A Little Idea That Created Big Magic

By: Peter Madden

Sometimes a little idea can stir up big, magical things that you never considered to be possible.

This is what happened when 20 years ago, I had the idea of starting a newsletter for a block I grew up on – 15th Street – in beautiful Avalon. My goal was not anything related to my business, as I had just started AgileCat, and probably could have used some! I just thought it would be a fun way to meet neighbors on our block. And frankly, it was a fun way to do some creative writing while in hustle mode to build our client base.

The style of it was “The Onion meets SNL Satire.” From my publishing name – Mykonos Monkeyman – a fictional billionaire with an incredibly healthy ego (“please no more autographs on the beach dear Readers”) to tales of my legendary travel, drink recipes, Gossip about street happenings, and more.

I would work with my longtime Creative Director of 24 years (Hi “OG” Matt Hanemann!) who is still with the ‘Cat, and together, we would crack up at the final product. Then, every Friday night at what some might call “night noon,” I would put each newsletter under the welcome mats of about 30 neighbors. Laughing the whole time!

At the end of my first Summer penning away on what was called “The Sandpaper,” I invited all of my Readers to visit my home for a happy hour and meet and greet. I sat there on that fateful Friday at 5 pm, my noted “party start” time. And I waited and I waited.

Finally, after a very long hour wringing my hands, here they came. 12-packs and wine in hand. All smiling. And most saying “Madden I knew it was you!” We laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. And just like a snap of the finger, it’s like we were all instant friends.

So to add to the bonding and camaraderie, I decided we should hold a golf outing. I think the first one had four foursomes – 16 guys from the street. A fun time was had by all. More laughs, plenty of libations, and promises to do it every year.

Well, what was my “spark” of an idea turned into a roaring fire, courtesy of Team Captain, and Philly broadcast legend – Neil Hartman (TAG), now running an amazing class for those hungry to get into the sports media world, at Rowan University, co-Captain and the master of our logo and uniforms, Tom Petrella (TAG) with Remline (TAG), and our “vaunted enemy,” Mike Hagan (TAG) (kidding Mike!), of 10th Street. Thus, the “North End Cup,” 15th vs 10th, was born.

Over the years, we have had Eagles legends like Mike Quick in the match, among many others. The weekend begins with a “Pairings Party” at Hagan’s home, where there is plenty of fun verbally jabbing at each other, while enjoying pizza and great fellowship. Then onto Stone Harbour Golf Club Saturday (one hell of a challenging course) to go to battle in our respective – and typically very bright colored uniforms.

What happened as a result still leaves me scratching my head. This past year, at our 18th Annual North End Cup, we saw 188 golfers total going head to head. The weather was perfect, the competition was great, and the fun was at an all-time high, outside of a few holes where personally, I was debating putting my clubs on eBay and getting into Padel. In a “pinch me” moment, as we waited for our tee times in the morning, word quickly spread that the man himself – Charles Barkley – was there to represent 15th, even sporting our uniform! I’ve played with Sir Charles on a few occasions, and trust me, it is more fun than you think. You just need Teflon skin, because he takes no prisoners, especially if you hit an errand shot (playing with him is a subject for another blog for sure!).

We were lucky to win this year, in fact an actual “Three-Peat,” since we took the (hilariously large) trophy home in 2023 and 2024 as well. The record now stands at 8-8-2 between the teams. And as tradition has seen it for 18 years, there is a raucous party following the tournament, where friends and family are invited, always with a great live band entertaining, and plenty of dancing.

I looked around this year at the party with tears in my eyes and reflected on the power and magic of trusting your instinct to create a little magic, as I did so many years ago with my tiny newsletter. You never know where it might lead to. And in my case, it has lead to a lifetime of memories, lifelong friends, and a closet full of golf shirts from years past.

Because of new friends, the spark did become a fire, and some of the coolest moments and tremendous friendships that I am so grateful for.

So the next time you have a “crazy idea,” just go for it. You never know the adventures it may bring.

To that end, I think it’s time I turned this blog into a book. Perhaps a movie one day? Adam Sandler might be available to star in it! You never know…