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One Beach’s Summer Virus Plan: 197 Groups in Zones of 18 Square Feet One Beach’s Summer Virus Plan: 197 Groups in Zones of 18 Square Feet
(about 16 hours later)
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, N.J. — One lifeguard will sit perched on a tall wooden chair. Two others, maintaining distance, will stand sentinel on the beach below.POINT PLEASANT BEACH, N.J. — One lifeguard will sit perched on a tall wooden chair. Two others, maintaining distance, will stand sentinel on the beach below.
All three will wear scarflike masks and carry face shields and respirators equipped with new HEPA filters.All three will wear scarflike masks and carry face shields and respirators equipped with new HEPA filters.
They will patrol a beach that a town engineer determined can hold precisely 197 groups in zones roughly 18-feet square, allowing six feet of space in between.They will patrol a beach that a town engineer determined can hold precisely 197 groups in zones roughly 18-feet square, allowing six feet of space in between.
“We’re trying to make sure that we can safely open as much as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Paul M. Kanitra, the mayor of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., about 70 miles south of New York City. “And that we don’t misstep too early.”“We’re trying to make sure that we can safely open as much as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Paul M. Kanitra, the mayor of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., about 70 miles south of New York City. “And that we don’t misstep too early.”
As the coronavirus begins to slowly loosen its grip on the New York City region, oceanfront havens in New Jersey and Connecticut and on Long Island are preparing to partially and warily reopen for Memorial Day weekend.As the coronavirus begins to slowly loosen its grip on the New York City region, oceanfront havens in New Jersey and Connecticut and on Long Island are preparing to partially and warily reopen for Memorial Day weekend.
Some beach communities in Nassau County are taking stringent steps, like limiting access to residents, to keep outsiders away.Some beach communities in Nassau County are taking stringent steps, like limiting access to residents, to keep outsiders away.
And just as the virus has altered every facet of life in the United States, it is upending the time-honored rhythms of summer at the Jersey Shore, a 130-mile stretch of coastline that is equal parts economic engine and cultural touchstone.And just as the virus has altered every facet of life in the United States, it is upending the time-honored rhythms of summer at the Jersey Shore, a 130-mile stretch of coastline that is equal parts economic engine and cultural touchstone.
The Spring Lake 5, a road race that for decades served as the season’s opening bell, has been canceled. Swimming is banned on beaches in Seaside Heights, a cotton candy-perfumed hub of thrill rides and boardwalk delicacies.The Spring Lake 5, a road race that for decades served as the season’s opening bell, has been canceled. Swimming is banned on beaches in Seaside Heights, a cotton candy-perfumed hub of thrill rides and boardwalk delicacies.
Atlantic City’s slot machines are as silent as the stages at the Stone Pony.Atlantic City’s slot machines are as silent as the stages at the Stone Pony.
“If anybody thinks it’s going to look the same,” said Tony Vaz, the mayor of Seaside Heights, “they’re not seeing the problem.”“If anybody thinks it’s going to look the same,” said Tony Vaz, the mayor of Seaside Heights, “they’re not seeing the problem.”
Seaside Heights came to symbolize the state’s post-Hurricane Sandy resilience after its mammoth roller coaster plummeted into the ocean during the 2012 storm. The next year, a boardwalk fire destroyed much of what had been rebuilt, leaving Mr. Vaz well aware that no amount of engineering can tame Mother Nature or stop a contagion.Seaside Heights came to symbolize the state’s post-Hurricane Sandy resilience after its mammoth roller coaster plummeted into the ocean during the 2012 storm. The next year, a boardwalk fire destroyed much of what had been rebuilt, leaving Mr. Vaz well aware that no amount of engineering can tame Mother Nature or stop a contagion.
But he is hoping that advance planning will help.But he is hoping that advance planning will help.
Officials have sketched a three-phase plan that began last week when beaches reopened with limits that barred chairs, blankets and swimming. The next phase, which starts this weekend, allows for sunbathing; swimming is not expected to be permitted until July.Officials have sketched a three-phase plan that began last week when beaches reopened with limits that barred chairs, blankets and swimming. The next phase, which starts this weekend, allows for sunbathing; swimming is not expected to be permitted until July.
Most beaches and boardwalks in New Jersey are controlled by the dozens of municipalities that form the state’s coastal backbone, with the exception of Island Beach State Park and Sandy Hook, which is within a federal park. Some beaches, like Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach, are privately operated.Most beaches and boardwalks in New Jersey are controlled by the dozens of municipalities that form the state’s coastal backbone, with the exception of Island Beach State Park and Sandy Hook, which is within a federal park. Some beaches, like Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach, are privately operated.
Last week, as Gov. Philip D. Murphy announced that beaches could reopen for Memorial Day, he offered only broad-brush guidance, requiring that local officials place indeterminate caps on attendance to allow for social distancing.Last week, as Gov. Philip D. Murphy announced that beaches could reopen for Memorial Day, he offered only broad-brush guidance, requiring that local officials place indeterminate caps on attendance to allow for social distancing.
In reality, many beaches had never closed in the first place, and the businesses that fill most shore towns are still subject to the governor’s stay-at-home order. Restaurants can continue to do takeout only and seaside amusements must remain shuttered.In reality, many beaches had never closed in the first place, and the businesses that fill most shore towns are still subject to the governor’s stay-at-home order. Restaurants can continue to do takeout only and seaside amusements must remain shuttered.
“While we are not specifically ordering it, we highly recommend that you wear a face covering, particularly when social distancing is difficult to maintain, such as waiting in line for a slice of boardwalk pizza,” the governor said.“While we are not specifically ordering it, we highly recommend that you wear a face covering, particularly when social distancing is difficult to maintain, such as waiting in line for a slice of boardwalk pizza,” the governor said.
All beaches, under state law, must allow public access when open. But that has not stopped towns from establishing rules to make it harder for day-trippers to visit. Suspicion of outsiders from virus hot spots like New York City, where the beaches are closed, remains palpable.All beaches, under state law, must allow public access when open. But that has not stopped towns from establishing rules to make it harder for day-trippers to visit. Suspicion of outsiders from virus hot spots like New York City, where the beaches are closed, remains palpable.
The boardwalk in Spring Lake, an affluent shore town filled with stately homes and manicured lawns, remains closed and daily beach badges must be purchased in advance online and picked up in person at the train station. Asbury Park is also limiting sales of beach badges and selling them only through an online app.The boardwalk in Spring Lake, an affluent shore town filled with stately homes and manicured lawns, remains closed and daily beach badges must be purchased in advance online and picked up in person at the train station. Asbury Park is also limiting sales of beach badges and selling them only through an online app.
Jenkinson’s Beach, which is adjacent to an amusement park and offers expansive public parking lots, draws Point Pleasant Beach’s largest crowds. But it cannot open without access to the boardwalk, which remains closed — by order of the town.Jenkinson’s Beach, which is adjacent to an amusement park and offers expansive public parking lots, draws Point Pleasant Beach’s largest crowds. But it cannot open without access to the boardwalk, which remains closed — by order of the town.
“Everybody is talking about the economy,” said Mr. Kanitra. “But if it’s done the wrong way, and there is a second wave, it will make all the sacrifices for nothing.”“Everybody is talking about the economy,” said Mr. Kanitra. “But if it’s done the wrong way, and there is a second wave, it will make all the sacrifices for nothing.”
Many municipalities continue to ban short-term leases and Airbnb rentals, a continuation of laws adopted as visitors began flocking to the shore to escape the exploding number of coronavirus cases in densely packed cities and suburbs.Many municipalities continue to ban short-term leases and Airbnb rentals, a continuation of laws adopted as visitors began flocking to the shore to escape the exploding number of coronavirus cases in densely packed cities and suburbs.
In spite of the uncertainty, realtors said the demand for shore rentals was robust, fueled in part by the plunge in air travel during the pandemic and the desire for so-called staycations.In spite of the uncertainty, realtors said the demand for shore rentals was robust, fueled in part by the plunge in air travel during the pandemic and the desire for so-called staycations.
“Right now we are going absolutely crazy with the number of requests that are coming in,” said Perry Beneduce, marketing director of Diane Turton realtors.“Right now we are going absolutely crazy with the number of requests that are coming in,” said Perry Beneduce, marketing director of Diane Turton realtors.
Realtors are drafting leases to be ready once towns lift the short-term rental bans, and owners are establishing more stringent cleaning protocols — the No. 1 concern expressed by renters, he said.Realtors are drafting leases to be ready once towns lift the short-term rental bans, and owners are establishing more stringent cleaning protocols — the No. 1 concern expressed by renters, he said.
In Cape May County, officials have proposed a blueprint for reopening that called for 60 percent occupancy at hotels by June 1, subject to the governor’s approval. No swimming, however, will be allowed in Cape May.In Cape May County, officials have proposed a blueprint for reopening that called for 60 percent occupancy at hotels by June 1, subject to the governor’s approval. No swimming, however, will be allowed in Cape May.
But for every town that has established firm rules, there is one that has adopted fewer limits, signaling a more open-armed welcome to tourists.But for every town that has established firm rules, there is one that has adopted fewer limits, signaling a more open-armed welcome to tourists.
The boardwalk in Wildwood, 10 miles north of Cape May, reopened two weeks ago. In Belmar, a lively beach town about an hour from Manhattan by car, the line to buy $70 seasonal beach badges on Saturday stretched for blocks.The boardwalk in Wildwood, 10 miles north of Cape May, reopened two weeks ago. In Belmar, a lively beach town about an hour from Manhattan by car, the line to buy $70 seasonal beach badges on Saturday stretched for blocks.
But residents speak of fear of an uptick in coronavirus cases and the risk of having to prematurely reverse course and close beaches, as happened in California.But residents speak of fear of an uptick in coronavirus cases and the risk of having to prematurely reverse course and close beaches, as happened in California.
Alexis Finch, 41, who moved to Belmar in March, just before the statewide stay-at-home order took hold, said towns should avoid “giving the appearance of normalcy.”Alexis Finch, 41, who moved to Belmar in March, just before the statewide stay-at-home order took hold, said towns should avoid “giving the appearance of normalcy.”
“There need to be more signals that these are not normal times,” Ms. Finch said. “Something that says: You have the option of the beach for your mental health, but this is not a place to come to party.”“There need to be more signals that these are not normal times,” Ms. Finch said. “Something that says: You have the option of the beach for your mental health, but this is not a place to come to party.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
On Monday, the governor of Pennsylvania said he would not recommend going to a Jersey Shore beach, citing people “who aren’t wearing masks.”On Monday, the governor of Pennsylvania said he would not recommend going to a Jersey Shore beach, citing people “who aren’t wearing masks.”
“The thing is,” said Linda Wojcio of Belmar as she prepared last week to walk on the boardwalk. “Once some of the restrictions are lifted, will people just figure it’s over? That’s it?”“The thing is,” said Linda Wojcio of Belmar as she prepared last week to walk on the boardwalk. “Once some of the restrictions are lifted, will people just figure it’s over? That’s it?”
Marisa Tanner, the owner of Red’s Lobster Pot near the inlet in Point Pleasant, said the crowds on Mother’s Day were overwhelming, and the customers were impatient.Marisa Tanner, the owner of Red’s Lobster Pot near the inlet in Point Pleasant, said the crowds on Mother’s Day were overwhelming, and the customers were impatient.
She said she gave out $1,000 in gift cards to placate diners frustrated by the limits of turning a sit-down restaurant — used to selling plates of Lobster Fra Diavolo for $44 — into a takeout-only shop.She said she gave out $1,000 in gift cards to placate diners frustrated by the limits of turning a sit-down restaurant — used to selling plates of Lobster Fra Diavolo for $44 — into a takeout-only shop.
“Did we go to sleep and the world went nuts?” Ms. Tanner said.“Did we go to sleep and the world went nuts?” Ms. Tanner said.
The rush to return to the shore is not without risk.The rush to return to the shore is not without risk.
An economics instructor at Montclair State University, David Axelrod, said visitors comfortable on crowded boardwalks and beaches would most likely be younger and less wary of the dangers still posed by the virus. A sudden increase in cases could lead to lingering damage.An economics instructor at Montclair State University, David Axelrod, said visitors comfortable on crowded boardwalks and beaches would most likely be younger and less wary of the dangers still posed by the virus. A sudden increase in cases could lead to lingering damage.
“You’re going to need the risk takers. We need them to get out of this,” Dr. Axelrod said.“You’re going to need the risk takers. We need them to get out of this,” Dr. Axelrod said.
“But if there is an early spike, now the shore starts getting a reputation that’s going to scare off at least some families.”“But if there is an early spike, now the shore starts getting a reputation that’s going to scare off at least some families.”
Last year, tourism pumped $46.4 billion into New Jersey, accounting for 6.3 percent of the state’s economy, according to a study by Tourism Economics. Nearly half of that spending was in the four shore regions of Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth Counties.Last year, tourism pumped $46.4 billion into New Jersey, accounting for 6.3 percent of the state’s economy, according to a study by Tourism Economics. Nearly half of that spending was in the four shore regions of Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
The study is projecting a 32 percent decline in tourist spending this year as the economy has ground to an uneasy halt, putting more than 1 million New Jersey residents out of work.The study is projecting a 32 percent decline in tourist spending this year as the economy has ground to an uneasy halt, putting more than 1 million New Jersey residents out of work.
It is the out-of-work musicians whose absence might be most deeply felt this holiday weekend. The open-air bars where customers would have thronged for live music in crowds custom-made for Bruce Springsteen ballads remain closed.It is the out-of-work musicians whose absence might be most deeply felt this holiday weekend. The open-air bars where customers would have thronged for live music in crowds custom-made for Bruce Springsteen ballads remain closed.
“I’m trying to write, but I’m really not inspired,” said John David Lyon, 71, a singer-songwriter better known as Southside Johnny. “It’s hard to find inspiration when every day is the same.”“I’m trying to write, but I’m really not inspired,” said John David Lyon, 71, a singer-songwriter better known as Southside Johnny. “It’s hard to find inspiration when every day is the same.”
His band, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, has offered the essential soundtrack for many Jersey Shore summers. His July 3 concert at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park has been rescheduled for next summer.His band, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, has offered the essential soundtrack for many Jersey Shore summers. His July 3 concert at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park has been rescheduled for next summer.
Until he can play to a crowd — “It’s just going to be monumental,” he says — he is reminded of lyrics from “Better Days,” a song written by his former bandmate Steven Van Zandt, of E Street Band and “The Sopranos” fame.Until he can play to a crowd — “It’s just going to be monumental,” he says — he is reminded of lyrics from “Better Days,” a song written by his former bandmate Steven Van Zandt, of E Street Band and “The Sopranos” fame.
“Better days are on the way,” the song promises. “It can’t get no worse.”“Better days are on the way,” the song promises. “It can’t get no worse.”