SOUNDS OF THE SHORE
There’s music for everyone this summer where the surf meets the sand
FROM THE PUBLISHER
BY KEN DUNEK
Summertime is my favorite time.
If you look around you, nature is playing right before your eyes.
I saw a squirrel with an acorn gyrating and hopping around as it scurried up an old elm tree in front of my home, having the best time.
Yesterday morning there was a robin with a huge, robust orange breast wrestling a worm out of the ground for breakfast.
The finches, wrens, and hummingbirds flutter around and wait patiently for my wife to fill the bird feeder each and every day.
An egret was stretching her legs near a pond near the 13th green at my club while a red-tailed hawk soared overhead.
A sand crab found a cookie crumb on the beach and scurried underground with their prize possession.
Fish jumping in the bay, owls hooting at night.
Winter is ok...but Summer is vibrant with life.
Open your eyes to the treasures before you.
And dance in the glorious summer moonlight before the cold weather sets in.
Ken Dunek PUBLISHER
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ashley Dunek
EDITOR
George Brinkerhoff
ART DIRECTOR
Steve Iannarelli
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
George Anastasia, Jan L. Apple, Michael Bradley, George Brinkerhoff, Sam Carchidi, Alexandra Dunek, Mark Eckel, Albert Fox, Sam Kraft, Dei Lynam, Anthony Mongeluzo, Mike Shute, Kurt Smith
Event Coordinator & Administrative Assistant
Alexandra Dunek
Website & Digital Coordinator
Jamie Dunek
Editorial gbrinkerhoff@jerseymanmagazine.com
Advertising 856-912-4007
Printing Alcom Printing, Harleysville, Pa.
Controller
Rose M. Balcavage
Sales Associates
Ashley Dunek, Jamie Dunek, Terri Dunek, Allison Farcus, JP Lutz
Intern
Laurie Walsh
JerseyMan/PhillyMan Advisory Board
Peter Cordua (Chairman) Cordua Consulting, LLC
Don Eichman .............................. Alcom Printing
Bill Emerson Emerson Group
Jerry Flanagan .............................. J Dog Brands
Damien Ghee TD Bank
Bob Hoey ....................... Janney Montgomery Scott
Kristi Howell Burlington Co. Chamber of Commerce
Ed Hutchinson Hutchinson
Robert Kennedy Waterworks Metrology
Anthony Mongeluzo PCS
Charlie Muracco ............................ CLM Advisors
Ryan Regina Big Sky Enterprises
Scott Tanker ....................Tanker Business Solutions
Joe Tredinnick Cornerstone Bank
Jim Wujcik ............................... The Joseph Fund
“Oh the summer night, has a smile of light, and she sits on a sapphire throne.”
– Bryan Proctor
Photo Jamie Dunek
quonk quonk quonk
If you ever find yourself in the New Jersey Pine Barrens
there’s an elusive little creature you might find. “Might’ being the operative word because despite their colorful markings, most people in the Delaware Valley, even those who’ve grown up near the Pine Barrens, have never seen a Pine Barrens Treefrog in its native habitat. It’s a small 1.5-to-2-inch frog with a strikingly bold look. “A purple stripe with a yellowish-white border extends from the snout through the eye down each side of the body. It is white below, with a vibrant orange patch beneath each hind leg that shows as a flash of color when the frog jumps. Its throat has a purplish tinge, which is particularly visible on the male.”
You can hear them, however. During spring and through the beginning of July, the males will vocalize with their distinctive “‘quonkquonk-quonk,’ repeated at a rate of about 25 times in 20 seconds.” Their habitat is generally acidic swamplands in the uniquely specialized pine barrens ecosystems throughout the southeastern United States, including New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, the Florida panhandle and Alabama.
While in 1979 it was listed as endangered in New Jersey, the population in the Garden State is currently thought to be stable. “However, protection of this species is warranted, as quality habitat is limited to specialized Pine Barrens ecosystems patchily distributed throughout its range.” Makes sense.
Source: conservewildlifenj.org
The Pine Barrens Treefrog (Hyla andersonii)
Meet the Tweeters!
Just who’s doing all the quacking and the yacking amongst our feathered friends?
YOU HEAR IT EVERY DAY, streaming through an open window, or almost anytime you’re outside, most notably during the spring and summer. The squawking, the hooting, the chirping, the tittering, the peeping and the screeching. No, it’s not your neighbors this time (not the human ones at least). I’m talking about our feathered friends. Let’s face it, there is a menagerie of bird life surrounding us everywhere in the Delaware Valley. This area, located along a coastal migratory route, is a smorgasbord for all manner of avian species either resting or nesting amongst us. And instead of just listening in ignorance to the cacophony of bird song swirling about in the ether, now, with the help of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID app, you can set out to identify the specific owner of those dulcet (or not so dulcet) tones. It’s a free global bird guide app that can identify over 6,000 species, with photos, sounds, apps and more. Say you spot a bird that you’d like to identify. By answering 3 simple questions about the bird you’ve seen, the Merlin ID Wizard will provide you with a list of possible subjects with their photos so you can compare and hone-in on the culprit. Merlin reveals answers and information for all levels of bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts, helping to ID and provide background info for almost any bird in the world.
But the real magic of Merlin may be in using Sound ID, which helps you to identify your noisy
neighbors solely by their sound in real time! Just let the app record the songs around you and it will single out the various birdsong for you and instantly provide you with a list of the fine, feathered singers’ identities. You can also compare your recording to the ones in Merlin’s library. And Sound ID works offline so you can use it anywhere, anytime. It’s available for birds in the U.S., Canada and Europe, along with some common birds in Central and South America and India (but with more regions coming soon!)
Or if you take a photo of a bird, or maybe have one in your album that you want to identify, Photo
ID will offer a short list of possible matching candidates. It, too, works totally offline. You can also save birds to your “life list” and create custom lists for future sightings.
Merlin Bird ID is an easy to use, fun and educational tool that works just as well in the deep woods as in the backyard.
You can download Merlin Bird ID for free at Google Play or the App Store.
Indigo Bunting
Congratulations Merrill!
THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME announced in June that our incomparable hometown broadcaster and longtime voice of the Philadelphia Eagles (not to mention the subject of the very first ever cover story for JerseyMan Magazine), Philly’s own Merrill Reese, is the recipient of the 2024 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. The announcement (on profootballhof.com) elaborated:
“Each year, the Hall of Fame recognizes an individual who has dedicated their career to improving radio and television in professional football, and this year’s recipient, Merrill Reese, represents exactly what we look for when we talk about who’s made a big impact in broadcasting,” said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “For nearly a half century, fans tuning into Eagles games, including opposing fans, have had the privilege of hearing Merrill’s legendary voice.”
Reese will be honored during the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week that includes the Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner in downtown Canton on Friday, Aug. 2, and the Class of 2024 Enshrinement on Saturday, Aug. 3, in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
“Oh, my god. Thank you so much,” Reese said over the phone upon receiving the news. “I can’t tell you what this means to me.”
The beginning of the Eagles’ 2024-25 season will mark Reese’s 48th consecutive season as the team’s radio play-by-play announcer.
Reese has said calling the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory in 2018 marks the highlight of his career. He provided fans with one of the most memorable, and enduring, calls in franchise history, “The Philly Special.”
“Foles in the gun. Clement to his right. Now lines up behind Foles. Foles moves to the right and it goes directly to Clement, and Clement reverses it and it goes into the end zone ... And it’s a touchdown by Nick Foles!”
In 1990, Reese voiced the play-by-play for ESPN’s award-winning series “NFL Dream Season.”
A lifelong Philadelphia native, Reese attended Temple University. Throughout his illustrious career, Reese has received numerous awards and recognition, including Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year, Lindsey Nelson Award for Excellence in Sportscasting, Philadelphia’s Best Sportscaster by Philadelphia Magazine and induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Temple University Communications Hall of Fame and Overbrook High School Hall of Fame.
“I will never willingly retire,” Reese once said in an interview. “They will have to remove me with a crane, because this is what I love doing more than anything else in the world.”
Congratulations, Merrill, on this well-deserved honor and on a truly outstanding career. And thanks again for assisting us in the founding of JerseyMan Magazine by graciously serving as the subject of our inaugural issue’s cover story. We’ll continue to look forward to many more years of your epic play calls, and, just maybe, even another Super Bowl win! n
Merrill Reese was featured on the cover of the inaugural issue of JerseyMan
Chairman’s Club Golf Outing, Llanerch Country Club, PA
Durand Foundation Fundraising P.R.O.M. The Supper Club, Turnersville, NJ
Rancocas
L to R: Tony DeGerolamo, Corey Katzen, Bill Hyndman,V, Ken Dunek
L to R: Frank Plum, Mike Barreto, Trevor Cooney, Ed Hutchinson
L to R: Berkley Harmon, Don Eichman, Jim Liney, Bill Emerson
Ken Dunek with Kelli Brack, Durand Foundation President at Durand Fundraising P.R.O.M. where JerseyMan was a silver sponsor.
L to R: Ken Dunek with JROTC seniors Kylie Shenton and Emily Monday, and Roy Plummer
Valley High School (NJ) Scholarship Awards
A piece of the blood-stained brick wall spray painted by Capone gunmen who killed seven rival Irish mobsters that day is one of the many “artifacts” on display.
Thompson submachine guns, handcuffs, vintage photos, pieces of evidence from infamous mob investigations….and Bugsy Siegel’s sunglasses. It’s all there. The three-story building includes the old courtroom where, in 1951, U.S. Senator Estes Kefauver held one of the dozens of hearings he staged around the country, hearings that literally brought the American Mafia into everyone’s living room.
Television, the new medium of the 1950s, was in its infancy and the hearings provided a taste of reality TV that seventy-five years later still resonates with viewers. The museum building (and the “Speak Easy” bar and restaurant in the basement) is a trip back in time, a Cooperstown for mob aficionados.
THAT HISTORY IS NOT LOST on
Frank Calabrese Jr. whose mob bloodlines run deep. His Irish grandfather on his mother’s side, he said, was a player in the underworld during the Capone era and
his family also had ties to Ed Hanley who once headed the mob-controlled Hotel and Restaurant Workers union.
Both his father and his uncle Nick Calabrese were made members and accomplished hitmen for the Chicago Outfit. His uncle Nick eventually opted to testify for the feds, joining his nephew in the Operation Family Secrets case. The seven-year investigation focused on 18 mob murders between 1970 and 1986, including the hit on Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro that was recreated (and relocated) in the movie “Casino.” Frank Calabrese Sr. and 13 others were charged in the case that ended with guilty pleas and convictions across the board.
FRANK CALABRESE
JR.’S testimony was crucial to the investigation and prosecution. So were a series of secretly recorded conversations he had with his father while both were serving time together on unrelated racketeering charges in the late 1990s. It was while in prison that he realized he had to change his life, beat the addictions that had plagued him and get away from his father who was the most dangerous addiction of all.
He contacted the FBI and secretly wore a body wire while in prison, a move that put his life in jeopardy every day.
But he was willing to take that chance.
“I look at my time in prison as a way out of this life,” he said, pointing out that when he decided to cooperate his then prison term was nearly up. He cut his deal, he said, not to get a reduced sentence but to get away from his father.
Frank Calabrese Sr., convicted in 2007 in the Secrets case, died in prison in 2012.
His son still mourns his passing, and what life in the underworld did to both of them.
“This life took his heart, took his soul,” Frank Calabrese Jr. said.
That’s a part of the story that is not seen in the artifacts, exhibits and evidence on display in the museum but is fundamental to the story that Frank Calabrese Jr. tells each day.
Back in January, he spoke at the museum along with retired FBI agent Michael Maseth who steered the Family Secrets investigation. Maseth described the case as “a saga of betrayal, redemption, and relentless justice-seeking.”
Nora Ephron had it right.
It’s Shakespeare’s kind of story. n
DEI LYNAM
A Statue for The Answer
WATCHING THE NBA FINALS this spring
and seeing the Sixers’ rivals capture their 18th World Championship was jealous-worthy material. After all, the Sixers have three total titles on their resume; the last one occurred 41 years ago. Their most recent NBA Finals appearance was 23 years ago. The fans stay connected to the leader of THAT team like no other sports figure this city has known.
When Allen Iverson is shown on the arena vision at any current Sixers game, the ovation is always the loudest of that evening. Many in the arena are too young to have seen him play. Still, they wear his number three jersey and are educated on his iconic crossover and scoring prowess.
“No one brings people out like A.I.,” Sixers owner Josh Harris said at a recent ceremony that paid tribute to the Hall of Famer in a forever gesture.
Just before the Sixers headed to the NBA Playoffs, they honored Iverson with a sculpture in his likeness on Legends Walk at the team’s practice facility in Camden, New Jersey. On the walk, Iverson joins other Sixers greats: Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, and Maurice Cheeks. Just as Iverson played bigger than his 6’1” frame, the crowd that attended the unveiling was larger than any of his predecessors’ celebrations. Former teammates, coaches, front office members, and behindthe-scenes staff came from all over just to see the Answer and his crossover set in stone.
“When you think about the statue,” Iverson said, “That’s a representation of all of you who helped me, to everyone who played a part in my development and in my life. When y’all see that statue, y’all could feel good about the part that y’all did in helping me with my life. This is such an honor, man. It doesn’t even seem real.”
IVERSON HAS ALWAYS SPOKEN FROM HIS HEART and with emotion. One quote that resonates with people still is when he was named MVP of the All-Star game in February 2001. He stood on the podium center court in Washington, DC, looking everywhere, saying, “Where’s my coach? Where’s my coach?”
The Answer wanted to give proper credit to his coach, Larry Brown, who also coached the winning East All-Star team that night, the last All-Star team that played real defense. The East defeated the West 111-110, with Iverson leading the way with 25 points, adding five assists and four steals.
“Coach and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on things,” Iverson said. “But he wanted the same thing that I wanted out of my career and our team goals. Once I bought into that, that’s what turned me into an MVP basketball player. That turned us into a team [of] winners, that could go to the finals and compete with the best teams.”
When current Sixers majority owner Josh Harris bought the team in 2011, Iverson had been gone for five years, albeit a 25-game stretch in the 2009-10 season. But over the years, Harris saw the value of A.I. staying
involved with the organization as a team ambassador.
“The history of this franchise is deep, and it’s strong because of people like Allen,” Harris said. “Allen changed basketball forever. For me, the idea is that through grit, tenacity, and the idea of leaving it all on the court, you could make it happen. You didn’t have to be the biggest or the strongest, but he helped all of us, and we all remember it.
“Today and moving forward, every player, coach or executive that comes in will walk by a statue of the answer and understand what that means.”
IVERSON’S CAREER WENT IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION in 1998 when the team decided to trade for Eric Snow, a backup point guard in Seattle. The difference was Snow was coming to Philadelphia to be the starting point guard alongside now-shooting guard, Allen Iverson.
“When I was traded from Seattle to Philadelphia, I hadn’t played much,” Eric Snow shared. “I showed up at practice the next day, and the first person to welcome me to the team was Allen Iverson. From that
Photo Dei Lynam
The Sixers recently unveiled the Allen Iverson statue at the team’s Camden practice facility
point on I felt the heart. He was a guy who allowed me to be the point guard of the team because he was the point guard before I arrived. He allowed me to do my job. He allowed me to help him.
“Anyone who has been around basketball a long time knows that is not easy, and it doesn’t happen often. That is Allen’s heart.”
That April day in Camden, stories of people’s experiences with Iverson as a player, teammate, and friend flowed. Those memories may fade slightly with the passage of time, but his image is cemented on Legend’s Walk for all to admire when they visit, of all places, the Sixers’ practice facility. n
Iverson at the unveiling ceremony
GET FIT
BY ALEXANDRA DUNEK
Protein - The #1 Macronutrient
Protein along with carbohydrates and fats are the three macronutrients (nutrients your body needs) that make up the food we eat. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), you should be consuming a minimum of 0.8 grams per pound of body weight daily. The number can be higher depending on factors like your goals and activity level. Not only does protein help you feel more energized, but it keeps you fuller & more satiated, a key tactic to help prevent overeating and an overall better weight loss experience. It also helps build and preserve muscle which is important to maintain for our strength and stability as we age. Here are some of my favorite ways to help you get more protein in your diet. n
Turkey Pepperoni & Reduced Fat
String Cheese
21g protein
Ratio Yogurt
25g protein
Oikos Pro Yogurt
20-25g protein
Dried Edamame
14g protein
Barebells Protein Bar
15-20g protein
Fulfill Protein Bar
15g protein
Two Hard Boiled Eggs
12g protein
Chomps Meat Sticks
10g protein
port [someone who works in this industry] is they can be understanding. You might miss holidays and things and that’s because sports happen on nights and weekends. I’ve lived an untraditional life in a lot of aspects. You try to be there for as much as you can but it’s definitely challenging because you’re traveling and you’re working when a lot of people are off. But that has great tradeoffs. I can golf and ski during the week when it’s not as busy or crowded, so you try and look at the positives that way.
“They always pushed and have been supportive and I would like to think they’re certainly proud of what I’ve achieved. They’ve been awesome and they helped me develop that work ethic and a desire for learning. I did a little bit of everything growing up, music, theater, scouting, sports, student government stuff. And that’s kind of what I do now professionally.”
Knapp, who is a freelance broadcaster, has called more than 30 different sports on a multitude of networks and channels in his career, which started after he graduated from Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1991. He and his wife Trish, who reside in Clarks Summit, PA, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this summer in a short stretch between his Olympic work and the start of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York. He explained how they’ve been able to make it work amidst the unique challenges of a broadcaster’s lifestyle.
“Again, support and understanding and realizing she might have to make some sacrifices of time with me. I would try and make sacrifices too. There was a time when I was flying to the West Coast a lot and I would get on a redeye because the difference between getting home at 9 a.m. versus 4 p.m. is huge. It’s almost a whole extra day.”
The challenges aren’t just personal in the life of a broadcaster. For Knapp, one of the biggest is really digging into the reams of documents that are collected by members of the NBC Sports research department.
“It’s just making sure that we’re finding stories but also in a lot of sports I do, trying to find pronunciations. In wrestling, there are not a lot of Smiths and Joneses. There are a lot of challenging names from Russia and the former Soviet Republics. There’s just a lot of pronunciations and making sure you’ve got all of that. Wherever you are (during the Games), you feel that fun intensity but it’s a grind too. It’s really, really challenging, but also for me, really, really rewarding.”. n
Grown Up Camp
BY KURT SMITH
Have you ever longed to do all the fun things your children do at day camp? This August, at Liberty Lake in Bordentown, you can.
SOMETIMES, an idea is so obvious you wonder why it hadn’t been done sooner.
Then again, most of us don’t realize how powerful a comfort zone is.
Andy Pritikin, owner of Liberty Lake Day Camp, has a unique perspective on the phenomenon. He’s witnessed it firsthand.
Liberty Lake is already a very popular destination for Burlington County youth, for a variety of reasons. It’s a beautiful setting, there’s a wide variety of fun activities, and the people running the show truly care.
The grounds are also large enough to accommodate your team-building picnic, wedding, birthday party or other celebration, which Liberty Lake also does. It’s hosted gatherings for the likes of Lockheed Martin, Comcast, Burlington Coat Factory and many others.
But it wasn’t until 2022 that Liberty Lake started offering its annual Grown Up Camp.
On August 10 of this year, they’ll be opening their camp for adults only with all the activities that parents long to do. Boating, rock climbing, water balloon tosses, and many other pastimes adults don’t get to do anymore.
There are other adult amenities too…like craft beers from Screamin’ Hill Beer Farm, live
music all day, and food trucks.
From 2022, it’s been a huge and growing success, for obvious reasons. So how had no one tried this sooner?
Well, actually, they had. But as Pritikin can tell you, people needed to be jolted out of their comfort zone. It took a pandemic to do it.
“I’ve been doing this for over 25 years,” he says. “Parents said to me constantly, ‘You
should do a thing for the parents!’
“I did it once before. It didn’t hit because a lot of parents have so many obligations on the weekend. Birthday parties, kids in sports, whatever. But then the pandemic hit. It recalibrated people’s brains in regard to how they value their leisure time.
“People are now like, ‘You know what? For years I said I’m not gonna do it. My family’s
Photo courtesy Liberty Lake Day Camp
According to Johnson, his responsibilities include “marketing, getting the partnership with the brewery together, creating the advertisements that go out, putting leaflets wherever they need to go, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, all that.
“I schedule all the activities, events, time periods, so everything flows, it doesn’t overlap and people don’t miss out on things.
“Then I get on the microphone and hype up the crowd, give them a rundown of what to expect for the day.”
Of Grown Up Camp, he says, “It’s not a festival, it’s not drink as much as you want and hang on everybody’s shoulders and tell your life story. It’s not that at all. We are focusing on letting people experience camp. That’s what we want to do.”
JOHNSON HAS BEEN with Liberty Lake for nearly 20 years, so, clearly, they’re happy with his efforts. A fully filled schedule of events going into 2025 is a ringing endorsement from guests too. If you want to host your company picnic at Liberty Lake, call Kurtis.
One reason Grown Up Camp has been wildly successful is the reputation Liberty Lake al-
ready has with parents and corporate clients, thanks in large part to people like Pritikin and Johnson.
But Pritikin also adds, “Really, what is camp? Camp is really at the base of things. What do you want your team to do? You want them to grow, you want the camaraderie, you want them to work together.” n
Photos courtesy Liberty Lake Day Camp
Financial Lessons Learned from the Past 30 Years
by Albert A. Fox, CFP®, CIMA®
Milestones in life are important because they’re a natural time to reflect on the past while preparing for the future.
At Fox, Penberthy & Dehn at Morgan Stanley, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of our founding. Over the decades, I’ve been blessed with such a wonderful team that’s been so instrumental to our success.
That includes my two long-term partners and Financial Advisors, Ed Penberthy and Joe Dehn. I’ve worked with Ed since the inception of our team; he was the best man at my wedding. Frankly, I wouldn’t be who I am today without my personal and professional relationship with Ed. Joe joined us shortly afterward in various capacities and became a partner in 1999. He’s an incredibly loyal, mission-driven professional who’s contributed so much to our practice.
Our team’s milestone made me think about all the changes that have occurred since 1994—whether in the investment world or life in general. Some of these things are relatively insignificant. For example, the cost of a first-class stamp in 1994 was 29 cents. Today, it’s 68 cents (and soon will be 73 cents). Others have impacted the macro picture—such as transitioning away from a heavy reliance on paper into this new digital age. We’ve also been through eight presidential election cycles and four Federal Reserve chairmen during this time.
But so much has stayed the same, especially as a Financial Advisor. Despite the advancements in technology, the ability to simply be a good listener and teacher is just as essential now as it’s ever been. That includes understanding each client’s goals, objectives and values while addressing their concerns so you can create a customized financial pathway from an investment management and overall personal fulfillment perspective.
As I thought about some of the biggest market events during our team’s tenure, several immediately come to mind. The dot.com bubble and crash. 9/11. The housing bubble and collapse. The financial crisis. COVID. The supply-chain crisis. Then there are other domestic or global events that drove headlines and impacted the market, such as presidential election cycles, natural disasters and wars.
And let’s not overlook the significant influence of the Federal Reserve—especially during the last 15 years—as they raised or lowered interest rates or made changes to their monetary policies to combat inflation or stimulate the economy or backstop the bond market.
Again, though, while some of the catalysts for market movements over time may change, so much remains the same.
History shows us that events that trigger market cycles may be challenging in the moment, but they’re normal. They’re supposed to happen. And investors will go through periods of confidence, optimism and euphoria followed by feelings of fear, panic and resignation, and then repeat this emotional roller-coaster again. It’s nothing new.
And while the Fed is powerful, there’s so much they can’t directly
control—from employment rates to the cost of food, housing and healthcare to supply-chain disturbances and other factors. If they could manufacture an eventproof environment that features a continually strong economy with a robust job market and low inflation, they’d do it.
So, take comfort in this. A level of unpredictability or uncertainty in the markets will always exist— whether it’s about interest rates, earnings outlooks, real estate costs, election results or something else. It’s both unavoidable and natural.
As an investor, the key is to maintain your discipline. Have a well-constructed financial plan with enough flexibility to make adjustments, so these passing events simply become moments in time instead of life-changing events that damage your financial well-being. As sung in “Tom Sawyer” by Rush (one of my favorite bands), “Changes aren’t permanent, but change is.”
Some other lessons for investors to keep in mind. Markets are efficient, so make sure you understand both sides of every issue before taking action. Free-money opportunities don’t exist; risk management should factor into every financial decision you make. Always stay in learning mode, especially with evolving market climates. Accept that you’ll need to make adjustments to your financial plan to stay on course; being on autopilot isn’t a viable long-term option. Pay attention to news events and market cycles, but don’t become a victim of them. History repeats itself more than you think. Work with advisors you have confidence in, who always place your best interests first through their demonstrated actions.
And, perhaps most importantly, keep everything in perspective. The most valuable thing in the world is the health of yourself and your family. Stressing about financial markets won’t change anything. Focus on your loved ones instead. They matter so much more!
In my role as a Financial Advisor, here are some of the personal lessons I’ve learned that I will build upon and apply for the next 30 years. Demand more of yourself than anyone’s highest expectations for yourself. Work tirelessly at being a perpetual student of finances. Be willing to fail every day in order to totally commit to success. Remember that your repeated actions telegraph your intentions. Treat your clients the way you want to be treated. Practice empathy and kindness. Always be a sound voice of reason for your clients—including during both their most exciting and challenging moments. Be willing to aggressively fight on behalf of your clients to get them where they want to be. Never let your guard down, and never stop punching!
Looking back over my career, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I was meant to be a Financial Advisor. It’s been a phenomenal blessing to make such a critical difference in the lives of others. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity, as well as the continued confidence our clients place in our team every day. And I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings, equipped with the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Here’s to the next 30 years at Fox, Penberthy & Dehn!
Albert Fox is a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Mount Laurel, NJ office. Although Albert Fox has compensated JerseyMan to have this advertisement featured in its publications, this is not a solicitation nor intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors. You should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley.
Photo Rachel Ertle
Casino), Asia (July 12, Tropicana Casino), Brian McKnight (July 12, Ocean Resort and Casino), The O’Jays (July 13, Hard Rock Live), Blue Oyster Cult (July 13, Golden Nugget), Hank Williams Jr. (July 26, Hard Rock), Ludacris and T.I. (July 27, Hard Rock), Black Eyed Peas (August 4, Ocean Resort and Casino), Boyz 2 Men (August 16, Borgata), Miranda Lambert (August 31, Hard Rock) and Squeeze and Boy George (September 14, Tropicana).
Those who tend to migrate further up the coast for their Shore fun have the opportunity to check out some big-name acts at Asbury Park’s legendary Stone Pony, which has for decades presented some significant up-and-comers, along with more established bands. On
July 10, country storyteller Jamey Johnson performs, while O.A.R. comes to the Pony on July 19. Deadheads from every shore point will converge on July 21 when the Dark Star Orchestra arrives. The Struts will rock on August 3, while The Gaslight Anthem plays there on August 16, in a preview of what fans can expect the next month at Sea. Hear.Now.
WHEN KACIE RATTIGAN checks in on musicians who have come to Cape May to be part of the town’s Summer Concert Series, the feedback is almost unanimously positive.
“People love coming to Cape May,” she says.
Rattigan is the Director of Civic Affairs, Recreation, Tourism and Marketing for the city, a position she has held for three-plus years. During that time, she has seen several artists entertain crowds in the 800-seat Convention Hall. Last year, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits, The Association and Jay and the Americans headlined the series.
This year’s group is even stronger. On July 7, Mac McAnally, who rode shotgun with Jimmy Buffett for decades, will begin the series. On the 28th, Richard Thompson takes the stage, and Donovan Frankenreiter will appear on August 11. On August 15, John Oates – one-half of the prolific band Hall & Oates – headlines, and The Hooters close things out on August 24 and 25.
“Most of the shows are sold out or close to it every year,” Rattigan says.
While those concerts feature some big names, others are just fun tributes. In Cape May this summer, fans of Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Elvis Presley and the British Invasion have the chance to see tribute bands in July and August.
The Stone Pony Summer Stage
The third annual Capestock Festival, a celebration of “peace & music,” takes place in Cape May Convention Hall and on the beach outside it.
THOSE LOOKING TO PACK a ton of musical fun and legendary acts into three days can check out the third annual Capestock Festival from August 16-18. The celebration of “peace & music” takes place in Convention Hall and on the beach outside it. A variety of cover bands playing the sounds of artists like The Who, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin and Lynyrd Skynyrd will take the stage, with local favorite Grateful Dead tribute band Splintered Sunlight closing everything out late Sunday afternoon.
“We want to bring live entertainment to the county and the city,” Rattigan says.
There is no denying the value of familiar names and tributes to the Cape May scene, but nothing encompasses the city’s vibe quite like the Howard Street Ramble, which takes place every Thursday night from the week before Memorial Day until Halloween. The jam session takes place at the Chalfonte Hotel in the venerable King Edward Bar. Musicians from all over the area convene to jam and enjoy the unfettered joy of making music.
Patrons crowd into the Chalfonte and line up outside on the lawn to hear proceedings, which do not abide by any setlist, program or other rules. The music makers come together hoping to imbue each evening with its own personality and special sound. The Ramble began in June
Photo Rachel Ertle Photo The Chalfonte Hotel instagram
The Capestock Festival takes place at the Cape May Convention Hall
Howard Street Ramble at the Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May, NJ
2016 and has hosted a wide variety of strummers, pickers, strummers, fiddlers and harmonicists. The music can vary, but it is mostly American in nature, and when the sun finally sets, and the neighbors request some quiet, the Ramblers move into the King Edward for Ramble After Dark and continue. It’s a perfect Cape May tradition and one that seems to get better with each successive note.
CAPE
MAY ISN’T THE ONLY CITY in the southern NJ county to have upped its summer musical offerings. Pop and rock fans who will be in the Ocean City area have an impressive collection of talent to sample. In fact, the OC Music Pier could well outdo its shore rivals this summer.
The biggest party will take place on August 5-6, when The Beach Boys play two shows (6:00 and 8:30) on both nights. Now in its remarkable 63rd year, the venerable surf-and-fun band is once again fronted by 83-year-old founding member Mike Love, who seems to get younger with each new year. Bruce Johnson, who has been with the band since 1965 (minus a sixyear hiatus in the ‘70s) is also part of the lineup. Expect a non-stop collection of hits.
Also playing the Pier are The Wailers on July 8, John Lodge of The Moody Blues, who will be performing the classic album “Days of Future Passed” (including legendary cuts “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon”), along with other hits on July 15, 10cc on July 29, Herman’s Hermits on August 12 and Graham Nash, who will provide an evening of “More Songs and Stories” of his Hall of Fame career on August 26.
A
LITTLE FURTHER SOUTH in Cape May County, Avalon will once again host its Thursdays at Surfside series. Although it doesn’t include any big names, the tribute lineup is indeed impressive and runs from July 11 through August 29 and features bands covering the music of Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones and the Eagles, among others. On August 15, the Yacht Rock Gold Experience will capitalize on the recent easylistening fad, and it all ends September 5 when The Amish Outlaws present their versions of songs from many different music genres.
It’s all part of the smorgasbord of summer music offerings that should make Shore vacations even more fun. n
Staying
BY SAM CARCHIDI
Hot Phillies fans
hope the team’s early season success leads to another World Series appearance
Because the Atlanta Braves are loaded with talent, the Phillies weren’t even supposed to be the best team in their division.
Yet, as the calendar moved toward the middle of the season, Rob Thomson’s team had the top record in Major League Baseball.
There were many reasons for their ascension. Starting pitching, led by coming-into-his-own Ranger Suarez, was at the top of the list. The Phils were also among the league’s elite in clutch hitting (hello, Alec Bohm), and their bullpen was top-notch.
Oh, and don’t forget their depth. Edmundo Sosa filled in spectacularly when star shortstop Trea Turner went down with a strained left hamstring in early May, and minor-league call-up Kody Clemens also provided many key hits while playing several positions.
Photo Mrs. Baseball
Suarez has established himself as an early Cy Young candidate by going 10-1 in his first 13 starts.
Entering mid-June, the Phillies already had a pair of seven-game winning streaks, along with a six-gamer. They had the National League’s best pitching staff with a 2.93 team ERA and led the majors in runs scored. The bullpen, led by Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado and rookie Orion Kerkering, has also been solid.
Said Strahm: “We have a bullpen full of disgusting arms.”
In short, the Phillies were the definition of consistency in the first few months. On the mound. At the plate. In the field.
NEED TO FINISH WHAT THEY STARTED
They were proud of their hot start — the Phils were the 26th team since 1900 to win 36 of their first 50 games — but knew it meant little if it didn’t lead to a World Series title.
The last team to go 36-14 was Seattle in
2001. Those Mariners finished with 116 regular season wins.
“And what did they do at the end?” Thomson asked reporters, knowing the answer, knowing the Mariners lost in the League Championship Series. “You’ve got to keep going. You’ve just got to keep grinding, pushing all the way through.”
After a June series in London against the New York Mets, the Phillies had a majorleague-best 45-20 record.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” slugging first baseman Bryce Harper said.
The previous two seasons, the Phils reached the playoffs via a wild-card berth, then upset the division-winning Braves in the postseason.
The Phillies’ hot start, coupled with a season-ending knee injury to Atlanta star Ronald Acuna Jr., last year’s National League MVP, makes Philadelphia the favorite to win the Eastern Division. If that happens, the Braves
– who will likely secure a wild-card spot –would try to copy the Phillies’ recent script in the playoffs.
But October is months away. For now, the Phillies are trying to show they can carry their sizzling start through the dog days of summer.
AMAZING START
How hot was their start? Well, at one point, they won 28 of 34 games. That’s the first time they had such a stretch since (gulp) 1895.
Before the season, if you had been told the Phillies would get off to such a historic start, you probably would have thought Harper, Turner, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and J.T. Realmuto would have led the way.
Those players (when healthy) have played great, but it was the 28-year-old Suarez who was the team’s early-season MVP, with RBI machine Bohm close behind.
Bohm has been blossoming in recent years,
hitting 20 homers and collecting 97 RBIs last season. He was also the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, so his emergence isn’t a big surprise.
Suarez, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations. Big time.
At the recommendation of international scouting director Sal Agostinelli, the Phillies signed the then-16-year-old lefthander as a free agent in 2012 and gave him $25,000.
It was an investment that has paid surprisingly huge dividends, a penny stock that has skyrocketed.
“I just try to keep the game close so the team can try to go out and get a win,” said Suarez, who had a 32-inning scoreless streak early this season. “That’s the most important thing.”
CY YOUNG CANDIDATE
Suarez was a solid performer in 134 career games before this season. This year, however, he established himself as an early Cy Young candidate by going 10-1 in his first 13 starts. Heading into mid-June, he led the majors in wins, ERA (1.81) and WHIP (0.85).
More numbers: Suarez was the first Phillie
to win nine straight since 1910 (Earl Moore), and the first pitcher to start 9-0 with a sub 1.50 ERA through 10 starts since Hall of Famer Juan Marichal in 1966.
Thomson said Suarez, who plays with unbridled enthusiasm, is a throwback pitcher.
“He’s kind of old-school in that he’s not going to light up the radar gun,” the manager said. “But he’s going to command the baseball, he’s going to work fast, he’s going to change speeds.
“It’s just really fun for me to watch.”
Suarez’s transformation has been startling. Credit his much-improved walk rate. He doesn’t overpower hitters, but he hits his spots and shows great command.
The Venezuelan native does it with an unflappable nature.
“He has no heartbeat,” Harper said earlier in the season.
Suarez has given the Phillies arguably the best Big Three – with Wheeler and Nola – in the majors. All three have pitched brilliantly so far. If they stay healthy, they could make the second half of the season – and the playoffs and perhaps beyond – miserable for their opponents.
“I’ve always said that pitching wins cham-
pionships,” Harper said. “We’ve got a really good opportunity with the guys we have.”
NUMBING NUMBERS
As the Phillies headed toward the 70-game mark, Wheeler, Nola and Suarez had a combined 25-6 record, along with 252 strikeouts and just 65 walks in 244 2/3 innings. Wheeler (7-3, 2.23 ERA) and Nola (8-2, 2.77) have been almost as good as Suarez. Christopher Sanchez (2.77 ERA) wasn’t too shabby himself in his first 12 starts.
Sanchez aside, the Big Three have been the talk of the baseball world, forming the Phillies’ best trio since 2011, when Roy Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA), Cliff Lee (17-8, 2.40) and Cole Hamels (14-9, 2.79 ERA) led the Phils to a 102-60 record. That team lost to the St, Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series, three games to two. In a memorable Game 5, St. Louis’ Chris Carpenter outdueled Halladay, 1-0.
That 2011 season should be a lesson for the 2024 Phillies. A great Big Three doesn’t guarantee a World Series spot. In a short series, all parts of the team’s game must be in sync.
Like they have been for the first few months of this ultra-promising season. n
Photo courtesy Tracie Ullman
Tracie Ullman
BY JAN L. APPLE
TRACIE ULLMAN Tapping the Subconscious Mind
TTracie Ullman is all about transforming lives. Whether working with an injured athlete going through a slump, a person who is feeling stuck in a relationship or over the inability to climb the corporate ladder, Ullman’s unique expertise taps into the subconscious mind to achieve positive results.
A board-certified hypnotherapist with a master’s in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which qualifies her to train others, Ullman is laser-focused on each individual client and the goals they are trying to achieve. She operates from two locations – Downingtown and Wayne, Pennsylvania. Ullman’s commitment to well-being is also evident in the wide variety of integrated therapies and services she provides, including being an empowerment coach, speaker, trainer and Reiki Master teacher. She is also the founder/owner of SoulScapes Reiki Laser Skin (aka SoulScapes MedSpa), a medical aesthetics business.
Ullman is originally from Allentown and later moved to West Chester. She has resided in Kennett Square since 2021 with her hus-
band, Rocky, and their children, Jonah, 16, and Karina, 13.
Hypnotherapy
Ullman described hypnotherapy as just a fancier way of saying hypnosis. “It’s a method of speaking to the innermost part of your mind – your subconscious – to eliminate old habits and behaviors and to generate new, beneficial behaviors,” she said. “It’s where we induce you, speak to the subconscious mind and produce excellence and a more resourceful state of mind.”
Clients seek her out for numerous reasons: to overcome a phobia or anxiety, quit smoking, cope with a loss or trauma, to name a few. “People come to me because they want results,” said Ullman. “You’re buying the results; you’re not buying me by the hour.”
Ullman works with clients from all walks of life. “From Yale to jail, I’ve worked with them all,” said Ullman. The common thread, she noted, is that people are often stuck. Examples include being stuck in a relationship,
a stagnant job, or an attempt to lose weight. “There’s a new wave of a client,” observed Ullman. “They are just sick of taking pills.” She pointed out that in Europe, specifically in the UK, hypnosis is the number one therapy used to quit smoking and alleviate anxiety.
Ullman has been a hypnotherapist for more than a decade but took that skill to the next level when she obtained a master’s in NLP in 2022 from Transform Destiny, based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
NLP is a form of hypnotherapy and a technology of the mind, explained Ullman. It was founded by Richard Bandler, John Grinder, Robert Dilts and many others in the early 1970s. “NLP is about learning how to use the language of the mind to produce behavior that ultimately achieves our desired outcomes,” she said.
Hypnotherapy has been around since the 1970s, she added, but it kind of got a bad rep-
utation. “People think it’s mind control,” said Ullman, who is quick to dispel that myth.
Ullman underscored that people make decisions based on the subconscious level – a state of mind that is emotional rather than logical.
Where it all Began
Ullman shared that in 2009 she had a neardeath experience. She has a 14-minute TEDx talk, Keep Your Light On, accessible on youtube.com, addressing that pivotal event that changed her values and life trajectory. It was presented at an elementary school in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. “I was gone for about a minute and a half,” reflected Ullman on that moment in time when she suffocated and lost consciousness. She suffered from amnesia for six months.
It was Theron Male, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, who helped to heal her and turn her life around. She learned about Male through an article she had read. “He had worked with a company that had lost half of their employees on 9/11,” said Ullman who also lost two friends on that tragic day. She explained that Male put her in a light trance and tapped into her subconscious. The result of that experience com-
pelled her to pursue spiritual work.
During her TEDx talk, Ullman also revealed snippets of her challenging childhood including the pain of being teased by peers. As a result, she aspires to instill self-confidence in today’s youth. “Never give up. Never allow other people’s opinions to get you down,” said Ullman.
A registered nurse since 1999, Ullman explained that prior to her near-death experience, she had taken care of patients in a traditional manner, in the way she had been taught. But connecting with the subconscious and working with people to facilitate healing opened a whole new world. In 2010, she founded SoulScapes MedSpa. In 2012, she became a certified hypnotherapist.
Fast forward to the present day. Ullman’s calendar is quite full. She typically dedicates Tuesdays and Thursdays to hypnotherapy. The other three days are usually with clients at SoulScapes.
Finding the Time
Ullman is often asked how she finds the time to do so much. “We all have the same 24 hours in a day,” said Ullman. “Perhaps when you are watching TV or scrolling through your phone, I am working on my book. I don’t
watch TV.” The book to which she is referring is “Becoming Positively Awesome.” Published in 2023, it has quickly become a number-one bestseller. It’s a project that she collaborated on and co-authored with 20 top leaders in the fields of NLP, psychology, energy work and health.
Speaking of allocating time and juggling priorities, when Ullman is not working, she enjoys some simple pleasures, like tending to her garden. “I’m an avid gardener,” she said. And since both of her children run track, she is often shuttling them back and forth to track meets and practices. In addition, as a family, they often volunteer for military causes including special events at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square. Ullman’s son, Jonah, plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Sessions Vary
Hypnotherapy sessions are tailored to the individual’s goals. If someone has had the problem for a while, Ullman explained, she offers a full-day, eight-hour session. This provides ample time to get to the root of the issue. If a client is seeking to overcome a phobia, perhaps fear of driving over a bridge or fear of a spider, the sessions are shorter.
She cites one example of a baseball pitcher who is in a slump because he had an injury. “Pain prevents him from performing,” she said. “Perhaps he is thinking that he’s not throwing fast enough, not going to be able to win.” Through hypnotherapy, Ullman leads a client to the subconscious state of mind so they will be inclined to take more resourceful action.
Clients frequently praise Ullman and reach out to her with immense gratitude. There are many rave reviews on her SoulScapes website as well as on Google.
In addition to individual clients, Ullman also works with businesses. Mostly employing NLP, she works one-on-one with business owners and provides team training with the goal of improving productivity, profitability and customer service.
Providing integrated wellness therapies and witnessing tangible results continues to fuel Ullman. What is the most rewarding aspect of her work? “I’m touching people that are changing the trajectory of their lives,” she said. n
Learn more at tracieullman.net or soulscapedesign.com
Eagles facing a season of change
WHEN A TEAM WINS 10 of its first 11 games and then loses seven of its final eight, including an embarrassing defeat in its lone playoff game, there are going to be changes.
So as the Eagles prepare to open training camp at the NovaCare Complex in July, the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens in August and the regular season, Sept. 6 in Brazil, they will barely resemble the team that started 10-1 and finished 11-7 with a loss to Tampa Bay in the postseason.
years. That’s change.
WOh, sure Jalen Hurts is still the quarterback and A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are still his wide receivers and that’s about it.
How are the 2024 Eagles different than the 2023 version? Here are just a few of the ways.
THE COORDINATORS: The Eagles will have their third offensive coordinator and fourth defensive coordinator in the past three
Offensively, Kellen Moore, who held the same titles in Dallas and Los Angeles, replaces Brian Johnson, who replaced Shane Steichen just over a year ago. Johnson, a peculiar hire from the start, was let go after the late-season collapse. Steichen left after the 2022 season to become head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson’s relationship with Hurts — they have known each other since Hurts was in high school — was thought to be a plus but turned into a detriment in the long run.
Moore, who just turned 36, spent five years with the Cowboys and 2023 with the Chargers. He’s been credited with helping in the devel-
BY MARK ECKEL
opment of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, although Prescott actually did better last year without him. And the Chargers did not. Los Angeles ranked 18th in total offense, 13th in passing yards and 25th in rushing yards. And most importantly, 21st in points scored. One of the knocks on Moore in his time in Dallas was he didn’t run the ball enough. That’s not going to go over well with the “Run the ball’’ Eagles fans.
Defensively, long-time coach Vic Fangio replaces the duo of Matt Patricia and Sean Desai, who replaced Jon Gannon. Patricia, the former Patriots assistant under Bill Belichick, took over the coordinator duties from Desai late in the season during the middle of the collapse. Desai, who was hired away from Seattle, took over when Gannon left to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Fangio, 65, began his professional coaching career with the old USFL’s Philadelphia Stars
Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles
New Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio gives instruction to cornerback Avonte Maddox.
in 1984, four years before Moore was born. He came with Stars head coach Jim Mora to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints in 1986 and has spent time as an assistant or a coordinator with Carolina, Indianapolis, Houston, Baltimore, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and Miami. There was also a failed attempt as the head coach in Denver. Last year with the Dolphins his defense ranked 10th overall, 15th against the pass, 7th against the run, but an alarming 20th in points allowed.
The biggest change fans will see on defense is the look. Fangio’s scheme will be a base 3-4, which the Eagles haven’t employed since 2016, and have used for just three of the past 28 years. What fans might also notice is better technique and fundamentals from a defense that seemed to lack both at the end of last season. Those are staples of a Fangio-run unit.
LEADERSHIP: Center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox both retired after the 2023 season and took with them 25 years of experience. How long were both players with the Eagles? They were both drafted by Andy Reid. That’s four head coaches ago. While the team has players on hand to replace
One of the knocks on Moore in his time in Dallas was he didn’t run the ball enough.
That’s not going to go over well with the “Run the ball’’ Eagles fans.
Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles
Kellen Moore
Kelce and Cox on the field, it might not be as easy in the locker room. Kelce was the unquestioned leader on offense and Cox took charge on defense. Who does that burden fall to now? You would think Hurts would lead the offense and as a quarterback, he has to on the field, but it does not seem to fit his low-key personality off the field. Tackle Lane Johnson? Maybe. But how much longer is he going to play? Guard Landon Dickerson, with a nice new contract and an Alabama background,
just might be the man. Defensively, there isn’t anyone who comes to mind immediately, which might be a problem.
SAY HELLO TO: Running back Saquon Barkley, linebacker Bryce Huff, rookie defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Barkley, from the New York Giants, was the team’s biggest free agent signing and gives them a No. 1 running back. Now the ques-
tion becomes how much will Moore use him? Huff came over as a free agent from the other New York/New Jersey team, the Jets. He’s a pure pass rusher who came into his own in his fourth season with 10 sacks. He has never been an every-down player, however. The staff must have felt it needed a major upgrade in the secondary as it used its top two picks for Mitchell and DeJean, who the team traded up in the second round to select. Pickett provides a steady No. 2 quarterback if something were
Photo
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (red shirt) leads the team at practice.
to happen to Hurts. The Eagles, as much as any team in the league, know the importance of a good backup quarterback. See Foles, Nick.
SAY GOODBYE TO:
Kelce and Cox as well as edge rusher Haason Reddick, running backs De’Andre Swift and Boston Scott and linebackers Nick Morrow and Zach Cunningham.
Reddick was traded to the New York Jets after the two sides could not come to terms on a new long-term contract. He led the team in sacks the past two years and was the
only one on the team with double-figures sacks (11) in 2023. Barkley’s presence made Swift and his 1,049 rushing yards in 2023, expendable. Scott was more of a fan favorite than that of the coaching staff considering he carried the ball just 20 times last season. Morrow quietly put together a nice season with 95 tackles, 12 for a loss, 3 sacks, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries.
HOW HOT IS THE HOT SEAT:
There were more than a few fans, members of the media and perhaps some in the orga-
nization who wanted head coach Nick Sirianni to pay for the team’s epic 2023 collapse. Fortunately for Sirianni, owner Jeff Lurie was not among that group. The head coach, who has made the playoffs all three of his seasons with the team, is back for his fourth year albeit with two new coordinators and presumably less control. His seat will be hotter than those chicken wings you order that make you sign a waiver. If the Eagles get off to a slow start it’s not going to be pretty and Sirianni could be the one to take the fall, especially with Moore and Fangio already on staff. n
Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles
Rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell
A social club where business happens
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LEGACY CLUB SPOTLIGHT
“As a dentist, I am always so busy and rarely have time to do any networking. Yet, when I go to a Legacy Club event, in just one evening, I am able to meet and chat with many new people. Everyone is so approachable and the conversations are casual and friendly. Just what I need to expand my circle of business colleagues and potential clients and also have a nice break from work.”
– Dr. Zahra Afsharzand, Cherry Hill Dental Excellence
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David Klemic Klemic Performance Method
Damon Kline Remington & Vernick Engineers
Eric Knoblauch Northwestern Mutual
Tonya Kok T-Mobile for Business
Anne Koons BHHS Fox & Roach, NJ/PA & Vineland Construction Co.
David Kryszczak Four Star Event Catering
Edward Labman Univest
Joe LaGrossa Intellicor
Keith Langan Surety Title Company, LLC
Andrew Lesser New York Life
Bryan Levens SNEVEL Technologies, LLC
Brian Libby Primepoint
Ronald Lieberman Rigden Lieberman LLC
Robert Lipinkski Cherry Hill Cigar Club
Jason Litman Capstone Search Advisors
John Lorenzo TwoTwo Creative
Doug Lotierzo The Lotierzo Group
Eric Lynn Northbound Strategies
Joey Mac Dizon The Mobile Cigar Lounge
Chris Maciborski Weisman Children’s Hospital & Voorhees Pediatric Facility
Doug Madanick Kulzer & DiPadova, P.A.
Jennifer Madera The People Placers
Anton Makharynets ANTVAL Rentals
Matthew Malinowski Corporate Source
Sarah Mamzic Comtec Systems Inc.
Joseph Mancini TriState Engineering & Surveying
Tom Matera AnnieMac Home Mortgage
Betty Maul FrontEnd Graphics
Matthew McDevitt Positive Wiring
Carson Merine Keller Williams Realty
Frank Messina AllRisk Property Damage Experts
Jeremy Messler Jeremy Messler Photography, LLC
Marla Meyers Legacy Treatment Services Foundation
John Milne JPM Benefits Services
Brian Minker Able Technology Partners, LLC
Anthony Minniti Camden Apothecary Dispensary at Bell Pharmacy
Justin Mirigliani Checkmates Charitable Association
Samir Mody Keller Engineers of New Jersey*
Rachel Monaghan Metatron Marketing, Inc.
Anthony Mongeluzo PCS
Ron Monokian We Make It Personal by Joy’s Hallmark
Dan Morroni Morroni Custom Clothiers
Steve Mullen Insperity
Peter Musumeci TD Bank
Rick Nelson EOS - Advance to Vision LLC
Joel Needham AssuredPartners
Kathryn Newell IDS Drones Inc.
Dan Ninerell Modern Classical Chefs
Joe O’Donnell Fulton Bank N.A.
Joseph Ohlweiler The Alternative Board Southern New Jersey
Sheryl Oliver New Jersey Angels
Harry O’Neill BELFOR USA Group
Marc Oppenheimer Parx Casino
Amy Osborn New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation
Colette Oswald Colette Oswald Photography
Michael Ott At Home Technology
Michael Oxman Henry A. Davidsen
Michael Pallozzi HFM Investment Advisors, LLC
Rae Pastore Durand, Inc
Deep Patel GenRise Wealth Advisors, LLC
Tom Pellegrino Everest Discovery LLC
Lee Perlman Law Offices of Lee M. Perlman
Mike Perlow Perlow Productions
Devon Perry Garden State Wine Growers Association
Genell Peterson Garcierge
Jaime Picozzi CTN Staffing*
Victor Pitts Insperity
Frank Plum Workplace HMC Inc.
Roy Plummer Armed Forces Heritage Museum
Mike Poalise PeopleShare
Steve Pontrello Barlow Work Trucks
Peter Ponzio Penn Investment Advisors
Casey Price Price & Price, LLC
Andy Pritikin Liberty Lake Day Camp & Special Events
Eileen Propp Prime IV Hydration and Wellness
Steven Quagliero Vantage Labs
Geoff Rabinowitz New Balance
MaryAnn Ragone AltruVision - A Lions Eye Bank Soleiman Raie Law Offices of Michael Kuldiner, P.C.
Chris Rathke Independence Blue Cross
Ryan Regina Big Sky Enterprises, LLC
Keith Reynolds RVN Television
Matt Ribaudo BostonMan Magazine
Raegen Richard Amerprise Financial Services, LLC
Robert Richardson Allied Document Solutions and Services, Inc
Stephanie Rizzi M&T Bank
Sebastian Rohan Weichert Premier
Alexis Rose Capehart & Scatchard, P.A.
Mike Rosiak Weisman Children’s Hospital & Voorhees Pediatric Facility
Seth D. Rotman Clarify Wellness LLC
Lisa Rovens Paul Glat MD, FACS
Andrew Ruhland National HR
Bill Sablich Outfront Media
Jawad H. Salah Archer & Greiner, P.C.
Robert Salotto First Financial Lending
Michelle Sapp Arhaus*
JP Sawyer The Alias Group
Al Schuster Polaris Brand Promotions
Sergio Scuteri Capehart Scatchard, P.A.
Jeremy Shackleford WSFS Bank
Hala Shawaf-Barson VoIP Doctors Business Telecommunications
Lee Shields Marcum
Jennifer Sherlock Jenna Communications, LLC
Dr. Joel Shertok Process Industries Consultants
Gary Shickora Northwestern Mutual
Joe Silva HBK CPA’s & Consultants*
Jerry Silvi Cornerstone Bank
Joe Simone Regional Resources Energy Group
Josh Smargiassi Boomerang
Chris Smith Micro Integration Services, Inc.*
Ralph Smith Capehart Scatchard
Michael Snyder Spark Creative Group
Brett Soper TBT Barter
Richard B. St. Maur III Coordinated Project Solutions, LLC
Jeffrey Steigerwalt Mid Penn Bank
Robert Sullivan Schooley Mitchell*
Scott Tanker Tanker Consulting Services
Dr. Keisha Taylor Dr. Keisha Stephenson Taylor Consulting Services, LLC
Thomas Taylor Repice and Taylor, Inc.
Robert Telschow, Jr Colliers Engineering & Design
Brooke Tidswell Farm Truck Brewing
Christopher Toppi Compass Wire Cloth Corp.
Ron Tornari Groceries for Grandparents Fund
Manuel Torres Insperity
Kenneth Toscano New York Life Insurance Company
Joseph Tredinnick Cornerstone Bank
Jim Turpin Chelsea Wealth Management
Tracie Ullman SoulScapes Medical SPA & KT Aesthetic Academy
Dave Uygur BHHS Fox & Roach
Les Vail Workplace HCM, Inc.
Emory Vandiver Interactive Security
Joseph Velez 3D Voice & Data
Angela Venti Alloy Silverstein
Michael Vertolli Comtec Systems Inc.
Michael Vitarelli Jessco Construction, Inc.
Josef Vongsavanh Center City Photo
Jeff Walter The Wallet Group
Danielle Wasniewski Blue Moon Estate Sales
Bill Webb Saratoga Benefit Services
Phil Wessner Fulton Bank
John Wilchek, Jr John Wilchek Photography
Zachary Wildsmith Cappuccio & Zaorski, LLC
Christofer Wilhelm Gateway Mortgage
Michael Williams Monark Media
Ashleigh Wilson CLM Advisors
Pamela Wilson Bank of America
Jason Wolf Wolf Commercial Real Estate
Nicholas Yodock Archer & Greiner, P.C.
Jim Ziereis Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Jack Zoblin Jacy Technology Advisors, LLC
THE CIGAR GUY
BY SAM KRAFT
The Rojas Street Tacos
SUMMERTIME ROLLS AROUND and beckons us to drink, eat, and light up our favorite cigar. This month, it’s the Rojas Street Tacos. The best tacos are street tacos, and Rojas has two of them. Named after the meaty filling in the popular Mexican food cart meal, Street Tacos come in either Barbacoa or Carnitas. The Carnitas is a lighter Connecticut wrapper, while the Barbacoa boasts a stronger Sumatran wrapper. Both have Nicaraguan filler.
Noel Rojas has been in the industry for years, having previously worked for Guayacan, Ohana, and Ezra Zion. Now he lives as an entrepreneur out of Dallas-Fort Worth Texas, where street tacos are abundant. Noel Rojas has been specializing in his own brand for over ten years and has declared himself the King of Small Gauge Cigars.
The Barbacoa lights up fast and has a strong bite in the beginning. It’s a medium strength cigar with a beautiful oily wrapper. The cigar smokes with notes of white pepper, cocoa and wood. It smokes even and has an easy draw.
The Carnitas has a sweeter start to it but burns a little hotter. The first third of the cigar is straw and cedar. The second third becomes more bready. There are hints of cocoa and fig. The Carnitas goes through more
of an evolution than the Barbacoa, with slightly more complexity. The Barbacoa is a stronger, more level smoke.
Both of these cigars are quick smokes, lasting less than forty-five minutes. Rojas knows that because of the smaller ring gauge these cigars are packed with flavor. They are both affordable cigars that make for a fun juxtaposition. Rojas also carries a limited-edition Cinco De Mayo cigar. If you can still get your hands on it, it’s worth the hype!
Enjoy your smokes and have a relaxing summer! n
TECH TIME
BY ANTHONY MONGELUZO
Have any tech ideas you want to talk about? Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (@PCS_AnthonyM) or email me any time at Anthony@helpmepcs.com.
The AI Revolution: Five Top Uses for Business and Pleasure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It’s here, it’s real, and it’s revolutionizing the way we work and play. From boosting business efficiency to enhancing our personal lives, AI has found its way into many aspects of our daily routine. Let’s dive into five of the coolest and most practical uses of AI, with three focusing on business efficiency and two that add a bit of fun to your personal life.
Virtual Assistants: Your New Right-Hand Man
AI-powered virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant can schedule meetings, manage emails, and handle customer inquiries for businesses. For personal use, they can control smart home devices, set reminders, and crack jokes to brighten your day.
Predictive Analytics: Seeing the Future
Predictive analytics powered by AI can forecast trends by analyzing data. Businesses optimize inventory and marketing strategies, while personally, it helps with smarter investment choices and future planning.
Chatbots: The Customer Service Superheroes
AI chatbots handle customer queries 24/7, providing instant responses
and solving issues without human intervention, enhancing customer satisfaction. For personal use, chatbots assist with booking travel and providing tech support.
Personalized Entertainment: The Ultimate Chill
AI transforms entertainment discovery on platforms like Netflix and Spotify by recommending content based on your preferences, ensuring you always have something new and exciting to enjoy.
Smart Home Gadgets: Living in the Future
AI-powered smart home devices, from thermostats to security systems, make life more convenient and secure. Imagine your coffee maker brewing your morning cup automatically or your lights adjusting based on your activities.
Conclusion: Embrace the AI Era
AI is a game-changer, enhancing business efficiency and providing personal convenience and entertainment. Embrace the AI era—it’s making life better in ways we’re only beginning to explore.
Let me know what you are using AI for on X @PCS_AnthonyM. If you have something you would like me to write about, contact me at Anthony@helpmepcs.com. n
