To the Editor:

I, too, remember Dean Alvin Clay fondly (“End of an Era,” 8/1). I was a little girl, visiting my grandmother on 21st Street and looking forward to the games and good times to be found by just showing up on the beach on the 4^th of July.

There would be many children, old friends and new, who were ready to have “fun on the Fourth,” and the candy was freely given by the Clays, as was the laughter. It was a neighborhood gathering that had gone on for so many years that when the Clay family was unable to continue one year, it was unthinkable for the tradition to be abandoned.

As an alumna of Villanova University, I recently received notice of the passing of our much esteemed dean of the School of Business and Finance. His love of the school and his students was only exceeded by his love of his family and the time they shared in Surf City. He was an exceptional educator and patriot and will be missed by so many people. My condolences go to his family.

I’m sure his tradition will be continued by our community. Years pass, but some things are too valuable to let go. The activities that bring neighbors together should be protected by the borough, not disrupted, and the generous spirit that started with Alvin Clay’s family should be encouraged.

Lynne Tierney

Westfield, N.J. and Surf City