A Winter Tradition Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

For all but one week out of the year there is no real buzz over what appears on the cover of Sports Illustrated except for those who believe there is a jinx associated with it. 

However when the current issue hits newsstands today there will likely be more glances at the cover then say when Lebron James or Derek Jeter appears on it.  It is the annual and iconic swimsuit issue in which basketball, baseball and football stars are replaced by the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Lily Aldridge and Nina Agdal.

The trio of beautiful models adorn what’s probably the hottest and most controversial cover in the 50-year history of the swimsuit issue which is pleasing to many and disturbing to others.  As an SI subscriber for more than 40 years I know that for the next few weeks I will read negative comments from readers and non-readers who will insist the swimsuit issue is nothing more than glorified smut.

As you might imagine I disagree and frankly don’t understand the reason for the outrage because it’s a product you can simply choose to not purchase.  My Sports Illustrated usually arrives in the mail on Thursday and I’m looking forward to the 50^th anniversary issue which includes former cover girls Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Rachel Hunter and Paulina Porizkova.

By the way there is a real local theme to this swimsuit issue as there is a “Jersey Strong” photo series featuring Hannah Davis that was shot in locations including Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park and Seaside Heights.  In addition for the 15^th consecutive year Ocean County native MJ Day has served as editor of the issue in her role as a senior editor at Sports Illustrated.  Day now lives in Montclair with her husband and son.

Last week Gateway Toyota of Toms River presented Ocean’s Harbor House with the keys to a brand-new Toyota Sienna as part of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program.  It’s a nationwide program in which Toyota will award 100 cars in 50 days to nonprofits and Ocean’s Harbor House was selected through online voting.

For those that are not aware the organization helps homeless, runaway, abused, neglected and at-risk young people by providing a safe haven along with emergency shelter, counseling, support and more.  Heidi Hartmann of Ocean’s Harbor House was given the new vehicle by Gateway General Manager Rick Cardwell along with Toyota representatives at the dealership.

Cardwell said his dealership was proud to have a role in the program and recognize Ocean’s Harbor House while advancing their work in the community.