SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 10, 2021

FREE December 10, 2021

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S N E W S M A G A Z I N E

Very Merry Events Tips for Great Gift Giving Towns Celebrate the Holidays Feast of the Seven Fishes

Tours Inside Lucy To Resume for the Holidays Material delivery delays allow for special holiday tours

L

ucy may be covered up for some serious skin issues, but she'd still like visitors.

Tours will be permitted to resume for a short period of time due to construction material delivery delays. Tours will begin on Wednesday, December 15th at 11am and continue every day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, until January 2nd 2022.

Lucy has been closed for tours since September 20th to allow for a complete replacement of her exterior metal skin. The World’s Largest Elephant has been hidden inside plastic covered scaffolding. “We are thrilled to be able to offer tours inside Lucy for the holidays and give our visitors a chance to see the $2 million restoration up close” said Richard Helfant, CEO of the Save Lucy Committee.

Permission to allow tours had to

December 10, 2021

be given by general contractor, Merrell and Garaguso of Swedesboro, NJ. “We discussed this with our people and took the necessary steps to make it happen” said Michael Garaguso, president of the firm. “We also took the additional step of bringing in a safety compliance company to ensure visitors and staff would have a safe and enjoyable experience. We all love Lucy and are happy that we are able to allow these limited time tours”.

Access to Lucy will be through the gift shop. No one will be permitted in the park or on Lucy’s “howdah” riding carriage on her back during this period.

Lucy’s will be open every day from December 15th thru January 2nd, 2022; 11am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends (11 to 4 on Jan. 2nd). Lucy will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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Getting Back Together to Enjoy the Season

From there, we went to Margate Business Association's Holiday Party.

It was wonderful to greet friends, new and old.

Blinking lights and holiday decor created a stunning atmosphere as we enFrom the Editor joyed delicious food and flowing drinks. While we here is so much love to be filled our stomachs, the shared and joy to be felt connections, hugs, smiles, within our community. If and well wishes were what Photo by Marc Berman there is one thing that the filled our souls.

Last weekend we hosted our first pandemic emphatically showed us, honest, I was utterly exhausted that it’s that we need one another. We community event, "Christmas at the day! But the reward far outweighed need face-to-face conversations, Mansion." It was incredibly fulfilling the cost. Bringing folks together hugs, and handshakes. Our mental to witness over 500 people come while bringing attention to our county’s oldest historical landmark made health and well-being are dependent out to tour the 300-year-old Somers it all worthwhile. on togetherness.

Mansion. Throughout the day, the community was out in full force, As Bob and I run from one gatherThis time last year, we continued ing to the next this holiday season, we loving on one another, sharing in the to publish Shore Local through the are fueled by the friendships, hearts, joy of the season, and offering their height of the pandemic, but there was and smiles of those around us. This unique gifts. one crucial piece missing: the human connection. We so dearly missed the week we took part in Shore Medical Beth Tinnon, Doug Jenning, and Center’s Tree Lighting. More than the Mainland High School Choir hugs, handshakes, and gatherings. two dozen trees lit up Bay Avenue in brought their musical talents. VenThis year, I find myself hyper-aware Somers Point, sponsored and decodors brought their creative gifts. of how THANKFUL I am to have that all back. rated by a local business or non-profFood trucks brought our mouth-waNone of us can do everything, but it. Hundreds of residents came out to tering meals. Santa, Elves, and Olaf together, we can do anything! enjoy the festivities, including local brought smiles to the children’s faces. dignitaries and Santa himself, riding The experience taught me quite In this issue, we spotlight people Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly. atop a decked-out Fire Truck. a bit about event planning, and to be and businesses doing extraordinary

T

Issue 184

Established 2016

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore

things. On page 24-25, check out the Revitalization of an Absecon building and the two businesses bringing it new life. The Wyatt Strong Foundation created an incredible amount of positivity and good deeds to honor a little boy's life. Read about that on page 14. One family in Absecon has gone all out to create memorable moments for families this season. If you have not visited the Yard family light display, it is a mustdo this season.

This time of year, there’s no doubt that the lights are spectacular. The food, beverages, and gifts are delightful, but what matters most are the people in our lives. When you're out at gatherings or even running a mundane errand, offer a warm smile or holiday greeting. Embrace the people in your circles. The people around us are what the season is all about.

Happy Holidays my friends. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Peace & Love, Cindy

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December 10, 2021

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

'T

was two weeks before Christmas and all along the shore South Jersey snow lovers were anxious, like many years before The snow blowers were uncovered in the garage with care in the hopes that the first snowstorm soon would be here It happens like clockwork every December and the countdown towards Christmas. Winter doesn't officially begin for another week or two, officially at 10:58 am on Tuesday, December 21st this year. January and February are traditionally the snowiest months of the winter, by far over our traditionally snow-scarce Decembers.

Yet area snow lovers still get the itch this time of year. Bing Crosby famously sings about dreams of a white Christ-

mas. South Jersey snow lovers start dreaming of snow as soon as the calendar flips to December. Yet so many Decembers lead to shattered dreams and disappointment.

So, how realistic are our chances for December snow in South Jersey?

Well, of course, every year is different.

It also only takes one snowfall to define a December. However, let's look at our South Jersey December snow stats for the answer.

Over the last 75 years, our average date for the first inch of snow to fall, at least at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township where South Jersey climate records are kept, is New Year's Eve Day, or December 31st. Of course, that's just an average, but it implies that there are many Decembers in which we don't see an inch of snow at all.

We've actually seen 26 Decembers with no measurable snow, meaning less than 0.1", or a tenth of an inch of snow. That's about 1 out of every 3 Decembers on average that end up snowless. That includes 4 times in the last 10 years, like in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Are they becoming more common as our climate is changing?

Perhaps.

Then again, the top three snow-

iest Decembers on record have all occurred since 2000, and all brought double-digit snowfall, usually thanks to one blockbuster storm. Snow lovers take heart! December of 2000 saw just under a foot of snow, with the back-toback Decembers of 2009 and 2010 each delivering one to almost two feet of snow each month. They were Decembers to remember for flake fanatics, with a blizzard the week before Christmas in 2009 and another just 53 weeks later on the day after Christmas in 2010. That Boxing Day Blizzard of 2010 delivered the greatest one-day snowfall ever in December, with 18.4" of snow at ACY. Some spots in eastern Atlantic County reported up to two feet. Of course, we made up for it the following two years, with nary a flake to be had in December 2011 and 2012.

So what are the chances for a white Christmas? Historically speaking, snow on the ground for Christmas is fairly rare, with only about a 7 percent chance of having at least one inch of snow on the ground early Christmas morning. Getting snow to actually fall on December 25th, a true white Christmas, is even rarer. In fact, we've never seen more than an inch of snow ever recorded on Christmas Day, at least over the last 75 years. All of our big snows for the month have occurred before or after Santa's big day.

How about a white New Year's Eve? If you're hoping for some snow on the ground for when the ball drops to ring in the new year, your chances are pretty slim too. In fact, it's the same 7 per-

cent chance for snow on the ground on December 31st. The biggest snowfall ever on New Year's Eve was 1.6", way back in 1967.

So what does this mean for this December? There's certainly no prospect for any noteworthy winter weather through at least the first 15 to 20 days of this month, at least not the way things look right now. However, prospects are growing for a colder and stormier pattern in time for the holidays this year.

Now that could be "wish-casting" from this snow lover, who remembers similar potential in years past for snowy holiday weather fizzle as it draws closer.

However, there are some signs that snow lovers can pin their hopes on the last ten days of this month for the potential for some flake fulfillment.

Of course, that potential could either bust or become a reality, all based on the whims of Mother Nature. Time will tell if 2021 will be within the 7 percent of years with some Christmas or New Year's snow.

Meteorologist Dan Skeldon has a degree in meteorology from Cornell University. He has forecasted the weather in South Jersey for the last 18 years, first on the former television station NBC40 and then on Longport Media radio. Dan has earned the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval for Broadcast Meteorologists, and now does television broadcasts on WFMZTV in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

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December 10, 2021

ENTER BY SUNDAY DECEMBER 12th

A Deep Dive Into Offshore Wind Part 1 of an ongoing series

By Sarah Fertsch

T

his past October, Atlantic Cape Community College announced that they have been selected to offer an offshore wind education program that will train future specialists in mechanics, sustainable resources, and wind science. The program has been created and certified by the Global Wind Organization (GWO).

This action is a part of the Murphy administration’s plan to make New Jersey a hub for wind energy nationwide. The goal is to create at least 7.5 GW by 2035, making wind energy one of the top energy resources available to Americans. The college will be building a 1,700 square foot addition to their Atlantic City campus to house the program and utilize a section of Gardner’s Basin for a “Sea Survival” class.

Over the past three decades, the harnessing of wind energy has grown and improved dramatically. Scientists have been studying the productivity and capacity of wind energy and its potential to replace fossil fuels. Wind is a byproduct of the sun’s uneven heating of the atmosphere. Solar radiation across the Earth’s surface is expressed as energy released through the air.

Like the windmills currently spinning on the northwest coast of Atlantic City, offshore wind energy is collected through turbines located above the ocean.

Undersea transmission cables transfer to the mainland, where they will be utilized in the form of electricity. The Murphy administration is aggressively working to improve the cost and safety of offshore wind so that New Jerseyans can reduce their carbon footprint and feel the socio-economic rewards as well.

The Board for New Jersey Offshore Wind Solicitation was established in September 2020. The board has been researching the environmental impacts of creating two headquarters within New Jersey to base the offshore wind industry statewide. The two projects will create over 7,000 full-time jobs, over $3.5 billion in economic benefits, and power 1.5 million houses with clean energy. On track with Murphy’s plan, the board hopes to establish a third site by 2022. For every MW met, $10,000 will be donated to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, specifically supporting local wildlife preservations and fisheries.

Oceanography magazine notes that the effects on fisheries due to offshore wind are unknown. European offshore wind organizations note that secondary fish populations benefit from the creation of a new habitat.

Sound, vibrations, and electromagnetic variations all affect undersea

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ecosystems, but scientists have come to no conclusions. However, the four stages of wind turbine bases (preoperation, construction using explosives and concrete, operation, and decommission) have clear effects on ocean life. European scientists are focusing on the studies of underwater noise and how habitats are displaced because of it. “The Shelter Effect,” or the expulsion of fish due to the recognition of human predators in that area, is likely to occur.

There are other disadvantages of offshore wind farms that could sway people from pursuing the project. Wind tends to be steadier and stronger over water than on land, but the intensity of storms, and thus waves, can damage turbines quickly.

It’s difficult to build wind farms in water deeper than 200 feet, so construction tends to take place closer to the shore, on the continental shelf.

Floating wind turbines are being developed to overcome this problem.

However, beach town residents may complain that their oceanview is interrupted by not-very-pretty wind turbines. Wind farms built within 26 miles of the shore can be seen by beach onlookers and affect tourists and locals alike. Beachfront housing prices will be significantly reduced.

Proposed location in blue The board plans to build its first of two offshore wind farms in 2024.

The turbines will be visible to many in several South Jersey beach towns, including Long Beach Island, Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Avalon, and Wildwood.

This means that the Atlantic and Cape May counties will receive an economic boost and utilize sustainable energy, but their tourist industries may be negatively impacted. Atlantic Cape Community College hopes to bring a positive spin to the administration’s plans, but beachcombers must emotionally prepare for their long-loved view of the ocean to change. Whether you see this development as positive or negative, with Murphy winning the 2021 gubernatorial election, offshore wind farms are coming to South Jersey waters soon.

Shore Local invites you to voice your opinion on this issue. Email to shorelocalnews@gmail.com. We will print letters to the editor in upcoming editions.

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December 10, 2021

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Events and Happenings CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE December 9th

Shoreline Railroad at McNaughton’s

Stop In For All Your Holiday Party Needs!

▶Thursday-Saturday

from 1-4:30pm & Sunday from 1-4pm

331 New Rd. Somers Point Head into McNaughton’s Somers Point location to see Shoreline Model Railroad Club’s display. The display runs until December 26th.

Please note that face coverings are required for all indoor activities.

Vinter Wonderland

▶Monday-Thursday

3-8:30pm, Friday 3-10:30pm, Saturday 11-10:30pm & Sunday 11-8:30pm

Large Variety Of Gift Baskets And Gift Sets Now Available

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Vinter Wonderland is a celebration of a successful harvest at Renault Winery. This winter festival provides the opportunity to gather loved ones, savor the season, and celebrate enduring memories. From ice skating, to culinary and wine, to local artisans and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone this season at Renault. Learn more at renaultwinery.com/vintner-wonderland.

Smithville Holiday Light Show

▶Now-January

6th from 5:30-8:30pm

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd. Smithville Grab your friends and family and join Historic Smithville for their most popular Holiday event. Watch as over 150 floating Christmas trees dance to your favorite Holiday tunes throughout Lake Meone.

Girls Night Out at Historic Smithville

▶6-9pm

615 E. Moss Mill Rd. Smithville December in Smithville has something for the Girls too, an evening for the ladies to shop and celebrate the Holiday season together.

There will be wine and cheese, raffles, discount and other benefits for evening shopping. Grab your best friend and come join us.

Festival of Trees Gala

▶7-10pm

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Join Renault Winery in support of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in their Wine Maker Hall. Christmas tree auction to be held – 100% of proceeds support Community FoodBank. Hors d’oeuvres to be served, cash bar available. Entertainment provided by Cheers the Band Trio. $50 per person. Learn more at renaultwinery.com.

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December 10th

Second Friday at Noyes Arts Garage

▶6-8pm

2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City During Second Friday’s, Noyes Arts Garage gathers to celebrate the openings of their newest galleries. Galleries are open late until 8pm with live music and light refreshments. Learn more at facebook.com/artsgarageac.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

▶Friday

at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday at 2pm

Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Ebenezer Scrooge thinks Christmas is a “Humbug”, but after visits from the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he change his mind? Join Gateway Playhouse for this classic Holiday Musical. Tickets are available at gatewaybythebay.org.

Swingin’ into the Holidays

▶Friday

at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm

Ocean City Music Pier Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk This season the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company invites you to come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays.

For tickets please call 609-399-6111, log onto https://oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or visit the Welcome Center on the 9th Street Causeway or City Hall.

Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas

▶8pm

Superstar Theater at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Don’t miss a night of merriment & songs of the season all performed by a lineup of Atlantic City’s Greatest Stars, in a musical comedy revue show benefiting the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Starring Jim “The Singing Lifeguard” Craine & the Atlantic City Allstar Band, Besty Daily and the Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow Alumni Dancers, Suzie Neustadter & other surprise special guests. Admission is free for everyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. For more information, visit jimcraine.com.

December 11th

Santa in the Downtown

▶Saturday

& Sunday from 9-11am

Soifer Park 9th Street & Asbury Ave. Ocean City For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ. Absecon VFW Auxiliary Toys for Toys Drive

▶10am-1pm

VFW Post 9462 433 White Horse Pike, Absecon Families can enjoy a visit with Santa, Pony Rides, and Food.

Lake Lenape Clean-Up

▶10am-12pm

Lake Lenape Cove 577 Park Rd. Mays Landing Join Sustainable Township of Hamilton Green Team and AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program in cleaning up Lake Lenape.

All clean-up equipment will be supplied. Please dress warmly and masks are required to attend.

For more information, please contact Melissa Belen-Gonzales at wma15@acua.com or LuAnne McCardell at lmccardell@townshipofhamilton.com.

South Jersey Players Auditions for Actors

▶Saturday,

December 11th from 11am3pm & Wednesday, December 15th from 3:30-6:30pm

Margate Library Conference Room 8100 Atlantic Ave.

December 10, 2021

South Jersey Players is holding auditions for Original One-Acts for a Dinner Theater show at Aroma Restaurant. Performance dates will be Tuesday evenings in February and March. Looking for male & female actors 18-65+. Bring photo/resume. To sign up for an audition slot, call 347-920-6399. Character Breakdown on Facebook/South Jersey Players.

Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶Saturday

& Sunday from 12-3pm NJ.

6th Street & Asbury Ave. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-

ical Museum’s Holiday Shop and the Ocean City Arts Center’s Pottery and Mosiacs Sale.

December 15th

December 13th

▶6pm

Gingerbread Decorating Workshop

▶6-8pm

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Bring the kids to decorate (and eat) their own Gingerbread Man. $20 per person – ticket includes three gingerbread cookies to decorate & one drink ticket eligible for glass of wine or hot chocolate. Learn more at renaultwinery. com.

Longport Visit from Santa

Photos with Santa Saturday & Sunday from 12-3pm Ocean City Music Pier Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ. Starfish Equine Rescue Open House

▶6-8pm

Lake Lenape Cove 577 Park Rd. Mays Landing Join Starfish Equine Rescue for their Open House. Meet and greet the rescues, check out the photo booth, holiday snacks and refreshments, amazing raffles, barn tours and more.

▶6:30-7:30pm

December 12th

The Village Movie Society

▶12-6pm

Enlightened Holiday Market

▶11am-3pm

Enlightened Farm Join Enlightened Solutions on Sunday, December 12th for the Enlightened Holiday Market. They will have local vendors, live music, warm refreshments and more. Come shop for this year’s holiday gifts while supporting the community’s small businesses.

Ocean City Library Holiday Festival

▶1-3:30pm

1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City Join Ocean City Free Public Library for a free holiday celebration. Outdoor library festivities will be held at the 17th Street Entrance. Activities include live music, refreshments, holiday crafts and games, free gifts, and a tree lighting at 1pm. Santa will even join us, so feel free to bring your letters and lists. There’s even more fun to be had inside, with the Ocean City Histor-

If you wish Santa to stop by and visit with your children, please send an email to preslpvfd@longport-nj.us. The Longport Volunteer Fire Department wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

Holiday Workshop with Rutgers Master Gardner Ann Cinquana Linwood Library 301 Davis Ave. Linwood Bring your own mug or teacup to decorate for the holiday season. Cost is $5.00. Please register at the library or call 609-926-7991 ext. 3.

December 14th ▶10:30am

Join theater teacher and coach Louise Marshall Hacker and Tina Serota for a discussion about the film, Passing, based on the novel by Nella Larson. The film follows the unexpected reunion of two high school friends, whose renewed acquaintance begins an obsession that threatens both of their realities. RSVP by December 8th by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org. A Zoom link or call-in number will be provided to you.

Holiday Pajama Storytime

Annual Holiday Dinner for Upper Twp. Historical Society Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Marmora The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Twp. Annual Christmas dinner will be held this Wednesday. Please RSVP to Carroll Bailey, PO Box 507, Tuckahoe, NJ 08250. Return the bottom portion of the flier with your Dinner Choice and Check, made out to HPSUT

by Monday, December 13th. Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks are required for all attendees, except when seated for dinner.

World Above: Poetry Open Mic

▶7-9pm

Noyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City The Murphy Writing Collective and the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City present the return to World Above: Poetry Open Mic. For those attending virtually, there will be a synchronous livestream of the reading. Masks are required for those attending in-person. Questions about this series can be forwarded to Emari DiGiorgio at emari@murphywriting.com.

Learn more at facebook.com/artsgarageac.

December 17th

paper for the full workshop experience. RSVP

by December 13th by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

A Zoom link or call-in number will be provided to you.

Fourth Friday at Nashville North Studios

▶3-8pm

210 New Rd. Suite 8, Linwood Join Nashville North Studios for their Fourth Friday exhibit, featuring The Gift by Elise Bond, and Holiday Art Miniatures. Music will be provided by classical guitarist Reid Alburger. Face mask required upon entry. Call 609-504-5044 for reservations.

Elf Jr. The Musical

▶Friday

at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm

Ocean City Music Pier Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. For tickets please call 609-399-6111, log onto https://oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or visit the Welcome Center on the 9th Street Causeway or City Hall.

December 18th

Reindeer Run Kids 1 Mile Fun Run & Adult 5K

▶9am

Memoir Workshop

▶10:30am

Experience the thrill of capturing your life’s adventures, history and ancestry at the Memoir Workshop led by award-winning author and Drexel University Professor of Creative Writing, Harriet Levin Millan. You need a laptop or pen/

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Dash through Renault while enjoying views of Renault Winery Vineyard and

↘Continued on 12

512 New Road, Somers Point Next to Santoris Produce

(609)927-0477

▶6pm

Somers Point Library 801 Shore Rd. Open to ages 3 ½ - 5, siblings welcome.

Registration required, space limited. Come to the library in your pajamas to enjoy some holiday stories. Receive a simple craft and a candy cane to take home.

ers m o t Cus ceipt s i Re tor F0F0 San th $ 25 O 0 r $2 wi $ 5 ove t e rchase

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December 10, 2021

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↘Continued from 11 Vinter Wonderland Festival Grounds. Ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged. 1 Mile Fun Runn starts at 9am, 5K starts at 9:45am. All participants will receive a “Reindeer Run at Renault” t-shirt. Learn more and sign up at renaultwinery.com.

Holiday Family Storytime

▶10:30am

Egg Harbor Township Library 1 Swift Dr. Open to all ages. Registration required.

Celebrate the holidays at the library. Stories, songs, and a to-go craft will help get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Craft: Salt Dough Ornaments

▶11am

nor

Ventnor Library 6500 Atlantic Ave. Vent-

Open to all ages 3-12. Registration required.

Join us for a festive craft. We’ll be making wintry decorations out of salt dough.

Holiday Market

▶12-4pm

Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City Eat, drink and shop. Come have something to eat and drink at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Cuzzies Pizza, Rhythm and Spirits or Bar 32 Chocolate Bar and them take a stroll and shop from your favorite local vendors and artists.

Atlantic Pops Holiday Concert

▶2pm

Egg Harbor Township Library 1 Swift Dr. Open to all ages. Registration required. Get in the spirit with local band, the Atlantic Pops, who’ll be performing a variety of traditional holiday music.

December 19th

Health and Wellness

▶5pm

▶Thursdays

at 6pm

Atlantic City Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars 2100 Pacific Ave. For tickets and more information, visit acballet.org.

December 20th Holiday Sweet Sale

▶3-6pm

Atlantic County Historical Society 907 Shore Rd. Somers Point Join Atlantic County Historical Society for their Holiday Sweet Sale featuring home baked cookies, candy, brownies and fudge. Sold by the prepackaged pound. $10 per pound. Tins will be available for purchase. Masks are required.

To order ahead, please call 609-646-7355.

All proceeds to benefit the Atlantic County Historical Society, a non-profit all volunteer organization.

December 31st

First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration

▶4pm-12am

The headliner for First Night 2022 is the Grammy-winning group Tavares. The rides at Wonderland Pier will return this year, and other returning favorites include the ice-skating rink, inflatables, the Harlem Wizards, Dan Cain Mentalist, a karaoke party, magician Chad Juros, a Country Line Dance Experience and the Legacy Band. For admission buttons and more information, visit firstnightocnj.com or call 609-399-6111.

Rising Minds Peer-Led Support Group A Free Peer-Led Support Group Ran by and for 18-30 year olds. Share experiences, develop tools for self-care, connect with others who understand and engage in honest conversations about mental health. For more information, call 609-652-3800 ext. 318 of email btrendler@ mhanj.org.

NAMI Online Family Support Group

▶Monday,

December 13th from 7-8:30pm

NAMI Family Support Group is a 60-90 minute support group for adult friends and family members (18+) of people with mental health conditions. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit https://namiacm.org to link easily to all support group meetings and get the latest Mental Health Information for Atlantic/Cape May Counties. For additional information, call 609-741-5125.

Navigating Life as a Student During COVID-19

▶Mondays

at 5pm

An open forum and support group for current college students to discuss topics such as self-isolation, emotional struggles and time management. For more information, visit mhanj. org. Zoom Meeting ID: 983 4490 8458 Password:209772 or join at bit.ly/CollegeStudentsNJ. Gratitude Coffee Talk

▶Wednesdays

at 9am

Grab your coffee and join us virtually as we use the gift of gratitude to disrupt the

stress and anxiety many of us are feeling during this difficult time. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 201464217 Password: 597944 or call 929205-6099. This is a program of the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County. Learn more at mhaac.info.

Let’s Talk

▶Wednesdays

at 4:30pm

Each week we will participate in a presentation and discussion of a wellness topic. Topics include but are not limited to mental health, coping skills, relationships, self-esteem and more. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 847 2224 7740 Password: 230403. For questions, call 609652-3800 ext. 318 or email btrendler@mhanj. org. This is a program of the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County. Learn more at mhaac.info.

Healing in Conversations

▶Thursday,

December 16th at 5:30pm

This past year and 9 months has had its challenges for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. No one has been untouched. Join the Mental Health Association of New Jersey as we gather together in a community of color to lend an ear and offer support. Hosted by Colette, Le Verne and KiMani. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 873 1891 8246 Password: 643211 or join at bit.ly/HealingInConvoNJ. Learn more at mhaac.info.

Do you have an upcoming event?

Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

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December 10, 2021

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The Wyatt Strong Foundation collects over 1000 toys.

By Steffen Klenk

O

ne local family is on a mission to help children in need during the holiday season. The Hopkins family is holding their annual Blue Christmas Toy Drive.

Since 2018, the family has donated thousands of new, unwrapped toys to children in need. This year, they are looking to donate thousands of toys to the patients at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware.

The initiative began in memory of Wyatt Hopkins, a young boy who was loved and admired by all who knew him. He passed away at the age of four years old.

Today, his legacy lives on through the Wyatt Strong Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3). The organization has been bringing light into our community to help others and spread unconditional love.

In 2019, over 2,000 toys were collected, benefiting Shriner’s, CASA of Atlantic County, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. During the COVID -19 pandemic in 2020, the Hopkins family reached out to CASA of Atlantic and Cape May Counties to help children living in foster care. Last year’s donation efforts aided more than 200 local families.

This year’s toy drive kicked off was an unwavering show of support from the community. On October 23, the Somers Point Police Department held their annual Trunk or Treat event and encouraged families to drop off a new, unwrapped toy. At the end of the event, more than 100 toys were kindly donated. Wyatt’s mom, Desiree, is grateful for the support

14

shown. “People really go out of their way to help with this toy drive, and it is just special.”

Now through December 10, the Wyatt Strong Foundation is accepting new, unwrapped toys. These can be donated in the specially-marked bins at select local businesses, with 33 area locations taking part in this year’s efforts. While the Hopkins family doesn’t have an exact number yet, they are already exceeding expectations. They plan to deliver more than 1,000 new toys to the children at Nemours Children's Hospital.

“Just knowing you’re going to help all of these little kids and make (the holidays) special for someone puts a smile on your face,” says Desiree.

Since being founded in 2019, the Wyatt Strong Foundation has not only brought light to local children but has also aided others in our community.

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the organization hosted a charity softball game to benefit Somers Point Firefighters.

The efforts of the Hopkins family can be seen throughout our community. You can learn more about the Wyatt Strong Foundation and its mission by visiting this website: oldsoulwyatt.org. Visit Wyatt Strong Foundation on Facebook for a full list of drop-off locations.

Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.

December 10, 2021

Shore Local-tainment Live & Local Music Calendar

December 9th

Jersey Steve 5:30-8:30pm Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point Doug Jennings 6-9pm Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Joe Napoli 6-9pm Deauville Inn 201 Willard Rd. Strathmere Gina Roche 6-10pm Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Steve & Joe Show w/ Jim Glenn 6:30pm Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point The Motown Holiday Show 8:30pm The Music Box at Borgata 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City

December 10th

Derek Petaccio 4-8pm Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City The Rockets 5-9pm Hard Rock Lobby Bar 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Amy Faden Duo 5:15pm Villain & Saint 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Jim Fisher 5:30-8:30pm Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point Virginia Cavaliere Trio 5:30-8pm Council Oak at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Bob Mower & Nick Nicholas 6-9pm Bocca. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Cosmic Charlie 7pm Water Dog at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas 8pm Superstar Theater at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Marie Osmond – A Symphonic Christmas 8pm Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City No Clue Trio 8-11pm Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay Ave. Somers Point DJ B. Lee 9pm Blush Bar & Lounge 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Shaun LaBoy 9pm Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City Starborn 9pm Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point

December 11th

Sidestory 12-4pm Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City The BONA Duo: Nancy Beale and Bob Alexander 3-6pm Ocean City Coffee Company 917 Asbury Ave. Ocean City Black Car Gina Duo 5:15pm Villain & Saint.500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Walt Sapsai 5:30-8:30pm Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point Eleven Eleven 7pm Nola’s Bar & Lounge 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

December 10, 2021

The Usual Suspects 7pm EHT Vagabond 3016 Ocean Heights Ave. Egg Harbor Township Aftershock 8pm Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point Marie Osmond – A Symphonic Christmas 8pm Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City No Clue Trio 8-11pm Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Sal Vulcano 8pm Borgata Event Center 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City Terry Fator 8pm Ovation Hall at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Dead Reckoning Duo 9pm Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City Juggling Suns 9:30pm Water Dog at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City Turning the Tide 11pm Gypsy Bar 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City

December 12th

Doug Jennings 10am-1pm Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Stonewood 12-4pm Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Traditional Irish Open Session 1-4pm Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point The Rat Pack: Back in Town 4pm Sound Waves at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City For Those Who Can See, Prevailer, If Not for Me, Nights of Malice 5pm Bourre 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City Beth Tinnon Intriguing Trio 6-10pm Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

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December 13th

Suyat Band 7-11pm Hard Rock Lobby Bar. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City DJ Mike Dempsey 8pm-12am Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

December 15th

Al Olivero 5:30-8:30pm Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point Adam Holcombe 6:30-10pm The Cove 3700 Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine BMW Band 6:30pm Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point Bob Sterling Band 6:30-9:30pm Bocca. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate A Jazz Christmas w/ Tom Angello 7pm Gregory’s Somers Point Kono Nation 7-11pm Hard Rock Lobby Bar 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Times and dates are subject to change.

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Upgrade Your Bubbly

Wine Time.

By Nikki Myers

P DECEMBER 6-17 Just place a bag of non-perishable food donations next to your recycling bin on your regular recycling day between December 6 and 17, and we’ll do the rest!

acua.com/fooddrive Atlantic County Utilities Authority | 609.272.6950

opping the cork off a bottle of bubbly is in itself an occasion; it’s lavish, it’s luxury, it’s absolute decadence. But even so, sometimes it just needs a little something to push it further, edging into the unexpected. Luckily, sparkling wine of any sort is the perfect canvas for some added flavor, and you can easily turn it up a notch with just a dash of liqueur, a few slices of fruit, or a fun garnish. Read on for my favorite easy upgrades to your favorite sparkling. ● Apple cider and rosemary: A seasonal delight, this is a fragrant way to bring something extra to your table. Just add about an ounce of apple cider to your glass, top it up with any dry bubbly wine, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. (Pro tip- rub the rosemary between your palms first to release more of its aromas). ● Pama Pomegranate Liqueur: The color, smell, and flavor of this liqueur

are all absolutely divine. Added to your glass of bubbly its even better – simply drop in about 1 - 1.5 ounces per glass. To add even MORE flair, add a few fresh cranberries for garnish. ● Amaretto and orange: For lovers of amaretto sours, mimosas, or almond cookies! Just add 1-2 ounces of amaretto to your glass, top up with any sparkling wine, and throw in an orange wedge or two.

Have fun with your bubbles - add a splash of any liqueur or juice and see what you like. A garnish of herbs or fruit is an easy way to tie it all together, too.

Let me know what your favorite way to amp up your sparkling wine is – shoot me an email at nmyers@passionvines. com! Cheers!

Nikki serves as Event Leader and Educator at Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company, which has provided her countless resources on her wine journey.

She estimates that she knows approximately .001% of all there is to know about wine (most notably, the fact that there is an infinite amount of things to know about wine). Most nights, she can be found sipping quirky dry reds from obscure regions.

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16

December 10, 2021

Finding Focus Jeff's Journal

By Jeff Whitaker

I

t must be my age. But I find myself spending more time adjusting my focus. Not on my career or my priorities. No, I’m literally talking about adjusting focus with my eyes! Putting on my glasses to see far off, sitting down in front of my computer and removing them so the screen is readable, putting them back on and looking through my bifocals to pick up and read a book. I just seem to be having a difficult time focusing.

That was the case in large part until I went for a long overdue eye exam. If you’re like me, you know how it goes.

One thing leads to another and I kept putting off what I knew I had to do so the doctor could make the necessary adjustments. So, I did. He did and low and behold things are better; not perfect but much better.

It can be much the same when you or I are trying to get a hold of our vision, that passion we have whether it be for our career or a situation in our personal life. Often, with time we lose focus.

What seemed so clear several years ago or maybe even months ago, has become blurred with time. Life happens. Priorities are shifted and we can find that the laser focus we once had for something just isn’t there any longer. That’s not to say we don’t still want it. It’s just that we lose focus.

Just as a visit to the eye doctor can pinpoint your visual issues and help regain your focus, taking time to access where you are and where you want to be

can help you regain your focus in other important areas of your life. Following the analogy, when you head to the optometrist, the doctor puts you through a series of tests. In his book, Put Your Dreams To The Test, John Maxwell does much the same thing, asking a series of questions to help you get clarity or “focus” on what you want in life. There are ten questions in all. Much like when you visit the optometrist, the only way to get an accurate outcome is to honestly answer the questions. Three of the ten questions that Maxwell has you ask yourself are: Is my dream that I have for my life really my dream or am I following someone else’s dream for me? Answering this question alone is a game changer.

Often, we can find ourselves living out what others have told us we should do, and not where our heartbeat really lies.

As I pursue my dream, do I find myself everyday heading closer in the direction I want to go, or am I stagnant or sliding backwards?

Is there clarity in my dream or is it ambiguous and hazy?

This brings us back to the focus issue.

As we move closer to a new year, take an assessment of your dreams and where your focus lies. I’ll be conducting some deep-dive studies on pursuing your dreams and personal growth in 2022. If this is something you would be interested in participating in, drop me an e-mail and I’ll give you details - dreams@jeffwhitaker.com Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com

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Tree of Lights Shines Upon Shore’s EVS Heroes

Views from the Shore

By Brian Cahill

I

n communities across the globe, tree lighting ceremonies mark the official start of the holiday season, uniting friends and neighbors together in the spirit of the season. The same happens at Shore Medical Center with its annual Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights ceremony, but with an extra special touch.

Each year in advance of the ceremony, the Auxiliary invites community members to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one in support of the medical center.

The names of those individuals are inscribed in the Tree of Lights Book, with each light on the illuminated tree representing those who have been honored. The listing of inscribed names is posted on the Auxiliary page of Shore Medical Center’s website. This year’s Tree of

Lights campaign raised more than $4,000 for the hospital.

This year, the Auxiliary honored the environmental services team at Shore for their hard work and dedication to keeping the hospital clean and safe, especially throughout the pandemic.

“Each day, our EVS team sets out to keep our hospital safe and clean for every person who walks in our door. In these unprecedented times, they work even harder to “save lives” by making sure our hospital is a safe place to heal and work,” said Brenda Martello, Chairperson of the Auxiliary. “These behind-the-scene unsung heroes have been a key defense in the fight against the pandemic. We honor and thank this special team who have maintained a commitment of helping save lives each and every day.”

After her presentation, she welcomed members of Shore’s environmental services team to help light the tree.

It was so great to see the EVS team receive this much-deserved recognition. This group of healthcare heroes is comprised of hard working

dedicated people who perform essential duties at the hospital each and every day. They are there in the morning to clean each room thoroughly, and they are there in the afternoon at discharge to make sure rooms are emptied, cleaned, and prepared for the next patient. They are the friendly faces who provide calm and comfort to our patients while they are resting and healing.

Throughout the pandemic, the Shore EVS team continued to an-

swer the call, day in day out, to make certain that the hospital was clean for patients and clinical staff.

“In the beginning there was a lot of fear, and understandably so, but our team knew that our patients and our staff were depending on them, and they were always ready to do their part,” said Joe Hutcherson, Manager of Shore’s EVS team. “We could not be more proud of how our team responded during a very scary time, and continues to do a great job each and every day.

“They are a special group, truly dedicated to Shore and to our community,” continued Hutcherson. “At a time when nearly every other industry in the country is struggling to fill jobs, we are fortunate to have such a special group, one that is dedicated to Shore and our community.

Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association, an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University, and is a founding member of Somers Point-Community First, a local volunteer organization

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December 10, 2021

Hometown Hero: Michael Gerrish

By Krystle J. Bailey

S

hore Local’s Hometown Hero series features South Jersey residents making a difference in the community.

Growing up, Gerrish and his family frequented Disney World. As an adult, he began to understand the steep cost of those trips. A few years back, he decided that he was going to bring the magic of Disney home so children could experience that feeling right here in South Jersey. Complete with Anna and Elsa, Mickey and Minnie, and the glistening lights of Christmas in Disney, 4 East Curran Drive in Absecon is certainly a majestic holiday experience.

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Find Us On Facebook - Teak Outlet, Ocean Outdoor Patio Michael Gerrish is one of those incredible human beings with a heart for giving. His family’s extravagant holiday lightshow is an all-inclusive holiday experience for children of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. Inspired by his late grandmother’s nurturing spirit, Michael and the Yard family have always found joy in offering a holiday dose of love and nostalgia to those who need it most.

The lightshow, which has evolved well beyond the front yard and now covers the family’s entire property, is completely free. It is an invitation for children to experience the magic of Christmas without having to pay a fortune.

It was important to Michael that this was an inclusive experience.

The light display features Hanukkah decorations intermingled with the Christmas decor as well as decorations including brown-skinned Santa.

“I want everyone to feel included and feel welcome here. I want them to be able to come and just have fun outside,” explains Gerrish. “My biggest inspiration is my grandmother.

She always wanted to do a good job and make everyone happy. She was such a positive person. We’re doing this for people who don’t have a lot or come from a town without a lot of lights. You shouldn’t have to pay to put a smile on your kid’s face”

December 10, 2021

19

↘Continued from 19 “We hand out free popcorn and hot chocolate throughout the night.

My reward is seeing people outside

having a good time. Since Covid, there has been such little joy. The TV is depressing. I want to have fun and see kids having fun too,” shares Gerrish. “We have the power to bring back sparks of joy for the holidays.”

The light display runs off kindness.

Guests are invited to walk through the immersive holiday show nightly from 5-11pm with special meet & greet opportunities on the weekend.

While the experience is 100% free,

the family is accepting donations for a local family in need.

Upcoming Meet & Greet opportunities:

Mickey Mouse: Friday 12/10 & Saturday 12/11 from 6-9pm Santa Claus: Friday 12/17 & Saturday 12:18 from 6-9 Christmas Eve: 6-9 Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

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An outdoor parade arrival will lead to the red carpet.

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To Sign up a Guest, Donate or Volunteer, go to freshstart.church/nighttoshine

20

December 10, 2021

The Tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes

By Chef Joseph Massaglia

T

raditions are the fabric of our lives; at this time probably more so than ever. Feast of the Seven Fishes is an important part of my family’s Christmas celebration and all Catholic families around the world.

The ancient tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve goes back to the Roman Catholic custom of not eating meat on certain holidays. According to multiple sources, the number seven for the seven fishes goes way back to ancient times and possibly relates to the number of days it took for the Creation, the number of deadly sins, and/or the seven sacraments to name a few. However, some people celebrate with up to 13 fishes to represent the 12 apostles and Jesus.

In my family it is a tradition that on the Eve of Christmas the main event is the gathering after the midnight mass to break our fast and enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes. We come home to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends.

The feast can be seven courses, each with one fish represented, it can be several courses with more than one fish in each course, or there are even some people who do one big stew with seven or more fishes in it – but that is not done very often. However, no matter how you prepare the meal, you must have at least seven fishes represented.

Every region in Italy has its own way of preparing the Feast of Seven Fishes, and with 20 regions you can imagine the diversity. The people of the Southern region, which is known for its great variety and abundance of fish and seafood available to it, prepare the fish in many ways.

Traditionally they serve a first course of fried appetizers such as scallops, the famous smelts – those little fishes that are fried and eaten whole – calamari, shrimp and conch, also known as sea snail fritters.

For the second course, many people serve shellfish with pasta, preferably linguine, and include clams, mussels and sometimes conch with marinara sauce (marinara means “of the sea”). People in

December 10, 2021

the south also use scarfano (or scorpionfish) and escraves (very large shrimp in their shells), both of which are abundant in the south.

The third course is usually salted cod (also known as baccalà) mainly done Livornaise style (from the city of Livorno, Italy), with garlic, capers, some black olives, scallions, plum tomatoes, parsley, anchovies and wine simmered in a seafood stock.

This is a famous and a very popular dish.

If you’ve never had salted cod you’re missing a great treat. However, it is time consuming to prepare. You have to soak it many times to get rid of all the salt, which in ancient times was used to preserve the fish before refrigeration. If you don’t want to use salted cod in your recipe, you can substitute fresh Alaskan cod.

I grew up in Northern Italy, and we pretty much followed the southern style for our family feast, but we added carp (or river trout) to our dinner.

In Italy, gifts are not open on Christmas morning, but traditionally are opened on the Epiphany, January 6. So, if the kids have been good during the holidays they are going to get their gifts brought to them by the La Befana – the witch riding the broom. She comes down the chimney covered in soot, leaves the gifts, and then sweeps up the soot with her broom before she leaves. In America, we leave Santa Claus milk and cookies; in Italy we leave La Befana wine and a few bites of food.

My staff, family and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Buon Natale!

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Gift Giving Tips All Wrapped Up Shop At the Right Place

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

C

hristmas is my favorite time of year. Why? Because I absolutely love giving gifts. There’s nothing like watching the intrigue transform into euphoria. You almost feel the joy with your recipient. I know that some people struggle to give the best gift, especially if they procrastinate until Christmas Eve. 2021 has already been tough, so make Christmas extra special by putting a little extra effort into the exchange. Here are my tips on how to give the best gifts and maximize thankful smiles and hugs:

Take Notes of What People Like

One part of gift giving is utilizing all your resources to make the best selection. Back in the day, shoppers were limited to the inventory of a brick-andmortar store. In 2021, we have the benefits of the internet.

Suppose your mom really wants a necklace for Hanukkah. You could stop by Target and look through their jewelry section and find maybe ten necklaces. If you look online, you’ll have hundreds of options. You could go on Etsy and customize a piece just for her. That makes the gift more meaningful.

Experiences Over Things

The best gift givers study their recipient. Throughout the year, create a note in your phone with everyone you’d like to buy for at Christmas.

When they say something they want or think about buying something for themselves, update your note. You might even consider finding that item online and pasting a link to it in your note. When December rolls around, you can just pull up your note and order everything in one moment. Easy!

Most people live in a world of clutter, surrounded by packages unopened and shirts that fit a few years ago, but not now. Don’t add to their ever growing pile! Studies show that people would rather make a memory than receive a physical gift. You could buy your dad a new tie, or you could fulfil his dream of going skydiving!

Buy two tickets and remember that crazy day when you jumped out of a plane! Instead of browsing the aisles of Wal-mart, check out Groupon or

Ticketmaster and pick up tickets to that experience they’ll never forget.

Avoid Self-Improvement Gifts

Say your sister is hoping to lose weight next year. That doesn’t mean you should buy her a keto book for Christmas! Save the self-improvement for someone to choose themselves. So, this holiday season, do NOT buy any of the following: ● “How to” manuals ● Exercise equipment ● Budgeting or Finance tools ● A daily planner ● Books or documentaries that conflict with their views

Wrap Beautifully

You may purchase the perfect gift but don't wrap it in a ten-year-old gift bag and bow that falls off in the

middle of the party. Be proud of your offering, especially if you are at a white-elephant gift exchange. I would recommend wrapping gifts in paper as much as possible over using a gift bag.

You can show off your beautiful creases and lines and include a cute bow with a sprig of pine.

Add a holly twig, handmade gift tag, or metallic ribbon that makes the present pop. Use newspaper as a sustainable, frugal wrapping paper and your gift will look old-fashioned and quaint. Use Pinterest for inspiration.

Don’t Make It About You

Don’t be a Scrooge. An important aspect of the holidays is focusing on the well-being of others. When someone opens a gift from you, don’t brag about how expensive or hard to find it was. Let the recipient feel the joy and don’t take up their spotlight.

Don’t embarrass others by buying over-the-top expensive gifts or get too personal either (stay away from buying lingerie, perfume, or body products). Make the gift thoughtful and meaningful, but it’s good to let your gift speak for itself and remain similar (budget-wise and of similar theme) to the others’ gifts.

Visit our enchanting gift shop which featuring a wide variety of Irish gifts imported from Ireland.

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December 10, 2021

Ventnor Shows Off Their Holiday Cheer

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he Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade was held on Saturday, December 4th. A special "After-party" at Ventnor Memory Park offered beautiful lights, meet & greets with Santa, Victorian Carolers, and plenty of Holiday Cheer! Ventnor Square Theatre also opened their doors for a free viewing of The Polar Express!

Photo Credit Ventnor City Special Events

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Absecon welcomes two new businesses on Route 30

By Krystle J. Bailey

L

ocated on Route 30 in Absecon, the former Merrill’s Marine Center has been revitalized, offering a home to two new businesses in town. The long-standing brick-and-mortar holds a rich history in our area, having served the Atlantic County community for over 30 years. The property went va-

Now Booking Holiday Parties!

cant in 2012 and sat empty for nearly a decade until a few South Jersey

Tap into your inner lumberjack.

Anyone can do it with friendly instructors to help.

business owners came together to write the next chapter of the story.

Now home to Freestyle Martial Arts of Absecon and South Jersey Detailers, the decision to renovate began last year during the Covid-19 pandemic. Local entrepreneur Ken Schaffer purchased the property and subdivided it into two units. Under the hands of Bruce Davenport, owner of Construction Plus Construction, the building was beautifully remodeled, giving a fresh face to the longstanding storefront and space for two highly regarded local businesses.

The 126-year-old building was nothing but exposed insulation and deteriorated brick when contractor Bruce Davenport stepped inside. Davenport, who has shared a 20-year friendship with Freestyle Martial Arts owner, Brian Moragne, caught the entrepreneurial vision and brought the dream to life.

Davenport has spent his three-decade-long career committed to construction excellence and is highly regarded for his incomparable fine finishes and special work.

Davenport and his team spent tireless hours adding new walls, bathrooms, siding, and floors to the old marine center. After months of renovation, the work was complete

and business owners, Brian Moragne and Josue Buccella got to work adding their unique style, unparalleled passion, and extraordinary energy to the space.

The changes culminated in a dual grand opening this past Saturday, December 4th, where friends and family gathered to celebrate revitalization and new beginnings. Absecon Mayor Kimberly Horton and council members Donna Poley, Sandy Cain, and Butch Burroughs were in attendance for the commemorative event.

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On one side, Sensei Brian Moragne of Freestyle Martial Arts Academy, welcomed students, family, and friends into his newest location. The day included promotion of the academy's newest black belt students, an official ribbon-cutting, and the celebration of Master Brian’s birthday.

Brian Moragne has taught martial arts throughout South Jersey for over two decades. His dedication to his craft is evident in each of his students, all of whom credit many of their successes in life to their training at FMA. Master Brian’s karate system is centered on self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-defense. With a heavy focus on bully prevention, Moragne uses his platform to not only teach the physical aspect of martial arts but to help students develop the discipline and focus needed to enhance every aspect of their lives.

Master Moragne was recently inducted into the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society, adding to his long list of accomplishments in his respective field. Though he has many titles to his name, Moragne is a highly sought-after instructor, not for the accolades, but for the heart and love that he pours into each of his students.

“It is truly an honor for anyone fortunate enough to find someone as dedicated as Master Brian to train

receive their vehicle, looking brand new. The future is bright for Josue Buccella, as he is excited about the anticipated success of his flagship location in Absecon and hopes to expand his brand in the years to come.

The prime location on Route 30

was once home to Art Merrill, a man who gave everything he had to the success of his business. These two dedicated business owners, Brian and Josue, are carrying on the torch, as they embody the greatness that the building commands.

Directly across from Home Depot on Route 30, overlooking the Atlantic City skyline, the newly renovated property offers a breath of fresh air to the Absecon community.

Visit the two new businesses at 408 E. Absecon Blvd, Absecon NJ 08201 or online: Freestyle Martial Arts: www.freestylemartialart.com South Jersey Detailers: www.SJdetailers.com.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

under,” shares Ken Schaffer, who has been a Freestyle Martial Arts student for nearly a decade.

Adjacent to the martial arts dojo, 22-year-old Josue Buccella cut the ribbon to his lifelong dream. Growing up, Josue spent countless hours helping his father and grandfather detail cars.

Through mentorship and love from the patriarchs in his family, Josue fell in love with the art of car detailing.

Since he was eight years old, Josue has found a sense of peace when detailing cars. As a young adult, he decided to turn his hobby into a career.

With the help of his friends and family, Josue pursued his dream and opened the doors to his first shop, South Jersey Detailers.

Like the other business owners involved in this revitalization, Josue is passionate, focused, and committed to his work. With excellence in mind, Josue pursued advanced training, recently receiving honors as a Certified Craftsman Detailer.

Josue remains inspired by the satisfaction of his customers when they

December 10, 2021

25

“And Heaven and Nature Sing”...

Mays Landing Celebrates the Winter Solstice

By Mari D’Albora Dattolo

T

he month of December holds several sacred observances for celebrants from all walks of life. Nature itself welcomes a new season on December 21st, giving those of us in the northern hemisphere Winter, while the southern hemisphere simultaneously experiences the dawn of Summer. The seasonal worldwide significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days as our earth tilts its rotation towards the sun.

The winter solstice is also recognized for the ancient rituals and traditions that celebrate nature and setting one’s intentions for the coming season.

On December 21st, the Mays Landing Merchants Association and Earth Angels Center for Healing Arts present their first “MAYS LANDING WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION OF LIGHT”. It is expected to become an annual community event.

Board president Michael Dougherty expressed, “After the last two years, it feels like our town is coming out of the darkness that was, and is, the COVID-19 pandemic. With this inaugural celebration, we hope to bring the community together to spark hope for the year to come and be grateful for what we have to look forward to."

The event’s sponsors are inviting families to join their neighbors and participate in a Candle Light observance at 6PM on the 21st. The location of this Solstice ceremony is scheduled at the War Memorial Park on Main Street in downtown Mays Landing.

The evening will commence with traditional Yuletide refreshments provided by the event’s sponsors, immediately following at Earth Angels Center for Healing Arts. They are located opposite the park at 115 Route 50, Mays Landing.

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December 10, 2021

Inaugural "Christmas at the Mansion" Holiday Celebration Draws Crowds in Somers Point

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fun time was had by all at "Christmas at the Mansion" Saturday, December 4th.

The event, held on the grounds of the historic Somers Mansion, featured vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, kids activities, a gift wrapping station and a visit from Santa and Olaf. Over 500 people toured the 300-year-old Mansion throughout the day.

The event culminated with City Officials lighting the Christmas tree on the grounds of Somers Mansion,

by Mayor Jack Glasser.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

Participants from Mainland High School Choir

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How to De-stress From Christmas Pressure: Advice for Parents Moms Vibe:

By Krystle J. Bailey

W

ith only two weeks until Christmas, the pressure is on. Many of us are scrambling for last-minute gifts, trying to fit in every holiday party, and plan big holiday meals, all while maintaining the normal chaos level that comes with parenting. There are still lunches to pack, homework to complete, and school pictures to purchase. Not to mention, if you have an Elf on the Shelf, that needs to be figured out too. It can feel overwhelming, to say the least!

Take a deep breath! Remember this: It’s okay if the season isn’t filled

to the brim with 24/7 magic. You are allowed to slow down. It’s okay to say “no.” The to-do list will get done at some point. It is okay if this is a hard time of year for you. You don’t have to pretend to be okay if you’re not. Your family does not care about perfection. Simplicity is beautiful. Coffee is not a sustainable diet.

Naps are amazing and necessary.

Finally, and most importantly, you are incredible.

Try these tips for maintaining your sanity this Christmas season:

Set Boundaries

Many families have introduced the rule that they only attend one holiday event per day or only a certain amount of events per week.

It is impossible to do it all. Set healthy boundaries for yourself that keep you sane while also allowing you to

enjoy the holiday season. Clearly communicate these boundaries with the people you love and stick to them for yourself.

house and meet a friend for coffee, get a manicure, or indulge in an early Christmas gift for yourself that brings you joy.

Keep It Simple & Communicate

Skip The Christmas Cards

An open conversation with your family about holiday expectations can go a long way.

As parents, we typically want to give our children everything in our power. The reality is, however, that half of it is often unnecessary. Talk to your family about your desire to keep things simple, peaceful, and easygoing this year. Let them know what they can expect from you and how they can help maintain the household peace. If that means not taking out every single Christmas decoration you’ve ever owned, then allow that to be the case. Maybe it means an artificial tree this year or just immediate family for Christmas dinner.

Whatever simplicity looks like for you, remember that it is there for the taking.

Make Time For Yourself

I know it’s easier said than done, but you need it! Take 10 minutes a day to lock yourself in your bathroom and meditate, read a book, or scroll social media. Whatever it is that you need to do to unwind, do it. You deserve it. You’re worthy of it. It is necessary for your well-being. Get out of the

Honestly, nobody is going to be upset. If you haven’t sent out the Christmas cards yet, you have permission not to. Everyone will survive along with your sanity. You don’t have to do everything, every year, for everyone. You are allowed to skip a thing or two along the way in the name of your mental health.

Buy For Kids Only

Time, decisions, and money are all holiday stressors. Change things up this year and invite your family to only buy presents for the children.

Save money and stress by eliminating half of the shopping list. You can give thoughtful cards or easy bottles of wine, lottery tickets, or Wawa gift cards instead of the big gifts this year or host a White Elephant gift exchange.

Now, another deep breath. This will all pass by, and another year will be behind us. Everything will be just fine, even if you change the plan two weeks out. The kids will be okay, your spouse will be okay, and most importantly, you will be at peace. Seek that peace of mind and hold on tight. You deserve it.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

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66

Christmas Fantasy of Lights

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he timelessness of childhood will ring true as your family literally walks through its all-time favorite stories and nursery rhymes at Storybook Land.

Children’s classics are interspersed with exciting new family rides and attractions in a remarkably clean and enjoyable park setting.

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What’s Happening in Ocean City

Theatre Company Stages ‘Holiday Spectacular’

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Admission Buttons on Sale for First Night Ocean City

he Ocean City Music Pier stage will light up with the sights and sounds of the season as the Ocean City Theatre Company gives four performances of “Swingin’ Into the Holidays: Ocean City’s Holiday Spectacular” this weekend. Tickets are on sale now for the annual holiday show.

The cast of professional singers and dancers will present a family–oriented, song-and-dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by Elizabeth Worley and Michael Hartman. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit. Performances will be: ● 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 ● 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 ● 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 12 The production will be staged at the Music Pier (Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk) with free parking nearby. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. Purchase at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the City Hall Welcome Center (9th Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the causeway leading to Ninth Street).

ADMISSION BUTTONS ON SALE FOR FIRST NIGHT OCNJ Come celebrate a family-friendly New Year’s Eve in Ocean City, N.J. First Night offers more than 70 opportunities to catch 30 different shows and activities at 21 venues throughout town. You will find entertainment that satisfies every taste and age group.

First Night was founded 29 years ago and modeled after an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration in Boston that marked the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

The first celebration in Ocean City included 25 entertainment acts at five different locations with about 800 people attending.

While other First Night events have faded, Ocean City’s has only grown more popular with families making it an annual tradition for a safe New Year’s Eve. Today, attendance is capped at 10,000 with admission buttons selling out year after year.

All-inclusive admission buttons are on sale now. One price ($20) is good for all events. For more information and to purchase buttons, visit firstnightocnj.com, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center near the Ninth Street Bridge.

COMING UP Free Horse and Carriage Rides (weekends through Dec. 18-19): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Please be aware that riders may have to queue up well in advance of 3 p.m.

For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ Visits With Santa (weekends through Dec. 18-19): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue).

For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ. Photos With Santa in an OCBP Lifeguard Boat (weekends through Dec. 18-19): Noon to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Elf: The Musical Jr. (Dec. 17-18): The Ocean City Theatre Company Junior Company will perform a musical based on the beloved holiday comedy film. (Please be advised that cast members may be wearing transparent face coverings during the performance.) Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $15. Call 609-399-6111, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, or stop by the

Music Pier Box Office on the days of the shows.

First Night (Dec. 31): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family in Ocean City.

The annual event features more than 70 shows and activities and venues throughout town. Fireworks ring in the new year at midnight. For admission buttons, schedules and more information, visit firstnightocnj.com or call 609-399-6111.

First Day Shopping Extravaganza (Jan. 1): Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 14th Street. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Free Horse & Carriage Rides (Jan. 1): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.

First Day Boardwalk 5K (Jan. 1): Race starts at 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events.

Race-day registration opens at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier.

First Day at the Beach (Jan. 1): Featuring Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year at 2 p.m. On the beach adjacent to the Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

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December 10, 2021

OC Parade Rings in the Season in Style

O

cean City NJ Annual Christmas Parade drew large crowds to Asbury Avenue Friday evening, December 3rd. Children young and old lined the parade route enjoying the sights and sounds of the season and awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

↘Continued on 32

December 10, 2021

31

She'z The Boss

Women's clothing and accessories Jewelry - Candles - Handbags Specialty Foods - Fun Gifts

↘Continued from 31

709 Asbury Ave. Ocean City ● (609) 226-4880

An enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song and dance tribute to the holidays.

32

December 10, 2021

Ocean City’s First First Night SHOP LOCAL AND LATE ON DECEMBER 15, AND 22!

1. Wander the shops from 4PM to 8PM, making a wish list as you go.

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

T

wenty-nine years ago, December 31, 1992, Ocean City held its first First Night celebration. The alcohol-free New Year’s Eve program, which featured 25 programs at five locations, was sponsored by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Ocean City.

The participants of the first First Night enjoyed a variety of entertainment including storytellers, folk singers, magicians, country music, and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra with the Masterworks Choir.

“It’s a tremendous success,” said Mayor Henry “Bud” Knight immediately following the celebration and everyone agreed with him.

Mark Soifer, Ocean City public relations director, who spent more than a year planning the first First

December 10, 2021

2. Leave your list with us so loved ones can come and check it out.

3. Get exactly what you want!

Night, credited the many volunteers for the initial success. He said Jay Eggly first mentioned the new way to spend New Year’s Eve, but it was Carla Heist who kept pushing for First Night and served on the planning committee.

The following were early supporters of First Night Ocean City: Kit Wright, Joan Dice, Bobbi German Smith, Winnie Periano, Sal and Kitty Paone, Jean Serber, Joe Bellepede, Vera Mae Cimino, Jean Jacobson, Paul and Ruth Anselm, Cathy Elias, Ray Elias, Jerry Mc-

Donald, Joanne DelVescio, Valerie Crawford, Ed Wood, Donna Hand, Katherine Pileggi, Bill Sundermeir, Jack and Emma Park, and Paula Aldi.

After the event, Mark Soifer said, “The volunteers should all feel good about helping to inaugurate another Ocean City family event, one that is destined to take its place with such traditions as the Baby Parade, the Halloween Parade, Night in Venice, the Art Show, and lifeguard races.”

Soifer was right. First Night has been growing steadily in popularity since December 31, 1992.

And enjoy in-store promotions, giveways, and demonstrstions while you shop!

33

Jewish Family Service Hosts Second Annual Blue Flamingo Fundraiser The Flock is Coming to a Lawn Near You

J

ewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) is excited to host a Flamingo Fundraiser in which proceeds will support the agency’s commitment to helping children, families and seniors in the region. Now is your chance to support this campaign by purchasing a distinctive gift for your family, friends and neighbors this

holiday season.

For $50, you can send 20 vibrantly colored birds to someone on your gift list and for $75, you can remain anonymous so they’ll have no idea who flocked them. For $150, you can supersize your flock and JFS will send up to 100 blue flamingos to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary.

Celebrate the Holidays in the Wildwoods!

5 WEEKENDS OF HOLIDAY FUN NOV 20 Gratitude Fest

DEC 3 Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

NOV 25-DEC 30 Elks Holiday Window Decorating Contest

DEC 3-4 Christmas in the Plaza

NOV 26-28 Christmas in North Wildwood

DEC 10-JAN 15 Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park

NOV 27 Outdoor Holiday Shopping Village

DEC 11 Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

DEC 1 Wildwood Crest Tree Lighting Ceremony

DEC 11 ‘Pinch the GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run

DEC 3 North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

DEC 18 Family Holiday Beach Bonfire

DEC 3 Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade

DEC 20 Holiday Lights Walk

Want to prevent your yard from being in the flocking flight path? Purchase Flocking Insurance for $100, and your home will be protected from these feathered invaders. Flamingo migration territories include Absecon, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Downbeach, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Linwood, Mays Landing, Northfield, and Somers Point. Flamingos will nest in the yard for up to 48 hours.

“Last year, JFS’ blue flamingos flocked more than 80 homes throughout the region and raised nearly $10,000 to support vital programs and services for residents in our community. The overwhelming positive feedback from supporters and those who were flocked showed JFS that it’s important to create new and unique ways to raise essential dollars for our agency while also bringing uplifting joy to neighborhoods,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer.

The JFS Flocking Fundraiser runs from now through February 28, 2022, with a goal of raising $15,000 to support programs and services.

The agency is grateful for the sponsorship of Rene Kane & Company as well as The Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum. For more information or to arrange a Flocking, Flocking Removal, Flocking Insurance or Flocking Sponsorship, visit jfsatlantic.org or contact Kirby Reed at kreed@jfsatlantic.org or 609.822.1108 x144.

Photograph Vibrantly colored flamingos adorn the lawn of a Mays Landing residence as part of the Blue Flamingo Fundraiser to support the services and programs at Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS).

The fundraiser continues through February 28, 2022. For more information, contact Kirby Reed at kreed@ jfsatlantic.org or 609.822.1108 x144.

(Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

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December 10, 2021

Ring in the New Year in Atlantic City

Going Places with Dina Guzzardo

A

tlantic City is a goldmine for New Year’s Eve parties this year, and here are the top picks across the city.

From hype all-night-long parties to more chilled out live shows, there is something to suit everyone this year in AC. First, we start at the Showboat (801 Boardwalk) who are throwing what they call “AC’s largest NYE party," with 6 parties across 5 venues including a live concert, multiple DJs and bands, dueling pianos, live ball drop, champagne toast, and a 5 hour open bar (6 hours for VIPS!).

The VIP section can also enjoy a buffet selection, early entry, express entry, upgraded liquor brands, and free coat check. The event runs from 9am until 3am, and there are three ticket options: general admission (starting at $69.95), VIP (starting at $109.95), and ultra-VIP bottle service ($249.95). These are starting prices and they are set to go up so make sure you grab tickets early at this great price! For more information and to purchase tickets, head to:https://www.showboatnye.com/.

Philly based band, Low Cut Connie, will be rocking New Year’s Eve at the Anchor Rock Club (247 S. New York Ave), with a live gig supported

by Sixteen Candles and Sandy Beach and an after party hosted by LCC’s lead singer, Adam, with DJ Kava. The band has been dubbed the second coming of Springsteen and “Pan-

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demic Person of the Year” and are guaranteed to get the party going.

Tickets are only $38 for the gig and

$20 for the after party and can be bought here: https://www.tixr.com/ groups/anchorrockclub/events/nye-

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low-cut-connie-sixteen-jackies-sandy-beach-31503. A vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours are required for entry.

Anthem Lounge inside of Tropicana (2801 Pacific Ave) will be turning their venue into an Arctic Adult Playground with entertainment all night long. There will be a 3 hour open bar from 9pm-12am and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. They will be giving out party favors and noise makers to everyone all night long to truly see the new year in with a bang! DJ SoulChild and DJ Vito G will provide the music throughout the night, and at 3am, the party starts all over again with an exclusive afterparty. Tickets start at $75 for general admission, and bottle service packages are avail-

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↘Continued from 35 able, but you will need to contact the venue directly (609-576-5206). You can purchase regular tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ frozen-fantasy-on-new-years-eveat-anthem-lounge-ac-tickets-213368419687?aff =ebdssbdestsearch.

Claridge Hotel is offering an elegant evening atop Atlantic City’s only rooftop bar, the Vue. For only $79, you can enjoy a 3 hour open bar (9pm-12am), 2 hours of butler'd hors d’oeuvres (9pm11pm), champagne toast, and balloon drop at midnight.

From 8pm-10pm, enjoy being serenaded by Darin MacDonald on the piano. Then, from 10pm-1am, DJ Brandyn will be taking things up a notch to welcome 2022 in style. For a night of sophisticated fun with amazing views, purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite. here: https://w w w.eventbrite. com/e/new-years-eve-2022-tickets-217091716167?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

The best show in town is taking place at Bally’s (1900 Pacific Ave)

starting at 9pm with a Prime Rib dinner, dancing, open bar, and champagne toast at midnight, all hosted by legendary Hall of Fame DJ, “The Geator with the Heater”, Jerry Blavat. There will also be performances

by R&B icons Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes who are famous for their songs “You Don’t Know Me

by Now” and “The Love I Lost.” Tickets are $150 each and must be purchased through this link: https:// www.ticketweb. com/event/newyears-eve-with-jerry-ballys-grand-ballroom-tickets/11378905.

So with no shortage of things to do this year for New Year’s Eve, it’s a guarantee that you’ll usher in the new year with a bang!

Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent. www.dinamediagroup.com

December 10, 2021

Those Amazing Alliums Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

Y

ou may think it’s a little cold to be dreaming about spring and summer flowers. However, instead of sugar plums, I have visions of alliums dancing in my head. Though alliums are in the onion family (they are also called flowering onions), these ornamental plants are grown for their beautiful flowers. Just like tulips and daffodils, allium bulbs should be planted in fall — or early winter if you are a procrastinator like me.

your garden and will likely bloom in June. You can’t go wrong with Purple Sensation allium, which will take you into late spring and early summer. If “go big or go home” is your motto, plant gladiator alliums.

These giants can reach 3-4 feet high and will make a big impact in your garden when planted in groups.

Alliums are known as some of the easiest flowers to grow. Simply dig a hole, plant, cover, water, and wait (the hardest part!). Like other spring-flowering bulbs, they must endure the harshness of winter to prepare them to bloom and thrive in the spring. One of my favorite things about alliums is their resistance to deer and squirrels. Remember, alliums are in the same family as onions and garlic. So you won’t have the same battles over your bulbs like tulips. In my garden, I plant alliums among the tulips, hoping they will deter the usual

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December 10, 2021

suspects from stealing my prized bulbs. In the spring and summer, I’m rewarded with a lovely combination of shapes and colors.

Shore Local News would love to hear from our readers. Tell us what you are dreaming about to get you through these cold nights.

Send your comments, questions, and pictures to shorelocalnews@ gmail.com.

Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.

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t's easy to consume vast amounts of alcoholic cocktails during the festive season. But while plenty of booze may help your celebrations go with a swing (especially after the year we've had), it won't do much to keep your waistline in shape. It's fine to enjoy a drink or two but just remember to choose sensibly to avoid the pounds and the hangovers. There are so many empty calories and sugars in holiday cocktails.

Most of us assume that the dreaded holiday 15 (lbs) comes from festive cookies and treats, but did you know that sugar laden booze can pack on a significant amount of calories. I was guilty myself in the past with that delicious Moscow Mule in that ultra fun copper cup. Most people don’t realize what’s in their cocktails. If you’re being mindful of your food and drink this holiday season, there are still plenty of cocktails that are light and just as festive. You can have your booze and drink it, too! For a happy and healthy new year, try making lighter holiday cocktails.

A favorite trick of mine, going way back is the perfect hack for calorie cutting. Mix white wine with soda water or diet lemonade to make it last

twice as long and half the calories. I’ve also used diet Sprite or 7up. You can also make this in a tall glass and sip slowly, making it last so much longer.

You can also add a splash of cranberry to make it pretty. If you can't bear to dilute it, opt for a dry white or red wine as these contain fewer calories than sweeter wines. Half a bottle of red or dry white wine contains around 250 calories. Chardonnay is a great choice for white wine and Merlot, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon for a dry red.

How about a “better” Sangria? One that isn’t loaded with a sugary wine.

This can be made in large quantities if you’re hosting a party. This fruity wine “punch” is incredibly easy to make. Plus, adding nutritious fruit is a great way to liven up cheaper wines.

That makes it cost effective when throwing a holiday get together. Just add pears, apple, mango, grapes and clementines to your carafe the night before serving. The soaked fruit and sangria will taste even better the next day so make it ahead of time.

If you’re one who likes their eggnog this time of year, there’s a lighter way to make it. A skinny eggnog can be concocted by adding skim milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream.

There are always ways to cut corners and calories if you’re willing to explore some different options. I know hard seltzer’s are very popular.

How about making it pretty and festive by adding it to a large glass of ice and garnishing it with cranberries or pomegranate.

Now let’s talk about the food at those cocktail parties and how to make the best choices this season. First and

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foremost, eat a small, healthy snack before you go to the party, so you're not starving when you get there. This is my best recommendation. I do this before I go out to dinner all year long.

It keeps me from making bad choices.

It's kind of like food shopping when you’re famished. It’s never recommended. An apple with almond butter or a piece of fruit with Greek yogurt is healthy and filling.

Bring a healthy food option to the party, so you'll know there'll be at least one healthy choice you can load on your plate.

Check out all the options before you start filling your plate, so you know which appetizers are your must haves. Go for that shrimp cocktail or the veggie tray.

When at the appetizer table, opt for lean proteins and fresh fruits or veggies first to fill you up before splurging on a less healthy option. That way you are in control. If the appetizer is fried, steer clear, or think of it as your treat.

We all have cheat meals, so make this yours if that’s what you choose to do.

Use a small plate when picking your food. Alternate each cocktail, glass of wine, or beer with a glass of water, so you slow down how many empty

calories you're consuming. This will ward off any future hangover. Make smart decisions the day leading up to a party, so you can relax a bit at night. Load up on healthy, filling foods that keep you full without making you go over your goals for the day. Walk away from the food table and move your workout to the morning when you know that you have plans at night.

When we have goals set in motion, we usually stay true to them because it’s really about staying true to yourself and making yourself a priority. Health doesn’t just happen. You have to work for it.

It’s not a quick fix like a juice cleanse or the latest fad, it’s real life commitment, planning and prepping and the holidays are no different. We have the same holidays year after year. Plan, stick to it and you’ll feel so much better mentally and physically!

Bonnie Miller is certified fitness instructor at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center and Atilis Gym in Galloway. She is a mom of three and resides Somers Point.

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Extra Points with Pete

Minshew Mania ●

Sports & Entertainment

By Pete Thompson

I

had to start with the Eagles backup QB and his infamous mustache, right? I mean the 25-year-old showed up in East Rutherford for the Birds game against the Jets wearing fighter pilot sunglasses and a “Top Gun” style jacket. Then, all he did was go out and have a near-perfect first half en-route to a 33-18 win.

Since I last wrote, the Eagles bounced back from the Giants loss by rolling over the New York Jets. The Birds now can use the bye week to rest and heal. The Flyers skid continues, and it’s cost their head coach his job. The Sixers are starting to round back into form as they’ve now won two in a row on the road. The Phillies see one former player get into the Hall of Fame, but it’s not the name everyone was thinking. In soccer, the Philadelphia Union put up a valiant effort despite playing shorthanded, but fall in the Eastern Conference Final. On the local front, one high school team is able to finish the season out in style. Plus, a local high school basketball player makes her college choice official.

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A jubilant Gardner Minshew after beating the Jets.

From entertainment, I got to see a legendary rock band in concert for most likely the final time. Plus, I finally got to check out a movie that was both nostalgic and touching at the same time. As always though, we begin with sports, and my thoughts: ● I’ll start with the Eagles as some folks are predicting there will be a QB controversy now because backup QB Gardner Minshew had an outstanding game in the Eagles 3318 win at the Jets. Minshew was filling in for Jalen Hurts and he had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in the first half, completing 14 of 15 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Now, he wasn't as successful in the second half, but it didn't really matter as the Eagles added three field goals to beat the New York Jets and improve to 6-7 on the season.

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Minshew finished the game 20-for25 for 242 yards and 2 TDs as the Eagles stayed in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC. Minshew’s overall passer rating was 133.7, the highest for an Eagles QB in a game this season.

The Eagles now head into their BYE week, but they do have some injury concerns other than Hurts as Miles Sanders left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle Travis, Kelsey and Anna at the concession stand at injury after setting a career-high the Tilton Square Theater. with 24 carries and coming up just two yards short of his career high with 120 ● One last item on the Eagles as the “probyards. lem”, as I see it, is that the road to the NFC Sanders apparently aggravated the same East now runs through Washington. The injury that has plagued him the last month Red…er…Football Team rallied to win in Las or so.

Vegas last Sunday 17-15 over the Raiders.

Meanwhile, center Jason Kelce also left The Eagles play Washington twice in their the game with just over two minutes left last four games, and will need every “W” with an apparent knee injury. Kelce could they can get if they hope to sneak into the barely walk off the field, so it’s a good thing playoffs as a wildcard team. Dallas is still the Eagles have the BYE week coming up. on top in the NFC East standings, but don’t Sports-talk radio might be active during sleep on Washington as the Football Team the bye week with talk that Minshew should has won four games in a row. start moving forward, but head coach Nick ● In hockey, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher deSirianni has already quashed that saying cided he’d seen enough as he fired head “Hurts is my starter”. The only way I see coach Alain Vigneault and top assistant Minshew starting again is if Hurts has to ↘Continued on 42 miss any more time because of injury.

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Michel Therrien just hours after a 7-1 loss on home ice to Tampa Bay. Mike Yeo takes over as the interim coach, but he has an uphill climb ahead of him. Even Fletcher admitted as such, when he told the media at an afternoon press conference that “we’ve completely lost our way."

The Flyers have now had six head coaches in eight years. Sure, the old saying goes, “you can’t fire the players”, but in this case, I wish that they could! It remains to be seen if Yeo can turn things around, or if another face like Rick Tocchet or John Tortorella would change things. My take is that the Flyers need more TALENT, and no bench boss is going to change that!

Not long after the dismissals, the Flyers took the ice against Colorado and played harder, but still lost. This time, 7-5 at home.

As I write this, that’s nine-straight losses for the Orange & Black. Now, before the game, Claude Giroux said the team had “no identity”. He then went out and scored twice against the Avalanche. His second goal came with just a minute and 40 seconds left in the period and was on the power play to cut the Av’s lead to just 4-3.

That also was career point 333 for Giroux, tying him with Bob Clarke for the most in franchise history, Which is as good a point as any to remind all of you that Giroux has a “no movement” clause in his contract. For those of you who think HE is the problem, the Flyers are unable to move him unless he agrees

●

PT and pals at Genesis

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to the deal. That said, you can put me in the category of folks who think the Flyers need to “blow up” the roster and start the rebuild immediately.

To basketball now, where the Sixers have won two games in a row on the road, thanks in large part to their big man. Joel Embiid comes through with a season-high 43 points to go along with 15 rebounds and seven assists as the Sixers win 127-124 over the Hornets in Charlotte. Embiid appears to be returning to his pre-COVID form as he scored or assisted on all eight of the Sixers’ overtime points, including a jumper to put them up 125-122 and an over-the-top feed to Tobias Harris for a dunk to set the final score with 1 minute, 10 seconds to play.

Point guard Tyrese Maxey had to miss the game with non-Covid illness, but Shake Milton filled in admirably, contributing 16 points, 4 rebounds and just 1 turnover in 35 minutes of action. Tobias Harris was strong too, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds

●

and 4 assists. As I write this, the Sixers are now 13-11 and seem to be moving in the right direction.

The same can’t be said right now for the Phillies, although they DID squeeze in one free agent signing before baseball went into lockout mode. More on that in a moment. First, the Phillies signed right-hander Corey Knebel to a one-year, $10 million deal with the idea that he can bolster their bullpen. Knebel says he wants to be the closer, but the Phillies haven’t promised him anything just yet. He was an all-star closer with Milwaukee as recently as 2017, but Tommy John surgery and other injuries have limited his ability since then. Knebel is 30-years-old and has worked the past two season for the Dodgers in mostly the 7th and 8th innings. He was even used as an opener once in the playoffs.

The contract was finalized just hours before the pending expiration of the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union, which has caused a lockout and put a freeze on transactions. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said the first work stoppage in 26 years is “the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season”. Meanwhile, the players union says the lockout is “a dramatic measure” that is “specifically calculated to pressure the players into relinquishing rights and benefits.” The league’s last work stoppage was a players’ strike that canceled the 1994 World Series and the last lockout was a 32-day stoppage in the winter of 1990 that delayed spring training.

The victorious Cedar Creek football coaching staff / Courtesy: Phil Eisenstein ●

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One final baseball note, as I’m saddened to learn that Dick Allen fell one vote short again for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. All that was needed was 12 votes from a 16-member panel that included former teammates Mike Schmidt and Ferguson Jenkins. Allen received 11. Allen’s next chance will be in 2026.

I’m sorry, but this is an injustice as Allen played for five teams — the Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox, and A’s — during a 15-year career. He hit 351 homers while swinging a 42-ounce bat and his 165 OPS+ between 1964 and 1973 was the highest in the majors over that 10-year span. He won the Rookie of the Year in 1964 with the Phillies, captured the American League MVP in 1972 with the White Sox, and made seven All Star teams. That’s a Hall of Fame career if I’ve ever seen one!

The committee elected pitcher Jim Kaat, who played four of his 25 big-league seasons with the Phillies, Gil Hodges, Minnie Miñoso, and Tony Oliva. Negro leagues star Bud Fowler and Buck O’Neil were inducted by the Early Baseball Era committee. I have no problem with all of those who WERE elected, but I have a big problem with Dick Allen being left out. Even Willie Mays and Hank Aaron both said Allen deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. A sad day indeed and one that makes me question the folks who run things in Cooperstown.

Sad news from soccer as well, as the Philadelphia Union made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final but ultimately fell 2-1 to New York City FC. Missing 11 players due to Major League Soccer’s health and safety protocols, the Union put up a valiant fight and were vigorously cheered on by a sellout crowd of 19,487 — the largest in Subaru Park history. But, Talles Magno, whom New York signed for $8 million in mid-May, scored the winner in the 87th minute not long after the teams traded goals in a frenzied stretch just past the hour mark.

In the end, I think this was a HUGE step for the Union, despite the sad finish. Manager Jim Curtin has done a lot of things right in his stint in charge, and the players & fans are fully buying in. Here’s to bright things ahead for the Philadelphia soccer team.

On the local front, the Cedar Creek Pirates got to go out on top as they won a thriller 35-34 over Woodrow Wilson to win the South / Central Group 3 Championship

December 10, 2021

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Football game at Rutgers.

Tigers running back Naz’sir Oglesby was ruled down inches short of the goal line on a fourth-down pass from the 7-yard line with 10 seconds left in the game, giving Cedar Creek the one-point win.

The Pirates were down 22-0 before they began a rally that would ultimately A.C.I.T. senior Grace Speer, joined by family, as she signs end up with them on top. with Florida Tech. / Courtesy: Beth Sullivan Speer With the win, Cedar Creek clinched a perfect 13-0 season. ● Finally, my girlfriend Susan and I were able to make time for a “date night” and check My sincere congratulations to head coach out “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” at the Tilton James Melody and his entire coaching staff.

Also, to all the Pirates players, students Square Theater in IMAX. Hey, the movie & parents, as I know this was the sort of packs in a lot as it tries to balance nostalgia “dream ending” to a season that very few from the 80’s movies with a new, updated local schools get to experience. version of things. Without giving anything away, I enjoyed it and it was good to hear Also in local sports, a huge tip of the cap to A.C.I.T. senior Grace Speer as she signs on that Ray Parker, Jr. song again, even if it the dotted line to play basketball for Florida came at the END of the film.

I’m going to close this as I always do. With Tech. Long known as the Florida Institute of Technology, more than half the student a reminder that the pandemic is not OVER and body is enrolled in the College of EngineerI certainly hope you all stay safe & healthy. No ing & Science, and that’s what Speer will matter where you are if a mask is required, do as she plans to study to become an enit’s for a reason. Please keep leading with vironmental scientist/engineer. Good luck KINDNESS. Grace and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish on the court this winter in Pete has been the local "sports your senior season! guy" at the Jersey Shore since As always, I’ll close with a few items from 2004. After a decade with TV 40, he joined 97.3 ESPN radio to talk entertainment, starting with the concert I Eagles, Phillies, Sixers & Flyers with went to see at the Wells Fargo Center as Mike Gill on "The SportsBash" from Phil Collins and Genesis hit the stage for 2-6 p.m. their “The Last Domino?” Tour. Collins was Pete is proud to be a "voice" for joined by Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, the annual ShopRite LPGA Classic each June, and does emcee work Daryl Stuermer,r and his son, Nic Collins for groups like the National Football on drums. It was sad to see a 70-year-old Foundation, The Old Grad Awards, barely able to move around a stage he once and The 200 Club of Atlantic County. commanded. That said, he sounded GREAT You can hear Pete each Tuesday and and was in fine vocal form. If this was it for Friday on 97.3 ESPN at 5:30pm, and if you see him out & about in the Genesis, I was glad to see them with a few community, he requests that you of my older brother’s friends, who were the please say "Hi". Send comments to ones who first turned me on to the band in PBrooksT@aol.com the early’80s.

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The Greatest Toys of All Time

hose of us with children in our lives are likely finding ourselves searching for the toy that will bring the biggest smile to our kids’ faces on Christmas morning. Some of us might be buying the same toys for our children that our parents bought for us decades ago. If that’s you, then the toy you’re buying is probably on this list of the best-selling children’s toys of all time.

LEGOs One of the most popular toys in history, LEGOs started in Denmark in 1949 and the small bricks allowed children to build their imaginations into reality. LEGO, which means "play well" in Danish, still endures today, with popular models including sets connected with the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises.

"Legoland" theme parks exist all over the world, with parks in California, Florida, and in the toy's home country of Denmark, among other places.

Fun Fact: As of 2020, LEGO had produced enough bricks so that there were 62 bricks for each person on the entire planet.

Cabbage Patch Kids Created in the 1970s by a 21-year-old art student named Xavier Roberts, the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls are one of the most successful doll franchises of all time. The original dolls were hand-stitched, soft fabric sculptures that Roberts called “The Little People,” and which he sold - or “adopted” - at arts and

crafts fairs.

The Cabbage Patch Kids were patented in 1978, and they hit the toy market in 1983.

Yo-yo It really is impossible to tell how many yo-yos have been produced since their invention around 2,500 years ago, but anything with that kind of staying power has to be considered one of the best-selling toys in history.

On the commercial U.S. market, they’ve been around since Pedro Flores opened the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara, California, circa 1928. Donald F. Duncan knew a good thing when he saw it and purchased the business from Flores just one year later, and the “Duncan Yo-Yo” was born.

Barbie The Barbie doll is, unsurprisingly, the best-selling toy of all time with over a billion dolls sold since she made her debut in 1959.

With more than 180 careers, 40 nationalities, and hundreds, even thousands, of exclusive fashionable outfits, the Barbie doll has been a toy icon for millions of little girls for the past 50 years.

Part of the reason for this is Barbie’s adaptability. Mattel, the toy company that

owns Barbie, has allowed the doll to evolve as times have changed, releasing Barbie Presidential candidates, Barbie business executives and Barbie computer engineers.

Perhaps most notably, in 2016 Mattel introduced three new body types - tall, petite, and curvy - and added a variety of skin tones to better reflect the world that girls see around them.

Slinky The Slinky came to life on a battleship during World War II in Philadelphia’s Cramp Shipyard. A torsion spring used in a testing meter fell off a marine engineer’s desk and tumbled end over end across the floor, creating a fad that continues sixty years later. With more than 300 million Slinkys sold, the walking spring is still marching strong.

The Easy-Bake Oven This famous toy working oven has been beloved by children since 1963, when it was first introduced to the public. The Easy-Bake Oven has sold more than 20 million units since its debut, and has appeared in several different incarnations throughout the decades. The first model featured a tiny stovetop in addition to the oven and used a regular incandescent light bulb for heat.

Silly Putty The creation of this incredibly popular toy was a lucky accident for its inventor James Wright . Wright was an inventor who worked at General Electric in New Haven, Conn. and discovered that combining boric acid with silicone oil created a putty with unusual properties. It’s a “liquid solid: If it’s dropped, it bounces, but if struck with a great deal of force, it shatters. Silly Putty also floats and will even form a puddle if left alone for a long enough time.

Mr. Potato Head The birth of Mr. Potato Head came in a Brooklyn garden, where an inventor used to take potatoes and add grapes for eyes, and carrots for noses to a potato. When Mr. Potato Head debuted in stores in 1952, it was the very first toy to have a commercial on television – and was the first to be directly aimed at children. The toy made $4 million in the first year and has gone on to be a best-seller for all time.

Nerf Balls Some sources claim that “NERF” is an acronym for “Non-Expanding Recreational Foam,” but that story seems too good to be true. Parker Brothers says they named the squishy balls after the foam that off-road drivers use to wrap their roll-bars, and in 1969 they proclaimed the polyurethane foam as “the world’s first indoor ball.” Since then, more than 300 million balls have been sold.

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The Health Benefits of Cabbage and How to Cook It MINNETONKA MOCCASINS BOOTS & HATS Jewerly • Artifacts Pottery • Music X-Mas Cards • Belts and Much More

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Cabbage Soup

Nutrition

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C

abbage contains anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation occurs when localized areas of the body become painful as a result of injury or infection. When toxins harm the body, they may also cause inflammation. Certain foods help with that. We can eat nutritious foods that help us feel best we can and fight inflammation. Talk to your doctor about any inflammation you experience before attempting any treatments.

That said, learning to cook cabbage could benefit your health as well as improve your cooking skills.

Cabbage is a carbohydrate that contains 22 calories per cup (when chopped).

Cooked cabbage contains high amounts of fiber and is low in fat. Despite these health benefits, many people think cabbage is just a boring veggie. Given the right recipes and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy cabbage more than ever.

Ingredients 7 cups or 1 large can low sodium vegetable juice cocktail (V8) ● 1 1/2 cup or 1 can of tomatoes (red, ripe, canned with green chilies) ● 1 head of medium (about 5 3/4 inch diameter) fresh cabbage ● 1 tsp. Garlic powder ● 1 tsp. Onion powder ● 2 tbsp. Onion powder ● 2 tsp. Low sodium dry soup bouillon cubes and granules ● 5 cups (8 fl ounces each) water ● 1 tsp. Salt (optional) ● 1 tsp. Black pepper Directions Cut cabbage into pieces and place in a large pan.

Simmer for 30 minutes, then add V8 juice, tomatoes, bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Let simmer for 1 1/2 hours. For some zing, add some crushed pepper flakes and extra black pepper.

Serves 15 (1 cup servings) ●

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The Forever Forest Takes You Down Santa Claus Lane

By Holly Martin

D

uring the most magical time of the year, the Forever Forest glistens with Christmas lights that illuminate the extensive tree farm.

Right off of the White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City, the Forever Forest sits on Bremen Street. This winter attraction has something for the whole family to enjoy.

After you purchase your tickets online, you are welcomed to enjoy the lit up barn which transports you right into Santa’s workshop. There are toy trains and displays that fill the barn on your left, along with toy testing areas, including old fashion toys, like a toy gun laser shooting range, and newer video games. On your right, there are crafting tables, face painting, fingernail painting, letters to Santa, and, of course, elves are all around to help you go from one station to another.

As you make your way to the back of the barn, the jolly man himself is sitting front and center right next to

his sleigh. After your time with Santa, you can take a Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride. There was so much to see and do in the barn alone, but there is so much more!

We took a walk down the lane from the barn where we enjoyed a “Dunk the Grinch” dunk tank. One swift throw and the grinch sunk right in the tank. Next, we were able to jump and climb in their bounce castle. There is an ice skating area for children. We opted to take a walk through the forest that is lit the whole way with decorations and brilliant lights.

At the end of the walk, you reach an area full of fire pits to keep you warm. To our surprise, their concession stand sells S’mores kits! Two large kits later, we were roasting marshmallows and our hands were covered with melted chocolate and graham cracker crumbs.

Suddenly, we were covered with snow! How could this be? Well, first, we heard shouting. “The trolley is

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decorated the furthest parts of their property with amazing scenes and decorations. Every now and then, during the ride, we would be surprised with blasts of snow! “More snow! More snow!” was a popular chant from all the kids for most of the ride.

Check out the Forever Forest every Thursday to Sunday until Christmas! Be sure to bring a good coat, your gloves, and a hat. Tickets available online on eventbrite.

here! The trolley is here!” and kids ran to the benches where a tractor-pulled trolley came to a stop. Blowing snow as it pulled in to pick up all the new riders. We were able to climb aboard and take a whimsical ride through the Forever Forest where they have

Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is hollyamartin.com

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Coping with Grief during the Holidays (part 2) my twenty-two years as a funeral director and what I have learned is that there is no wrong or right way to handle your grief journey. You need to allow yourself to feel joy, sadness, anger, and any other emotion that feels healthy. It is important to recognize that every family member has their own unique grief experience.

Experiencing joy and laughter during a time of grief does not mean you have forgotten your loved one.

I have found that one of the most healing things you can do to help with grief is to adopt an altruistic approach to life.

Meaning you draw comfort from doing things for others. You could consider giving a donation or gift in memory of your loved one or adopt a needy family during the holiday season. Another good thing to do is invite a guest to holiday celebrations who might otherwise be alone.

When you lose a loved one it also usually means the loss of certain traditions that the person did or was involved in. A healthy way to deal with that loss is to create new traditions or rituals that accommo-

By Andrew Hoffman

I

am hoping some of the knowledge I gained as a funeral director can help you recapture some joy through the holidays.

Last week, I recommended setting realistic expectations for yourself and surrounding yourself with people who love and support you.

It has been my experience that isolation is the absolute worst thing that you can do during the holiday season. So, despite the incredible temptation, try to avoid “canceling the holiday”. It is ok to avoid some circumstances that you don’t feel ready to handle, but again don’t isolate yourself. You can make some time for solitude, remembering and grieving, but balance it with planned social activities.

I have seen so many people experience grief in so many ways in

date your current situation. Some examples of new traditions might include announcing beforehand that someone different will carve the turkey, create a memory box or even a memory stocking filled with photos of your loved one or notes from family members and friends and asking the children to contribute drawings in the memory box or stocking. You could make a decorative quilt using the favorite colors, symbols, images, or pieces of clothing that remind you

of the person who passed.

You could light a candle in honor of your loved one and/ or put a bouquet of flowers on your table in memory of you loved one. You could visit the cemetery and decorate the memorial site. You could place a commemorative ornament on the Christmas tree or have a moment of silence during a holiday toast to honor your loved one. You could write a poem about your loved one and read it as part of a holiday ritual. You could play your loved one’s favorite music or plan a meal with your loved ones’ favorite foods. There are so many more things that I am sure the rest of you could think of, but the point is there is no right or wrong way to honor your loved one during the holidays and deal with that loss.

Stay tuned for my last piece of advice in next week’s column.

Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes.

He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.

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right Lights, candles in windows, wreaths, and lawn ornaments are the typical components of an exterior holiday decor formula. While the traditionally decorated home is warm and welcoming, you can achieve the same effect while putting a unique spin on your decor. The list below offers a few creative theme ideas for you to consider.

If your household has a favorite holiday film, you can take inspiration from elements of the movie and bring them right to your front yard and to your own home. People driving by will delight in the nostalgia and humor of your home's decor. The films below are full of simple elements you can replicate.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

While there is not an actual "Whoville Home" for the Grinch, this year from December 10th, 2021 thru February 27th, 2022 you can visit and see the original 1957 book and animations on the display of the holiday classic.

Grinch first aired on TV in 1966, and comes to life at the Museum of the Moving Image, located in Astoria

A Christmas Story

The real "A Christmas Story" house is a 19th Century Victorian house located in Cleveland Ohio.

You can purchase a replica of the leg lamp to place in your front window or place a large box with the word "Fragile" on your front porch and make your own 1940's inspired wreath with vintage ornaments and bows.

Replicating Ralphie with his tongue stuck to the pole and wearing his pink bunny pajamas and so many more humorous depictions of this movie classic.

Home Alone

The actual iconic red-brick Georgian style "Home Alone" home featured in the 1990's movie, is a real house located in the affluent tree-lined suburb of Winnetka Chicago. The 2021 version of the movie "Home Sweet Home Alone" and the actual Chicago Home is available for a charity event bookings contest and for

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an overnight stay on Airbnb for up to four lucky mischief-maker quests. You can copy Kevin's genius contraptions to deter any holiday mischief in and around your home. Create a mock "Little Nero's Pizza" box and sit it on your porch with the label facing out, fashioning your decor in the movie for a beautiful and fun family experience.

Queens, New York.

To recreate a scene, make a sign that says "Welcome to Whoville" to hang on your front door.

Buy a Grinch cutout, connect to a string of lights on your home so that it looks like he is pulling them down. Hang oversized striped stockings from your porch railing or below your windows. Play the themes songs and even invite Cindy Lou Who and the children to sing along and have fun.

The holiday theme that You choose to create and to decorate your home will surely bring everlasting joy and memories to share with family, friends and neighbors for many years to come!

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ASBURYAVENUE CASINO DINING MOVIES SMITHVILLE WORSHIP

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SUDOKU Solution on page 58

ACROSS 1. Smoothing tool 5. Fireplace mess 8. *Make a scarf, then a sweater 12. Nasal input 13. Crunched info 14. Like a snicker 15. Cautionary offering 16. *Caddie's offering 17. Ringworm 18. *Current game 20. Bookkeeping entry 21. Express November sentiments 22. Big bang maker 23. Beach Boys: "Be True to Your ____" 26. Deducible 30. COI, OSS, SSU, CIG, ____ 31. *Interlocking challenge 34. ____ of the game 35. Legal excuse 37. Acorn maker 38. Poet Nash 39. Spanish surrealist Joan 40. Tolkien's "The Two ____" 42. Denotes financial loss 43. Kickbacks 45. Ducks with valued down 47. Ornamental carp 48. Harvest helper 50. Chalupa alternative 52. Virginia Slim, e.g.

56. *What football and baseball have in common, pl.

57. "Put a lid ____ ____!"

58. *Hang out on the ocean or online 59. Lock horns 60. Eyeball 61. Hissy fit 62. Michael Myers' move 63. "To Kill a Mockingbird" author 64. Thanksgiving tubers

DOWN 1. Campus drillers 2. Month before Nisan 3. Stag 4. Faster than allegro 5. Hammerin' Hank 6. Delivery bird?

7. 3rd H in 4-H, sing.

8. *Needlecraft 9. *Half a round 10. Footnote word 11. *Afternoon's high 13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. The Police lead singer 19. Japanese room divider 22. Parker's angst 23. Little rascal 24. Locomotive hair 25. Like Bigfoot 26. *You fly fish in it 27. Core of personnel 28. Independent African ruler 29. Gives a helping hand 32. Messy substances 33. Horror movie franchise 36. *Bibliophiles' get-together 38. Willow twig 40. *____ Chi 41. Make a connection 44. Opposite of tea bag 46. Black-tie 48. *Watch a season in a week, e.g.

49. Catlike 50. Queen of Hearts' pastry 51. Aquatic plant 52. Fairly cold 53. Blackfin or Yellowfin 54. Barbershop request 55. Newts in terrestrial stage 56. Art degrees See Solution on Page 58

December 10, 2021

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Local Jewelers Celebrates 40 Years

By Holly Martin

S

age Jewelers on Tilton road in Northfield is celebrating over 40 years of being a full service independent jewelry store. Owner and jeweler John Saggese learned his craft from his father who was a watchmaker in Philadelphia.

"As a young boy I was mesmerized and astonished at being able to handle people's sentimental and personal items,"said Saggese.

Saggese's father made him part of the team at a young age and his experiences prepared him for a life in the Jewelry Business. "It was a wonderful experience, learning to work with my father and learn a generational type trade."

The first Sage Jewelers was in center city Philadelphia on Jewelers Row. One of the first "Jewelers' Row" in the country. When Saggese was ready to move the business, he chose to open up shop in Atlantic City.

In 1980, Sage Jewelers opened up on the corner of Atlantic and Chelsea Avenue. "The Atlantic City store was, in the beginning, more of a wholesale shop.

The new and exciting start in Atlantic City offered Saggese amazing opportunities to work with the stars as well as the local businesses. "We had superstars

in the city back then. All the big stars like Frank Sinatra, Lynda Carter, and Mike Tyson. I worked on their jewelry."

Eight years later Saggese opened his second store in Egg Harbor Township.

Then in 1995, Saggese decided to have one store with a permanent location in Northfield. The illuminated Sage Jewelers sign shines every night on Tilton Road. They have an extensive inventory of jewelry to fit everyone's needs as well as watches, money clips, engagement rings, and more.

They take pride in performing all their jewelry services on site, and can help you with all your watch and jewelry needs.

"We have the experience and knowledge to sit and work on your jewelry as well as the knowledge of how to explain the fundamentals and details that go into making a piece of jewelry or a service."

Saggese and his team of expert jewelers are happy to celebrate their 40 years serving the South Jersey community and look forward to the future.

Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is hollyamartin.com

Solutions to page 57 puzzles. Check yourself!

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December 10, 2021

Lunoli Boutique: Local Fashion For All Body Types

By Krystle J. Bailey

A

fter the birth of her first daughter, Desiree Lawless felt as though it was impossible to find clothes for her changing body. She enjoyed every minute with her newest addition to her family but felt helpless when it came to fashion. Desiree stayed home with her children for six years and had her youngest baby this past

February. As a former cosmetology teacher, she often dreamed about opening her own salon one day but was committed to being home and being present with her two little girls.

She loved fashion, beauty, and everything feminine.

In May of 2021, she decided to open an online boutique out of her Mays Landing home. With a commitment to size inclusivity and centered around women empowerment, Lunoli Boutique was born. The Lunoli name is inspired by the names of her two daughters, Lunabelle and Magnolia, now five years old and soon-to-be

December 10, 2021

one-year-old, respectively.

“With the power of the internet, I can completely work from home, so I can still be with my daughters,” shared Lawless. “I’m raising little girls now, and I want them to grow up with positive body image and self-confidence.”

What began with a small order of lounge sets has grown exponentially in the seven months Lunoli has been in business. The clothing and accessories offered at Lunoli cater to the current season, comfort, and fashion trends. As new shipments arrive, Desiree uses Instagram to show the items on her natural, 4’10”, size ten body.

“I wanted to be the person to try everything on and be in the photos so people can see normal bodies and never feel excluded,” shares Desiree.

Each item is personally carefully packaged and shipped from Desiree’s house, as she is committed to maintaining quality control. The packaging always includes a hand-written note, along with bonus surprises.

In addition to the online shopping experience, Desiree offers personal styling sessions. During these sessions, she brings the seasonal styles to the client’s home, where women gather together in the name of shopping. Styling parties come in 1 or 3-hour sessions. There is a 20% off discount on purchased items.

Lunoli offers lounge sets, sweaters, designer-inspired accessories, and seasonal items. Follow Lunoli Boutique on Instagram at @Lunoliboutique or shop at www.lunoli.com.

Look out for Lunoli pop-up shops in the coming year throughout South Jersey.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

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