Jersey Shore Magazine

51 County Probation Department, and Apple specialist. He's even spent time in a foreign jail. In Florida, while working as a deckhand, the shrimp boat he was on mistakenly entered Cuban waters. He was arrested, accused of being a paramilitary operative, and imprisoned in Cuba for nearly ten months. With all this varied experience, what led to authoring Island Beach? Below, Hesse talks about the book that has consumed his interest and life as a writer for the past several years. Hesse writes eloquently, "This seemingly simple place has a history that begs to be recorded before it fades away. Hopefully, this book will leave a respectful imprint and capture some of the history, folklore, beauty, culture, and significance of this precious gem of a place." This is Hesse's second book pub- lished by Jersey Shore Publications. His first book, All Summer Long – Tales and Lore of Lifeguarding on the Atlantic, was inspired by working with and meeting generations of life- guards, whom Hesse came to realize Author Gordon Hesse at Island Beach State Park. Behind him stands the historic Island Beach Life-Saving Station. continued on page 52 have a rich oral tradition. Raised in Roselle Park and Lavallette, he life- guarded for a total of ten years on New Jersey and Florida beaches. Beyond writing and lifeguarding, Hesse's life reflects a panorama of diverse interests and adventures. After earning an English degree from Clemson University, he traveled to Hawaii and worked as a bartender. Other jobs over the course of his years included: photographer, film production assistant, teacher, pub- lication designer, public relations counselor, investigator for the Ocean

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