this setting, groups feel more connected to their surround- ings. The main exhibit hall can even be opened up to allow ocean breezes inside. The building's roof is designed to let natural light in during the day.


So when you meet in the Wildwoods Convention Center, you're truly meeting “at the beach.”


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