SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 8, 2022

Town Square Entertain ment recently announced that they have purchased The Moorlyn 4 Theatre in Ocean City. Towne Square owns the restored Ventnor Square Theatre, Tilton Square Theater, Harbor Square Theater in Stone Harbor, and Cape Square entertainment complex in Rio Grande, which is under construction.

The historic but defunct building across from the Music Pier was pur chased for $1.35 million. A timeline for the reopening of the theater has not yet been determined, but assuming the renovations don’t go beyond some needed roof repairs and a plush interior makeover, De Nafo says it could be open as early as this summer.

The Moorlyn, located on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace be tween Eighth and Ninth streets, first opened as a bowling alley in 1905. It was transformed into a 1,600-seat theater in 1922. As movie popularity and choices grew, it was divided into

two, then four theaters. It was closed in 2018.

"The Moorlyn has an incredibly rich history in serving Ocean City and the surrounding community with entertainment since the early 1900's.

The building has survived hurricanes, super storms, neglect, and even a 200 foot move to the east after the 'Great Boardwalk Fire' of 1927," said Town Square Entertainment in an announcement posted on their Face book page.

“Ocean City deserves a movie theater” says Towne Square Entertainment’s Brett DeNafo

Celebrate with us December 10th

turns. It’s how we navi gate it all and learn to go with the flow that makes it magical.

From the Editor

Last week at this time, I was obsessing over the weath er forecast and hesitantly conceding that we would have to postpone the date of our upcoming event. As disappointed as I was, the postponement turned out to be a 'gift in disguise,' as I ended up getting the stomach virus on that very day. Even if the weather would have cooperated, I would have had to miss the entire thing.

Sometimes situations that at first glance, seem to be a disaster ultimate ly work out best for us in the long run. I've had a number of those times throughout my life, both big and small. This time of year, when gift-giving is front and center and expectations are running high, plans are bound to go south at times. I hope you are able to find little 'gifts in disguise' in those moments too. Life is full of twists and

Christmas at the Man sion is just that - magical. The annual event is held at the 300-year-old Somers Mansion, which is the oldest building in Atlantic County and tells the rich history of our county.

In partnership with The Patriots of the Somers Mansion and in an effort to draw atten tion to local businesses and organizations, we look forward to hosting a day of fun and excite ment. The event will feature live music, over 25 local vendors and food trucks, locally made crafts, children’s activities, face painting, the area’s best local musicians, Santa Meet and Greet opportunities, and the official Christmas tree lighting at 5 pm by Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser.

The day kicks off with award-win ning artist Beth Tinnon who will perform from 10 am-noon, followed

by the legendary Danny Eyer from noon-2:30, along with entertainment from the SSPs and performances by The SPQr Stage Company. Eighteenth Century cooking demonstrations will be held over an open flame, and tours of Somers Mansion will be available throughout the day.

This event follows a tradition that

began centuries ago in Europe. Christmas Markets are now experi enced all over the world, composed of vendors who sell food, gifts, drinks, and more.

At our Christmas celebration, you can experience delicacies from Iron Kettle, Grilled Cheese and Crab Cake Co., Cherry’s Natural Foods truck, and more!

Soul Empanadas will be serving their amazing selection of Latin food, including classics such as fish and beef and an assortment of Ameri can-inspired empanadas such as Philly chees esteak, buffalo chicken, and chicken parm. Beach Buns Bakery will be offering warm baked goods. Coffee and hot choco late will be available for purchase to warm the soul on this beautiful day of holiday cheer and local love. Hope to see you there.

& Love, Cindy

Peace

It’s been 30 years since a December Nor’easter to remember

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

Three decades is certainly a long time. But for those that lived on our barrier islands back in the early 1990’s, it’s not long enough to entirely erase the memories of a historic early season storm, 30 years ago this week!

One of the strongest Nor’easters on record, and certainly the strongest December coastal storm ever, left an indelible mark on the Jersey shore in early December 1992. The powerful early season Nor’easter struck New Jersey on December 10-12, 1992, unleashing a multi-faceted fury from Cape May to Sandy Hook, with the immediate coast bearing the brunt of the storm’s wrath.

Like every coastal storm, it produced heavy rain and snow. For South Jersey, it was a milder storm and the former, not

the latter, as the storm track kept the snow well to our north and west, with parts of western Maryland and western Massachusetts receiving up to four feet of snow. Sussex County, in the far north western reaches of the Garden State, saw over a foot of snow. But for our corner of New Jersey, this storm was not about the snow or even the windswept rain, but the unrelenting wind, waves, and flooding that battered the barrier islands for several days.

Hurricane-force wind gusts were re corded up and down the coast, with an 80 mile-per-hour wind gust in Cape May and an 89 mile-per-hour gust in Sandy Hook. For the record, hurricane force gusts start at 74 mph. It’s yet another case that supports the assertion from meteorologists that while nor’easters don’t get an official name or the media coverage of hurricanes, they can be just as powerful and impactful. Those power ful winds blew out windows at boardwalk businesses and caused structural dam age up and down the shore.

Of course, another byproduct of those hurricane-force wind gusts were large and battering waves, which tow ered up to 20 to 25 feet high off the

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts. The large waves relentlessly pounded area beaches and caused a massive loss of sand from beach erosion. The cost to replace the sand lost from the storm reportedly reached up to 300 million dollars.

But perhaps the most significant and most widespread impact from the De cember ‘92 Nor’easter was the coastal flooding. The multi-day storm caused strong and long-lasting onshore winds, from the east and northeast and even tually the north. Those winds trapped water in our back bays for consecutive high tide cycles, and prompted several rounds of moderate and even major tidal flooding. In fact, the 9.3 feet tide height above mean low water in Atlantic City that resulted from the worst high tide of the ‘92 storm still remains the highest water level ever recorded there, ahead of Hurricane Sandy’s 8.9 feet above mean low water in October of 2012. So the December storm remains the benchmark storm in terms of highest tide heights on record, at least for some locales along the shore.

Along its path, the powerful coastal storm resulted in at least 9 deaths and two billion dollars worth of damage throughout the Mid-Atlantic and North east.

1962…1992…2022? Let’s just hope that generational nor’easters don’t strike every 30 years. Let’s remember earlier this year, we marked the 60-year anni versary of the March of 1962 Nor’easter, or the Ash Wednesday or “Five-High” storm as it is sometimes known, the strongest March storm on record. Cou ple that with the 30-year anniversary of

the December of 1992 storm, and history would say we’re due. Of course, I’d like to think it’s just a coincidence, and I’m 100% confident that these historical storms are random and don’t strike at fixed intervals. After all, the “Perfect Storm” struck just 14 months before the Decem ber ‘92 storm, back around Halloween in 1991. Truth be told, these epic storms can strike in back-to-back years, or there can sometimes be a decades-long gap in between them. Only Mother Nature knows when we’re next in line.

As coastal residents, we can use these anniversaries to remain humble and educated when it comes to the destructive power that Nor’easters can unleash. And there’s no such thing as too much preparation, at any time of the year.

Aside: If you read last week’s column, I discussed a very “favorable” pattern for an East Coast storm or two the second half of December, from December 15-31. That idea still stands, and while it doesn’t guarantee a major storm, it does indicate the “potential” for some mischief around the holidays. Again, only time will tell.

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.

Freedom City Bike Club is serving up bikes, love, and hugs to the local community

By Krystle J Bailey

“Ijust keep doing, keep go ing. I believe that you get back what you put out,” shares James Bussey, owner of Freedom City Bike Club.

James, who has owned and oper ated the bike shop for the last seven years, has seen his share of hard times and firmly believes in the power that a community can cultivate when they take care of one another. This is why whether business is booming like it was during quarantine or as slow as the days he couldn’t keep the lights on, James continues to show up with giving hands and a heart of service.

What began in a small spare bed room in Mays Landing has grown through faith, consistency, and per severance. Freedom City Bike Club now has two locations in Pleasantville and Atlantic City.

Growing up, James recalls the neighborhood kids coming to his backyard where he and his father would serve as the neighborhood bike mechanics. As an adult, after working in the restaurant industry for many years, James went back to his roots and love of bikes. His father, who owns a shop in North Jersey, helped him get started with a couple of bikes that James was able to sell on eBay. One thing led to another, and slowly a business began to blossom. With the mentorship and support of Tuckahoe Bike Shop, his sister and her husband Meredith and Patrick Wysienski, and James’ long-time friend LaHaam Lee, Freedom City Bike Shop began to grow its wings.

Soon, he outgrew the spare bed room and relocated to a small store on Harding Highway in Mays Landing, where he sold bikes, antiques, and collectibles. There was nothing overthe-top about what he was doing at the time, but it gave him a hub where people could meet up to purchase bikes and other items.

Times were tough for James fi nancially, but he stood on his faith and continued to show up for this small growing business that he believed in. He would buy two bikes, locate some parts, and build four bikes, then

rinse and repeat as many times as necessary to keep moving forward. To this day, while they are able to offer new bikes now, many of the bikes at Freedom City are recycled and refurbished using collected parts. After a car plowed through the Mays Landing store, James was forced to relocate again. This time, he landed a corner spot on Delilah Road in Pleasantville. With a few bikes and some baskets, James held an under-the-radar grand opening.

Word began to spread about Free dom City Bike Club. Neighborhood kids would stumble upon the new corner shop and ask about the bikes. The groups of kids, their parents, and other Pleasantville locals began to grow, and James attributes much of the store’s growth to the love and support of the surrounding commu nity.

“Most of them didn’t have mon ey,” explains Bussey. “So we would work out community service chores with them. They’d pick up trash or rake leaves in exchange for a bike or repairs.”

The big break came during Covid when everyone was searching for a bicycle, and they were hard to come by. With so much demand, James was forced to close the store on numerous occasions to catch up on inventory. Other bike mechanics were called in to lend hands and help meet the customer's needs.

This year, James and his staff took a leap of faith and opened a second location at Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City. As the Pleasantville shop contin ued to gain recognition, there was a demand for a shop closer to Brigan tine and Atlantic City. Again, leaning on faith, James jumped. He made the

James Bussey's daughter Jasmine, 9 y.o.

call to Tanger and, in March of 2022, opened their storefront at The Walk.

Now with a full-time staff and two fully-operating locations, Freedom City Bike Club continues to remain a place known for serving the commu nity. Last week, 55 bikes were given away to children and families in need. While James had every intention of giving back this season as he has done in years past, the sequence of events that led to this giveaway sur passed expectations.

“We had received a phone call from a client who wanted to purchase 55 bikes for charity,” explains James. “The deal was done, and on the day of, they changed their mind. We just believe in moving forward. I made the decision to give them away anyway and just be a blessing to others.”

Toddler, youth, and young adult bikes found new homes across At lantic County. There were no criteria to meet or hoops to jump through. James handed each bike over on a first come, first serve basis in ex change for a smile and a hug.

“What means most to us is giving back, even on the years we don’t make a profit. If it weren’t for this community, these kids, this area, we wouldn’t be here,” explains Bussey. “We’re here to be in business, of course, but we love to be a blessing. There’s just so many people in need.”

James and the team are still climb ing their mountain. Opening two lo cations and hiring new staff has been a financial pinch, but it’s about more than money for James. It’s more than a brand name or a location on The Walk. For James and his family-led business, it’s about service, love, faith, and community.

Coming from a family of entrepre neurs, James is no stranger to the family business. His four children,

ages 16, 12, 11, and 9, all help to run the stores from putting the bikes out each day to counting the register each night. They love to be a part of the grassroots shop that their dad poured blood, sweat, and tears into bringing to life and look forward to taking over the business one day.

“We’ve come a long way from that corner room, but there’s still more to do. I went from washing bikes just so I could eat to having a fully paid staff,” expresses James. “I’m thankful for every dollar. I wake up every morn ing, the employees show up with a smile, the lights are still on, and I am thankful.”

Check out Freedom City Bike Club at two locations: 29 W Delilah Rd

Pleasantville, NJ 12 N Arkansas Ave

Atlantic City, NJ

Tanger Outlets

Visit freedomcitybikeclub.com to see what is available on eBay and Etsy.

Follow @Freedom_City_Bike_ Club on Instagram and Freedom City Bike Club on Facebook.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

James Bussey

Events and Happenings

Thursday, December 8th

Light Show on the Lake

▶Now – January 6th from 5:308:30pm

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

It’s the most magical time of year… the Light Show on the Lake is back at Historic Smithville. Watch as over 100 Christmas trees dance throughout Lake Meone to cheerful holiday tunes. For more information, visit historicsmithville. com.

Girls Night Out

▶6-9pm

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

There will be wine and cheese, raf fles, discounts and other benefits for evening shopping. For more information, visit historicsmithville.com.

Friday, December 9th

Atlantic City Ballet: Nutcracker

▶Friday, December 9th 10:30am & 7pm and Saturday, December 10th 11am & 3pm

Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Ferris Dr. Galloway

Tickets on sale via the Stockton PAC box office and online at stockton.edu/ pac. For more information, visit acballet. org.

Noyes Arts Garage Holiday Party

▶5-8pm

2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City

The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University presents its annual Holiday Party, hosted by Shore Local’s own Ray mond Tyler. It will be a festive evening of food, fun, live music, the opening recep tion for the Atlantic City Art Commission Open Winter Art Show, and more. Visit artsgarageac.com for more information.

Longport Tree and Menorah Lighting ▶6pm

Borough Hall 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join Longport at the gazebos behind Borough Hall for a special tree and me norah lighting. After the event, join in the commission chambers for a concert with light refreshments. Please call the library at (609) 487-7403 for more information.

The Christmas Extravaganza

▶Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm

Margate Community Church 8900 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Full Moon Theatre Company presents The Christmas Extravaganza. Enjoy your favorite Christmas carols, featuring The Cygnus Arts Center Ballet, hosted by Scrooge. $25 regular admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for children 12 and younger. Advance tickets are available on Eventbrite. Cash and check will be

accepted for tickets at the door. For group sales, text 609-457-0903.

Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas ▶8pm

Superstar Theater at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Don’t miss a night of merriment and songs of the season all performed by a lineup of Atlantic City’s greatest stars, featuring TV host and singer Michelle Dawn Mooney, Jim “The Singing Life guard” Craine & the Atlantic City Allstar Band, Betsy Daily and the Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow Alumni Dancers, At lantic City’s Songstress Suzie Neustadter & other surprise guests. Admission is free for everyone bringing a new, un wrapped toy for Toys for Tots. For more information, visit www.JimCraine.com.

Saturday, December 10th Christmas at the Mansion

▶10am-5pm

Somers Mansion

Shore Local, in partnership with Pa triots for the Somers Mansion, present the 2nd annual Christmas at the Man sion, a holiday extravaganza including over 25 local merchants, food trucks, live music by Beth Tinnon, Danny Eyer and the SSP’s, elves wrapping station, kids activities, and, of course, Santa. Guests will be able to tour the Somers Mansion, the oldest building in Atlantic County, throughout the day. This free community event culminates with a Tree Lighting at 5pm on the grounds of the beautiful and historic Somers Mansion. Learn more at shorelocalnews.com. Rescheduled from December 3rd.

Pet Photos with Santa ▶9am-1pm

Humane Society of Ocean City 1 Shelter Rd.

Make a “fur”ever holiday memory by stopping by the shelter and getting a pic ture of your best friend with Santa Paws. $10 per picture. Contact the HSOC Shel ter at (609) 398-9500 for more details.

Reed’s Holiday Market

▶Saturday, December 10th & Sunday, December 11th from 10am-3pm

Reed’s Organic Farm 5075 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City ▶Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm

6th & Asbury Avenue

Enjoy Horse and Carriage Rides along Downtown Asbury Avenue. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com. Photos with Santa in Ocean City ▶Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm

Ocean City Music Pier Moorlyn Ter race & Boardwalk

Take your photo with Santa at the Music Pier. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

OCTC Presents Willy Wonka Jr.

▶Saturday, December 11th at 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday, December 12th at 2pm

Ocean City Music Pier

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. For tickets, visit oceancity vacation.com/boxoffice.

South Jersey Wind Ensemble: Making Spirits Bright

▶3pm

Atlantic County Institute of Technol ogy

See the South Jersey Area Wind En semble like never before as they present their holiday program, Making Spirits Bright. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. For tickets and information, visit www.sjawe.com.

Magic Flowers

▶Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 12:30pm

Studio;Space 112 Woodland Ave.

Somers Point

SPQR Stage Company proudly pres ents Magic Flowers, an award-winning one-act comedy written and directed by Bill Sterritt. Cash Only at the door. Advance tickets through Eventbrite. Information and reservations by calling 323-793-2153 or spqrstageco@aol.com. World Cinema Saturday ▶4pm

Linwood Public Library 301 Davis Ave. Linwood

Join Linwood Public Library for World Cinema Saturday as they present a charming holiday film, an adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ classic poem about Christmastime in a small Welsh town. The movie will be shown downstairs in the library at 4pm and is free to attend.

Free Reels on Wheels in Upper Township

▶7pm

Amanda’s Field 1091 Route 50, Pe tersburg

Free movie event for the family fea turing The Grinch who Stole Christmas. Gates will open at 6pm and the movie will start at 7pm. Registration is required. To register, please visit www.capeassist. org/events. For questions, please call (609) 522-5960 or email events@cape assist.org.

Charlie’s Ugly Sweater Party

▶9pm

Charlie’s Bar 800 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Join Charlie’s for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. DJ Tommy T-Bone will grace his presence delivering all your favorite song requests. Prizes for the best sweater and worst sweater plus giveaways for everyone to enjoy.

MOZZARELLA

MEATBALLS

Sunday, December 11th

Santa Hustle Atlantic City 5K, Half Marathon and Kid’s Dash ▶8am

Brighton Park

Come experience the magic of the Santa Hustle Atlantic City 5K. The Kids Dash begins at 7:30am, followed by the half marathon at 8am, and 5K at 8:30. Registra tion and additional details can be found at santahustle.com/atlantic-city.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze ▶4pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. The play cele brates Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years all in one with breathtaking costumes, acts, music and singers for an unforgettable night. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or the Ocean Casino Box Office.

An Evening with Deana Martin

▶8pm

Superstar Theatre at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Lucy the Elephant presents An Evening with Deana Martin and special guest Steven Maglio, accompanied by an 18-piece orches tra. The concert will benefit restoration of Lucy the Elephant, a National Historic Landmark. General and preferred tickets, including VIP tickets available through Ticketmaster and Resorts Box Office. To purchase booth seating or for more infor mation, visit www.lucytheelephant.org.

Monday, December 12th

Classic Film Night at Ocean City Library ▶1-3:30pm 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join Ocean City Free Public Library for Classic Movie Night, presented by Wally Brown. This month’s feature is the Mamma Mia, released in 2008.

Tuesday, December 13th Dance Society

▶Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Somers Point Fire Co. 1 455 Bethel Rd. Somers Point

Enjoy an evening of social dancing and line dancing at the Fire Company Hall. Ad mission is $10 per person. For more infor mation, contact Rita Voli at (609) 408-3619.

Wednesday, December 14th JFS Holiday Social ▶4-6pm

Katz JCC Auditorium 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of holi day fun with friends, family, and neighbors as they dance and sing-along to seasonal music by the live band, Even Betta. In addi tion, attendees will enjoy refreshments and a chance to win door prizes. Non-members: $5 per person. For reservations call 609287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org

Beatrice Arthur: Holi-Dame ▶7pm

Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Calling all Golden Girls fans and Maude maniacs. Bea Arthur is back. Ja son B. Schmidt, the world’s premier (and only) Bea Arthur impersonator, channels the famed Tony and Emmy-Award win ning in his deadpan tribute. Learn more and purchase tickets at gatewaybythe bay.org.

Thursday, December 15th Red Cross Blood Drive

▶1-6pm

EHT Police Activities League 2542 Ridge Ave. If you are an eligible type O, B – or A – donor, please consider making a Power Red donation. Please call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter ehtpal to schedule an appointment.

Health and Wellness

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, December 12th at 7pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point www.namiacm.org or call 609-7415125. NAMI ACM is a non-profit 501C(3) corporation.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, December 21st at 2pm

Earth Angels for Dementia 115 Route 50, Mays Landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.

Mental Health Support and Discussion Groups

Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women, men, LGBTQIA+, individuals aged 18-30. Boom ers, anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and many others. For more information call 609-652-3800 or unitedbywellness@ mhanj.org.

Recovery Groups

More than a dozen groups for individu als living with substance use disorder are offered online. Topics range from mental health/wellness to employment, faith, and more. Groups are provided 7 days a week. Interested participants can register for groups through unitedbywellness@ mhanj.org or by calling the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County at 609652-3800.

Wellness Groups

A wide variety of online groups are of fered to enhance wellness and introduce interested participants to ways they can improve their day-to-day mental health. These daily groups include meditation, art, music, journaling, eating healthy, exer cise, spirituality, adult coloring, gratitude, and more. To register and receive links by email, call 609-652-3800 or unitedby wellness@mhanj.org.

Do you have an upcoming event?

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

The other Egg Harbor: Our sister town in Wisconsin

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

The motto in Egg Harbor, Wisc. is “Our Harbor, Your Harbor.” It could just as well be about New Jersey.

Locals here celebrate the name Egg Harbor in multiple South Jersey towns. Between Egg Harbor Town ship, Little Egg Harbor, and Egg Harbor City, Dutch explorer Captain Cornelius Mey must have found a million eggs along the river and bay when he was inspired to name them “Eyren Haven,” or Egg Harbor in 1614.

Egg Harbor, Wisc. is a tiny village on a thin peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan. Its closest major city is Green Bay, which is a little over an hour away by car. According to the 2020 census, the village’s year-round population is 362.

Like its New Jersey big sister, Egg Harbor, Wisc., makes the most of its optimum waterfront location. The tourist town hosts beach concerts, waterfront wineries, breweries and marinas for everyday boaters.

Visitors are treated to pottery stu

dios, performance ven ues, and at least five art galleries. Shoppers can enjoy a quaint, walkable downtown, and children cherish the local petting zoo and Egg Harbor Fun Park (arcade and gokarts).

The 6.5-square-mile Egg Harbor Village is a waterfront tourist des tination with country charm.

Category Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Found ng In 1618, Cornelius Mey was awestruck at the plentiful waterfowl eggs in the marshy waters

Egg Harbor,

Wisc.

In 1861, a fur trading food fight became local legend

Closest Major City Philadelphia Green Bay

Size 68 square miles over 47 000 6 5 square miles 362 year round

Attractions Storybook Land Nature Reserve, King Pin Bowling, local eateries, golf, boating and f shing, county shooting range numerous parks and recreation areas, Great Egg Harbor River and Bay

“The Village of Egg Harbor is a vibrant re sort community located along the Niagara Es carpment on the waters of Green Bay,” reads the local government website. “Situated 13 miles north of the city of Sturgeon Bay, the county seat for Door County, Egg Harbor is a village of 250 year-round (362 in 2020) and 2,500 seasonal residents.”

Plum Loco Animal Farm, White Cliff Nature Preserve, Peninsula State Park, multiple art galleries, beer, wine and dining opportunities, golf, boating, Lake Michigan

Schoo Mascot Egg Harbor Township Eagles Gibraltar County Vik ngs

Local Industry Retail, aviation research, military, healthcare, construction casino support services, manufacturing, Spencer ’s and Spirit Halloween, cannabis, services

Tourism retail accommodations services

the time an unnamed location.

Soon a competition was on to see which boat could make it ashore first. It became so fierce that they were throwing food at each other in cluding eggs, according to an 1862 eyewitness newspaper account. The next day there were so many crushed eggs strewn about that the name was hatched.

Town Motto The Heart of Atlantic County Our Harbor, Your Harbor

has nothing to do with Dutch explor ers.

Throughout the de cades Egg Harbor was pivotal in the lumber industry, fruit and dairy farming. Canadian fam ilies immigrated to the town and started small restaurants that still stand today.

So how does our town compare?

So, did Captain Mey travel all the way to the Midwest? Wisconsin has its own Egg Harbor origin story that

In 1862, it’s rumored that six fur-trading boats were sailing to Mackinac Island from Green Bay to trade pelts when the crews decided to rest for the night at what was at

In 1693, Egg Harbor Township was considered part of Gloucester County known as New Weymouth.

In the late 1700s, Galloway Township was created by royal charter (George III of Great Britain) from Egg Harbor Township.

Later, many other locations that used to be in Egg Harbor Township created their own municipalities, in cluding Atlantic City, 1854; Absecon, 1872; South Atlantic City (Margate), 1885; Somers Point, 1886; Pleas antville, 1888; Linwood, 1889; Long port,1898; Brigantine, 1903; Ventnor, 1903; and Northfield, 1905.

Today, Egg Harbor Township still consists of a cluster of smaller communities, including West Atlantic City, Bar gaintown, McKee City, Cardiff, Scullville and Steelmanville.

In the early days timber and shipbuilding were important Egg Harbor Township indus tries. A lot of what Egg Harbor Township is now with its population over 47,000, huge school system of more than 7,000 students, and the development of Farm ington in 2007, can be traced to the Pinelands Comprehen sive Management Plan of 1980 and

New Jersey Pinelands Commission, which designated the town ship a “regional growth area.” State mandates, subsidies and policies encourage additional housing development in EHT in exchange for preserving neighboring portions of the Pine Barrens.

At 68 square miles, Egg Harbor Township

is one of the largest municipalities in New Jersey, offering a diversity of

The Village of Egg Harbor, Wisc., has a year-round population of 362 according to the 2020 census.

activities and opportunities for the many families that call it home. Youth sports, activities and classes from the Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League and the Egg Harbor Town ship Recreation Depart ment mean there's always something new to try and do, regardless of your age or the season.

Unlike its tourist ha ven cousin, Egg Harbor Township is primarily a residential community, has a diverse business base that serves locals, visitors and the region. The Atlantic City Inter national Airport and FAA Technical Center employ hundreds of local and regional residents. It’s also home to the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, Atlantic Christian School, and key regional services including the Atlantic County Utilities Authority which manages waste and recycling for the entire county.

EHT has a Nature Reserve, access to the Atlantic County Bikeway, plus signature attractions like Storybook Land, which has been entertaining families for generations. There’s golf, bowling, and even indoor pickleball (coming soon). It’s also next door to Atlantic City, known as “the World's Playground.” There's always some thing to do.

See the table on this page to see a community comparison.

The Village of Egg Harbor, Wisc., is a small resort community on the shores of Lake Michigan

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Daddy Pop 5:30-9pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Matt Adams Trio 6pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Steve Myerson 6pm-12am

Council Oak at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Changing Lanes 7pm

Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Greta Van Fleet 7pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City No Clue Trio 7-10pm Bocca

7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Megan Knight Duo 7:30pm

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Dead Reckoning Duo 8-11pm

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

Less Than Jake w/ Cliffdiver & Keep Flying 8pm

Anchor Rock Club

247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City

Michael Martocci presents Frank Sinatra’s Birthday Bash 8pm

Superstar Theater at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Bar None 8:30pm

Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Cheers the Band

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Eleven Eleven

Villain & Saint at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Garden State Radio

The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Shake Shake Shake

Mountain Bar at Wild Wild West 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Sunday, December 11th

Doug Jennings

7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

John King 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 BMW+ 4-7:30pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Dance to the Music: A 60’s Celebration 4pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Avi Wisnia 6-9:30pm

Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

An Evening with Deana Martin 8pm

Superstar Theater at Resorts 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City The Neptunes 8:30pm-12am

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Monday, December 12th

Fat Mezz 7-11pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Tuesday, December 13th

The Benderz 7-11pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Holiday cookie and wine pairings

‘Winning’ the gingerbread house competition

my wife purchased one for me, one for herself, and one for my mother-in-law.

By David Setley

The first time I attempted to dec orate a gingerbread house was December 2020. It was one of those kits from a discount store;

She went all out, buying additional candy accouterments, and dispersing them evenly into cupcake pans for each of us to have our own decoration station. I had a great time affixing Candy Dots onto the roof of my house in a random pattern, which I likened to what it would look like if one of those outdoor projector lights displayed a 3-D image onto the side of a house. No one seems to believe that was my muse.

Once finished, we posted pictures of our

three houses on social media, requesting votes to determine the favorite.

My mother-in-law was shocked and appalled to discover that my creative décor earned the same number of votes as her very boring… I mean, traditional house. “What are they even looking at?!” she said loudly.

It was then that I came to a startling real ization. I had married into a cut-throat cookie competition family.

In 2021, I tried. I really did. I even Googled ideas beforehand and went in ready to create a masterpiece. More family members joined in, fighting words were said. I didn’t win.

I don’t yet know what I will do for my house this year, but I will say this: I may or may not be studying technique on Food Net work’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge,” but I will definitely be drinking wine for this year’s competition day.

Let’s talk about pairing wines with your holiday cookies.

Wine and gingerbread go together like… well, like wine and anything when it’s paired well. Gingerbread has a unique flavor from the molasses and spice blend that stands up well to a medium-bodied Italian red wine.

My choice this year will be the Allegri ni-Palazzo Della Torre 2018 from Verona. This sustainably-farmed wine is made from Corvina, the same grape you would find in Amarone and other Valpolicella wines.

The wine is dry with bold flavors of dark fruit and baking spices and has classic earthy hints of leather, tobacco leaves and oak. Any medium-bodied red pairs with gingerbread, but the flavor notes of Italian red hits the perfect chord.

Perhaps your family isn’t into gingerbread – the houses or the cookie. Other classic holi day cookies have perfect wine pairings as well.

Shortbread cookies, full of buttery good ness, work best with Chardonnay, the varietal

known as having dominant flavors of butter and oak. Some enjoy the oakiness of this white wine more than others.

For oak lovers, I recommend the J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay from the Arroyo Seco region of California. The butter and vanilla are bold and the oak is exemplary in Cali-Chards.

If you prefer a more restrained oak pres ence, try the Novellum Chardonnay from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. The butter and vanilla is notable, but the oak notes are less dominant.

Chocolate chip cookies, aka Toll House cookies, were invented by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Plymouth County, Mass. in her 1930 cookbook. The rest is, as they say, history. Chocolatey, nutty, brown-sugary history.

For me, the perfect pairing with chocolate chip cookies is a rich, bold California Caber net Sauvignon, like the Daou Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. This is a bold, dry, full-bodied red with well-structured tannins that complement the delicious sweetness of this classic cookie.

This only scratches the surface of cookie options and wine pairings. Wish me luck this year with my gingerbread house as we carry on our competitive tradition.

Wine will surely serve as a reinforcement as I decorate, or, at the very least, as comfort during voting.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts, questions, or comments. Contact me at dset ley@passionvines.com. Happy Wining!

JERSEY LAWMAN

A Life on the Right Side of Crime

by Jim Plousis & George Ingram

www.jerseylawman.com

“A good book for a good cause” All proceeds benefit the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund

David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Setting us on the right track

is not necessarily the best teacher. Rather it is an evaluated experience. You and I can experience all kinds of things and not learn a thing. I’m sure, like me you’ve said to yourself many times this past year, “Why did I do THAT again? What was I thinking?”

Je ff's Journal By Jeff Whitaker

To say we’ve been through a crazy couple of years is putting it mildly. In fact, if the truth be told some of you reading this are still feeling the effects of it all. But as we come to the end of 2022, there are some timeless principles I’ve picked up that can help us all head into 2023 with renewed strength and anticipation.

This is not the first time I’ve shared some of these ideas, but if you’ve heard them before, it can never hurt to be re minded. No matter where you find yourself right now, it’s important to pause and reflect on your life. By looking back we can learn from what we’ve all experienced. You may think it’s just too painful to look back or maybe you want to just forget it all.

But no matter what your circum stances, there is much we can all learn from these past couple of years. For me, the biggest lesson I’ve gotten out of this experience personally is that there are many things we can’t control and because we can not control them, we should stop trying. On the other hand there are many things we can control and that is where our energy and focus should lie.

We’ve all heard that experience is the best teacher. And we’ve all experienced enough since 2020 to last a lifetime. But my mentor John Maxwell says experience

“I don’t understand why ‘they’ are doing that?” It’s fine to ask questions. In fact, it’s good to ask questions. But it shouldn’t stop there. There has to be evaluation.

So, as 2022 draws to a close in a few short weeks, I suggest you take some time and look back on this year. It might help if you pull out a piece of paper and write down the major and maybe not so major events of this year along with the decisions you’ve made and experiences you’ve had. Then be honest and ask yourself what worked and what didn’t. What can you do the same and what can you do differently in 2023?

Here is what will happen. When you do this, it will give you a baseline to evaluate what needs to change or what direction you need to head in if you want to see personal or professional growth in the new year. Reflection can be a powerful part of setting you on the right track for a pre ferred future. Let’s do this together and reap the benefits in the new year ahead.

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

Lost dog Bruno was found and reunited with his family before Christmas

By Krystle J Bailey

Wade and Estefanny Thompson of Ham ilton Township are filled with gratitude

and love this Christmas season fol lowing a series of unfortunate events with a happy ending. The Saturday following Thanksgiving, the couple was hit by an oncoming car coming down the White Horse Pike in Gallo way. Their 1-year-old pup, Bruno was in the backseat and in the midst of the chaos, escaped the car and ran down Route 30.

Wade, who thankfully survived the accident with only some bruises, ran after Bruno with no luck and returned

to the scene of the accident to as sist his wife. At the scene, Esteffany had suffered some injuries but was conscious and overall in good health, however Bruno was missing. Friends and family immediately showed up to help search for the mixed-breed rescue dog.

Within an hour, two dozen people were scouring the streets and woods in search of Bruno. Friends, family, and church members jumped right in to help to no avail. Days began to pass and Bruno was nowhere to be found.

A facebook post in search of Bruno with over 800 comments and hundreds of shares helped spread the word about the search. Strangers and local businesses began to get wind of the missing pup and got to work looking for him. Bait stations and cameras were set, photos were hung, and people returned to the location each day to aid in the search.

“It was a beautiful outreach of the community,” shares owner, Wade Thompson.

After six heartbreaking days, Bru no was found in a greenhouse behind Jimmie’s Florist on the White Horse Pike.

“We looked all over for Bruno that week,” explained florist owner, Jimmie. “To this day, I don’t know why I walked in that particular green house and looked out that window but I heard a dog barking and knew by his collar it was Bruno.”

Jimmie, his family, as well as his customers in the store at the time were all thrilled to be a part of a hap py ending.

Rushed off to the vet, Wade and Esteffany were relieved to learn that Bruno had no major injuries. He is currently recovering from some deep cuts on his legs and the dehydration and malnourishment he endured while he was missing. Bruno’s hu mans are also recovering from minor injuries but overall, the Thompson family is in good health and relieved to spend the holiday season together with their fur baby.

“We are just glad to have him back. Christmas wouldn’t have been the same without him,” shares Wade.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

Clothing and Accessories –Jewelry – Candles - Handbags

Shoes from Steve Madden, Vintage Havana and Archies! Brands including Hidden, Unpublished, Free people, Z supply, Michael Stars, Wildfox, Lucy Paris and so much more!

Step back in time on Cape May’s candlight tour

ornaments: seashells and star fish, glass-blown snowflakes, and dried orange slices. Its earthy, pine scent was intox icating.

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

In 2022, Christmas often means video-chatting with long-dis tance grandparents, scouring Amazon for deals, or scrolling TikTok for decor trends. And yet, last Friday, over one thousand people lined up to tour turn-of-the-century Victorian homes.

Carollers dressed in cloaks and bonnets sang ‘Oh Come All Ye Faith ful’ on street corners while families orderly stepped onto grand porches, then inside stunning interiors. Vol unteers gave a short history lesson while guests awed at the gaslit chan deliers, roaring fireplaces and curved, velvet furniture.

Of course, at the center of every home, hotel or club, a Christmas tree (usually over twelve feet in height) stood proudly. Its branches were each adorned with a variety of unique

A kind woman in a window handed out cubes of Christ mas shortbread and directed guests toward urns of hot chocolate and cider. Warmed by traditional treats and a

cherished local event for almost fifty years. Susan Kysiak, the director of media relations for Cape May MAC, said that this is one of her favorite traditions of the year, even when they host over 500 different events be tween November 18th and Dec. 31st.

and welcome thousands, it really makes the event special.”

Jeremiah Katz and his wife Antonia, as well as their group of friends from college, enjoyed the candlelight tour for the first time this past Saturday. The Drexel Hill couple love Cape May during the summer, so they decided to check it out during the holidays.

“It’s great because we usually stay at a bed-and-breakfast and only really marvel at that during our vacation,” he said. “It is such a treat to check out other beau tiful homes, which look fantastic under the old-fashioned lights and seasonal garb.”

beauty grounded in history, groups shuffled across the streets to their next elaborately-elegant mansion.

The Christmas by Candlelight Tours by Cape May MAC have been a

The tour is only offered three evenings each year. For 2022, it was Dec. 3, 10, and 17 from 5:30 to 8:30. “The candlelight tour, and many of our similar tours, would not be pos sible without our wonderful partners, the owners of the properties,” said Kysiak. “The fact that they open up their space and all of its incredible, Victorian charm and holiday jubilee,

Different partner properties par ticipate in each of the three nights of the tour, so each experience is unique. Typically between ten and twenty properties are welcoming visitors each night, but due to time constraints, groups will usually only see three to five spaces.

Shore Local News publisher Bob Fertsch and I (Sarah Fertsch) toured seven properties alongside Director Kysiak, guided by her vast knowledge of history and architecture, passion

for MAC’s mission (bringing cultural enrichment to Cape May), and her little flashlight that illuminated our path as we trodded down Columbia Avenue in the dark.

Kysiak led us to the Angel of the Sea, Bedford Inn, Mason Cottage, Mainstay Inn, Beauville Bed, Inn of Cape May, and the Emlen Physick Estate.

Angel of the Sea considers itself the most romantic of Cape May’s bed and breakfast inns, with 27 unique ly-decorated private rooms and breathtaking beach views. Theresa Stanton, owner of Angel of the Sea (along with her children Jeff, Matt and Peter) has been working with MAC for the past seven years.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of these community events and Cape May is such a wonderful Christmas town,” said Stanton. “My favorite room here at Angel of the Sea is the parlor because it’s so cozy with the original woodwork and fireplace.”

Amy Lepow of Bucks County, Pennsylvania enjoyed a night out with friends and her twin sister, standing outside of Angel of the Sea, preparing to tour the property. “We booked this experience in August and we have been looking forward to it for months,” said Lepow. “We feel like we are in a Hallmark Movie.”

“We love Cape May. We read about this and snagged tickets early, and we could not be happier,” said Fred Chapman of Doylestown, who was with Lepow. “We have a place in Wildwood so we can go back and forth all the time.”

The Inn of Cape May may be under new ownership, but the property, built in 1894, stands tall like a castle overlooking the waves lapping the sand. Wedding guests sit by fireplac es drinking mulled wine out of glass mugs, smiling down at the visitors participating in the tour.

A pianist plays ‘O Christmas Tree’ while a volunteer guide explains the massive, 19th century safe in the middle of the library, unable to be

cracked to reveal its innards. Groups wander up the grand staircase and peek into private rooms, updated to suit the needs of residents of the modern era.

The Mainstay Inn has a bit more of a scandalous history than the other properties. It was established in 1872 as a gentlemen's club. Phila delphia financiers (who owned sum mer cottages in Cape May) gambled, smoked cigars and drank whiskey downstairs while ‘working girls’ en tertained sailors upstairs.

In 1977, ‘the clubhouse’ was converted into a bed and breakfast, complete with a gloriously-large veranda and garden on historic Co lumbia Avenue. They are known for their pristine parlor with a 20-foot Christmas tree and bottomless cookie jars available for overnight guests.

The Bedford Inn, an impecca bly-restored bed-and-breakfast, was built in 1883 and can host guests in their 10 antique rooms. Music for On the Way to Cape May sits atop a grand piano across from a cozy lanai with a woodburning stove.

In the dining room, guests take in a seashore theme, expressed through a nautical Christmas tree, a classic chandelier, and the incredible mural, done by a Philadelphia artist, which captures the owner’s love for the beach, lighthouses, and dogs.

“We love welcoming guests into this home, and we have participat ed in every tour as long as we have run the property (four years), even winning an award for our efforts,” said Paula Murray, innkeeper of the Bedford Inn. “We love playing a game with children to see if they can cor rectly count how many dogs and cats are in the mural. There’s a lot!”

The tour is self-guided, but Cape May MAC prints out a map along with handy tips for getting around. The experience will be different for each group, so make sure to discuss mustdo’s before starting your trek.

“Strategy is very important,” said Kysiak. “Look at the map we publish before you arrive so you can figure

out where to park and which prop erties you really wanna see. You can pick up your map and wristband from the Emlen Physick Estate ahead of time. Ask yourself whether you would rather use a trolley or walk to each property.”

Approximately 100 volunteers make the Candlelight tour possi ble. From directing guests through homes, serving as a traffic guard or shuttle driver, or handing out wrist bands, the event is truly a well-oiled machine.

“Cape May’s architecture has been lovingly preserved and is a national historic landmark city, making us one of a kind worldwide,” said Kysiak.

“The Candlelight Tour allows folks to imagine what life might have been like in a simpler time. They are trans ported to another time, forget their troubles, and enjoy their friends and families.”

To purchase tickets for the next Christmas by Candlelight Tour, visit Cape May MAC’s website at https:// capemaymac.org/experience/christ mas-in-cape-may/.

Sarah Fertsch was born and raised in Egg Harbor Township, and holds a dual degree in public relations and political science. Prior to joining Shore Local full-time, she worked at a CSPAN affiliate, writing about Pennsylvania legislation. When she isn't writing, Sarah enjoys painting, horseback riding, and Crossfit.

Celebrate the Holidays in the Wildwoods

Going Places with Dina Guzzardo

The Wildwoods have gone all out this Holiday, with 5 weekends of festive activ ities for everyone to enjoy.

There is a wide range of fun events going on all the way thru December 31st. The fun began in the middle of November, with several events occur ring weekly. Holly Beach Park (123 E. Andrews Ave. between E. Andrews and E. Burk Aves) have their annual Winter Wonderland kicking off with a light show on December 9th at 5 pm. Santa himself will be present along with Mrs Claus, and there will be a letters to Santa station where kids can write and drop off their Christmas lists. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn for every

one who attends. The Winter Won derland will be on Friday December 9th Saturday December 10th, Friday December 16th and Saturday Decem ber 17th. The light show is scheduled to run every 30 minutes on those days from 5-9, and from December 11-15 and 18-24, the light show show will run daily at 6:30 pm.

On December 10th, there will be a Holiday Bazaar with family fun, enter tainment, pictures with Santa, movie, and crafters. Things will begin at 9 am and culminate in with a tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm at the Wild woods Convention Center. From 9 am until 4:30 pm, attendees can enjoy the shopping bazaar, a children’s craft making table, stocking making table, and holiday movies. There will also be face painting from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm and balloon twisting from 10 am until 4 pm. Music will be playing all day, beginning with the Margaret Mace Choir at 9 am. Santa is set to arrive at 11:30 am, followed by a magician at 12 pm. Before the tree lighting ceremony, Mrs. Claus will be hosting a story time at 3:45 pm. Some of the movies being played include Frosty the Snowman, Grinch, and Polar Express. There will be several different vendors there, allowing you to get some holiday shopping done while the kids are getting crafty. There will be vendors selling items such as clothing, candles, holiday crafts, beauty products, and much more! For full details of the entertainment line-up, check out the schedule at: http://wildwoodholiday. com/wp-bazaar/wp-activities/.

For those who want to stay active over the holidays and make some room for the copious amounts of food they’ll be consuming, look no further than the Pinch the “Grynch” Board walk 5k Run. Beginning at 10 am on December 11th, 150 participants will run a 5 km route south on the Wild woods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue, before turning back and heading north to 21st street, finally turning to make their way back to the Convention Center. If you do not want to run, there is also the option to participate in the 1-mile walk! There are limited spaces, so if you want to participate, ensure you register online (https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/pinch-thegrynch-2022-5k-wildwood-board walk-toy-run-tickets-446186855897). Registration is $30 per person or $15 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need. Runners are encouraged to dress up in festive attire – anything from a Santa hat to a full Grinch costume is welcome!

On December 16 and 17, everyone is welcome to enjoy the Family Christ mas Celebration on Olde New Jersey

will be announced closer to the time; however, you can expect lots of fam ily fun activities, firepits, and more. Keep up to date with announcements by following their page: http://wild woodholiday.com/event/north-wild wood-family-christmas-celebration/.

The Holiday Lights walk will be taking place on December 19, where attendees can enjoy the extravagant holiday lights set up by various resi dents of the local area. Walkers will meet up on the corner of Rambler Road and New Jersey Avenue at 5:30 pm, then go on an approximately 30 minute walk along Sunset Lake and the surrounding neighbourhood. The event is free to attend but registration is advised. You can send an e-mail to lfarrall@wildwoodcrest.org if you are interested in participating. Remem ber to wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight as some parts will not be as lit as others. Attendees will also receive a small holiday gift as a thank you for coming!

This is just a sample of some of the great Holiday events going on in the area, with several other neighbor hoods hosting other amazing events. Mix and match events or attend them all! Each one has its own unique flair which will ensure there is something new and exciting to get you in the hol iday spirit as we run up to Christmas Day!

Dina Guzzardo is the Owner and Creative Director of Dina Pro ductions Group. Dina Productions Group is an innovative event de sign and execution company that designs and executes all types of corporate and private parties and events. Obsessing over every detail is the reason why DPG is one of the most sought out event production companies in our area. For more information visit www. dinaproductionsgroup.com

Avenue in the North Wildwood Enter tainment District. More information

Ocean City’s Dry Island brand makes it cool to be family friendly

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’ has been a dry island since its methodist founding in 1879, mean ing that no alcohol can be served at a restaurant or store island-wide. One local businesses is cleverly rebrand ing the ordinance.

Shirts tout phrases like ‘Made for Makers and for Breakers.’ Most might interpret the shirt to encourage anar chy and rule-breaking, but it's actually a reference to the Prohibition Era, when sneaky suspects made booze in secret and police officers stormed the property and broke the bottles.

Eric Plyler, the founder of Dry Island, loves incorporating local and national history into pieces with dou ble meanings. Ocean City’s dry status has caused some controversy in re cent years, but the town can come together and celebrate this unique quality, Plyler says.

Plyler, 29, grew up in California but spent every summer since birth in Ocean City. During his senior year of

high school, his family moved across the country to settle in OC permanently.

After high school gradua tion, Plyler attended Stock ton University and majored in business, following in the footsteps of his father. He was inspired by his sister, who studied at an art school in Philadelphia, and taught himself graphic design.

“I had wanted to design a clothing brand since I was a teenager, so when I moved to Ocean City, I created Coastal Col laboration, a brand that highlighted similarities between coastal regions worldwide, like Hawaii and California and Ocean City,” said Plyler. “I worked at Heritage Surf and Skate, which sold the collection in-store, and eventually I was allowed to design some merch for Heritage itself.”

The entrepreneur decided to part ways with Heritage in 2017 and start his own graphic design company, Ply ler Premium. The startup allowed Ply ler to do design work and printing for small businesses regionally. And yet,

the itch to chase the clothing-brand dream grew stronger.

In 2018, Plyler held his first Dry Island sale at the Ocean City Block Party, directly in front of what would become his storefront on 11th and Asbury just three weeks later. In 2019, Dry Island was awarded the Outstanding New Business award by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Dry Island includes multi ple lines of shirts, sweatshirts and accessories, and is run by a manager and multiple seasonal employees.

The store operates year-round with Plyler getting creative with new items and collaborations constantly.

“Whenever folks encounter our stuff, they almost always laugh,” said Plyler. “Whether you agree with the law or not, or even abstain from drinking or alcohol, or just enjoy history, you’ll love our brand.”

The founder told Shore Local News that personally, he appreci ates the dry town status. “I think it's really beneficial for the town, and it allows locals and visitors to get creative with how they spend their free time. As a brand, we just want to unite folks around Ocean City, which we are lucky enough to call home,” he said.

For anyone interested in shop ping at Dry Island, the store offers a year-round loyalty program: when you spend $250 dollars collectively over a period of time (or all at once), customers receive a free hat. For more information, visit their website at dryisland.co or their Instagram under the same handle.

coming to Ocean City, Somers Point and Linwood

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Let's start with Ocean City and peek at 801 Asbury Ave., the former Crown Bank and Office building.

The creative and adept developer Eustace Mita, CEO of Icona Resorts, reportedly has an agreement with the owner of the iconic building. It is said the Mr. Mita will be remaking the building into a boutique hotel while preserving the ambiance of the building’s character. Approvals will be needed, including a use variance as hotels are not permitted in the downtown area.

Another hurdle is that the current owner is in bankruptcy. A hearing for the court’s permission to sell the building is reportedly scheduled in Camden Dec. 13.

Anchor Financial in Linwood

many hotels, single family and condo minium properties from Cape May to Ocean City.

This proposed project would be a spectacular complement to down town Ocean City. Stay tuned for the rest of the story as it unfolds.

Linwood has its first all-female financial planning and invest ment advisory practice.

The experienced ladies of Anchor Financial are proud to announce their joint ven ture with Raymond James. Founding partners Jeanne Eisele, Mary Gilbert, and Le anne Gray have a combined 60 plus years in the financial services industry where they have been helping clients achieve their financial goals and dreams.

It was important to them, along with their team, to have complete control over the client experience. They are laser focused on customer service. The relationships they have with their clients are personal.

At Anchor, they have the autonomy to build a custom ized service model that gives clients the feel of a boutique business, while having the financial strength of a powerful firm like Raymond James behind them.

Switching gears for a moment. Who has been to Somers Point on Shore Road near the Wawa at Pleas ant Avenue and noticed the cleared land? Ok, what is going on?

Well, the good news is that there are going to be 12 new townhomes along with new parking lots to ac commodate Bayview Court across the street.

The Leonard family has invested a substantial amount of money renovat ing the former Atlantis Apartments (now Bayview Court) to achieve a beautiful new brick look. The new townhomes on the cleared lot will be a great addition and complement to Shore Road. It is anticipated that they will be occupied very quickly.

During the past 10 years Somers Point has become an attractive com munity to the second home market. It is very possible that the new homes will be used as vacation homes. Remember to shop local this hol iday season.

Rich Baehrle of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach. Can be reached at 609226-6680 or 609-641-0011 richardbaehrle@gmail.com www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

Postcards From The Past

The Iron Mike display at the Smuggler's Shop on the Ocean City boardwalk at 13th street. Later becoming Old Salt, it was a combination store and nautical museum. While the landmark store no longer exists, Iron Mike can be found at a store in the Florida keys.

The Crown Bank and office building on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City

Annual Christmas Parade delights thousands in Ocean City

By Donald B Kravitz

The annual Ocean City Christmas Parade was held Friday evening, December 2, 2022, to the delight of a huge crowd that lined Asbury Avenue from 6th to 12th streets. The parade consisted of Bands, Floats, Marchers, Costumed Characters, Automobiles, and Fire Apparatuses.

Donald B. Kravitz is an Entertainment & Special Events photographer for national publications including Getty Images & Miss America

Grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup—quick comfort food

Le t It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

During the holidays, life can become a bit hectic. Stopping everything to cook a big meal can be stressful. But with freezing tempera tures outside, we need meals that make us feel warm and cozy on the inside, while being easy to prepare. Quick comfort food to the rescue!

For my kids (and their friends), grilled cheese sandwiches have al ways been their ultimate comfort food. Fortunately, grilled cheese is also quick and easy to make while you are busy preparing for the holidays. Spread some softened butter on your bread of choice, add some cheese in the middle,“grill” in a frying pan until nicely browned, and prepare to en joy oozy goodness in a warm, toasty

sandwich. You might reminisce about your childhood and keep it old school with white bread and individually-wrapped slices of “American cheese” (no judg ment here). Or you may prefer to go a little high brow and use a crunchy, artisan sourdough, and a mix of cheddar cheese and smoked gouda. But no matter how you slice it, a warm bowl of tomato soup makes the perfect accompaniment on a cold day, to warm the body and the soul.

In my childhood, tomato soup might have meant opening a can of Campbell’s. But for very little extra effort, you can have the wholesome goodness of a homemade bowl of soup ready in no time. You simply sau té a chopped yellow onion in a large pot with a small amount of butter and olive oil, cook for five minutes or so, then add garlic, and oregano. After a minute, add a large can of tomatoes, chicken broth or vegetable broth, and a healthy handful of freshly chopped basil. Once you cook all of that down for a while, whizz it up in a blender or

You can make this soup “more homemade” by first roasting fresh tomatoes with the onions and garlic in the oven. When preparing your tomato soup this way, you would need to blanch the tomatoes first to remove the skins. This method would be a great way to use your summer harvest, but for now we are focusing

on fast, comfort food not labor-intensive food. When making substitutions, defi nitely don’t skip the fresh basil, which takes this soup to another level. I usually also sneak a few basil leaves into my grilled cheese be fore it melts.

Keep things simple during the holidays to avoid undue stress. Remember what’s most meaningful and hold your loved ones close. Treat them to a quick and easy meal so you can move on to more important things, like a rowdy game of Settlers of Catan with the family. What’s your favorite homemade fast food? We would love to hear from our readers. Send your comments and questions to: shorelo calgardener@gmail.com.

OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY & COMMUNITY CENTER

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 • 1-3:30PM

LIBRARY HOURS

IN-PERSON

Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm

Sat. 9am-5pm

Sun. 11am-5pm

CURBSIDE PICKUP

Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm

OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY OCEAN CITY

Sat. 9am-4pm Sun. 11am-4pm

oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. (609) 399-2434

Join us for a free holiday celebration featuring:

Event kickoff in the Atrium at 1 pm Holiday crafts | Balloon sculptor Live caroling

A visit from Santa (Feel free to bring your letters and lists!)

Stories and songs with Miss Taimi in the Library

A visit with Mrs. Claus, crafts, and shopping at the Ocean City Historical Museum

Hand-made pottery, jewelry, paintings and other unique gifts in the Ocean City Arts Center’s gallery and gift shop

with a handheld emulsifier blender. At this point, pour the soup back into the pot, add salt and pepper to taste, and swirl in a little heavy cream to cut the tanginess of the tomatoes.

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.

What's happening in Ocean City Pick up your First Night button today

Theatre Company Youth Perform ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ Come celebrate a fam ily-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 30 years ago and modeled after an alco hol-free New Year's Eve celebration in Boston that marked the nation's bicentennial in 1976. The first cele bration 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 fam ilies making it an annual tradi tion 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 but tons are on sale now. One price ($20) is good for all events. For more information and to pur chase buttons, visit firstnigh tocnj.com, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center near the Ninth Street Bridge.

‘Willy Wonka' Jr.’ at the Music Pier

The Ocean City Theatre Compa ny’s next student production, “Willy Wonka Jr.,” will be performed at the

Ocean City Music Pier on December 10 and 11. The talented cast will be comprised of students in grades 3 to 8.

Roald Dahl’s classic story follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka, the world-famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious can dy bars. This production will feature innovative, in-the-round staging and a modern take on the charming tale that has been a worldwide favorite for decades.

For over 50 years, Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has captivated audiences in a world of pure imagination. Featuring the enchanting songs you know and love from the 1971 film and a host of fun new songs, this performance

is a scrumdiddlyumptious musical guaranteed to delight every audience member’s sweet tooth.

Shows will be at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and 2 p.m. Sun day, Dec. 11. Tickets are $15. 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).

COMING UP

Free Horse and Carriage Rides (weekends through Dec. 17-18): Noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. For more infor mation, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

Visits With Santa (weekends through Dec. 17-18): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). For more informa tion, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

Photos With Santa in an OCBP Lifeguard Boat (weekends through Dec. 17-18): 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For more in formation, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

Ocean City Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 16-18): A cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family–oriented, songand-dance tribute to the holidays.

The Ocean City Theatre Company show will feature dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects in a musical journey through seasonal favorites. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. More in formation and online ticket sales are available at oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.

First Night New Year’s Eve Cel ebration (Dec. 31): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family. The 30th anniversary of this Ocean City event will feature traditional favorites like rides, ice-skating and magicians, along with headline entertainment including the Chicago tribute band Brass Transit and the Bee Gees trib ute band Stayin’ Alive. For a complete schedule and to purchase all-inclusive admission buttons, please visit first nightocnj.com.

First Day Celebration (Jan. 1, 2023): Activities include a 1 p.m. 5K run on the Boardwalk (pre-register at www.ocnj.us/race-events), a 2 p.m. First Dip polar plunge, and an all-day Shopping Extravaganza. Visit firstnightocnj.com for more infor mation.

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

On April 13, 1913, Howard S. Stainton bought Emma Morris Corson’s dry good store at 808 Asbury Av enue. It was the beginning of what would become the largest depart ment store in Cape May County.

The store was always busy in the summer, but thanks to Stainton’s business sense, the store did well the rest of the year. He bought 810 Asbury Avenue in 1916 to meet the demands of the people.

Christmas season was as busy as summer as people came to shop. Stainton advertised, “”Weatherman predicts that cooler weather will fol low. Warm underwear, hosiery, etc. will be needed. Our stock offers an unusually fine selection.”

The December 7, 1922 Ocean City Sentinel advertisement reported the store would be open every evening

until Christmas. The ad told of good deals on leather goods, stockings and neckwear. “In the eyes of men neckties hold first place as Christ mas gifts. And because this is true we have arranged a sale which should bring every person in Ocean City here for Xmas neckwear.”

Stainton’s store continued to pros per even during the Great Depression, and he knew he need ed a bigger building. The headline of the July 3, 1940, Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger

reported, “Resort’s Big New Department Store Formally Opens Today; Climaxes Merchandising Career Begun Here 28 Years Ago.” A full page ad in the newspaper told people what to expect: “STAINTON’S new department store is dedicated to sound principle of offering the finest quality mer chandise at reasonable prices, with an efficient, dependable and courteous service.”

In 1913,

In 1947, the Stainton’s Annex opened behind the department store on West Avenue. It carried furniture, bed ding, floor coverings and appliances. It also included Stainton’s Toy land where Santa would greet the children and listen to what they want ed for Christmas. Many wanted the Li onel train they saw displayed in the front of the store.

Stainton’s continued to prosper even with the opening of enclosed shopping malls. The biggest blow to the business came on June 24, 1979 with the death of Howard S. Stainton. The Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger on June 26 reported: “An era came to an end in Ocean City at 4:23 p.m. Sunday with the death of Howard S. Stainton.”

The article reported on the 93-yearold legend: “True to form Stainton, de spite his failing health, could be seen walking the floors of his department store at 8th Street and Asbury Avenue practically right up to the day before he died, familiar to those resident and visitors who looked forward to seeing him in the store in his black suit, black hat, white shirt and black tie.”

Howard S. Stainton showed a Sunbeam Electric Blanket to interested shoppers.

The three-story department store opened on July 3, 1940.

Howard S. Stainton bought his first store seen here with the awnings next to the Ocean City Title and Trust Company.

OCTC presents Holiday Spectacular

This season, the Greater Ocean City Theatre Com pany invites you to come celebrate the most won derful time of the year at their 2022 Holiday Spectacular! The enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song and dance tribute to the holidays, directed/ choreographed by Brendan Maly and Michael Hartman. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers, and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life

City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk, with plenty of free parking. Admission cost is $20 for Adults and $18 for Seniors and Kids under 12. For tickets, please call 609399-6111, log onto oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice or visit the Welcome Center on the 9th Street Causeway, Ocean City Community Center, or City Hall.

in a musical journey through seasonal favorites. This year's production fea tures new musical numbers, including a Christmas at the beach section, an explosive gospel song, and a Broad way tap Winter Wonderland finale.

Catch this family musical revue on December 16 at 7:30 pm, December 17 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and De cember 18 at 2:00 pm. The produc tion will be held at the historic Ocean

Somers Point teenager seeks support in enhancing Richard Somers Memorial Park

and seating back in 2013. While that didn’t come to fruition in the subse quent years, when it came time for Carson to decide on an Eagle Scout project, he knew exactly how he would add value to his community.

By Krystle J Bailey

15-year-old Carson Endi cott of Somers Point is seeking support for his Eagle Scout communi

ty project. Since he was six years old, Carson knew that he wanted to work his way through the Boy Scout ranks with the ultimate goal of becoming an Eagle. Now, as a 10th grader at Mainland Regional High School, he is nearing the finish line with his last task to be the completion of a project that benefits his community.

As a Somers Point native, Carson’s idea to beautify the area surrounding Richard Somers Memorial Park was planted at an early age when he was just a Cub Scout. His local troop at tended the original dedication of the statue and discussed adding plants

To achieve the rank of Eagle, a scout must complete a final project that benefits the community in which they live. From start to finish, they must show evidence of planning, development, and working with sup portive adults to see it through to completion.

Carson began his project planning over the summer, working with the city administrator to give his initial thoughts and gain permission to explore a project on the historic grounds. He went on to develop and present his concept to the Boy Scouts of America Council for ap proval, followed by presentations for Somers Point Public Works, the city administrator, the council president, and the mayor.

With all approvals in place, he is ready to move full speed ahead with raising funds for his plans to enhance the historical park where there is cur

rently a dedicated mural and statue of the late local hero, Richard Somers.

Carson’s plans will add pavers around the statue, a knee wall around the flag pole, lighting, and PVC com posite benches. The enhancements will offer space for those visiting the local library to come to sit and read, community members to gather in a well-lit area for ceremonies, and a space to enjoy the rich his tory of Somers Point, NJ.

The scope of work is estimat ed at approximately $12,000. Carson’s fundraising efforts have included reaching out to local political campaigns for leftover funds, asking for support from local businesses, and meeting with the Somers Point Business Association. Now he is turning to the public for support by inviting community members to leave their personal marks on Somers Point grounds.

Somers Point locals can now purchase inscribed bricks that will be used in the park’s renova tions. Bricks can be purchased in two sizes, 4x8” and 8x8”. There are hundreds of bricks to choose from, and each one can be engraved with words, symbols, and dedications of your choice. With the support of the Somers Point Historical Society as Carson’s sponsor, brick purchases can be written off as a tax-deductible donation. Bricks range from $75 to $160 and can be purchased at bricks rus.com/donorsite/endicotteagle scoutproject.

“After this project is completed, I have to go to the Boy Scouts of America Board of Review,” explains Endicott. “Hopefully, I will make rank and achieve Eagle. After that, I am planning to keep doing all the things

that I have been including school, sports, and work.”

Endicott is raised in a family of scouts, including his father and younger brother. He continues to mentor and support the younger scouts and looks forward to checking off this lifelong goal.

“The Eagle Scout project is his own,” shares Staci Endicott, Carson’s mother. “His family is here to sup port and assist him with whatever he needs. His trail to Eagle has been long, but this project is a significant milestone, and we are so proud of his efforts.”

For more information about Car son’s website tinyurl.com/endicottea glescoutproject.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

Carson Endicott presents his Eagle Scout plans to the Somers Point Business Association Dec. 1 at Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar

15 y.o Carson Endicott of Somers Point

Eagles looking merry and bright

four Saint Bernards.

By David Weinberg

Putting up our family Christ mas decorations requires balance, timing and impres sive teamwork. The same goes for the Eagles' bid to reach the Super Bowl. All those qualities were on display for both teams this past weekend.

Saturday afternoon required me to hoist and squeeze myself into a cubby hole located in the back of a bedroom closet, an opening that somehow has shrunk considerably over the course of 30 years and 30 pounds. I then crawled between beams to reach the slew of boxes and bags, one of which contains a man ger scene built for my parents by the late Mrs. Ruth Maxwell in 1961. It is a beautiful display that has remarkably remained intact through decades of rambunctious kids and grandkids and

The process has gotten a bit easier in recent years, since some workers laid ply wood on the attic floor. They did that after patching a hole in our living room ceiling that was caused by me doing an impression of Clark Griswold in "Christmas Vacation."

Getting out of the cubby hole was harder than getting in. I pushed myself through the entrance feet first, then hung off the ledge as my wife, Karen, guided my legs onto the step stool at the back of the closet while I kicked a dozen hangers off their perch.

Once that was done, I iced my knees and watched some college football games while Karen spent hours setting up various ceramic trees, Santa figurines, holiday plates and glasses, and a few of the 40 or so Thomas Kincaide Christmas scenes she's accumulated throughout the house.

Then it was time for the outside decorations.

That necessitated a trip to the shed to retrieve the logs shaped like reindeer; a giant, light-up Snowman

and a ceramic Santa that sits on the front steps.

Neighbors grabbed beach chairs and beers, then sat in their driveways to watch us put up the lights. Before he passed away years ago, Clarence across the street in particular would get a kick out of seeing me climb atop a rickety, aluminum, stepladder and jam plastic clips into the openings on the gutter to hang bulbs while teeter ing on the top rung.

Thankfully, I made it through an other year without tumbling into the bushes and leaves that I've yet to rake into the street.

The next phase involved shoving more plastic clips into the asbes

Mission Accomplished

tos shingles to hang more lights. Most of the shingles are cracked from previous Christmases in which I tried to get the clips to stick by lightly tapping them with a hammer. Then it was time to string bulbs around the garden by twisting them into plastic stakes, which were then shoved into the dirt and mulch. All the while, we tried to avoid knocking over the giant Snowman, which was stationed between the picture windows.

The coup de grace once again was the lights on the railing steps. That meant twisting and twirling the strings and bulbs around and through the bars and securing them with elec trical tape.

Miraculously, every bulb worked, drawing a standing ovation from the neighbors.

The Eagles drew a similar reaction from the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

Offense, defense and even special teams played well in an impressive, 35-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans that kept the Birds atop the NFL at 11-1.

It marked the fourth time in fran chise history they've won 11 of their first 12 games, joining the 1949, 1980 and 2004 squads.

Just like me on the ladder, they demonstrated incredible balance. A week after rushing for 363 yards, they took to the air against the Titans. Quarterback Jalen Hurts continued to show why he's a contender for NFL MVP by throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns, including two to ex-Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The defense stuffed Titans run ning back Derrick Henry, limiting him to 30 yards on 11 carries, and battered Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to the tune of six sacks.

Even the much-maligned special teams played well.

The win left them in a great po sition heading into the final stretch of the regular season, though some potentially tough challenges await. Three of their last five games are

against NFC East opponents, starting with this Sunday's contest against the New York Giants (7-4-1) at MetLife Sta dium.

There is also a looming showdown against the Cow boys (8-3) at AT&T Stadium on Christmas Eve. Dallas looked at least as impressive as the Eagles on Sunday during a 5419 beatdown of the Colts. That game could determine whether the Eagles stay on the top rung or tumble into the grass.

As of now, however, their future is as bright as the Weinberg Christmas display.

Congrats to locals Shamone Alva rez and Ray McCline on their recent induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

Alvarez, 45, was one of the world’s top welterweights during a 10-year career before his final bout in 2012. The Egg Harbor Township High School graduate won his first 19 bouts and finished his career with a 21-6 record with 12 knockouts.

He was also one of the area’s most popular fighters. He fought 16 times in Atlantic City, often drawing big crowds at venues such as Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Bally’s Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City.

McCline, a Pleasantville High School grad, is the founder and pres ident of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, which he established in 2014.

He’s been involved with boxing for over 30 years, including a stint as one of the area’s top trainers. Prior to cre ating the ACBHOF, he was perhaps best known for training five-time world champion Virgil Hill along with the late Mike Hall at the Pleasantville Rec Center.

David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. He can also be heard on 97.3 ESPN as part of Weinberg Wednesday's with Josh Hennig and on Newstalk 1400 and 92.3 WOND on Monday's and Thursday's as part of Off the Press with Scott Cronick.

David who is a member of the Atlantic City Boxing, New Jersey Boxing, and New Jersey MMA Halls of Fame, is a Cape May native who spends his spare time on the golf course, riding his SUP in the Cape May Harbor, sitting on the beach with his wife, Karen, and playing with his three grandsons Hampton (6), Graham (4) and Nixon (1). Send comments to weinbergd419@ comcast.net.

All aboard with Ocean City model train show

By Donald B Kravitz

Donald B. Kravitz is an Entertainment & Special Events photographer for national publications including Getty Images & Miss America

Beach Boys bring good vibrations

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

The Beach Boys performed in Concert in front of a full house Etess Arena in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlan tic City. Bringing back all the sounds that have made them fan favorites since 1961, they brought back the loving memories of times past, to everyone in the audience.

Formed in 1961, The Beach Boys have become synonymous with retro Americana, specifically relating to surf culture and beach vibes. You may know them by their iconic classics like “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Kokomo.”

Although the lineup has changed over the years, The Beach Boys still bring old-time rock n’ roll to every show, especially those based along the coastline.

Cardinal Restaurant to replace Bourre in Atlantic City

By Krystle J Bailey

“Ilove cooking,” states Chef Michael Brennan, “but I want to provide a hospi tality experience. I want people to walk into our restaurant and understand what we are doing here, then leave and feel like they’re part of our family.”

The restaurant Chef Brennan speaks about is the new Cardinal com ing to New York Avenue in Atlantic City. The former owner of Cardinal Bistro in Ventnor spent the last two years as the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at Josie Kelly’s in Somers Point.

Plans have been in the works to re open and revamp Cardinal Restaurant in Atlantic City for sev eral years now. Brennan and his father, Thomas, have worked alongside developers Pat Fasa no, Evan Sanchez, and Zenith Shah to bring a fresh dining experience to the Orange Loop in Atlantic City.

Dropping “bistro” from the iconic name, Cardinal will take the place of the cajun-style restaurant, Bourre on the beach block of New York Avenue. Using freshly grown produce, Chef Brennan looks forward to showcasing local ingredi ents in a spectacular and approachable way.

“It’s not stuffy, pretentious food,” explains Brennan. “It’s good, local cooking presented in a way that makes you think differently about what you’re about to eat, from the presentation of the food to the carefully crafted cock tails.”

The new restaurant will be renovat ed inside to provide a value-preferred, contemporary American dining expe rience while maintaining the musical flare and performance stage outside. The live music lineup will continue to be a part of New York Avenue, except now there will be an urban, upscale, casual dining experience to be had as well.

“Cardinal represents a new chapter for Atlantic City and for the Loop,” shares developer and cofounder of Au thentic City Partners. “We’re excited to have Chef Michael Brennan’s Cardinal restaurant become an anchor for the area and expect it to be a catalyst for more development in the neighbor hood.”

Chef Brennan is known for his commitment to using local, fresh in gredients as often as possible. He looks forward to working with local commu nity organizations and plans to begin an aeroponic garden on the same block in the future.

The Cardinal concept was inspired by Chef Brennan’s late grandmother, who had an infinite love of cardinals. After her passing, Brennan wanted to honor her in his career. Cardinal Supper Club in Philadelphia, one of his first experiences as a young chef, was the first homage to Michael’s beloved grandmother.

“I wanted people to have an ex perience that was like coming to our family dinner,” shares Brennan. “We are inviting you into this space and into our lives; we want you to sit at our table while we serve you the food that we enjoy.”

Cardinal Supper Club soon evolved to become Cardinal Bistro, a loca tion opened by Brennan and his father in 2016.

“When you step foot into our restaurant, it’s a representation of that,” Brennan goes on to explain. “We were able to pull that off at the bistro, and now we are excited to make our family a little bit bigger in Atlantic City.”

Cardinal is expected to open in Spring 2023, offering an all-day menu at the bar and a la carte menu featuring local produce and menu items from the land and sea at dinner. Guests can look forward to a craft cocktail and wine list, locally brewed beers, and a non-alco holic cocktail list.

Stay up to date at: Cardinal-ac.com

@cardinal_restaurant on Instagram Cardinal Restaurant on Facebook.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

Hail Caesars: Nobu, Hell’s Kitchen return glory to A.C. empire

flat out neglected the property. Rooms and restaurants weren’t renovated as often as they should have, and that special feeling just wasn’t there anymore.

By Scott Cronick

Caesars Atlantic City always held a special place in my heart. When I first began writing about Atlantic City more than 25 years ago, Caesars was my favorite casino.

Not only did it have some of my favor ite people working for it, but it boasted some of my favorite restaurants, par ticularly Nero’s, a fantastic steakhouse, and Bacchanal, an experiential culinary adventure that emulated a Roman feast, complete with massages, magicians and strolling musicians.

Back then, Caesars also had its own Japanese restaurant, would bring in the best entertainment and had a touch of Las Vegas magic more than any other property.

That magic faded over the years as the former owners of Caesars Entertainment

When I walked into Caesars Atlantic City last month, fresh off the openings of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and Nobu, one of the greatest Japanese restaurants in the world, that magical feeling was back!

The old saying that money can’t cure most problems isn’t true when it comes to Caesars. Money is exactly the cure for Caesars’ woes.

The parent company crowned Cae sars with $200 million that is going a long way to returning the empire back to its glory, including a revamped pool deck, a Starbucks that will soon open, eventual upgrades to the hotel lobby and valet parking areas and 750 renovated rooms and suites.

Those rooms and suites in the Cen turion and Ocean towers are absolutely fabulous. Designed by Interior Image Group, the rooms “feature a modern Roman aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the local Atlantic City scenery, in cluding the beach, ocean, and the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk. The guestrooms

Photos by LaRissa Cronick

and suites feature rich hues of blue and cream accent colors, contrasting white and gray tones, and contemporary furni ture, including modern bathrooms with oversized showers, mirrors and signature amenities,” including wet shower saunas and oversized Jacuzzi-style tubs over looking the ocean in some of the suites.

They are rooms Caesars himself would have stayed in.

But the centerpiece of Caesars’ transformation is the opening of Hell’s Kitchen and Nobu.

Nobu impresses

Our visit to Nobu was one of the most impressive restaurant experi ences we have had in Atlantic City in a very long time, immediately solidifying Nobu as not just one of the greatest restaurants in Atlantic City, but one of the greatest restaurants in the state and the entire East Coast.

Even though Nobu was barely open a month, Nobu was firing on all cylinders, and its kitchen and front of the house were flawless, easily matching if not exceeding other visits to Nobu around the world, including its sister property at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

When you see and taste the beauty and complexity of the food and experi ence the never-ending flow of food and drinks that come to your table, you will understand how difficult it is to be that good so soon.

Walk into Nobu, located right off the casino floor near the Circus Maximus Theater, and you will be immediately

impressed by the chic restaurant boasting waterfront and Boardwalk views through its floor-to-ceiling windows and its modern design that pays homage to traditional Japanese architecture with gor geous wood tables and accents, lantern lighting, a stunning bar that is second to none in the city, an open kitchen where you can watch an army of chefs prepare fresh fish dishes right in front of you, and “nesting areas,” as property Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Lodise describes the dining layout, that makes the restaurant feel intimate despite its ability to seat 200 people.

Caesars Atlantic City’s Nobu is the on ly one to overlook the ocean on the East Coast and is the only location between Manhattan and Washington, D.C.

Of course, the real reason to visit Nobu is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s over-the-top dishes that are so picturesque you won’t want to eat them. But once you do, be prepared to blown away and spoiled forever when it comes to this Japanese cuisine. Undoubtedly, Nobu is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, but after dining there you will understand why.

is also mind blowing. My favorite cocktail was the Grapefruit on the Rocks with Bombay Sapphire Far East gin, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lychee and pink grapefruit.

Formed in 1994 by the Japanese-born Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper, Nobu has grown to more than 50 restaurants worldwide but is known for its attention to detail and consistent greatness.

Caesars Atlantic City has more Nobu up its sleeve as the property looks to ren ovate and transform three floors of its Centurion Tower into a Nobu Hotel that will feature redesigned rooms and suites with Japanese-inspired decor mixed with sleek, modern touches, much like the No bu Tower at Caesars in Las Vegas. Work is expected to begin in 2023. Matsuhisa and De Niro are also expected to come to Atlantic City in the early part of the new year to christen the restaurant in a ceremonial sake event.

Hell’s Kitchen brings fire to Caesars

Each plate that comes to your table is more stunning than the next, with many of the raw fish dishes forming patterns like works of art with just enough layers to add the pop and color and flavor that make Nobu a very special place to dine.

Cold masterpieces include yellowtail jalapeno, salmon karashi su miso, the signature crispy rice with spicy tuna, and tuna totaki with tosazu, a vinegar-based Japanese dressing. There’s also a wide selection of sushi, maki, nigiri and sashimi available – get the toro and scallion roll - that features some of the freshest and most delicious raw fish you will ever de vour.

On the hot side, the black cod with miso may be the greatest fish dish ever imagined and is worth the visit alone. Other stellar creations include the uma mi sea bass, rock shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce (or ponzu), and the wagyu beef tacos.

Don’t leave without getting a bento box for dessert featuring a warm choco late cake with a sphere of matcha gelato. The sake, wine, whiskey and cocktail list

Caesars Atlantic City not only features the most well-known Japanese chef on the planet, but it also features the most well-known chef in the world – period! – as Gordon Ramsay opened his second Caesars Atlantic City concept with Hell’s Kitchen arriving in September.

Hell’s Kitchen, modeled after the Fox TV series of the same name, is a stun ning piece of architecture. Overtaking three floors of Caesars Atlantic City, the top floor rests on the casino floor and features a sprawling, hip bar surrounded by tables and overlooks the main dining room.

The main dining room’s centerpiece is the open kitchen separated into red and blue sides, just like the TV show, even though the chefs don’t compete against each other and work in tandem to offer some of Ramsay’s most popular dishes along with some surprises. Talented Chef Dianna Miller, who previously helmed Martorano’s at Harrah’s Atlantic City, serves as executive chef, but she won’t be heard cursing at her staff like Ramsay does on TV. The third level, located off the Boardwalk, will feature another bar and a casual atmosphere. Construction is expected to begin early next year on

the final piece of the Hell’s Kitchen puzzle.

Caesars Atlantic City’s Hell’s Kitchen is the first on the East Coast – other locations include Las Vegas, southern California and Lake Tahoe – and will undoubt edly be one of the most popular restaurants in the city thanks to its celebrity chef, impressive food and eye-popping décor.

Located in the space of the for mer Dusk nightclub, Hell’s Kitchen seats more than 230 guests and offers cool features such as chande liers made out of pitchforks – the show’s trademark logo – a wall of fame boasting photos of every “Hell’s Kitchen” winner,

a spiral staircase leading guests from the third to second level, and even some leather chairs branded with the pitchfork. The menu is relatively small but fea tures many of Ramsay’s signature items. Start with the tuna tartare, then move on to butter-poached lobster risotto with butternut squash and sage; pan-seated scallops with celery root, braised bacon lardons and pickled Granny Smith apples; wagyu meatballs with polenta croutons; and our surprise favorite, seared foie gras with accompaniments that splen didly work together - stewed cherries, Scottish shortbread and candied Marcona almonds.

Photos by LaRissa Cronick

The truffle onion soup with pee wee potatoes, garlic confit and truffle is a win ner, as is the tomato burrata salad with white balsamic vinaigrette.

And seven entrée choices include the scrumptious crispy skin salmon with lentils, fennel salad and citrus herb beurre-blanc; braised short rib with creamy polenta and baby veggies; rack of lamb with Vadouvan carrots, spinach and harissa lamb jus; beef Wellington with one of the greatest mashed potatoes you will ever have, glazed root; veggies and red white demi; an 8-ounce filet with roasted tomatoes and bearnaise sauce; and a New York strip with shishito peppers, maitake mushrooms and red wine demi.

The desserts are over the top, includ ing an indulgent chocolate cake and Co conut 3-Ways, which is the coconut shell stuffed with coconut sorbet and coconut cake topped with passion fruit caramel and served on a bed of ice. But it’s hard to pass on the signature Sticky Toffee Pudding with dulce de leche ice cream.

The wine and cocktail list is also impressive. My favorite cocktail was the Smoke on the Boardwalk featuring Knob Creek rye, Aperol, Amaro Averna and Do lin sweet vermouth, and it is presented in a glass lantern-like case that overflows with cherry wood smoke when your serv er opens it up. The Notes from Gordon with Plymouth dry gin, green tea, almond liqueur, lemongrass, peach and lemon is

accompanied by a cute note from Ramsay.

As far as pricing goes, Hell’s Kitchen is way more affordable than Nobu and a little more expensive than Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, which is right down the hall. En trees range from $40 to $70 but include small portions of sides. A three-course, prix-fixe menu is also available for $105.99 per person –add $50 for wine pairing.

Pub menu so there aren’t as many repeat dishes on both menus.

If you are a fan of “Hell’s Kitchen” on Fox, you know that Season 21 is currently underway, and the winner will become “head chef” of the Atlan tic City location.

live stage show and an interactive dining-entertainment experience as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation. It will also feature the second home for Spiegelworld’s Italian American psychedelic Su perfrico restaurant, along with bars and more. Tickets for the June 30 premier and other shows are now on sale at SpiegelWorld. com.

Any casino in town would be happy to add one of these multi-million-dollar restaurants to their dining portfolio. Caesars adding both Nobu and Hell’s Kitchen – along with The Hook and Superfrico - are game changers.

It might seem overkill that there are two Ramsay restaurants in one casino, but Lodise and his talented culinary team, including Food and Beverage Director Bill Fritz – the Sultan of Snacks - and Execu tive Chef Keith Mitchell, say the demand is there for both, as the pub offers a more casual experience, including breakfast. They will also make some changes to the

Caesars is far from done. In ad dition to the Nobu Hotel, there are more culinary additions planned. But the most exciting addition will be “The Hook,” a theater and dining-entertain ment experience that will debut in June produced by Spiegelworld, the company that brough “Absinthe” and other great shows and experiences to Las Vegas.

Located in the former Wild Wild West corridor between Caesars and Bally’s, the 400-seat The Hook will offer a raucous

Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

Photos by LaRissa Cronick

Granola is a convenient and nutritious snack

single serving. Making your own gra nola mix is best to help eliminate or control the sugar amounts.

Nu trition

By Nancy Adler

Granola is a high-protein, high-fiber source of mi cronutrients. Granola may vary in taste, calories, fat, fiber and sugar — sometimes too much sugar. You are better off enjoy ing plain no-sugar granola and adding dried fruits or a natural sweetener. Try to grab the granola variety that has more nuts in the mix. Nuts are high in protein. The ingredients to look for in granola include oats, flax seeds, chia seeds and almonds, which offer numerous health benefits.

Granola has been shown to reduce blood pressure and reduce high cho lesterol levels. Dried fruits in low-sug ar granola reduce blood sugar levels. The fiber in nuts and dried fruits can reduce total LDL (harmful) cholester ol levels. These are both risk factors for heart disease.

Granola is convenient. It’s easily packed in a briefcase or a backpack. It’s easy to store and keeps for a long time. Granola snack bars are a popular grab-and-go. However, they are processed and loaded with added sugars, oils and additives. Fats like vegetable oils, coconut oils and nut butters are included to help bind the ingredients and add flavor. These ingredients add extra calories, which may lead to unwanted weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and heart disease.

Some granolas can have up to 4 teaspoons (17 grams) of sugar in a

Please enjoy this recipe in my cookbook, “Nancy’s Recipes for Life,” available in my Linwood office location and Capellas Oil and Vinegar store in Ocean City.

Ingredients:

● 1/4 cup of unsalted sunflower seeds

● 1 -1/2 cup of plain oatmeal

● 1/4 cup of ground flaxseeds

● 1/2 cup of raisins

● 1/2 cup of slivered almonds

● 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (un sweetened)

● 3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter

● 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

● 1/3 cup of agave nectar

● 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 300 ℉ Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until evenly blended. Press the mixture into a 9x9-inch baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Crumble and store in an airtight container.

Nutritional information:

● Fat: 8.0 grams

● Carbs: 22.6 grams

● Calories: 179.7

● Protein: 4.3 grams

● Serves 10 (1/2 cup serving)

Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood. Her office is located in Cornerstone Commerce Center, 1201 New Rd. Learn about her practice at ww.nancyadlernutri tion.com (609)653-4900. Nancy is the Recipient of the Best of The Press 2020, 2021, and 2022 Gold Award. You may listen to Nancy every Saturday at 11 am Nancy Ad ler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND and 92.3 the station is fm

Sunflower Seed Granola

Tony Mart Cares Christmas Party to be held at Josie Kellys Dec. 15

It’s official! The 2022 Tony Mart Cares Christmas Party will be celebrated at the popular, cozy Public House known as Josie Kelly‘s, 908 Shore Road in the histor ic Somers Point Bayfront, Thursday, December 15, 6 to 10 PM.

The Prince of the Tony Mart family, Billy Wal ton, will reign over the proceedings along with the incredibly hot, Destinee Monroe, Jimmy Brogan , “Old School“ Jimmy Glenn and guest stars in a fun, sing-along, rock ‘n’ roll Christ mas party that is free for general admission.

A limited number of VIP tables for eight will be available for $100 which includes reserved seating, light hors d’oeuvres and two Tony Mart T-shirts per table.

Reserved seats will be available, while they last, for $10. Remaining seats and standing room will be available for free based upon limited availability.

In addition to letting the Good Times Roll and celebrating the holidays with our extended family, Tony Mart Cares, a bona fide 501C3 community service organization, pro duces these events to generate funds for the community work performed in support of musical artists and others when times are difficult.

Donations for reservation can be made at www.

Gofundme.com then search for Tony Mart Cares. Doors will open at 6pm and hors d’oeuvres will be served to VIP tables between six and seven before the show starts at 7 PM.

11 SINGLE-FAMILY EXECUTIVE HOMES FROM

Cost saving Christmas activities

Here are a few cost-saving holiday activities to keep the spirit of the sea son alive.

M oms Vibe: By Krystle J. Bailey

The holiday season tends to be an expensive adventure no matter how you cut it. This year, the financial pinch feels tighter than ever for many families as so many people are chang ing careers, regaining their financial footing post-Covid, and learning how to manage the rapidly inflating prices on everything. Just when our wallets begin to recover from back-to-school spending, the holidays arrive. The holiday season should be filled with love, light, and magic, and yet, many of us find ourselves stressing about money and shopping. This week, take a minute to breathe and remember that Christmas only comes once a year, and regardless of your financial situation, the magic of the holidays can still be experienced.

Create homemade ornaments Switch up the holiday decor this year with some hand-made ornaments. Re member all the ornaments we made for our parents in school? Recreate those with your little ones. Spend an evening stringing popcorn for the tree, paint ing pinecones, and making salt dough ornaments. Pinterest is full of crafty ideas for DIY ornament making, from filling clear ornaments with sprinkles to tying together twigs and sticks with festive string.

Salt dough ornament recipe:

● Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F

● Whisk together 4 cups flour with 1 cup salt

● Slowly stir in 1.5 cups water until a dough forms (use your hands when it gets thick)

● Transfer dough to floured work space and knead until soft

● Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes (⅛ inch thick)

● Don’t forget to punch a hole in the top for the string

● Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for approx 1 hour

● Let them cool, then decorate using acrylic paint, glitter, modge podge, or whatever craft supplies you have on hand

Visit all local parades

See all the parades and, therefore, all of the Santa Clauses for free. Al most every local town has a Christmas parade. Make a list of the upcoming parades and events, then see how many you can check off the list before Santa comes to town. Visit our weekly Events & Happenings segment to stay up to speed on times and dates.

Learn about other holidays

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, all of them, or none of them, take a trip to the local library to search for books about all December holidays and traditions. Learn about how other religions and cultures celebrate with their loved ones this month. Try a new craft, food, or tradition that isn’t already a part of your yearly traditions. This is a great oppor tunity to have a conversation with the kids about inclusivity and love.

Make holiday cards

My kids always seem to end up with more crafts than they know what to do with after Christmas. Pull out all the unused supplies from this last year and create a holiday card-making station. Make cards for loved ones, strangers,

active duty military, homeless individuals, or whoever else speaks to your heart. Giving feels good, and there’s nothing like a homemade gift of love to spread joy through the holiday season.

Check out holiday lights

The holiday lights seemed to have increased over the last sev eral years. There are drive-thru light displays, free yard displays, and houses lined with every light color imaginable. Take a night, or several, to check out the local lights. Put on the Christmas music in the car, make a bag of popcorn for the road, and take a slow drive around the neighbor hood. Hit a different neighborhood each night then come together as a family to vote for the best lights in town.

Make a movie watching party

Grab the popcorn, the blankets, and the remote, and make a big deal about holiday movie watching. Pick some classics, favorites, and check out what’s new this year. Create a calendar of movies you want to watch before the end of the season, then make in tentional time each week to snuggle up with your little ones for movie night. These are the moments your children will remember for a lifetime.

Keep in mind that there is always magic to be found in the little moments. The most memorable life experiences don’t always come with big price tags. Create experiences that fit your budget and lifestyle. Do the best with what you’ve got this year! Make the most of the season by filling it with simplicity, togetherness, and love.

J

Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

Krystle

Bailey.

Holiday Restaurant Guide: Where to eat this Christmas Eve and Day

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Maybe your family is in town and you don’t feel like cooking. Maybe you don’t celebrate Christ mas, but want a decent meal as the masses celebrate. There are plenty of reasons to go out to eat for Christ mas, and the stunning atmosphere

best? Here’s Shore Local’s guide to dining out for the holidays (places that are open and offering Christmas meals):

Deauville Inn, Strathmere

This beautiful waterfront restau rant offers lots of opportunities for fun and fine dining this holiday season. Families can order special holiday catering for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy Brunch with

and delicious cuisine practically make the decision for you. Put on your best collared shirt (or dress), sit down by the fireplace, and taste homestyle gourmet made special with seasonal ingredients. What restaurants are

Santa at the restaurant on December 11, book a holiday private party with a custom menu, or enjoy dinner at the venue on Christmas Eve (not the 25th sadly). Mark your calendar for a NYE party, too!

Tuckahoe Inn, Beasley’s Point

This historic inn is decked with lots of mistletoe and holly, perfect for your family gathering. Although the multi-course menu has not yet been released, the restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make your reservation by calling 609390-3322.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Atlantic City

The highly-anticipated eatery is finally open and ready to serve you delicious British fare. Prices are rea

sonable and the vibe is more casual than most other casino restaurants in the city. A Christmas menu has not yet been released, but their website confirms holiday hours on the 24th and 25th.

Ebbitt Room, Cape May

Taste farm-to-table cuisine at this high-end, award-winning restaurant that transports guests back in time to the Victorian era. Although the Ebbitt Room is not open for Christ mas Day (as of early December), they will be serving guests on Christmas Eve. Bring your camera, because the food and atmosphere will astound you.

The Crab Trap, Somers Point

This is a great option for families looking for delicious lunch on Christ mas Eve (their only holiday hours). Order from tens of fresh-seafood options as listed on their menu and take in the New-England, coastal grandmother theming.

McCormick & Schmick’s, Atlantic City

Harrah’s best restaurant will once-again serve Christmas Day and Christmas Eve patrons looking for seafood fresh from sea-to-table. Visit their website to receive updates on their prix-fixe holiday menu. Holiday catering is also available upon re quest.

Seaview’s Main Dining Room, Galloway

A 1914 farmhouse turned golf club/restaurant is your go-to spot this Christmas. Continental dining with classy attire and tons of natural light will elevate your holiday season. Perhaps you could even play a round before dinner? Check out their web site for updates on hours and menu.

Ebbitt Room in Cape May

The Deauville Inn of Strathmere

FoolMoon Theatre Co.’s

‘Christmas Extravaganza’ this weekend in Margate

There’s one weekend left for FoolMoon Theatre Company’s “Christmas Extravaganza,” performed 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. A modern take on a musical revue, the show includes performances of old and new holiday favorites with loads of singing, dancing, comedy, and vis its from both St. Nick and Ebenezer

Scrooge. Special performances by the Cygnus Arts ballet troupe round off this festive musical adventure, which takes place at Margate Com munity Church, 8900 Ventnor Ave., Margate (enter on Thurlow Avenue). Tickets are $25 regular admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for kids 12 and younger; cash accepted at the door. For more information, go to FoolMoonTheatre.org.

OF ITALY

Less Than Jake Keeping Ska Rock Alive, Visit Anchor Rock

bands, the horns add a full-bodied sound to this modern-day ska that makes even old(er) dudes like me wanna dance.

Tu ne In, Turn On By Doug Deutsch

My sister says I’m ‘aging backwards’. Maybe she’s right; much of the music we’re listen ing to presently is from bands that are anything but new to today’s rock scene. Such is the case with Less Than Jake, an energetic rock/ska/ pop group formed in 1992, of all plac es, in Gainesville, Florida (erstwhile home of Southern rock bands and the late Tom Petty). There are more than a few bands still successfully purveying the upbeat ska/rock hybrid sound; one of these, New Brunswick’s Hub City Stompers, recently played a hot set at AC’s Bourre. In both these

Always curious how bands got their name, that’s the first question we asked LTJ trombone player Buddy ‘Goldfinger’ Schaub in an interview this week. “The (Less Than Jake) name actually came from our old drummer, Vinnie Fiorello. His parents had an English bulldog named Jake. They treated him like the king of the house. They would bring home steak from restaurants for him, he had his own chair in the house, etc. One day, (guitarist-vocalist Chris) DeMakes and Vinnie were working on songs in his back bedroom. The dog was getting upset. So, his parents made them stop playing and they were like, ‘that’s what we should call ourselves. We’re Less Than Jake.”

LTJ’s most recent release is “Sil ver Linings,” their ninth studio album (December 2020). “We recorded it in (bassist Roger) Lima’s studio, the Moat House, where we’ve recorded

for years,” says Schaub. “This was our first release with new drummer Matt (Yonker) who’s been working with our band on the crew since 2001. We were super-excited to do something new and then the pandemic hit. We waited for things to open back up so we could tour around its release, but eventually got tired of waiting and just put it out there. We re-released the deluxe version of the record last month on Pure Noise Records.”

How did LTJ navigate that eerie period of time when Covid screwed the pooch on everyone’s best-laid plans? “We struggled through it the best we could, like everyone else,” recalls Schaub. “Being a band where most of our income comes from play ing music in front of a live audience made it a bit tough for us. We record ed a few songs remotely from each of our studios and released those “Lost at Home” sessions on our Bandcamp page. We also donated some of the proceeds to different charities for each song and played a couple of Live Stream shows that were fun as well.”

(Less Than Jake, Cliffdiver and Keep Flying, Saturday, December 10, Anchor Rock Club, 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. Doors 7pm. (609) 808-4990 or anchorrockclub.com.

Bye Bye Bourre: Another Shore venue that featured original music saw its final shows take place last

weekend. Bourre, opened in 2019 on New York Ave. in the Orange Loop Entertainment District, will be replaced in Spring of 2023 by high-end restaurant cardinal, formerly in Ventnor. The ending was bittersweet for Bourre pro moter, Stephen Weiss, who runs NorStep Productions with Noranne Thompson and booked Bourre’s live music. "The future of the indie mu sic scene at the Shore going

forward will not look much different than it did yesterday,” says Weiss. “The indie music scene was never a building. It moved from location to location and called Bourre_ac home

for the past three-and-a-half years. It would seem what we've built here has touched quite a few folks. For every one venue I look into, two more reach out to me. Currently we can book two places in Atlantic City, one in a different South Jersey town, and one in Philadelphia, with multiple offers to check out other spaces, two of which would keep us in Atlantic City. There’s no doubt we will have a stage within city limits to continue the music again soon.”

Anchor Rock Club showrunner Greg Mungan shares, “Rather than predicting the future of the local mu sic scene, our goal (at ARC) is to pro

vide a welcoming space with great sound. As a venue with a staff full of musicians, we know how much goes into writing, rehearsing and getting a live set together. We treat every show through that lens. Hope fully, we can help strengthen the local music community.”

From Music to Comedy: Pat Mircuki, who used to produce North Jersey TV show The Un derground Café in the 1980’s, presents Pat’s Place 4 Comedy at Studio Space, 1112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, this Sat urday, December 10 at 8pm. Buda the Comedian headlines. www.patsplace4comedy.com for info.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail. com and www.facebook.com/ dougdeutschpublicity.

Holiday cocktail recipes when you need to drink some cheer

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Office parties, fam ily cookie swaps, your sister comes to town — oh my!

The holidays bring get-to gethers that often require yummy food and delicious drinks. Whether you need to chill out or liven up the party, we’ve got you covered. Here are five holiday-cocktail rec ipes that taste (and feel) like visions of sugarplums dancing inside your head:

Grinch Cocktail

Ingredients:

● 2 ounces of Midori liqueur

● 1 ounce of clear rum

● 5 ounces of Sprite or tonic water

● 1 maraschino cherry

Add rum, Midori and soda to the cocktail shaker with ½ cup of ice and shake thoroughly.

Pour into a cold lowball glass and top with the cherry. Enjoy!

Holiday Sangria

Ingredients:

● 1 cup of raw cranberries

● 1 cup of water

● 2 bottles of fruity red wine

● 1 slightly-unripe Barnett pear

● 2 small oranges, thinly sliced

● 2 Gala apples, thinly sliced

● 1 cup of white sugar

● 2 cinnamon sticks

● ½ cup of orange liquor

● 2 limes, freshly-squeezed

Muddle water and sugar in a medi um saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring often. The sugar should dissolve and a paste should form. Add cinnamon sticks and remove from heat.

Pour syrup into a Tupperware container and add cranberries. Place in the fridge overnight.

In a large pitcher, combine fruit, lime juice, wine and orange liquor. Stir in syrup, making sure there are no clumps. Pour over ice in wine glasses, garnishing with extra pear or apple slices.

Peppermint Martini

Ingredients:

● 5 ounces of vanilla vodka

● 2 ounces of creme de la menthe

● 1 teaspoon of peppermint schnapps

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all three ingredients. Shake forcefully.

Strain into two martini glasses and add a candy cane as a garnish. Enjoy!

Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients:

● ½ teaspoon of cloves

● 1 cup of brown sugar, packed

● 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

● 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

● 1 stick of unsalted butter

● A pinch of salt

● ½ cup of raw honey

● 2 cinnamon sticks

● ⅔ cup of hot water

● 2.5 ounces of rum

● Whipped cream

In a small saucepan over medium heat, make the batter by adding brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, cinna mon, salt, vanilla and raw honey. Stir until thick, 4 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes.

In a glass mug, stir in hot water, rum, and batter, making sure there are no clumps. Top with whipped cream and sip warm.

Christmas Morning Mimosa

Ingredients (for batch cocktails):

● 2 bottles of chilled champagne

● 2 cups of cranberry juice

● 1.5 cups of orange juice

● Frozen cranberries (for garnish)

In a 2-liter pitcher, pour in cham pagne and juices. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Pour into champagne glasses and top with frozen cranberries. Optional: add ice to each glass or pitcher.

The velocity of money

By Eric Reich

Ioften get asked my thoughts on where the economy is heading and sadly, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I do have several gaug es that I use to help determine the direction that the economy might be heading in. One of those gauges is the velocity of money. Velocity of money is the rate at which money is being spent in the economy. It is calculated by dividing GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by the Money Supply (M1 & M2). Both M1 and M2 can be used for calculation purposes. Think of M1 as the more focused number. This in cludes cash and transaction deposits whereas M2 is larger and encompass es savings, CD, and money markets as well. GDP is the value of all goods and services in the economy.

The faster money changes hands within the economy, the stronger the economy is thought to be.

Therefore, if we see a trend in ei ther direction, we can assume that the economy is getting better or worse depending on the direction of the velocity of money, either up or down. Sometimes the velocity of money can be affected simply by things like rising inflation. During pe riods of higher inflation, the velocity of money tends to increase. This is why I have been monitoring it more closely this year. As you know, the Fed has been desperately trying to reduce inflation by raising interest rates in an attempt to slow down the economy. One of the ways we look to see if their attempts are working is to see if the velocity of money is declining. If not, signs might point to continued elevated inflation.

It's important to note that the velocity of money isn’t the end all for measuring the economy. The Fed’s manipulation of their balance sheet changes GDP and therefore the ve locity of money calculation, which some argue makes the velocity of money figure less valuable. I would argue a higher velocity of money fig ure does represent a decent picture of higher inflation, but it is somewhat less reliable when falling. This is why other factors need to be considered

TREATMENTS

in order to make an assumption about the direction of the economy.

So, what are my thoughts? I think we will see a recession in 2023 but that it likely won’t be either deep or prolonged. I think the market has already priced this in, and therefore won’t have much of a negative effect if any on the stock market. This is purely my opinion. As a result, I am buying more stocks now than I have all year and will likely continue to do so. Remember, everyone’s situation is different and what you should do could be completely different than what someone else does. My sugges tion is to review your plan with your advisor, and if you don’t have a plan, then you need a financial planning professional to make one for you. These times are too turbulent to “wing it”.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment ad visory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not nec essarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific invest ment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of ex perience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Manage ment AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Under writer® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations. A lifelong resident of Cape May County, Eric resides in Seaville, NJ with his wife Chris sy and their sons ,CJ and Cooper, and daughter Riley.

Holiday decorating when your home is for sale

natural light your home receives while selling it, so make sure to avoid placing any decorations in front of windows or doors. If you are limited in the amount of space you have, you can place an item in these areas, but be mindful of how it is positioned to maintain the flow of light throughout the room.

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

One of the many delights of the holiday season is dec orating your home. From a cornucopia and pump kins for Thanksgiving, to a Douglas fir and lights for Christmas or a me norah for Hanukkah, decorating can bring a joyous feeling to any home. However, if you are selling your home around the holidays, you may want to practice moderation when choosing your holiday decor. Use these tips to decorate your house while being mindful of your home sale.

Limit Clutter

While some people enjoy the hol idays as an opportunity to decorate every nook and cranny of their home, it is best to keep things to a minimum. A significant focus of staging is to remove clutter to make your home appear as spacious as possible. Select a few pieces of festive flair to bring the holiday spirit into your home, and leave the rest in storage this year. If you need help choosing decorations, you should avoid anything with names or photos. Personalized items can make it difficult for homebuyers to see themselves living in your home.

Don't Block Natural Light

You should highlight how much

Coordinate Colors

Certain colors instantly come to mind when you think of the holidays. You may choose to accent with the classic red and green for Christmas or silver, gold, white or even blue. However, it is important to keep your home as visually appealing as possi ble, so avoid decorations that clash with the current color scheme of the rooms in your home.

Use Decorations to Accentuate Features

If you need help deciding where to place decorations when selling your home, start with some of the best features. This could include a holiday inspired garland for your mantel or mistletoe hanging from an arched doorway. However, you should make sure decorations don't hide any features that you love. For example, don't hang seasonal decorations in a window with a spectacular view of your backyard.

Avoid Movement and Sound

Some holiday decorations come to life with flashing lights, moving parts, and festive music. However, these items can be distracting when poten tial buyers visit your home. While you don't necessarily need to eliminate these items from your decorating, just be sure to turn them off before a showing.

Keep Things Fresh

Adding plants to your home is a common way to decorate for the holidays, but it takes some extra at tention to keep them looking lively. If you are decorating with poinsettias,

Decorate The Exterior

If part of your holiday decorating includes the outside of your home, don't be afraid to keep up that tradi tion. Exterior decorating can boost your home's curb appeal. However, exterior decorating can have its limitations, and you should avoid large decorations that take attention away from the aesthetic of your home. You may want to decorate with a beauti ful, welcoming wreath on your front door and a few strands of white lights and a lovely red ribbon on your mailbox, keeping your home classic and festive, warm and welcoming for the holidays.

keep an eye on them and make sure to regularly water and care for them and for any plants that you bring in side for the holidays to keep them looking good and lively.

Avoid Large Decorations

Try to limit your decorating to pieces that positively highlight the size and charm of the room. For example, a lush tree can be the ul timate sign that Christmas is on its way. However, you may want to opt for a smaller tree when your home is for sale. While large trees bring a festive feel to your home, they may also make a room appear smaller and cramped.

By creating a cheery feel on the outside and on the inside of your home, potential buyers will be able to envision themselves owning your home, living in it and having their own tradi tions and celebrations in your home for many happy years to come.

With hugs, love, and warm re gards…

The quest of home ownership is quite an adventure. To discuss your specific needs and real estate goals, call or text Elisa Jo Eagan at 609703-0432 or visit TheRealEstateGod mother.com.

SPBA announces new scholarships

The Somers Point Busi ness Association (SPBA) is proud to announce the establishment of the Lou DeScioli Scholarship Awards. The SPBA will award three $500 scholar ships in the name of Lou DeScioli to students who work at a business based in Somers Point.

These scholarship awards are inspired by long time Somers Point business and community leader Lou DeScioli. Mr. DeScioli always believed that a great business is one that strives to make its community better and thrive.

All high school se niors and current college students who work at a Somers Point business are eligible to apply and be considered for an award. Applicants must submit an approximate 500-word essay describ ing the impact they have made on the Somers Point business at which they are employed. The essay should also provide three ex amples of how their efforts positively affected customer relations and im proved business practices.

Mike Smith, the president of the SPBA, is thrilled to award these scholarships to three motivated and well-deserving students.

“Hardworking young people are the future of our community. We want to support them and recognize the contributions they make to make Somers Point a better place for busi ness,” said Smith. “I would also like

the thank the businesses in Somers Point for providing these students with the opportunity to gain real life experience on their journey to be come Somers Point’s next business leaders.”

Essays must be submitted to somerspointba@gmail.com by Wednesday, March 1, 2023.The SP BA is an organization that brings to gether businesses and professionals interested in the promotion, improve ment, development and advancement of the business climate of Somers Point. The SPBA has served as the Voice of the Somers Point Business Community for more than 30 years.

For more information on the Somers Point Business Association or to become a member, please visit www.somerspointba.org or email somerspointba@gmail.com

Lighting Up The Night

Here are a few festive light show displays to check out. Plug in the location and enjoy the wonderful sights of the season.

Grove Road, Northfield

Linwood Arboretum, 1410 Wabash Ave Linwood

Pennsylvania Ave, Somers Point

Historic Towne of Smithville, lightshow on the lake

Jerome Ave ballfields, Margate Astor Ave, Egg Harbor Twp.

Poplar Ave, Egg Harbor Twp. Offshore Illuminations, Offshore Road, Egg Harbor Twp.

Second Street, Galloway Twp.

Email a photo and the location to shorelocalnews@ gmail.com or comment on our Facebook page.