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December 25 to 31:

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

According to the results of a recent Gallup poll, young adults have increasingly turned away from using alcohol. As the Champagne corks pop on the last day of 2023, many in the 18 to 34 year old grouping may be looking to mock-cocktails instead.

Over 40 years of survey data on Gallup’s long term measure of alcohol consumption in the U. S. shows an overall level of use that is relatively steady, but a decline in use by late Millennials and Generation Z individuals. In the 20 years since 2003, the percentage of individuals 55 and older that report alcohol use has risen, while that of 25 to 54 year olds has held steady, and use amongst 18 to 34 year olds has dropped.

Gallup says that fewer than 40% of young adults appear to be regular drinkers. Over drinking is also less common in those under 35. The Gallup report does say that young people’s use of marijuana may play a role in their declining interest in alcohol.

The parallel trend to a decreasing interest in alcohol is the rising popularity of non-alcoholic drinks. Interest in non-alcoholic beers is rising and restaurants are seeing rising demand for mock-cocktails. Distill Ventures reports that 58% of consumers are drinking non alcoholic or low-alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks on nights out.

Here in Cape May County, mock-cocktails are gaining prominence on libations menus like those at the Washington Inn or the Ebbitt Room. The rising popularity of the mock-cocktail has led to an increasingly sophisticated variety of such beverages.

Looming Electric Load Spikes

Electric vehicles (EVs) were only 1% of the country’s light-duty vehicles in 2022, but they represented 7% of new vehicle sales. Electric utilities are concerned that the government goals of EVs making up 50% new vehicle sales by 2030 could threaten power system reliability.

Leading utilities, like PSE&G, are proposing time varying rates (TVRs) as an incentive to move heavy electric use to off-peak times. Providing consumers with access to smart technologies and using incentives to shift consumer load patterns are part of the emerging strategies for meeting the projected growth in demand.

The hope is that lower-cost TVR periods will drive more off-peak charging, lowering the cost of transportation electrification.

In a tourist region where visitors do not have access to home-based charging capabilities, the importance of distributed public charging stations becomes even more important. Data shows less than 40 charging stations in Cape May County, spread over a range of charging capabilities and speeds. Of those, a little more than half are listed as J1772 charging stations, with the rest being Tesla. When packing for your trip, remember that adapter.

Employers Dropping Degree Requirements

According to a Nov. 29 report from Intelligent.com, 45% of companies surveyed plan to reduce or eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for some positions in 2024. Employers indicated that the move signals an awareness that there are other ways to gain necessary skills. They also said they desired to increase applicant pools. Diversity gains are another sought after benefit.

The report notes that alternative education and training programs are gaining in value with employers. A growing number of employers say they value certificate programs and apprenticeships. Many of those companies responding to the survey added that their company pays for additional education as part of their benefits package.

Even with the growing interest in skills-based hiring, LinkedIn data shows traditional requirements remain influential. That college degree may still be an important asset in moving beyond entry-level and mid-level positions. Still, a new emphasis on skills and work experience is a welcome sign for many who wish to defer the high cost of getting a college degree.

Happenings

The controversial Marmora vineyard that sparked opposition from neighbors can begin wine production after successfully gaining a state winery license.

Local ordinances seems to have some positive impact on reducing the level of juvenile rowdyism, following almost three years of problems. Local officials blame state juvenile reform efforts, which they argue handcuffed police, allowing destructive juvenile behavior to go without consequences. New legislation may also help.

Wildwood Crest has agreed to share a Municipal Court with Lower Township, following the expiration of its shared services arrangement with North Wildwood.

An abandoned chair teetering on a storm damaged rooftop became a social media sensation, with a Chair Watch Facebook page. Now, with the building demolished and the chair gone, it lives on in the social media community.

A new Berkeley Lab study argues that property values are only temporarily impacted by proximity to wind farms.

The parents of a special needs student, who allegedly died after choking during a bus ride to school, are suing the bus company.

An Ocean City Police Officer, who was convicted of an off-duty disorderly person’s offense in another county, is suspended.

A local attorney achieved his goal of running a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He became the 982nd member of the Seven Continents Club.

When should governing body meetings occur in order to best support public participation? A long-time Herald reporter responds to the question.

The indoor Joseph Von Savage pool reopened in Wildwood Crest after completion of a $1.5 million renovation.

A Lower Cape May Regional High School alum had embarked on a career in entertainment when a trip to Israel led him instead to choose a life of faith.

A Wildwood suspect was indicted by the county grand jury on first degree murder charges, connected to the stabbing death of a woman in September.

Wildwood Crest approved ordinances that create new parking areas for golf carts and motorcycles. The ordinances also impose or remove parking regulations on specific streets.

A Cape May native authored and illustrated a book for his four year old daughter, Avery, whom he centers as the book’s main character.

Spout Off of the Week: DENNISVILLE – To anyone I offended in 2023, please try to improve so I don’t have to do it again in 2024.