SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 15, 2022

Josie Kelly's went from surf to turf last week as the Irish pub took down the lobster and replaced it with a sign bearing their name, along with a green clover.

The restaurant is better known for it's fish and chips and shepherd's pie than lobster.

The landmark neon sign that towered over Mac's and Sandi Point for over 50 years will be refurbished

and moved across the street, pending approvals.

The Somers Point lobster was partially lit and needed repairs to the roof supports.

It's a busy and wonderful life

The question gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect.

From the Editor

Last week was a whirlwind of festivities, gatherings, and celebrations. As I look back, my heart is full of love and gratitude for the friends, family, and neighbors that have filled my life.

Our second annual 'christmas at the Mansion' holiday market and festival was a resounding success. After an unexpected rescheduling due to the weather, I am thankful to report that Saturday’s festivities went off without a glitch. bob and I are deeply grateful for everyone who made 'christmas at the Mansion' possible. The Somers Mansion is a historical treasure that bob and I are passionate about shining a light on.

I found that throughout the event, many attendees and friends begged the question, “why?” They wanted to know why the Somers Mansion and this event were so important to us.

As Atlantic county's oldest building, all the history in the county can be traced back to that 300-year-old property. Yet on Saturday, many attendees remarked that they have lived in the area all their lives, but never knew about or have been inside or on the grounds of the Somers Mansion.

The non-profit organization, The Patriots of the Somers Mansion formed in 2018 with the intentions of preserving the site, encouraging heritage tourism, and expanding opportunities for locals and tourists to learn about Atlantic county’s oldest building. The Patriots work tirelessly to bring recognition and revitalization to the mansion.

We believe in their mission and are proud to assist. More than 700 people toured the Somers Mansion during Saturday's festivities. It was the first time inside the building for most of them. Later this week, we will present a check with the proceeds from the Saturday's event to the Patriots of the Somers Mansion with the hope that it will assist in the restoration of the building and property.

Throughout the day of the event, I felt a sense of camaraderie amongst

the organizers. The day was cold and filled with hours of physical labor, all outdoors. However, it was the laughter, friendship, and sense of purpose that kept us warm. We saw so many familiar faces, including friends, neighbors, and co-workers in the community.

b efore I got in my car at the end of this long day, I looked back and was reminded of a quote from a favorite christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“No man is a failure who has friends,” George bailey’s angel, clarence, told him. The 1946 film is packed with valuable life lessons. My favorites are the ones that focus on the value of friendship, and how each of our lives impacts others in ways we may not even realize. In the end, many came together to help George bailey in his time of need, and he is made aware of how many lives he has touched.

“ each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

says George bailey’s angel, clarence, as he points out that without George around, so many things would have been different.

Like a kaleidoscope, one small turn can alter the entire picture. Life is full of twists and turns, and we are constantly challenged to pivot and readjust. It’s through those life changes that we are reminded that even when the going gets tough, we are always exactly where we are meant to be.

I love the holidays – the movies, the music, the colors and lights, the traditions, and feelings of nostalgia, and most of all, the coming together of family and friends. I’m reminded that it’s really not about the gifts but rather the relationships, smiles, laughter, and memories we create together. It really is a wonderful life!

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season!

Peace & Love, Cindy

Bacharach Rehabilitation Hospital sold in part to Select Medical, Atlanticare

Hospital and satellite offices closing March 31

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

After almost 100 years of serving the community, bacharach Institute of rehabilitation in Pomona will be shutting its doors.

The beds, known as approved patient capacity, have been sold to Select Medical, who plans to open their own

rehabilitation hospital in the region within 30-36 months. The specific timeline and location remain unknown.

Atlanticare has bought the bacharach building and will convert the space into possible new wards for their mainland medical complex.

“ bacharach has proudly served this region since 1924 and has consistently strived to deliver the highest possible rehabilitation care to our patients,”

said bacharach Institute President and ceO beth Hoffman, PT, MS. “We needed to pursue this path due to years of mounting economic and market changes associated with declining patient referrals, managed care pressures, and increasing regulatory challenges. We are pleased that Select Medical values the bacharach brand and will retain our name and honor our commitment to the community.”

Liz Thomas of Thomas- boyd communications represents b acharach Institute in terms of media relations.

“ bacharach has been diligent in finding the right partner during this time of transition,” she said. “The decision to pursue this path is caused by mounting financial pressure, changes in patient demand, and increasing external regulation.”

Thomas shared that there will be communication to patients in terms of transferring to another facility for ongoing care. Marcelina Link, a 44-year-old from egg Harbor city, is pessimistic on patient options.

“My mom and I would walk down dirt roads from the bus stop for her treatments at bacharach when I was young,” said Link. “As an adult, I received therapy from bacharach because I had a stroke and am battling multiple sclerosis. This place is my home and these people are my family. I cannot imagine losing them.”

Link has shared her recovery on social media under the account Marceline’s Story, which she has received over a thousand clicks on her videos showing her relearning to walk through LOKOMAT and MYrO robotics. “No other facility by the Jersey Shore has these machines,” said Link. “I don’t think I’ll ever walk again after acharach shuts its doors.”

Link’s domestic partner also utilizes services from bacharach, and the couple are concerned about the gap in treatment without the local hospital. She shared that the closest rehab with high-level robotics is in Philadelphia, and due to their health statuses, she worries about travel and logistics.

The sale and acquisition by Select Medical and Atlanticare has yet to be approved by the state, but the legal process is likely to be completed by the end of the year. Thomas said that she could not share any private information on finances or specific negotiations.

Thomas said that she will release more information on when b acharach will stop receiving intakes and referrals, and when they will end longstanding care for follow-up patients. At time of publication, bacharach is still admitting new patients and cli -

In a press release sent out September 2022, bacharach noted that acharach Hospital Foundation remains a separate entity from the Pomona hospital and will continue to serve the community and expand their reach. It has been confirmed that the outpatient clinics along with the main

rehabilitation hospital will close on March 31st, 2023.

The bacharach Institute for rehabilitation offers a diverse array of services, including physical and occupational therapies, brain injury support, cardiac rehabilitation, hand therapy, hearing loss clinics, senior support, amputee assistance, speech therapy, a sleep disorder clinic, and oncology care. “I cannot imagine who is going to fill the void and provide help to those who need it,” said Link.

Select Medical, one of the acquirers of bacharach, is a healthcare giant based in Pennsylvania, which operates thousands of facilities across the country (specifically in Arizona, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Ohio). They operate critical illness hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centers and outpatient rehab clinics.

regarding inpatient recovery, the Select Medical website reports that they meet strict standards of care, quality and safety and are nationally recognized as a leading medical brand offering unmatched care. They treat spinal and brain injuries, stroke and degenerative diseases, orthopedic conditions such as amputation, cancer care and pediatric conditions.

Select operates approximately 25 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals under the following names: Kessler Institute of rehabilitation and california reha -

bilitation Institute (a partner of UcLA and cedar-Sinai).

Shelly eckenroth, the senior vice president of Select Medical, told Shore Local News that Select Medical plans to open a state-of-the-art rehabilitation hospital in the region, and only purchased the beds from bacharach (not the brand itself).

“As one of the largest and most well-regarded inpatient rehabilitation hospital systems in the country, Select Medical will bring world-class rehabilitative services steeped in research- and evidence-based best practices and outcomes to the region,” said eckenroth.

Link isn’t impressed with Select Medical and wishes that bacharach, a locally-based company, would have found other solutions to financial struggles beyond selling the hospital. “I feel bad for elderly people and those with severe conditions, because navigating the change could be insurmountable,” she said.

Thomas shared that 325 employees will be affected by the closure, and they are being provided a severance package. She also told Shore Local News that the employees were informed of the decision with ample time to look for new employment. b acharach is working with local providers to offer resources to enable them to have a smooth transition.

At time of publication, state approvals on the acquisition are still pending. Questions relating to the sale or transfer of the high-tech robotics equipment cannot be answered at this time, said Thomas.

Susan Scheirer, the director of marketing for Atlanticare, said that they look forward to continuing to provide high-quality healthcare and services to the community. regarding the use for the former bacharach property in the future, Atlanticare says that they will evaluate the needs of their patient population and make a decision, which will be announced in the future.

“Atlanti care has been serving the healthcare needs of the community for almost 125 years. With around 100 locations that provide primary and specialty care, Atlanticare continually strives to meet the evolving needs of the community. We are proud of our growth and continu -

um of care that we have been able to provide,” said Scheirer.

Scheirer pointed to the brand new Medical Arts Pavilion facility located in Atlantic city. The new complex will expand our Maternal Fetal Medicine, Family Planning and Safe beginnings programs aimed at giving mothers, babies and families healthy starts to life. “The new Medical Arts Pavilion has been specifically developed to enhance access to quality care for the Atlantic city community,” she said.

“For decades Atlanti c are and bacharach have worked together to provide seamless transitions of care, and we are excited about what these new relationships will mean for the future of care in our community. Our partners are valuable contributors to the continuum of care that the residents of our region rely on,” said Scheirer.

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.

Dreaming of a white Christmas?

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

Whether you love it or hate it, there’s something magical about snow around the holidays. No, I’m not talking about a crippling blizzard that snows us all in and cancels christmas with families and friends. After all, that’s what christmas is all about. b ut a little mood setting, spirit enhancing, picture-postcard-setting snow can make even the heart of any snow-despising grinch grow three sizes on christmas Day.

Whether it’s bing or Frank or Perry or Nat, there are many that have

and not snow on christmas at the shore. Yes, Heat Miser and not Snow Miser (for those of you familiar with the quarreling pair from The Year Without a Santa claus) often controls the weather here in South Town, er, I mean South Jersey. Let’s look back at the ghosts of christmas’ past, or at least the weather statistics over the last 64 years in South Jersey.

remember that our climate records are based on the weather at the Atlantic city International Airport (AcY) in egg Harbor Township since 1958. And let’s also remember that the official definition of a white christmas is having at least 1” of snow on the ground on christmas morning. It does not have to actually snow on christmas Day. And it almost never does.

Our historical chance of a White Christmas since 1958: 6%. Yes, that’s it. So that means there have been only 4 christmas Days that have been white in South Jersey since 1958, and you can count them on one hand. And

storm that occurred just one day prior on christmas eve Day. This was the closest we’ve come to waking up to a blanket of freshly fallen snow, like little ralphie Parker did in the 1983 film A christmas Story, before he shot his eye out anyway.

Last White Christmas: christmas 2009 was our only white christmas this century, with 5” of “leftover” snow on the ground on christmas morning that year. That snow was leftover from the week before christmas blizzard back on December 19, 2009, when a foot or more of snow fell across much of the area. While more than half had melted before christmas Day, and the other half likely became brown, crusty, or even yellow in some cases, it still qualified as our lone white christmas in

Most

snow actually on Christmas

You’re not a cotton headed ninny muggins to think that snow apparently does NOT like to fall on christmas Day in South Jersey. Winter traditionally begins around December 21st, and every calendar day from December 21st through New Year’s Day has seen at least 1” of new snow at least one year on record. except christmas Day that is, which has never seen an inch of fresh snow in South Jersey, at least in the last 64 years. The most snow to actually fall on December 25th was back in 1962, when a whopping 0.8” of snow coated the ground that morning. If buddy the elf is right and the best way to spread christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, maybe we all need to start singing “White christmas” to help our cause. Anyone?

Our chance for a white Christmas in 2022: remember that our historical chance is 6%. With a long advertised colder than average pattern still likely to set up through the holidays this year, I’ll up it to a 30% chance for South Jersey this year. Now there’s two ways of looking at that number. You could say I’m saying it is 5 times more likely than normal that we’ll see snow for christmas this ut then again, since normal is so low, that’s not saying much. So you could also say there’s a 70% chance that we still won’t see snow on the ground come christmas morning.

Warmest Christmas Day: We were singing Mele Kalikimaka back

on December 25, 2015, when the temperature reached a record high of 71 degrees that christmas. It also came with about an inch of rain, so not green and bright as it was warm and wet. The last two christmas Days in 2020 and 2021 have also been rather warm and damp, but not quite to the 2015 levels. High temperatures the last two years have been in the low 60s, and both had at least some rainy weather.

Coldest Christmas Day: December 25, 1983 was a christmas that you hopefully got a new winter jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat, and you could make quick use of the entire ensemble. The morning low temperature that day was 2 degrees below zero, and the high temperature only made it up to 10 degrees. It was a holiday spent in the deep freeze for sure! Way to go cold Miser!

Whatever the weather this christmas brings, here’s forecasting you the happiest and healthiest of holidays in 2022. And Merry christmas everyone!

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.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, December 15th

Dennis Matthews 6-9pm bocca. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Luke Carlos O’Reilly 6-9:30pm council Oak at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Dirty Dance Band 7-11pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

A Tony Mart Christmas feat. Billy Walton, Destinee Monroe & the Tony Mart Allstars 7pm. Josie Kelly’s Public House. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

Karaoke Hosted by Eric Johnston 8:30pm. caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

Friday, December 16th

Beth Tinnon Party Duo 5-8pm

bar One at resorts

1133 boardwalk, Atlantic city

The Cliffs 5-9pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Adam Holcombe Trio 6pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Jonathan Daddis 6pm-12am

council Oak at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city Greg Clarke 6:30-9:30pm. bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Band of Make Believe 7pm Nola’s bar at Ocean 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Colin York 7:30pm

Yesterday’s creekside Tavern 316 roosevelt blvd. Marmora

The Company 8pm. caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

Shaun LaBoy 8-11pm

Tennessee Avenue beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic city

Birth-Tay: A Dance Night 8:30pm

Anchor rock club 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic city

Rock & Roll Christmas w/ Lisa OnTour &

The Sweet Jersey Band 9pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

Kristen and the Noise 10pm

The Yard at bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city

The Way Outs 10pm

Mountain bar at Wild Wild West 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city

Go Go Retro 11pm. Nola’s bar at Ocean 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Saturday, December 17th

Black Car Gina 1-4:30pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Doug Jennings 4-7pm

caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point Audio Riot 5:30-9pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Kenny Curcio Trio 6pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city Steve Myerson 6pm-12am council Oak at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city No Clue Trio 7-10pm. bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate The Rockets 7pm. Nola’s bar at Ocean 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city Sean Loosh 7:30pm

Yesterday’s creekside Tavern 316 roosevelt blvd. Marmora Glenn Roberts 8-11pm

Tennessee Avenue beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic city Twisted Livin’ 8pm. caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

Completely Unchained – a Van Halen Tribute 9pm. The Wave at Golden Nugget 600 Huron Ave. Atlantic city Melt with You 9pm. Josie Kelly’s Public House. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point Crash the Party 10pm

Mountain bar at Wild Wild West 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city Don’t Call Me Francis 10pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city Gypsy Wisdom 10pm. The Yard at bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city

Sunday, December 18th

Doug Jennings 10am-1pm. bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate John King 12-4pm. renault Winery 72 N. bremen Ave. egg Harbor city

Traditional Irish Open Session 1-4pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

Dance to the Music: A 60’s Celebration 4pm. Sound Waves at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city Anj Granieri 6-9:30pm council Oak at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city Tug of War Machine’s Emo X-Mas 7pm Anchor rock club 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic city

Monday, December 19th

Cat 5 7-11pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Tuesday, December 20th

Brandon Ireland 6pm

Gregory’s 900 Shore rd. Somers Point Dane Anthony Band 7-11pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Wednesday, December 21st

The BMW Band 6:30-9:30pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore rd. Somers Point Grooveheart 7-11pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Open Mic Hosted by Blue Eagle 8-11pm caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

Jazz by the Bob Sterling Band 7-10pm bocca. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Thursday, December 22nd

Nick Blum 6-9:30pm. council Oak at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

The Feel Good Music Band | Jeff, Tommy & Josh 6:30pm. Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

The Morning After 7-11pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Friday, December 23rd

DJ Jim McCabe 5-9pm. caroline’s by the bay. 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

The Benderz 5-9:30pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

High Five Trio 6pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Stephanie Owens 6:30-9:30pm. bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Dueling Pianos 7-11pm. renault Winery 72 N. bremen Ave. egg Harbor city

Petty Cash 7:30pm

Yesterday’s creekside Tavern

316 roosevelt blvd. Marmora

Malcolm Tent, 1 Adam 12 8pm

Anchor rock club

247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic city

The Deep End 8-11pm

Tennessee Avenue beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic city

DJ Josh 9pm. caroline’s by the bay 450 bay Ave. Somers Point

Go Go Retro 10pm. The Yard at bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city

Lifespeed 10pm

Mountain bar at Wild Wild West 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic city

Philly Soul Collective 10pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Saturday, December 24th

Philly Heart & Soul 7-11pm

The Lobby bar at Hard rock 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Sunday, December 25th

BMW+ 7-11pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Monday, December 26th

Traditional Irish Open Session 1pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House

908 Shore rd. Somers Point

Amanda & Teddy Duo 6pm. Nola’s bar at Ocean. 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Plaid Salmon 6pm. Josie Kelly’s Public House. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

Chorduroy 7-11pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

The Coconutz 7pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Tuesday, December 27th

Fat Mezz 7-11pm. The Lobby bar at Hard rock. 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic city

Gypsy Wisdom 9:30pm. Nola’s bar at Ocean. 500 boardwalk, Atlantic city Events subject to change.

BILLY STRINGS THU-SAT, FEB 16-18

VALENTINE'S SOUL JAM SUN, FEB 19

THE SOUL II SOUL TOUR SAT, MAR 4

LESLIE JONES: LIVE SAT, MAR 11 THE KILLERS THU, MAR 16 CHICAGO SAT, APR 15 ANITA BAKER THE SONGSTRESS TOUR FRI, NOV 24

Military tree brings joy while honoring those that

By Steffen Klenk

The Ocean city community has embraced a concept that started on the North Street beach three years ago. The trees on the beach are not only bringing lots of joy but smiles aplenty to residents and visitors of all ages. Just seeing the decorated shells and ornaments can provide an overwhelming sense of excitement to just about anybody.

I stopped by 11th Street and the beach earlier this week to look at the stately decorated Military Tree. The

tradition began last year thanks to residents Dave and Kathy Darrow. Their middle son, Noah Darrow, is a proud member of the military, currently serving in the National Guard at Fort Dix. Dave Darrow says it was his wife’s desire to help people. “She was always about helping others, and the tree reaches out to a lot of people.”

This year, the tree has a lot more meaning, as Dave’s wife, Kathy, recently passed away. One of her last wishes was to have the tree placed at 11th Street and the beach as soon as possible. With ongoing construction projects in the area, several friends reached out to the mayor’s office for guidance and were able to place the tree between the dunes and boardwalk. “When you hear of Ocean city, it’s about family and community. I think the city has really gone out of their way to be accepting.”

Since being placed on the beach nearly three weeks ago, the military tree has turned out to be a blessing and

joy to many people last year, and the tradition has continued. Visitors and residents have left their own decorated shells, each one honor ing either a branch of the military or a current or former member with words of support.

orful American flags are beautiful decorations are draped around the tree. “I think people find comfort in that to be able to put a shell up, and it’s something as little as that can bring somebody joy.”

residents have captured the spirit of the season with trees sprouting up in other beach locations throughout town. At last check, the Dog Tree on 21st street and the beach can be found well-decorated with ornaments and the word “LOV

Head towards 40th Street and you will find a newly placed driftwood tree.

North Street Beach

● 11th Street b each (Military Tree)

● 21st Street beach (Dog Tree)

● 40th Street b each (Driftwood Tree)

● 49th Street b each (charlie brown Tree)

● 55th Street beach

What looks like a carefully crafted art piece is also a taste of the sea. South end residents have also placed their own tree at 55th Street b each, with a sign encouraging visi tors to leave eco-friend ly objects, and non-per ishable food items to be donated to the local food bank.

The beach trees have become a popular

Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.

may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Somers Point resident surprised with new roof

By Steffen Klenk

In a sincere and grand gesture, east coast roofing, Siding and Windows surprised 80-year young Somers Point resident c arol b ird with a brand-new roof, just in time for the holidays. c arol’s widow, ronald bird Sr. was an active member of the community, having served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was the Somers Point Fire captain for 52 years, and an active member of the American Legion and VFW. While not working, bird Sr. volunteered his plumbing services for the firehouses, VFW, and Legion.

Since his passing, bird’s roof has been in desperate need of repair. A leak was recently discovered in the kitchen along with noticeable damage in other parts of the home.

On-hand for Tuesday’s surprise visit was Larry Stiteler, founder of east coast roofing, Siding, and Windows, who delivered the exciting news. ronald bird Jr., carol’s stepson, ronald bird Jr. nominated her for the free roof. He shared his reaction to the call. “I got chills. I was anxious to tell her, and I knew it was going to be a surprise.”

Members of the American Legion riders and VFW were also onsite, parading from Somers Point Shoprite to bird’s home, with the assistance of the Somers Point Police and Fire Departments. Other community members, including chickfil-A, joined together in a spectacular

display of support. east coast has donated new roofs to deserving families in need across our region since 2007. This year, the company received 35 nominations, everyone from veterans to first responders and outstanding community members.

Carol Bird of Somers Point and Larry Stiteler, founder of East Coast Roofing and Siding.

Carol Bird and Ronald Bird Jr. (front) standing with the Legion Riders, VFW members, and East Coast Roofing and Siding.

Community members show up for the surprise

Events and Happenings

Thursday, December 15th Light Show on the Lake ▶Now – January 6th from 5:308:30pm

Historic Smithville 615 e . Moss Mill rd. Watch as over 100 christmas trees dance throughout Lake Meone to cheerful holiday tunes. For more information, visit historicsmithville.com.

Live Nativity in Northfield ▶6pm

Good Shepherd church 207 Northfield Ave.

There will be a live Nativity in front of the church with members of the congregation and live animals. The community is invited to stop by and experience the real reason of christmas. For more information contact Nicole at 609-432-1096.

A Tony Mart Christmas ▶7pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House 908 Shore rd. Somers Point

The 2022 Tony Mart cares christmas Party is here. Get in the holiday spirit with the Tony Mart family and join in a fun, sing-along, rock ‘n’ roll christmas party featuring b illy Walton, Destinee Monroe, Jimmy b rogan and “Old School” Jimmy Glenn and other guest stars. Doors will open at 6pm. reserved seating is $10 while they last; General Admission standing room only is free

to attend. For more information visit tonymart.com.

Friday, December 16th

Pours for Paws

▶12-10pm

Nauti Spirits 916 Shunpike rd. cape May

The Humane Society of Ocean city and Nauti Spirits are looking for your help. This Friday, 10% of Nauti Spirit’s bar proceeds will be donated to better the life of shelter pets in our community. Staff from the Humane Society will be on-site to inform the public of shelter programs.

Fourth Friday at Nashville North Studios

▶3-8pm

210 New rd. Suite 8, Linwood

Nashville North Studios will host its monthly Fourth Friday event. This month’s theme is Yuletide Guardians, featuring the art of Alexis Flack and Shana Kestrel, with live music by reid Alburger. The exhibit will be on display through December 30th. For more information, call 609-504-5044 or visit www.nashvillenorthstudios.com.

Gingerbread House Making

▶Friday, December 16th at 3:30pm and Tuesday, December 20th at 6pm

Linwood Public Library 301 Davis Ave. Linwood

Join Linwood Public Library to build a gingerbread house with our director Maria Moss. The cost is $40 per house. call 609-926-7991 ext. 3 to register for one of their upcoming sessions.

Winter Wonderland Toy Drive Event

▶6:30-8:30pm

Margate baseball Fields Parking Lot off Huntington Ave.

The cities of Ventnor, Margate, and Longport are teaming up for the 7th Annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive event. There will be free family entertainment, live music, hot chocolate, food, crafts, games, photos with Santa and so much more. bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Atlantic county Toys for Kids Program.

Holiday Family Movie Night

▶6:45pm

Ocean city Library 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join Ocean city Free Public Library for a Holiday Family Movie Night in the Lecture Hall. The name of the movie they can’t tell yet… but it’s the one with Santa, the train, and a bell.

OCTC Presents 2022 Holiday Spectacular

▶Friday, December 16th 7:30pm, Saturday, December 17th 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday, December 18th 2pm

Ocean city Music Pier

The enchanting cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented, song and

dance tribute to the holidays. 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 in a musical journey through seasonal favorites. For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice.

Saturday, December 17th

Good Shepherd Cookie Walk

▶10am

Good Shepherd church 207 Northfield Ave. Northfield

The talented bakers of Good Shepherd will share their favorite cookies at the annual Good Shepherd cookie Walk. everyone who attends will be given a box as they go around the table; volunteers will place home-baked cookies in the boxes. cookies are priced per pound. For more information contact Nicole at 609-432-1096.

Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶Saturday and Sunday 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

▶Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm

Ocean city Music Pier Moorlyn Terrace & boardwalk

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

Cookie with a Cop ▶2pm

Otto bruyns Public Library 241 W. Mill rd. Northfield

Decorate a gingerbread cookie and learn important Life Skills from some of Northfield’s Police Officers. Please see flyer and registration form in the city News section at http://cityofnorthfield. org. For more information, contact Shannon campbell at 609-641-2832 x125 or email scampbell@cityofnorthfield.org.

Magic Flowers

▶Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 12:30pm

Studio;Space 112 Woodland Ave. Somers Point

SPQ r Stage company proudly presents Magic Flowers, an award-winning one-act comedy written and directed by bill Sterritt. Magic Flowers takes place on christmas eve in Manhattan. ethel Pahoni is prepared to spend another christmas eve alone, until her bliss is interrupted by a man selling “magic flowers,” that he claims will help ethel find love. $10 admission. cash Only at the door. Advance tickets through eventbrite. Information and reservations by calling 323-793-2153 or spqrstageco@aol.com.

Egg Harbor City Christmas Parade on the Avenue

▶6pm

Philadelphia Ave.

egg Harbor city’s christmas Parade is coming. Lineup will be on the 500 block

of London Ave. The parade route will go down claudius Street toward Philadelphia Avenue, right on Philadelphia Ave. then proceeds right on Arago Street toward Liverpool Avenue, then back to city Hall.

The main stage will be located on the 300 block across from Zion Lutheran church. For more information, please visit eggharborcitychristmasparade@gmail.com.

Atlantic City Ballet: Nutcracker

▶7pm

c aesars Atlantic city 2100 Pacific Ave.

The Nutcracker, an annual event, has been in the repertoire since 1982. choreographed by Phyllis Papa, the production travels to theaters, colleges, and casinos. Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster. For more information, visit acballet.org.

Christmas Vacation Movie Screening and Q&A with Chevy Chase ▶8pm

Tropicana Showroom 2831 b oardwalk, Atlantic city

Your all time favorite christmas movie is here and clark Griswold is coming to Tropicana. Watch the film on a big screen in the Tropicana Showroom. After the movie, you’ll hear from the man himself as chevy talks about the film and takes your questions. Tickets available via Ticketmaster and Tropicana box Office.

Sunday, December 18th Breakfast with Santa at Charlie’s ▶9am-12pm

charlie’s bar 800 Shore rd. Somers Point

Santa is coming to charlie’s. enjoy a delicious breakfast and visit with Jolly Old St. Nick. Kids will get the chance to tell Father christmas all their christmas wishes, while Parents snap a picture for the mantle. For reservations, please call charlie’s at (609) 927-3663.

Community Chanukah Celebration & Dreidel Dash ▶3-5pm

Jcc of Atlantic county 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Join Jcc of Atlantic county for this year’s community chanukah celebration. enjoy holiday games, sufganiyot and a community chanukah menorah lighting. Sign up for the Dreidel Dash, a Free 1 Mile, family fun run around the Jcc register in advance to receive a custom Dreidel finisher medal. For more information, please visit www.jccatlantic.org.

Community Menorah Lighting & Great Gelt Drop ▶5:15pm

chabad at the Shore 6505 Atlantic Ave. Ventnor

Join chabad at the Shore and Ventnor city officials for a community-wide chanukah celebration. This year, we’re bringing an ancient custom of giving chanukah Gelt/coins to a whole new level. children will be showered with delicious chocolate gelt by a giant 8 foot ↘Continued on 18

mega robot. At this free outdoor event, participants will enjoy doughnuts, hot cocoa, as well as music performed by a children’s choir. For more information, please visit www.chabadac.com or call 609-822-8500.

Monday, December 19th Story Time Yoga

▶10am

Ocean city Library 1735 Simpson Ave.

Warm Up with Story Time Yoga featuring Kelly Dougherty. 10am in the children’s Activity room on Monday, December 19th, January 9th and January 23rd. Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat or beach towel. best for ages 3-5. Limited seating.

Holiday Sweet Sale

▶3-6pm

Atlantic county Historical Society 907 Shore rd. Somers Point Mark your calendars and support the Atlantic county Historical Society. Home baked cookies, brownies, holiday breads, candy, and fudge sold prepackaged or choose your own sweets. $11 per pound. Tins available for purchase.

at 7pm via Zoom. register in advance to receive the Zoom link for this meeting by going to bit.ly/SbG20DecZoom. Dance Society ▶Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Somers Point Fire co. 1 455 bethel rd. Somers Point

Tuesday,

December 20th Sustainable Book Group OCUT ▶7pm

The Sustainable b ook Group for Ocean city and Upper Township will be discussing The Nature of Nature: Why We Need the Wild by enric Sala this Tuesday

enjoy an evening of social dancing and line dancing at the Fire company Hall. Admission is $10 per person. For more information, contact rita Voli at (609) 408-3619.

Wednesday, December 21st Hot Chocolate Bar at Ocean City Library

▶6-8pm

1735 Simpson Ave.

The Young Adults of Ocean city Free Public Library invite the public to join them for a mug of hot chocolate and a holiday cookie. Try a mug of chocolate cortes. Free to all. Hosted in room N111.

Mays Landing Winter Solstice Celebration of Light ▶6:30pm

Memorial Park Main Street and cape May Avenue

Join the Mays Landing Merchants Association and earth Angels center for Healing Arts for an evening of live music, candle lighting, kids activities, and more. All are welcome to this free event to join our community to set intentions, give gratitude, and practice bringing more light into the darkness as we listening to live music, participate in a community candle lighting ceremony, and share good wishes for the coming season.

Friday, December 23rd

Live Nativity at Margate Community Church

▶4-6pm

8900 Ventnor Ave. Margate

The Margate community church is again hosting a Live Nativity complete with live animals (including a camel), a reading of the christmas story with live actors in costume to make the familiar christmas story come alive. There will also be carol singing. There are refreshments and small gifts for children in attendance. This is a free event and the community is invited to attend.

Wednesday, December 28th Jilly’s “Fun”raiser for Linwood PTO ▶6-8pm

Jilly’s Arcade 12th Street & boardwalk, Ocean city

Don’t miss out on a night of fun with friends. enjoy 2 hours of unlimited games for only $20 in support of Linwood PTO. For more information, visit facebook. com/LinwoodschoolsPTO.

Tom Angello’s All Star Jazz Series ▶7-8:30pm

Gregory’s 900 Shore rd. Somers Point

The South Jersey Jazz Society presents an evening of jazz with Tom Angello

on the Drums, with Special Guests Tim Lekin on bass, Jim ridl on Piano, b ob Meashey on the Trumpet, and sharing the drum section with Tom Angello will be b ob Shomo. Admission is free but reservations are strongly recommended by calling 609-927-6665. Goodwill donations accepted.

Health and Wellness

Alzheimer’s

Support Group

▶Tuesday, December 20th at 4pm

Seashore Gardens Living center 22 W. Jimmie Leeds rd. Galloway

Seashore Gardens Living center (SGLc) is offering a free monthly support group for family members and caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 4-5pm.. To take part, contact Katrina Schnepp at (609) 404-4848 or schneppk@seashoregardens.org.

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.

Virtual NAMI Family Support Group on Zoom

▶Wednesday, December 28th from 7-8:30pm

NAMI is offering a virtual Family Support Group on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Links for this Zoom meeting can be found on www.namiacm.org

Mental

Health

Support and Discussion Groups

Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women, men, LG bTQIA+, individuals aged 18-30. boomers, anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and many others. To receive a full list and to register, call 609-652-3800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj.org.

Recovery Groups

More than a dozen groups for individuals 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 609-652-3800.

Wellness Groups

A wide variety of online groups are offered to enhance wellness and introduce interested participants to ways they can improve their day-to-day mental health.. To register and receive links by email, call 609-652-3800 or unitedbywellness@ mhanj.org.

Quit Smoking: Free Services Available

By Krystle J Bailey

The Atlantic Quit center, located at 5914 Main Street in Mays Landing, is a program offered by Atlantic Prevention resources created to provide individuals with the information, tools, and support they need to quit cigarettes and other tobacco products for good.

The program is supported by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the community Health Services Office of Tobacco and Prevention. The Quit center, which began serving Atlantic county in 2019, is committed to providing the highest quality of quit services available. This includes access to free nicotine replacement therapies (patches, inhalers, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and other FDA-approved therapies.) In addition to the N rTs, the Quit center provides evidence-based tobacco treatment, confidential support, weekly treatment plans, and free support groups.

The main goal of the Quit center is to provide Atlantic county residents with the resources they need to stop or reduce their use of tobacco or other nicotine products by meeting smokers where they are on their journey. certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists work with each client to create a custom quit plan that takes into consideration how long they’ve been smoking, their demographics, access to transportation, and other specifics.

After an in-depth assessment, clients are encouraged to choose a quit date that feels right for them. Leading up to the quit date, they are offered support, therapies, and resources to prepare themselves and their environment for success.

The Quit center is a mobile service, which means treatment specialists are

available to meet clients in the community and provide transportation when necessary. Individual counseling is available and includes six weeks of meetings, a customized assessment, and a weekly treatment plan.

Additionally, group counseling is offered through the Quit center. These sessions cover topics such as stress management, coping skills, and relapse prevention. Studies show that combining counseling and nicotine replacement therapies more than doubles someone’s chances of quitting for good.

One client explains their experience as the best decision they’ve ever made, stating, “The Atlantic Quit center staff are very friendly and accommodating for your special needs. I was a smoker for over 30 years. I am proud to say that today, with the help of the Atlantic Quit center, I am a non-smoker.”

Another client shares, “Thank goodness for the quit center. I am now smoke-free, and this year, I turn 69 years old, but I feel like I’m 35.”

Meetings are an opportunity for individuals on their quit journey to gather and gain encouragement from one another. Those that attend the meetings are at all different stages of their journeys. Together, they create an atmosphere of understanding and support that fuels their drive to continue towards a healthier lifestyle each week.

Atlantic Quit center services are 100% free of charge and supported by Atlantic Prevention resources and Tobacco Free for a Healthy New Jersey.

To start the conversation, call or text 609-804-7848 (QUIT) or visit www.atlanticquitcenter.com.

For information, tips, and encouragement, follow @Atlantic_Quit_ center on Instagram and Facebook.com/AtlanticQc

Feast of the Seven Fishes

christmas eve day is a day of fasting and vigil. back in Italy my family would gather after Midnight Mass to break our fast and enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes as we came home to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. Today, most Italian-American families go to an earlier Mass, and then have their meal before midnight.

By Chef Joseph Massaglia

Ibelieve traditions are the fabric of our lives. As our children grow and marry, we add some of their spouses’ traditions to ours. A few things may change slightly but one thing that remains constant to all Italian families is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or as we say in Italian, Festa dei sette pesci. It is a very special part of my family’s christmas eve celebration, and it would not be christmas eve without it.

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

The feast can be seven courses, each with one fish represented, it can be several courses with more than one fish in each course, or there are even some people who do one big

stew with seven or more fishes in it – but that is not done very often. However, no matter how you prepare the meal, you must have at least seven fishes represented.

every region in Italy has its own way of preparing the Feast of Seven Fishes, and with 20 regions you can imagine the diversity. The people of

the Southern region, which is known for its great variety and abundance of fish and seafood available to it, prepare the fish in many ways.

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

For the second course, many people serve shellfish with pasta, preferably linguine, and include clams, mussels and sometimes conch with marinara sauce (marinara means “of the sea”). People in the south also use scarfano (or scorpionfish) and escraves (very large shrimp in their shells), both of which are abundant in the south.

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

If you’ve never had salted cod you’re missing a great treat. However, it is time consuming to prepare. You have to soak it many times to get rid of all the salt, which in ancient times

was used to preserve the fish before refrigeration. If you don’t want to use salted cod in your recipe, you can substitute fresh Alaskan cod.

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

In Italy, gifts are not open on christmas morning, but traditionally are opened on the epiphany, January 6. So, if the kids have been good

during the holidays they are going to get their gifts brought to them by the La befana – the witch riding the broom. She comes down the chimney covered in soot, leaves the gifts, and then sweeps up the soot with her broom before she leaves. In America we leave Santa claus milk and cookies; in Italy we leave La befana wine and a few bites of food.

If you don’t want to cook your own Feast of Seven Fishes, I again will be serving a traditional Feast of Seven

Fishes dinner on christmas eve at Mama Mia’s, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will have two limited seatings, reservations only, with appropriate safety guidelines in place.

My Feast of Seven Fishes dinner also will be available for take-out. You will get each course, prepared with care, so that you can gently reheat the items at home at your leisure. Our standard menu and pizzas also will be available.

On New Year’s eve I will be offering a celebratory ten course dinner to ring in 2023. There will be two seatings and reservations are required. Take-out will be available for the dinner as well as our standard menu and pizzas.

My family, my staff and I wish everyone a very Merry christmas and a 2023 filled with good health, hope and much joy for the new year to come.

buon Natale!

Joe's Table for Two radio show airs Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on WOND 1400 AM. Website: joestablefortwo.com. Facebook: Joe's Table for 2. c ontact Joe: joestablefortwo@gmail.com.

Local music producer is providing creative opportunities for artists

By Krystle J Bailey

Four-time Grammy-nominated producer Luke Witherspoon began his musical journey at the age of two. An innate gift that started with pots and pans on the floor of his mother’s kitchen has evolved beyond his wildest imagination. Luke won his first pageant as a toddler playing the drums at his grandfather’s church, Westminister christian Worship center in Atlantic city. His family lineage is rooted in the christian church, which is where Luke was given the platform, encouragement, and love he needed to showcase and develop his musical talents.

His father, Pastor Luke Witherspoon, encouraged his love of music early on, nudging him to take a shot at playing the piano. After a trip to

North c arolina, where Luke and his father watched a musician on the keys, Luke was hooked. He began playing alongside his father, who was a traveling minister, every chance he had. by 12 years old, the youngest of the Luke Witherspoon trio was playing the organ in front of 700-member church bodies, and by 15, he was the musical director for Living Word of Faith International church in egg Harbor Township.

Just as his church career catapulted off the kitchen floor as a child, his music production journey began with a single moment of inspiration. He had been surrounded by musicians playing church and jazz music his entire life, but when he discovered the captivating beats of hip-hop, Luke was mesmerized. The 2003 song “Pass That Dutch” by Missy elliott and Timbaland lit something in Luke that he didn’t know existed.

It was at that moment that Luke claimed his fate. He knew he wanted to be a music producer, and once he told his father about his intentions, Luke was full speed ahead in the music production world. High school only further

encouraged him as he studied under Mr. George Genna, who introduced him to jazz standards and taught him countless lessons.

From there, Luke’s career in music continued to expand as he went on to produce music for eSPN and artists H. e r ., big K. r .I.T., Wale, brandy, and PJ Morton. These productions earned him Grammy nominations for songs, including Lucky by H. e r and reminisce by Wale. Working with rodney Jerkins, who offered him his first record deal, Luke found himself living out his musical dream.

Through his work with the local community, Luke was awarded the Key to Atlantic city in 2019 after collaborating with the Atlantic city Arts Foundation and artist billy Joe Michel. currently, Luke Witherspoon is working on several new projects, including a high-level movie project to be publicized in the near future, a music curriculum for Stockton University, and a series of underground creative

opportunities for musicians and DJs.

Samples and Needles is a bridge between DJs and musicians. It is a monthly series that offers a carefully curated musical experience where artists can come to create, network, and connect with people who can help advance their careers.

The events feature various rooms with DJs covering a variety of musical genres, from afrobeat, house, and techno to Spanish music, r& b , and hip-hop. The intention is to offer different varieties and combinations of music that bring people together in a space filled with love and collaborative energy.

This month’s Samples and Needles on December 20th will host DJ Nomad, chelsea Lee, rhetlaw, and Aaron Smith, as well as special guests rob De bous, George “Spanky” Mccurdy, and Luke himself, also known as Saint Luke in the world of music production.

George “Spanky” Mccurdy is a 4x Grammy-nominated producer and drummer who has worked with Lady Gaga, Diddy, and Tye Tribbett and is currently drumming for Ms. Lauryn Hill.

r ob De b ous actively attends berklee college of Music and produces music for Ty Dolla $ign and new artist Arin ray.

bringing these talented musicians, artists, and producers together in one space creates an opportunity for fires to be lit, collaborations to be made, and careers to take off.

Information for the event can be found at @SamplesnNeedles on Instagram or by scanning the Q r code in the included image.

Luke Witherspoon has known from an early age that music would be the trajectory of his life. Now, as someone who has discovered a pathway to success in the music industry, he works to provide other aspiring musicians with the same opportunities.

“All it takes is for someone to strike that match,” explains Witherspoon about his career.

connect with Luke at @SaintLuk3, @SamplesnNeedles, and @edencompound on Instagram to learn more about collaborative opportunities and upcoming events.

Luke Witherspoon

Contests offer roadmap to the Mainland’s best holiday displays

residents and local businesses get to know each other.

“It gets people to know and experience these different vendors, what they sell and what they provide within the municipality,” chau said.

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

Looking to see some area's outstanding lighting displays this holiday season? You don’t have to hunt around; they’re easy to find and all mapped out for you, courtesy of two decorating competitions in Northfield and Linwood.

entry dates have closed for both contests, but addresses and maps have been published so the public can easily find and admire the decorated homes and businesses in all of their electric glory. And in Linwood, between now and Monday, Dec. 19, the public has the opportunity to vote for their favorites.

Northfield Mayor erland chau came up with the Mayor's Holiday Light Tour contest about five years ago as a way to promote community pride and help

Winners receive prizes solicited by chau from the business community, which gives them the opportunity to explore something new.

“Someone for example, may have never heard of a restaurant, and now they have won a prize (and get to try it out),” he said. “It's a community enterprise in terms of getting local residents involved.”

Follow the map to get the most of Light Up Linwood 2022. Source: Linwood PTO Facebook page.

entries will be evaluated by 10 independent judges, based on visual appeal, uniqueness, overall impact, safety and variety of decorations. All participants are included on the published map and will receive a certificate from the mayor.

The map with the list of 17 entries is posted on the city of Northfield Facebook page.

The Linwood Parent Teacher Organization is running a decorating contest of its own, but with a twist. Unlike Northfield, which has judges driving around in separate cars scoring the entries, in the PTO event, the public will determine the outcome.

Light Up Linwood was started in 2020 when covid caused the cancellation of many holiday events.

“ covid had canceled much of the wonderful holiday events held in Lin -

wood and the Linwood PTO knew we wanted to sponsor an event that brought the community together,” said Jackie Matusz, Linwood PTO co-president. “With the full support of (Superintendent b rian) Pruitt and the Linwood schools and community, we created this event.”

Linwood PTO provides a list of all the homes with a hand-drawn map, created by local artist Paul Matusz, with the houses marked in order for easy viewing. b oth are now posted on the Linwood PTO Facebook page.

You have until Dec. 19 to download your map, drive around, look at the decorated homes and vote for your favorites in three categories: Frosty’s Favorite, rudolph’s Pick and elf’s choice.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 21, on social media and at the schools. The three winners will receive a handmade basket of holiday goodies from the Linwood PTO, as well as a yard sign for bragging rights.

“Our goal as a PTO has always been

Give The Gift Card

to bring the community together. This event exemplifies this goal,” Matusz said. “The feedback we have received from previous winners as well as the feedback from the community has encouraged us to continue this tradition for many years to come.”

If you want to vote, you’ll need the list of the 26 competitors, which has a Q r code that connects users to a voting form. Voting opened Dec. 12 and runs through Dec. 19. One vote per person please.

In Northfield independent judging will take place Dec 16, 17, and 18. All displays must be lit between dusk and 9 p.m. Winners will be announced on the city website and the city Facebook page Dec. 21. chau noted that the contest includes businesses and homes, and entries don’t always have to be super fancy to win.

Mayor Chau’s Annual Holiday Lighting Contest 2022 Entries

1. 5 ridgewood Drive

2. 2200 Wabash Avenue

3. 2 Forest Drive

4. 27 Juniper Drive

5. 262 W. Mill road

6. 2303 New road

7. 528 ridgewood Drive

8. 2321 burroughs Avenue

9. 2209 Grove road

10. 6 Haviv Drive

11. 2 Joseph court

12. 5 cherrywood Drive

Follow the gold dots to enjoy the 2022 Mayor Chau Holiday Lighting Contest entries in Northfield. Source: City of Northfield Facebook page.

13. 710 Second Street

14. 213 Mt. Vernon Avenue

15.112 Mt. Vernon Avenue

16.107 Jackson Avenue

17. 105 Jackson Avenue

Light Up Linwood 2022 Entries

1. 3 Fischer road

2. 1 Mill Lane

3. 4 evergreen road 4. 619 revere Avenue 5. 501 W Vernon Avenue 6. *603 brandywine court

7. 5 Wexford Lane

8. 570 central Avenue

9. 1004 bartlett Avenue

10. 307 Joseph Avenue

11. *231 W Seaview Avenue

12. 2117 New road

13. 20 Frances Avenue

14. 15 Seagarden Drive

(Tune radio to 107.7 FM)

15. 2024 Shore road

16. 213 Alexander Drive

17. 9 Hamilton Avenue

Scan this code to cast your votes for Light Up Linwood 2022. Source: Linwood PTO Facebook page.

18. 110 Arlington Avenue

19. 1404 Franklin blvd.

20. 205 cambridge Avenue

21. 108 Glenside Avenue

22. 1150 Woodlynne blvd. 23. 7 Delmar Avenue

24. 134 Sterling Avenue

25. 21 barr Avenue

26. *6 crossing Drive

* 2021 Light Up Linwood Winner

Copyeditor and Contributing Writer James FitzPatrick has been a community journalist in Atlantic and Cape May counties for more than 30 years, including 20 years as editor of The Current Newspapers. He lives in Hammonton.

Greta Van Fleet rocks AC

Playing all Originals except one cover by Arthur “ b ig b oy” crudup -“That’s All right” - Van Fleet may remind you of Led Zeppelin but their evolution in the last few years is remarkable. Paying tribute to their rock ancestors GVF is also a unique entity in that they rock, jam and even swerve in the progressive lane.

reta Van Fleet proved this weekend they are the young torch bearers of rock ‘n roll over two sold-out shows at Hard rock Hotel & casino Atlantic city.

Lead singer Josh Kiszka is a little Geddy Lee, a little bon Scott, a little Freddie Mercury, a little elvis and a lot of robert Plant. The interesting thing is that they could have been successful in any rock era since the

1960s, fitting right in with Zeppelin in the 60s, Queen and b owie and rush in the 70s, Guns n roses in the 80s, Stone Temple Pilots in the 90s and The darkness in the beginning of the 2000s. They are a true rock n roll band. And that’s why they will be around for as long as they want to.

Review by Scott Cronick

Ph

by Donald B Kravitz

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

Here’s why you should make the switch to whole wheat pasta

When sauce starts to bubble, carefully crack eggs on to the top. cover and cook until eggs have reached the desired doneness.

Nu trition

By Nancy Adler

Whole wheat pasta is certainly a healthier choice than white pasta. It’s packed with nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, magnesium and zinc. One cup of whole wheat pasta has about 8 grams of protein.

b ecause it’s made with the whole grain kernel, it retains those properties that make it most healthy and desirable. It’s good for weight loss as it contains more fiber and nutrients than other pasta varieties. b ecause of the high amounts of nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals, it has the potential to act in an anti-inflammatory manner, which can help with chronic disease.

Whole wheat pasta is less processed because it’s made from whole wheat durum flour, which means it retains the fiber and all the other nutrients in the whole grain.

The brain gets energy from glucose which is found in carbohydrates. complex carbs found in starchy foods like whole grain bread, pasta and rice, are better for us because they release energy slowly and help the brain to function in a stable way.

Switching to a whole grain pasta can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides because of the high fiber content.

You can find this recipe in my cookbook, “Nancy’s r ecipes for Life,” available in my Linwood office location and capella’s Oil and Vinegar Store in Ocean city.

Easy Poached Eggs

With Pasta

Ingredients:

● 1 ½ cups whole wheat pasta

● 1 cup no salt added marinara sauce

● 2 eggs

● 4 cups fresh spinach

Directions

Place a pot of water on the stove to boil. Measure out pasta and set aside. Pour the sauce into a small skillet and turn heat to medium low.

Meanwhile, add the spinach to the pasta just before you drain it. Stir and drain well. Divide spinach and pasta between two bowls. Top with one egg and half the sauce.

This meal is cheap and tasty! Serves 2

Nutritional Info:

● Fat 6.8 grams

● carbs 54.1 grams

● calories 339.8 calories

● Protein 18.0 grams

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.nancyadlernutrition.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 Adler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND and 92.3 the station is fm

Top Acts to Play Atlantic City over the Winter and Spring

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Since the cOVID-19 pandemic, I have become more and more passionate about concerts. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and those years in isolation were not fun. I’m sure you feel the same way.

Nothing beats belting out a song with hundreds of others under the laser lights while your idol dances on stage. It’s a spiritual experience.

rather than scour the internet for bookings in Atlantic city in 2023, we have gathered all the listings and put them right here, in print, just for you. Here are some of the concerts booked for Atlantic city for the first half of 2023:

Wayne Newton, Jan. 14 Hard rock Hotel and casino

If you love Johnny cash, you love Wayne Newton. Get ready for storytelling, country-inspired themes, and memories of long, long ago.

Engelbert Humperdinck, Feb. 4 Harrah’s

The 1960s pop-country singer

will take the stage this winter. The 86-year-old still puts on a non-stop thrill ride of a show.

David Spade, Feb. 4

Hard rock Hotel and casino

Spade has starred in dozens of movies, television shows, and comedy specials in his long career since starting at SNL in 1990. Get ready to chuckle.

Sarah Silverman, Feb. 4

Ocean resort casino Silverman brings her iconic charm

and irreverent humor to the stage here in Atlantic city. It’ll be an unforgettable evening for sure.

Def Leppard and Motley Crew, Feb. 10-11 Hard rock Hotel and casino

You have your pick of two dates to rock out with your favorite 80s’ heavy metal bands. Seeing Tommy Lee in person is worth the price of admission.

Bush, Feb. 17

Paramore will be part of the Adjacent Music Festival May 27 and 28 on the Atlantic City Beach.

Ocean resort casino remember the era of cassette tapes, flannels and the dawn of the internet? Then you’ll love bush, a relic of 1990s grunge and rock evolution.

Marc Anthony, Feb. 18 boardwalk Hall

Our favorite Latin heartthrob is coming to Atlantic city! c an you believe he lost his chance with J.Lo? Neither can we.

Kool and the Gang, Feb. 18 Ocean resort casino

This funky pop team will return to their Jersey roots this spring. Only two of the seven original members are still with the band, so get your

Feb. 24

ock Hotel and casino

Start stretching now so you can Irish jig for the entire performance. eltic rock band always puts on fantastic performances.

Smokey Robinson,

en -

obinson is a household name associated with the good-old days of cranking out 1960s hits with The Miracles. The 82-year-old serenades the audience with his beautiful voice and stunning blue eyes.

March 11

ity

The Godmother of Soul will bless us with her presence in 2023, so get ready to kiss the queen’s feet as she belts out her smooth, buttery songs.

March 16, ock Hotel and casino

Now is your chance to jam out to rightside” live. After performing in Philadelphia last year, the rock band is finally stopping by our neck

Journey and Toto, March 17 boardwalk Hall

Don’t stop believing in your chance to relive the ’80s heyday of classic rock. be ready to sure to wear your comfortable jeans and graphic tees.

Chaka Khan, March 25

Tropicana Atlantic city

Get your funk on with chaka Khan, whose career has spanned over 50 years. You’ll be shaking your hips and humming along the entire show.

Chicago, April 15

Hard rock Hotel and casino

Witness the “ rock n’ roll band with Horns” live in 2023. chicago’s fusion of soul, rock, r&b and ska bring lots of variety and spunk to the show.

Jerry Seinfeld, April 22 borgata events center

This show will NOT be about nothing! Seinfeld returns to borgata, bringing plenty of laughs with him.

Adjacent Music Festival

With Paramore and Blink-182, May 27 and 28

Atlantic city beach

Former emo and goth kids, assemble! Atlantic city will be celebrating pop punk with a mix of regional modern-rock bands and international superstars. It will be an unforgettable festival experience.

See Smokey Robinson March 3 at the Borgata Events Center.

Engelbert Humperdinck will perferform Feb. 4 at Harrah’s.

The holidays can be stressful on your dog, too

attending parties into an already hectic schedule can be exhausting.

By Heidi Clayton

Keeping one's sanity during the holiday season can be challenging. Finding the time to squeeze in decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts, and

Dogs do not understand why their normal routines get uprooted and can feed off your holiday planning stress level. every holiday season I get reports from clients that their dogs were naughty, scared, or simply crazy during holiday visits or parties.

Here are my tips on how to manage a dog or puppy during holiday gatherings.

christmas is not the time to bring home a puppy or dog. b usy holiday schedules do not give you ample time

to acclimate a dog to your home, and the expectation that the dog or puppy can handle all of the chaos of being a christmas gift is unrealistic. Wait until after the holiday season when your schedule has returned to normal.

So many people struggle with what to do with their dog when having a holiday party. being proactive and managing your dog's access to the party and guests with the use of their crates or their own room is key.

If you are not 150 percent certain about how your dog will handle the energy of excited children, or if there is one person attending that is uncomfortable around dogs, keep your dog safely crated or away giving them a bone or treat to entertain them.

If you do not know how the children attending the party will handle being around a dog and you cannot be in the moment to manage those interactions, exercise caution and keep your dog away.

children can bring an energy to a room that can lead to overstimulation in a dog. Avoid the possibility of someone being nipped or bitten in the excitement all together and only let your dog or puppy out when you or a family member can keep an eye on interactions.

People coming to the door can be exciting for dogs under normal circumstances; 30 people coming over for a party can be flat out overwhelming.

If you are busy entertaining and worry about your dog darting out of the door when it is being opened constantly, the best place for your dog is safely away in their crate or in a room whose door will not be inadvertently opened.

I like to let the excitement of mul -

tiple entrances die down before I let my dogs out to mingle. This eliminates the possibility of bolting and jumping on guests. Not everyone appreciates getting pummeled by your dog at the front door when wearing their holiday finest.

Hosting a party is exhausting. Think of how drained you are at the end of the evening and remember if your dog has been a part of the festivities, they are probably also tired. This is when you need to be the most pro-active in giving your dog or a puppy a quiet place to go to sleep.

Puppies in particular can become very nippy when overly tired and it is your job to keep them from nipping a guest. As for adult dogs, if they are trying to find a place to rest amongst the party, give them a break and put them away for some well-deserved sleep.

Heidi Clayton started Four on the Floor Dog Training as a result of her own struggle to find a positive and rewardbased dog trainer in South Jersey. She breeds, trains, and shows her own bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloor.dog.

Absecon is ready to hit it out of the ballpark

for a long time. Absecon will be going from nuts and bolts to bUDDS.

Just around the corner from the cannabis store, next to the Gokul Indian Supermarket, which is located at 209D South New road, is going to be a brand new strip center. It is a beautiful new building nearing completion.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

It looks like carl Wright, the developer of the Absecon crossing retail center, is finally going to hit it out of the ballpark.

The retail/office center is located on the White Horse Pike at the site of the prior Absecon ballfield. It has been slow moving to date, with only the Firestone Auto Service center located on the site. Unfortunately the infrastructure has been sitting idle for a long time.

However, that is all about to change.

In the summer of 2023, chipotle will be a major addition to the center. They will add a welcomed national name to the area that is sure to attract other well-known branded companies.

On the immediate horizon is the White Horse Wine and Spirits store.

The plan is to have them occupy approximately 18,000 square feet. It will be a state-of-the-art full-service liquor store.

Finally, Wright said royal Farms is still committed to locating on a portion of the site.

Overall, Absecon crossings will be a 40,000-square-foot power neighborhood center, which will be a great complement to Absecon. There is additional retail space and areas for ground leases to create a tremendous

synergistic environment. Just wait for 2023 and watch the center unfold.

Other exciting news in Absecon is the addition of three new cannabis businesses.

One of them is going to be located at the former Absecon Hardware at the corner of the White Horse Pike and New road (450 White Horse Pike). The owner is SNS Land Holdings.

The building is being renovated now. It sat vacant and deteriorating

It will consist of four stores. It is yet to be determined what stores will be locating there, however with the visibility and synergy that is created by the Indian supermarket, it is all but guaranteed to be a great mix of convenient businesses to service Absecon. It is also located near Holy Spirit School.

Absecon is a wonderful town to start a business. It’s a nice community with the ability to take advantage of the local market and drive-by visitors on their way to Atlantic city.

r emember to shop local this holiday season. Support your friends and businesses. Please stay off of the internet. Stop, shop, play and stay!

Rich Baehrle of Berkshire

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

Ocean City retired police officer makes ‘Happy Boxes’ for children

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Flash back to 2020, during the height of the cOVID-19 pandemic. retired police officer

Tara Scioli loved crafting, and was transforming cigar boxes into adorable, kid-friendly bundles of joy with her grandson cayden.

She didn’t realize that this little crafting moment would bring smiles to over 500 children in need.

Scioli, a 54-year-old from Ocean city, has always had a big heart for children facing insurmountable circumstances, and she realized that her ‘happy boxes’ brought relief and a moment of bliss. “They are literally sunshine,” she said.

With the help of her friends and family, Scioli distributes hundreds of boxes to organizations such as cASA, bigs brothers, big Sisters, the boys & Girls club of Atlantic city, Atlanticare behavioral Health, and Kisses for Kyle (a Pennsylvania-based charity that supports children battling cancer).

What exactly are happy boxes? Well, Scioli upgrades the cigar boxes

to feature an image of a beloved pet, kid-friendly celebrity, or adorable print. She’ll add tassels or ballchain or even a purse strap, then fill each box with toys and tokens. She also adds a couple drops of lavender essential oil to promote calmness and serenity.

This past November, Scioli hosted a silent auction at Playa b owls in Somers Point, which raised approximately $1,000 to support her cause. “I’m so grateful for the community helping out,” said Scioli.

Local businesses including castaway cove Playland, Diorio’s, Sal’s, Pigtails Salon, The Hub, and Home Depot have donated items for the auction or monetary gifts. regional police departments have also supported Tara’s Happy boxes.

“The cigar boxes are kindly donated by Jerry from Smokers’ Haven in Northfield,” said Scioli.

“My mother-in-law from Florida donates beanie babies, and her neighbors donate too. I am so lucky and it really makes the children smile.”

As for the future, Scioli plans to expand happy boxes to include older children, teenages, and the elderly.

She typically hosts a large distribution around christmas with her husband, but this year, she has been focused on establishing Tara’s Happy boxes as a 501(c)3 Non-profit.

When she isn’t crafting, Scioli loves to spend time with her three grandchildren. In the past two years, she published two children’s books and hopes to include the books in happy boxes in the future.

“I've always been a lover of children, the elderly and people in need,” said Scioli. “I will never forget the conversation with c ayden and Luke (two of her three grandchildren) and for them to learn about giving back means so much to me. I want to pass on the joy of giving and receiving something that makes them smile.”

To support Tara’s Happy boxes, check out her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/people/Taras-Happy- b oxes-and-Purses/100075915623919/. You can also email Scioli directly at tarashappyboxes@gmail.com.

Jewelers

Keep your home safe this holiday season

fires are preventable. Fires are a huge issue during this time of year, for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable.

Set a Timer

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

The holidays are without question a very busy time for most of us. We're running around trying to pick up last-minute gifts, preparing big meals for family and friends, and breaking out the ladder to string up festive lights and decorations.

While all of these things can be enjoyable in their own way, they can also prove dangerous as our minds are often wandering to remember if we actually remembered to turn the stove off or if we locked the house full of gifts.

b e sure to keep yourself, loved one's and potential home buyers safe and secure in your home this holiday season by following these safety tips.

Fight Fire with Fire

You don't need Smokey b ear to tell you that the majority of home

Sometimes in the rush of cooking a big holiday meal, it can be difficult to remember what you put in the oven and when, especially if you are trying to get dressed and ready for guests at the same time. be sure to set multiple timers, one for when the food is done, and one for a few minutes after, just in case you miss the first timer.

Fireproof Your Tree

If you are considering purchasing an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as "fireproof." You might not think that a fake tree would burn as easily as the real thing, but that is far from the truth. In the case of real trees, prevent string lights from heating up the branches by ensuring your tree is adequately hydrated and keeping the lights towards the outside of the branches.

Protecting Children and Pets

The holidays are a magical time of year for kids, making them even

more prone to distracted behavior. In the excitement of helping you to decorate or baking cookies, it is easy to lose track of what they are getting into, and this goes for four-legged friends too.

Formulate a Holiday Playbook

If you lay down some ground rules before any holiday activity (and make them part of the fun) kids are more likely to listen. For instance, avoid accidental burns or messes while having the kids design their cookies on paper and pencil as you are handling the mixer and stove.

Keep Things Out of Reach

Holiday decorations like candles and poinsettias are great for making our homes look festive, but pose a threat to curious kids and pets. b e sure to keep items like these well out of reach, or even tucked away, especially while you are busy wrapping presents or baking.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with love family and friends !

With hugs, love, and warm regards…

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 TherealestateGodmother.com.

For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

he holiday’s can be a dif icult and challenging time if you have lost a loved one.

In an effort to help those who have lost loved one’s during the year we offer the “Thoughts for the Holiday’s” booklet.

Whether we had the privilege of serving your family or not; we would like to offer this booklet to you free of charge.

Stop by any one of our locations to pick up or call and we will send you your free copy.

Make the ultimate gingerbread house

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

‘Tis the season for cozy family memories and honoring generational traditions. Making gingerbread houses has become associated with fun for all ages, creativity, friendly competition and a delicious reward.

Pick a colder, less humid day to make your gingerbread masterpiece. The higher the temperature and humidity, the more likely that the frosting will not stick and your walls will collapse on themselves. bah, humbug.

If you want to use a baking shortcut for the crafting, perhaps use graham crackers or pick up gingerbread from a local bakery like chester’s in Somers Point. Or, test out my recipe for gingerbread at the bottom of this article. It’s flavorful but firm with a good snap on every bite.

When preparing for the gingerbread house making, line a table with parchment paper to protect the surface and ensure that any droppings are still edible. Whip out the muffin

tins to easily lay out your candy and other exterior siding supplies.

You’ll want to really think through the design of the house, if it's even a house at all. consider rather building creating a church, schoolhouse, or even something more ‘out-of-thebox’ like a concert stadium, Santa’s workshop, or winter forest.

Let’s talk frosting, which acts as your cement. A thick royal icing is your best bet for structural integrity. I recommend using my recipe for a thick royal icing, then transferring to a piping bag for easy application.

You’ll want the icing to stay as cool and pliable as possible. This means either keeping it refrigerated or covering the bowl with a moist towel while building your house.

Why does the house have to be hollow? Place a loaf of pound cake or (gingerbread cake) in the middle of your foam board workspace and lay the walls against the cake with icing. It’ll be much sturdier.

Here’s one of the best hacks for making your gingerbread house stand out: decorate the walls before you lean them upright against the cake. That way you aren’t bending over backwards to get the perfect design or even shutters around the windows. It’s so much easier!

If you have any overflowing icing, just turn it into icicles. Use a wide variety of candies and sweets like marshmallows, butterscotch chips, or sprinkles for extra pizzazz. Powdered sugar makes for great snow, and coating your house in chocolate Magic Shell adds a depth of fudgy pigment to your exterior walls.

Don’t fear thinking, or acting, out of the box. Try crushing candy canes or jawbreakers to make application easier, or less stereotypical. consider using Nutella or biscoff if you get sick of traditional frosting. cereals like cinnamon Toast crunch make for great, tasty shingles.

enhancing the exterior will add to your specific gingerbread design. Pipe green frosting onto an upside-down sugar cone to form trees. before you start decorating, stamp out each individual window, then place a Jolly rancher in each window with the wall laid flat on a nonstick sheet pan. Place the sheet pan in the oven for about five minutes (at 350 degrees), and a beautiful, glossy stained-glass window will result.

With enough time and detail, your gingerbread house will be the crown

jewel of your holiday splendor. Here’s my recipe for the perfect gingerbread and royal icing:

Christmas Gingerbread:

Ingredients:

● 4 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature

● 2 cups of brown sugar

● 2 tablespoons of nutmeg

● 1 tablespoon of cinnamon

● 1 tablespoon of freshly-grated ginger

● 12 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted

● 1 teaspoon of baking powder

● 1 teaspoon of salt

● 2 cups of molasses

● 1 tablespoon of baking soda

● 4 eggs

● 2 lemons, zested

Use a large stand mixer to combine the wet ingredients: eggs, molasses, brown sugar, lemon zest, and butter.

Sift together the dry ingredients. On slow speed, in batches, add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. A lot of dough will be made!

roll the dough into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. refrigerate overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

On a lightly-floured sheet of parchment paper, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough until it's 1-inch thick. cut a 9-inch on all sides square and place each onto a greased baking sheet.

Use any remaining dough to cut gingerbread men to bake later.

b ake for 25-30 minutes, then carefully place each square onto cooling racks. For optimum gingerbread house stability, let each square dry for at least three days to harden and avoid cracking.

Royal Frosting:

Ingredients:

● 1 pound of confectioners’ sugar

● egg whites from 3 large eggs

● 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened

Use a stand mixer to cream the frosting by adding the ingredients and mixing on high until peaks form (7-10 minutes).

cover completely and refrigerate, but best to use immediately, as the frosting hardens quickly.

Taking a personal inventory

M oms Vibe:

By Krystle J. Bailey

It’s the christmas season, and us moms are in high demand. everywhere we look, we are being pulled in a different direction, from recitals to shopping, themed school days to family parties, and so much more. It feels like the days pass by in the blink of an eye, yet we never completely check off the to-do list. This season is always an invitation to look ahead to the new year. before we had kids, it was much easier to take the time to create vision boards, set goals, or make New Year’s resolutions. These days, it feels like there are not enough hours in the day to make time for ourselves. This is why we must be intentional about making that time, slowing down, and taking a personal inventory.

As we release the weight of 2022 and look forward with hope and love to

2023, I encourage you to take a timeout to reconnect with yourself. Not the mom, spouse, or breadwinner that you are but the you that you were before you held all those titles. reconnect with your inner self. Take a breath, sit down, pick up a journal, or simply close your eyes. It’s not often anyone offers moms an opportunity to rest, so we must go get it.

When you do, use these prompts to take a personal inventory of your well-being. Think about things you’d like to leave behind this year and things you’d like to receive or welcome in 2023.

Mental and emotional well-being check in with your mental and emotional state. These two are often separated, but the reality is our thoughts trigger emotional reactions, and emotions have a great effect on our mental health. The two work hand-in-hand.

be honest with yourself about how you’ve been managing stress and high emotions.

What areas do you want to improve?

What baggage is not yours to keep carrying?

Who do you need to forgive or let go of in your life?

Have you checked in with your therapist?

Do you need to look into finding a new therapist?

Which books do you plan to read next year that will encourage your growth or healing?

could you make more time to journal, create, or meditate in order to maintain a sense of peace? Are you living in alignment with the things that light you up and make you feel alive?

If not, where can you course correct? Are you pouring from an empty cup?

How are you? really.

Physical well-being contrary to popular belief, checking in with your physical well-being doesn’t have to involve diet plans, gym memberships, or losing weight. Your physical well-being can be as simple as observing your recent stress levels and making a conscious effort to focus on your breath more.

What doctors appointments need to be made for your continued health?

Have you had a physical recently? How often are you hydrating?

Where can you squeeze in some more rest?

What things can you take off your plate this year so you can operate more efficiently?

Do you need more movement to feel better physically?

How can you improve your mobility?

Small changes to your day-to-day physical routine can dramatically improve your mental and emotional health. Implementing a daily walk or stretching routine is just as good as joining a gym or starting a new nutrition plan. It’s important to remember that despite what magazines and social media tell us, we actually are more than enough and don’t need to “fix” anything. A physical check-in is just an opportunity to improve areas of our lives that could help us operate better in this non-stop race we call motherhood.

Motherhood comes with plenty of sacrifices. Our mental, emotional, and physical well-being doesn’t have to be one of them. Take a moment to check in with yourself this holiday season, and remember that the more you pour into yourself, the better you can serve everyone around you.

Happy Holidays, Shore Local Moms.

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

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Christmas wreath Pavlova and chocolate custard desserts for the holidays

Le t It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

With the holidays upon us, many of us find ourselves either hosting or attending parties. Of course, for the “Most wonderful time of the year,” the party food must be extra special. Not only should everything taste delicious, but presentation is key. Three cheers for

festive desserts! For a delicious and stunning idea, try Pavlova, named after the famous prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Take this dessert to the next level by forming the meringue into a christmas wreath garnished with red berries, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert.

Pavlova, popular in both Australia and New Zealand, is often topped with cream and then fruit such as kiwi, berries, and passion fruit. but for christmas, using red fruits like

strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate arils, really makes it stand out against the white “cake”. This meringue-based dessert has a crunch on the outside and soft interior due to cooking it low and slow in the oven. While this dessert looks amazing, it’s not very difficult to make. However, it does take an hour to cook in the oven

and another hour to cool. Fortunately, you can make it the day before your event, and make-ahead meals are the best when it comes to the hectic holidays.

Set your oven to 250 degrees and trace the outline of a dinner plate on one side of parchment paper. Now trace a smaller salad plate for the inner circle to form your wreath. Then flip the parchment over onto a cookie sheet and set aside. You can find many variations on how to make Pavlova, but my tried and true method uses six egg whites at room temperature mixed in a standing blender with 1 ½ cups sugar. Often you will see a recipe calling for castor sugar, which is finer than normal granulated sugar. Instead of looking for special ingredients, simply measure the sugar, pour into your food processor, and whiz it up for 30 seconds. This will give it a finer texture, allowing the sugar to dissolve into the egg whites more easily. (Feel free to skip this step.)

Whisk the egg whites for five minutes, and you will see the magic of the egg whites turning into a white fluffy cream. Slowly add the sugar while mixing for another five minutes. Next, add one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of vanilla, plus ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar. blend well. If you have mixed it long enough, peaks will form when you lift the mixer. Dollop large spoonfuls of this wonderful marshmallowy cream on your wreath outline. Make a second row of dollops inside the first, until you have used up the meringue. (This recipe is very forgiving.) Try to keep the wreath even, using your spoon to make dips all around the wreath for the cream. The meringue will expand while baking. Once you have formed your wreath, bake in the oven at 250 degrees for one hour. Shut the oven off and allow it to cool for an additional hour or overnight.

For the topping, mix red berries such as raspberries and cut strawberries with pomegranate arils. Sprinkle with a little sugar and set aside while

you mix up the cream. Using a separate bowl, whisk one cup of heavy cream with a fourth of a cup of sugar. Some optional additions to the cream mixture are lemon juice, vanilla, or almond extract. both the cream and berries can be made ahead of time and kept in a separate bowl and refrigerated until serving time. When ready to serve, spread the cream over the meringue, then top with berries, drizzling some of the red juice around. Garnish with mint leaves that will look like holly. For a snow effect, dust with powdered sugar. Stand back, admire your work, and try not to dig in until your guests arrive.

Now for a second dessert that uses the same eggs. After you separated the eggs for the meringue, you were left with six egg yolks. At this point, you can look both ways to make sure no one is looking and wastefully dump them down the sink. You can also make yourself an omelet. However, for very little effort, you can make a second dessert for your soiree, while the Pavlova is baking. Whisk the six egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar and two tablespoons of cornstarch, and set aside. Meanwhile, heat two cups of milk with one teaspoon of

vanilla and a splash of brewed coffee. Heat to a simmer, but not boiling. Next, slowly whisk in egg mixture, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and begins to coat the back of a spoon (about five minutes). Add a fourth of a cup of chocolate chips, and stir like mad until the chips melt and the custard is smooth. Pour into a bowl and, once cooled, cover with plastic wrap, allowing the wrap to touch the custard so that it does not form a “skin”. refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. When ready to serve, spoon into small serving containers, top with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with berries and mint. This dessert is rich, so serving it in small portions is best. Topping it with the whipped cream will counter the richness of the chocolate custard.

So there you have it, using the same six eggs, gives you two very different show-stopping desserts. Make both desserts the day before your event for a stress-free party. Assemble right before serving. Hope you enjoy making (and eating) these desserts. We would love to hear from our readers. Please send your comments and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com. Until then, from our home to yours, wishing you a very Merry christmas!

What’s Happening In Ocean City

Theatre company stages ‘Holiday Spectacular’

Admission Buttons on Sale for

First Night Ocean City

The Ocean city Music Pier stage will light up with the sights and sounds of the season as the Ocean city Theatre company presents four performances of its 2022 Holiday Spectacular this weekend. Tickets are on sale now for the annual show.

A cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song-and-dance tribute to the holidays. This year's production features new musical numbers, including a christmas-atthe-beach section, an explosive gospel song, and a broadway tap Winter Wonderland finale.

Performances will be:

● 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

● 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

● 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec 18

The production will be staged at the Music Pier (Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk) with free parking nearby. Admission is $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and kids under age 12. Purchase at oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the city Hall Welcome center (9th Street and Asbury Avenue) or the roy Gillian Welcome center (on the causeway leading to Ninth Street).

ADMISSION bUTTONS ON SALe

FO r FI rST NIGHT OcNJ

come celebrate a family-friendly New Year's eve in Ocean city, N.J. First Night offers 40 different shows and activities at 23 venues throughout town. You will find entertainment that satisfies every taste and age group.

Spend “Saturday in the Park” and catch “Saturday Night Fever” at the Music Pier on Saturday, Dec. 31 as the Music Pier features the b eeGees tribute band Stayin Alive and the high-energy chicago tribute band b rass Transit. The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating, rides, magic shows, the Harlem Wizards and a variety of musical performances also highlight the entertainment lineup.

First Night celebrates its 30th anniversary in Ocean city this year. The event was modeled after an alcohol-free New Year's eve celebration in b oston that marked the nation's bicentennial in 1976. The first celebration in Ocean city included 25 entertainment acts at five different locations with about 800 people attending. While other First Night events have faded, Ocean city's has only grown more popular with

families making it an annual tradition for a safe New Year's eve. Today, attendance is capped at 10,000 with admission buttons selling out year after year.

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

cOMING UP

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

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 information, call 1-800- be AcH-NJ.

First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (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 b rass Transit and the bee Gees tribute band Stayin’ Alive. For a complete schedule and to purchase all-inclusive admission buttons, please visit firstnightocnj. 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 e xtravaganza. Visit firstnightocnj.com for more information.

Jack Kelly Jr. wins the 1947 James E. Sullivan Award

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

Anniversaries are a good time to look back, and that is what the Ocean city lifeguards will be doing during the summer of 2023. They will be celebrating their 125th anniversary.

One of the many unforgettable moments in the history of the Ocean city b each Patrol is Jack Kelly Jr. winning the 1947 James e . Sullivan Award. The award has been presented annually since 1930 to the amateur athlete who did the most to advance the cause of good sportsmanship during the year.

Kelly, who earned his fame as a sculling champion, honed his rowing skills as a member of the Ocb P during the 1940s while propelling his lifeboat through the ocean waves ei -

ther on his way to rescue a drowning swimmer, or training for the lifeguard boat races.

In 1943 he won the Ocean city doubles rowing championship while teamed with Sims Drain. In 1944, Kelly and Joe regan, won the South Jersey championship.

Kelly attained rowing’s equivalent of the “Triple crown” in 1947 by sweeping the United States and canadian championships in addition to england’s Henley regatta.

December 31, 1947: Jack Kelly Jr. (center) accepts the 1947 James E. Sullivan Award from James A. Rhodes, president of the Amateur Athletic Union. Kelly’s father, John B. Kelly, looks on proudly.

Resorts’ Capriccio offers reminder of Atlantic City’s ‘good old days’

By Scott Cronick

The older I get, the more I sound like my parents. My younger wife reminds me of this nearly every day.

“You sound like an old man,” she says when I reminisce about the “good old days.”

“And proud of it,” I reply.

I try not to dwell on the past too much, but it’s hard not to. I once asked Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller, who was reminiscing about spending time with a magician who died, if he missed the “good old days?”

His response surprised me. He told me that he thinks the later we are born in life, the better we are because of all the technological and societal advances the world has made.

I strongly disagree. Yes, I like my iPhone and I am so glad I don’t have a dial-up modem anymore, but I miss the innocence of when phones weren’t around and I didn’t have every answer at the tip of my fingers. I like that I spent from dusk to dawn outside playing baseball instead of in front of a TV playing video games. And although I love how great TV is these days, I also miss Saturday morning cartoons and the fact that there were only a handful of channels that forced everyone to watch the same things and talk about it the next day. And if you didn’t like what was on TV, it would also force you to go do other things, like play board games or just – wait for it – talk!

I also miss the “good old days” of the casino world. I didn’t start working in Atlantic city until 1994, but I remember coming here in the 1980s, when my parents would give me a stack of quarters and send me into the Playboy casino arcade as I passed by bunnies walking on the boardwalk.

And yes, my parents left me alone in the arcade in Atlantic city for hours while they gambled. And I felt safe, and they felt safe leaving me, checking on me occasionally – but not if my dad was on a hot streak at the roulette table.

every time I walk into capriccio at resorts c asino Hotel, it reminds me of a bygone era. Yes, the good old days.

Since Nero’s at caesars Atlantic city closed this summer, capriccio remains the last restaurant of its kind.

It is also the longest operating casino restaurant in town, debuting when resorts became the first casino to open in Atlantic city in 1978.

Miraculously, a good deal of the original c apriccio remains, including its marble pillars, hand-painted murals, ornate ceilings and chandeliers in a unique, Old World setting. Sure, it has gone through some renovations over the years, including renaming and sprucing up its entrance bar, now called cielo, adding an outdoor, covered terrace that allows diners to enjoy gourmet cuisine while overlooking the ocean and boardwalk, plus paint, fixtures and various furniture and aesthetic upgrades.

b ut the heart of the original capricio remains.

Diners are still greeted by a classy maitre’d – now Joseph bradley – and waited on european style by tuxedo-clad servers, many who have been there for 30 or 40 years and know their regular customers by name.

capriccio defies evolution. Sure, its menu has undergone countless changes, but at the heart of it remains great, old-school comfort food that Italians would be proud to call their own.

c apriccio also defies corporate America. It doesn’t seem to matter who resorts’ president is, who runs its food and beverage department, and who is the room’s executive chef, capriccio survives because no matter who takes those jobs, they know not to mess with greatness.

In fact, it has only gotten better.

President Mark Giannantonio, e xecutive Vice President of Hotel Operations Mark Sachais, Food and b everage e xecutive Director Jeff Wray, e xecutive chef robert Levenson, executive Sous chef of casino Operations David Wong and capriccio chef Thomas b oyle have continued to evolve capriccio’s overall experience. That’s why c apriccio generally sits on top of Trip Advisor’s most recommended restaurants in Atlantic city and was voted the No. 1 casino restaurant in USA Today’s 10 b est.com readers’ choice three years straight.

The food, while contemporary at times, is unapologetically classic. And that’s a good thing.

As you would expect, there are some things c apriccio cannot remove from the menu: the create your own antipasta section allows you to curate your own beginning with about a dozen ingredients; the clams oreganata are a long-running recipe; c apriccio’s meatballs are some of the best in the city; tender calamari are

shrimp and crabmeat simmered in olive oil, red onion, garlic, crushed red pepper and served over linguini; the Filetto Di Manzo, an 8-ounce filet with black garlic butter; and lobster ravioli with sauvignon blanc blush sauce.

the city – that I know of – to still offer individual souffles.

capriccio is the last of its kind, not just here in Atlantic city but probably across the country. The good news is that resorts has no plans to change this very special place.

The only thing that could make capriccio better is to bring back its lavish Sunday brunch. If that happens, capriccio will be the only restaurant in the city to offer a gourmet, overthe-top, buffet-style brunch complete with mimosas and b loody Marys. I remember when every casino had a great Sunday brunch.

Now there are zero.

Yes … the “good old days.”

tossed with red cherry peppers, garlic chips and marinara for dipping; and the eggplant, chicken and veal parm are staples along with chicken and veal classics like Francese, marsala, Milanese, picatta and saltimbocca.

Perhaps the biggest and longest-running crowd-pleasers are the Seafood Zuppetta, lobster, scallops,

Some relatively new favorites include the prime pork chop that changes presentations seasonally; trendy burrata toast with chili honey, marinated tomatoes and arugula; and our favorite new dish, torchio pasta with a gorgonzola cream sauce, figs, pancetta and cipolini onions.

Save room for dessert. Not only does capriccio have the best peanut butter/chocolate pie you will ever devour, but capriccio is also old-school in that it is the only restaurant left in

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.

EHT sports university offers a unique approach to training local athletes

ing opportunities for himself by training local athletes.

By Krystle J Bailey

Located on Kathy Lane in egg Harbor Township lies an 800-square-foot sports facility that serves as the training grounds for local high-performance youth athletes. All Sports University, owned by r yan Preston and charles Warren III, is more than a place for athletes to train their bodies. The comprehensive facility provides a culture of excellence that extends beyond basic sports training.

coaches r yan and charles take a non-traditional approach focusing on high performance while minimizing injury risk through facia development and game-like movements. Their multi-sport, multi-faceted, multi-disciplined approach puts an emphasis on training athletes’ brains, hand/eye coordination, and on-field IQ.

Officially opened in 2020, All Sports University is owned and operated by two former high-level athletes in their respective sports.

r yan Preston was born and raised in Atlantic city, excelled at football, and attended rowan University. He ultimately made the decision to focus his energy on his studies, graduating with a degree in exercise science with a specialization in athletic training. With a passion for understanding the human body, Preston set out in search of a fulfilling career in sports. After traveling to Los Angeles and Orlando in search of a job, he ultimately returned to New Jersey and began creat-

charles Warren, originally from New Jersey, is a lifelong athlete with a passion for coaching baseball and softball. As a young athlete, Warren made a name for himself on the baseball field in Massachusetts. He went on to play Division 1 baseball at Grambling University in Louisiana. Throughout his ten years as a New Jersey State corrections Officer, Warren maintained his connection to sports as an athlete and a coach. He specializes in in-field baseball and softball coaching and technique and is deeply committed to aiding in the success of young athletes both on and off the field.

The duo crossed paths in 2018 when charles joined forces with r yan and his former partner at Mvmtn Sports Performance. r yan had been searching for sports-specific coaches while charles was actively expanding his coaching business, All Sports University, and seeking opportunities to work with youth athletes.

Following a series of business pivots and changes, r yan and charles launched All Sports University together in November 2020. Amidst the restrictions of the covid pandemic, the two dedicated coaches worked relentlessly to create an environment where athletes could train in a healthy and safe space.

“I will never forget the commitment shown by All Sports University to safely continue to train their athletes during the pandemic,” shares parent Michael Vasquez. “That meant being willing to drive all over to ensure they were outside to train or utilizing some form of video conferencing to get the job done virtually.”

“We offer sports-specific performance, speed and agility training, and strength and conditioning with an empha-

sis on posture,” explains Preston. “You’re going to get stronger, perform better, get smarter, and become more aware of your body and capabilities.”

All Sports University focuses on every aspect of athleticism and performance enhancement for athletes. The training provided at All Sports is not necessarily sport-specific, though specialized training and clinics are available. ryan and charles understand that general athleticism can translate to any sport, which is why they focus primarily on creating well-rounded athletes who have a keen sense of their body, mind, and spacial awareness.

“My son only plays soccer, but I feel the training he receives at All Sports University is structured around helping him consistently become a better athlete overall, not just a better soccer player,” explains Michael Vasquez. “Additionally, I appreciate the fact that their training methodology is also centered around injury prevention, even if it may go against

traditional ways of thinking when it comes to athletic training.”

Preston and Warren train their students how to deal with stress, function with confidence, and trust their bodies and minds, with the understanding that the faster an athlete’s brain can process information, the faster their body can respond on the field, mat, or court.

“We update their brains every time they come in, so when it gets hard, it’s easy for them,” explains Preston.

In addition to the technical skills learned at All Sports University, athletes are taught how their sleep, nutrition, rest, recovery, and personal life can affect their performance. They are provided access to real Sports Drink, a 5-ingredient, all-natural, organic electrolyte and rehydration beverage crafted specifically for All Sports University.

r yan and charles pride themselves on staying on the cutting edge of sports training. They are committed to continuing their own education and pursuing the most efficient training methods. They are dedicated to growing a culture of success through accountability, education, positivity, and a family atmosphere.

Ryan Preston Left | Charles Warren Right

Eagles’ bandwagon rolling toward Super Bowl

brock Purdy and a tenacious defense that is guided by former eagles' linebacker DeMeco r yans.

Purdy, the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was far from irrelevant in Sunday's 35-7 rout over Tom brady and the buccaneers.

about the playoffs right now," eagles wide receiver A.J. brown said after the game. "We are trying to make sure our car is all gassed up before we get to the playoffs."

As of now it appears as if the eagles have more than enough gas in their band wagon to drive all the way to Arizona.

Hopefully, they won't need jumper cables.

Across the street from Lincoln Financial Field, the Phillies have been doing everything in their power to get back to the World Series in 2023.

By David Weinberg

When it comes to NFL power rankings, sometimes things just don't add up.

The eagles (12-1) rolled to a 48-22 victory over the New York Giants (7-5-1) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday while the cowboys (10-3) needed a fourth-quarter comeback to squeeze out a 27-23 win over the hapless Texans (1-11-1).

eSPN's Power Football Index (FPI) still has Dallas as the top team in the NFL with a 10.3 PFI, followed by the chiefs at 8.9 and eagles at 8.1.

There must be a glitch in the algorithm.

Or the eagles' Agholor-thm.

Whatever the reason, it makes absolutely no sense for any team to be favored over the eagles, at least in the NFc

"It's pretty evident to me that the eagles are a great football team from head to bottom," former eagles linebacker and current analyst Seth Joyner told 94.1 WIP.

To be sure, they are not the only team capable of winning the conference. The cowboys, Vikings (10-3) have shown they are capable of playing well at times. The 49ers (9-4) might be the eagles' biggest threats behind third-string quarterback

but the road to the Super bowl is still broad Street.

And Jalen Hurts is driving the bus.

Hurts has emerged as the odds-on favorite to win the NFL Most Valuable Player award. He's put together an amazing season as a dual-threat quarterback who has beaten teams with his arm and legs. Perhaps more importantly, his teammates respect him as the unquestioned leader.

That's an underrated trait. Although carson Wentz was supremely talented, he had difficulty winning over the locker room. That was not the case with Nick Foles, who exuded leadership during the 2017 Super bowl run and over the next two seasons as well.

Hurts has that "it" factor. He's not a vocal leader - his postgame outfits are much louder - but teammates gravitate toward him.

The entire team has followed his lead. The eagles had a muted reaction after clinching a playoff berth for the fifth time in the last six seasons by beating the Giants Sunday. Perhaps because they have higher expectations. They can clinch the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the NFc by beating chicago next Sunday and Dallas on christmas eve.

"Of course you want to get in the playoffs, but we're not really thinking

I made that drive a few years ago.

My son was starting his sophomore year at Arizona State University and we rode together from cape May to Tempe. It was a three-day trek that took us through Indianapolis, St. Louis, Oklahoma city and Albuquerque en route to the desert.

His 2000 Mazda actually broke down once at a rest stop in Ohio, but all it needed was a jump to get us back on the road.

The 2022 eagles' bandwagon is running smoothly.

b rown and fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith are among the league's best tandems. b rown is the first eagles wide receiver with over 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Jeremy Maclin in 2014. running back Miles Sanders is the first eagles running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since LeSean Mccoy in 2014.

They all operate next to the league's best offensive line.

The defense also seems to be hitting its stride. The eagles collected seven sacks against the Giants to push their season total to a league-best 49 and they also lead the league with 15 interceptions.

Of course, even the smoothest-running Mercedes can get a flat tire, but there's no way the eagles will run out of gas.

Those of us who live at the Jersey Shore can appreciate the Phils making a giant splash in free agency by signing top shortstop Trea Turner to an 11-year contract for $300 million.

Turner, considered the best shortstop in the game, actually turned down more money from the Padres, who reportedly offered $341 million in order to get a chance to be reunited with bryce Harper.

The pair played together with the Washington Nationals before Harper came to Philly and Turner joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It also helped that Turner and his wife, Kristen, preferred to return to the east coast. Kristen is a Hunterdon central High School graduate who met Trea at North carolina State.

“Money was not number one,” Turner said. “We just pictured ourselves here. I pictured myself in this uniform. I wanted a lot of the playoff games and (citizens bank Park) was rocking.”

The Phils also bolstered their pitching staff by signing right-handed starter Taijuan Walker and left-handed reliever Matt Strahm.

Millville-based rising Star Promotions was forced to cancel its December 17 card at Showboat Hotel due to unforeseen circumstances.

There were still be fights in town, however.

Vineland-based cage Fury Fighting championships will be returning to its roots with cFFc 116 at Hard rock Hotel & casino in Atlantic city on December 16.

The highly respected MMA organization got its start in Atlantic city on June 30, 2006. This will be its 45th show here.

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.

Competitive yields on money market funds and CDs available through Schwab could help you meet your financial goals, and that’s always a good thing.

Splurge worthy and budget friendly gift wines for the holidays

By David Setley

rate of return, although some offer variable rates. They are FDIC-insured and offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Investors in money market funds should carefully consider information contained in the prospectus, or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a mutual fund prospectus by calling Schwab at 1-800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

You could lose money by investing in the Schwab Money Funds. SWVXX seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, but cannot guarantee it will do so. SWVXX may impose a fee upon the sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Schwab Money Funds is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Schwab Money Funds’ sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Funds, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Funds at any time.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For the most recent 7-day yields, see schwab.com. The 7-Day Yield is the average income paid out over the previous seven days assuming interest income is not reinvested and it reflects the effect of all applicable waivers. Absent such waivers, the fund’s yield would have been lower.

Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. (CSIM), the investment advisor for Schwab Funds, and Schwab, Member SIPC, the distributor for Schwab Funds, are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

One of the most frequently asked questions at Passion Vines these days is: “what wine would be a good gift for my [fill in the blank]?” There are so many choices in a wide range of prices, it is no wonder people become overwhelmed. Allow me to play ‘Santa Somm’ this week to help you choose the perfect wine that will delight the recipient and fit your budget. Here are my gift wine recommendations from around the world for 2022. rudolph, first stop France. If you are looking for a gift to impress the wine enthusiast on your list, try some of these splurge-worthy red wines. In French wines, look for “Grand cru” wines, like the chateau b ellefont- b elcier Saint emilion Grand cru classe 2016. This is a classic b deaux red blend of Merlot, c abernet Sauvignon and cabernet Franc. This wine earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and is sure to delight the most discriminating pallets. Or, consider the Alphonse Mellot- cotes de la charite Pinot Noir 2016 for out standing quality for the price. This is one of my alltime favorite bottles of Pi not Noir and is a great buy. If you prefer to keep your spending under $20, France still provides some great options. The L. Tramier & Fils collection has outstanding wines from b eaujolais and b urgundy. These are regionally certified AOP (Appelation d’Origine Protegee) wines, meaning they are grown and produced under the strict rules of the regions in which the wineries are located. These are excellent bargains.

France also offers splurge-worthy white wines. Try the Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat chablis Premier cru Vaillons 2018 for a dry, balanced, full-bodied wine that is guaranteed

to impress. chablis is a sub-region of b urgundy where chardonnay is the king of white wine. Or, for a great value-priced French c hardonnay from the Loire Valley, Domaine de La Fruitiere offers a beautiful, crisp, outstanding chardonnay flavor with a more reserved oak finish than you would find from california chards. If chardonnay isn’t of interest, I would recommend La Moussiere 2020 for an outstanding Sauvignon b lanc. Arguably the most refined, full-bodied, and well-structured Sauvignon blanc wines comes for the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley. The La Moussiere 2020 is well-worth the moderate price.

Next stop, Italy. For Italian reds, the “king of wines and the wine of kings” is barolo. My splurge-worthy recommendation is the renato arolo Marcenasco 2018. Similar to France’s AOP certification, this wine is DOcG (Denominazione di Origine controllata e Garantita) and guaranteed to be grown and produced in the traditional processes required by the region. This barolo is an outstanding bold, dry wine that epitomizes the best of Italian wine making. Or, go with a chianti classico from Tuscany. My value-priced choice is a true classic: the uffino r eserva Ducale hianti classico. This wine is the perfect representation of Tuscany, offering great balance and flavor to complement a hearty Italian meal. For a more budget-friendly option, look to the Settevigne Vino Italiano 2019. This unique wine is a blend of the seven classic grapes of Italy (Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, barera, corvina, Montepulciano, Primitivo, and Aglianico) in equal portions. The result is a full-bodied, rich, well-balanced wine with great dryness and outstanding flavor at a price that matches any budget.

Italy also has great white wines, beyond Pinot Grigio, that will satisfy the wine lover on your list. In Abruzzo, the white wine of choice is Pecorino. check out the Pehhcora – Terre Di chieti Pecorino 2019. It is crisp and light with excellent minerality and a well-rounded flavor. Or, try the Allumea Grillo chardonnay 2021 from Grillo grape in Sicily. This

David

wine has a fresh citrus aroma with a lingering mineral finish. b oth are budget-friendly and great wines that will delight your gift recipient.

Final stop for this sleigh ride is Spain. The classic wine region of Spain is r ioja, where Tempranillo is the principle red grape. A splurge-worthy Spanish wine is the cune rioja Gran reserva. This wine is dry, bold, and high in rich, well-structured tannins, and earned 88 points from Wine Spectator. It is a perfect

representation of the region with the classic flavor profile of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. Or, for a more budget-friendly Spanish red, try the Lobetia Tempranillo Petit Verdot blend from castilla. It is an intense, dry wine with excellent complexity. For Spanish white wine, Albarino is my pick. The homeland of this varietal is rias baixas, Spain. Albarinos are light and crisp with notes of tree fruits and honey. My recommendation is the La c ana Albarino. At a very reasonable price, this wine offers excellent texture and a flavor that will pair well with chicken, seafood, pork and vegetarian meals.

I hope Santa Somm’s suggestions make your wine gift buying a little less stressful this holiday season. Happy Holidays to you all, and thank you for reading! As always, I appreciate your thoughts, questions, or comments. contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com. Happy Wining!

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

S u n d ay

Diet is just as important as physical fitness

Shore Fit

By Bonnie Dodd-Miller

Fitness is important because it helps to build muscle and burn fat. A good balanced diet is just as important or even more so because it provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t outrun the fork,” or “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” I can totally and completely attest to these statements.

There was a time in my 30s that I would teach eight to 10 spin classes a week and still gain weight. Why is that?

Well for one, I’ve never been someone with a fast metabolism and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism some 25 years ago. If my diet isn’t spot on for the most part, the scale will automatically go up.

This is why coaches, trainers and fitness professionals will tell you that

it’s a 80/20 ratio: 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise. I’ve even heard some say a 90/10 ratio. regardless, you can see how important it is to eat right and cut out the processed foods. They contain no nutritional value and even contribute to disease.

It’s unfortunate that processed foods are so readily available and fairly inexpensive whereas a healthy, clean diet costs more and takes more of your time in the kitchen. b eing healthy is an important part of living a long, productive life. combining both a healthy diet alongside exercise can help reduce heart disease risk, build muscle, and improve your mental health. That’s definitely a goal for so many.

I was recently contacted by an 86-year-old gentleman who hired me for personal training and when I asked him the first question that I always ask: “What benefits do you want to see from us working together?”

His response was: “I want to keep living an active life, playing golf and keeping up with my grown children.” I thought to myself how fantastic that was and how I wish everyone had the same outlook on life.

He’s 86 and has the mentality to run circles around people half his age. He is no couch potato and I admire that. I know a lot of older adults with that same outlook. I teach a lot of water aerobics classes and they love a vigorous workout (at least most do) and I happily oblige.

Think of it like this: The food you eat is the fuel your body runs on. Imagine your body is a car. You can put the best engine in the world into a car, but if the gas is no good, the car isn’t going to run very well or get very far. The same goes for your body. You can do all the crunches or pushups you want, but if you’re not eating healthy foods, you will not see the same results or see them as quickly.

Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available to help you improve your eating habits. Apps like My Fitness Pal are excellent in guiding people who aren’t quite sure how to go about it.

It does the calculations for you, telling when you’ve hit your protein goal, and if you need to watch your fats and sodium. every time you log, it will remind you whether you made a good choice or what to watch. Then you know where you stand regarding your macro-nutrients and if you’ve hit your individual goals. I absolutely love this app and it’s free.

I actually make a game of it. For instance, my goal is 90 grams plus of protein per day. I’m trying to put on lean muscle mass. every time I log my food, I think of what can I have next

that will get me to 90 or better. It makes my food choices dependent on that protein goal or not, so I love it when I hit 120 grams or higher.

You can have the most rigorous workout routine in the world, but if you’re not eating healthy foods, you’re not going to get quite the same results. Similarly, you can eat all the healthy foods you want, but if you’re not exercising, you will not see results as quickly. When you combine diet and exercise, you can supercharge your results and reach your goals faster.

bad eating can also affect the way you think about fitness. Have you ever thought, “I ate that bag of chips or donuts, so why even bother exercising?” Those types of foods make you feel terrible in multiple ways. clean

eating makes you feel great, physically and mentally.

A healthy diet and fitness go hand in hand in terms of motivation. Seeing results from your diet will motivate you to keep going, and seeing results from your workouts will motivate you to eat healthy. It’s a win-win for sure.

Next time you’re thinking about skipping a workout or reaching for that unhealthy snack, remember that diet is just as important as fitness. They work together and are essential if you want to see results.

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

What makes this season unique for you?

a Hallmark holiday movie. Although everyone in our family wasn’t able to join us, it really was a fun night.

Je ff's Journal

By Jeff Whitaker

If you read my column regularly, you know that often this time of year I talk about traditions. You may be like me. I love traditions, especially this time of year. Too often, today the idea of tradition is dismissed as old fashioned or of little value. but when it comes to celebrating this special time of year, I want to encourage you to consider the upside and lasting significance of christmas or Hanukkah traditions you have in your family.

As for our family, this year we participated in what we hope will become a yearly event. We took a trip to cape May for their annual tree lighting at congress Hall. From carolers to vendors to fire pits, a carousel and mini train, it was like a scene out of

We have several other traditions my wife and I have incorporated over the years. by the first week in December at least a couple of our children ask us when it will be Polar express night. It’s a night we all anticipate. My wife buys new pajamas for each member of our family, wraps them up and everyone gets to open an

early christmas gift. everyone gets in their new pajamas. Then we gather around the tv, put some homemade Hot cocoa on the stove and “take an imaginary ride” on The Polar express. It may sound corny, but if you’ve

OF ITALY

watched the movie, you remember the part where they serve hot cocoa on the train. When we reach that part of the movie, we pause it and serve up our own hot cocoa. We also try to set aside a night to decorate the tree as a family. The truth is, as our family gets older, not everyone is able to make it to every tradition. but that’s part of life. every christmas eve we gather before bed and read The Night before christmas. And then each christmas morning we all meet to read the story of the first christmas from the book of Luke in the bible before we head to the tree to see the gifts and open packages. For us, it’s about reminding us of what the day is really all about. There are so many other traditions we have but my point is to cause you to think about the traditions you have and then take time to celebrate them.

And if you’ve never had traditions to follow or think it’s too late to start, think again. It’s never too late. What are some of the traditions you remember as a child and which ones have you carried on into adulthood? If you want to take a minute and drop me a quick email, I’d love to hear your traditions and possibly pass them on to our readers in my next column. I’ll leave out your name, but share the traditions if I get enough response. Drop me an email at

jeff@jeffwhitaker.com and put (Traditions) in the subject line. Until next time, my hope for you is that you make the most of this season and take time to enjoy it with the ones you love. Happy Hanukkah and Merry christmas!

Toys For Kids continues charitable work for 39th year in Atlantic County

newly-sworn-in AcPD chief of Police James Sarkos) came out in support of DiPiano and the program, many with checks in hand, only too happy to help.

By Doug Deutsch

The Atlantic county Toys For Kids program has been in existence now for thirty-nine years, tirelessly run as a true labor of love on a year-round basis by retired former Atlantic city Police Department member, Greg DiPiano. I had the opportunity to attend a Toys-For-Kids event at longtime Margate establishment Maynard’s last week, where a nicely-mixed crowd of local business owners, friends, past and present Atlantic city Police Department and Atlantic city Fire Department members (including

There will be a “Fill The cruiser” Toys For Kids event sponsored by the Margate Police Department and Margate business Association, this Friday, December 16 from 6pm-8:30pm at Jerome Avenue Park, 9001 Winchester Ave. There will be members of the Margate, Ventnor and Longport Police Departments and Fire Departments on hand, Train rides, all sorts of snacks and goodies, as well as visits from rudolph the red-Nosed r eindeer, Frosty the Snowman, elves, Mrs. claus and of course, her jolly hubby and heftier half, Santa claus. Free if you bring a wrapped toy. call (609) 226-1560 for more info or visit https://www.toysforkidsprogram.org/.

When to Contact Your Financial Advisor

insurance, cash flow, etc.

By Eric Reich

Hopefully your advisor regularly reaches out to you via emails, videos, articles or phone calls when they have important information to share with you. but when should you reach out to your advisor? There are many life events which could be reasons why you should consult them, and I thought we would cover some of the more common reasons for you to reach out.

change in a job status. If you change jobs, there are several reasons to consult your advisor. Deciding if you should roll over your retirement plan is tops among them. You might also need to review our new company’s benefits package including insurance (Health/Life/Disability), 401(k) plan, tax withholding, etc. The new job could also entail more or less expenses related to commuting, mileage, etc. which could all affect your plan. Losing a job requires planning for health

Kids preparing to go to college. Ideally, 2 years before your kids go to college, you should run a mock FAFSA to get an idea of where you stand regarding financial aid. Since the FAFSA now looks at your tax return from 2 years prior, you might want to do some proactive planning to potentially reduce your expected family contribution (eFc), which could help lower the out-of-pocket cost of college.

change in marital status. A marriage or divorce can obviously have a dramatic effect on your financial plan. Alimony, child support, pension or retirement plan divisions, can all add up to a major change in your future circumstances. A marriage especially a second marriage requires additional planning particularly if assets are intended to stay with each of your respective families.

Death or care of a parent. e state planning for your aging parents can mean the difference between preserving an inheritance or potentially costing you money. Sadly, I’ve seen many children of aging parents have to postpone their own retirement due to the costs associated with helping parents. Proper planning could help mitigate these costs.

Planning to retire. While the prospect of retirement is certainly appealing, there are many decisions that need to be

made in preparation for retirement itself. Health insurance, Social Security claiming, pension options, and retirement plan distributions are all things to be considered before you stop working.

birth of a child. A new baby brings lots of joy but also a lot of required time, and sometimes planning is the last thing on your mind. Things to consider are 529 college savings plans, reviewing your life insurance, and your overall estate plan. Important decisions need to be made such as who would have guardianship of your child if something happened to you. change in your health. A change in health status can require your financial plan to need revisions. revised life expectancy assumptions or increases in expenses tend to be the most common changes.

Major purchase. Ideally you should contact your advisor before making a major purchase. Advisors could help decide the most tax efficient assets to use or if financing is appropriate. Also, what are the effects of this new purchase on the viability of your plan.

Great communication between clients and advisors is crucial for the quality of both the relationship and the accuracy of the plan itself.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS),

member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory 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 necessarily 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 investment 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 experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations. A lifelong resident of Cape May County, Eric resides in Seaville, NJ with his wife Chrissy and their sons ,CJ and Cooper, and daughter Riley.

Celebrate New Years Eve down the Shore

December 24th at 8 pm and are $150.

Going Places with Dina Guzzardo

Another year has flown by, and there are many things to celebrate and be thankful for. We made it through cOVID stronger than ever and are set for an amazing 2023. It is also time to start planning how we will be celebrating the New Year! Whether you want to party at one of Atlantic city’s hottest nightclubs or would prefer something chilled out in cape May, there are plenty of options.

Several destinations around the area have something going on to celebrate. caesars (2100 Pacific Ave) are known for their wild parties, and New Year’s eve is usually one of their biggest events of the year. The Wild Wild West bar will be hosting this year’s hottest party at the casino, with $4 beers, $5 cocktails, $10 champagne splits, and live entertainment including a DJ and Garden State radio. There will also be an open bar at boardwalk Saloon between 9 and 11 pm, including the traditional champagne toast at midnight. Tickets to the event are $70. bally’s (1900 Pacific Ave) will be hosting Jerry blavat and The Intruders in their grand ballroom between 8 and 10 pm. Attendees can enjoy a gourmet dinner and dancing with the legendary DJ.

Tickets must be purchased before

For spectacular views of the city, look no further than the VÜ e at the famous claridge Hotel (123 South Indiana Avenue rooftop/23rd Floor) renowned for its outdoor decks and 360 views of the city on the 23rd floor. Tickets are $79 and include a 3-hour open bar from 9 pm until midnight, 2 hours of passed appetizers from 9 pm until 11 pm, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and music from DJ Dahve from 9 pm until 1 am. This event will sell out, so ensure you purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

The kids do not need to be left out for New Years eve, with Atlantic city hosting their annual free fireworks event. Fireworks specialist company, Grucci, will once again be lighting up the iconic Atlantic city skyline with their extravagant display of pyrotechnics. The display is scheduled to begin at 9pm at Tropicana beach, so make sure you turn up early to get a prime spot on the boardwalk to watch.

With so many events to choose from, there will be something fun and exciting to do to bring in the New Year. As most events require purchasing tickets in advance, it’s best to make plans as soon as possible!

Dina Guzzardo is the Owner and Creative Director of Dina Productions Group. Dina Productions Group is an innovative event design 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

JERSEY LAWMAN

A Life on the Right Side of Crime

by Jim Plousis & George Ingram

The Save Lucy committee announced this morning that after a very long 15-month, $2.4 million exterior restoration project, Lucy the elephant will be unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday, December 28th at 5:30pm. The restoration project, originally projected to take 8 months at a cost of $1.3 million, has faced numerous setbacks including uncovering more damaged wood than originally estimated, supply chain issues, and a harsh winter last year. “It’s been an extremely difficult project for us and has drastically affected our traffic at Lucy over the past year and a half” said e xecutive Director,

richard Helfant. “We are looking forward to having our beloved Lucy back at 100% and can’t wait for everyone to see how spectacular she looks”.

The ceremony will begin at 5:30pm. Margate’s Dan Walsh will sing his very own “Lucy the elephant” song after which Lucy will be “unveiled in a spectacular shower of light.

The public is invited to join us for this historic event.

Lucy is open every day from now through the end of the year; Monday thru Friday, 11am to 4pm; weekends 10am to 5pm. We will close at 2:30pm on December 28th in preparation for the grand re-opening. Lucy will also be closed on christmas Day.

Photo by Sean Gleason

Broke Girl’s Guide to Gifting and Re-gifting

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

From cookie dough to ice skating passes to trendy decorations and Santa train tickets, christmas has gotten more and more expensive. The price of goods are rising and wages are remaining the same, so how can the dollar stretch further than last year? Almost every family in America is forced to answer this question.

Many people feel pressured to spend at least one thousand dollars on seasonal purchases, which is more than their budget may allow. Here are some tips for saving money on gifts and staying afloat this christmas:

Consider Hand-Making Gifts

There is a great deal of information online with tens of options for crafting your own gifts. If you have an artsy streak, try painting the exterior of their home in watercolor, or use magazine cutouts to create a collage portrait of their pet. If art isn’t your thing, follow a simple guide to making a sugar scrub or a jar full of slips of paper, each with an affirmation. You could also make a ‘hot cocoa kit’ with cocoa mix, marshmallows, and a candy cane in a mason jar or mug. be sure to wrap it in a bow!

What Can You Re-Gift?

Take inventory of your possessions. Is there anything you haven’t opened or used that might be valuable to someone else? It’s important to be very critical, because giving something clearly regifted will negatively affect your reputation. Good things to regift might be unused candles or lotion, unopened box of fancy chocolate, or a brand-name

sweatshirt that doesn’t fit you.

Sale, Sale, Sale

Lots of retailers offer sales during the holiday season, so utilize them wisely! Most local stores offers beautiful, trendy attire or homeware goods in the clearance section. Gift cards for experiential gifts or spa treatments are always appreciated. before you buy, ask if they are offing any specials. Your recipient will never know that you booked that activity at a discounted price.

Nontraditional Gift Ideas

It’s the thought that counts. Many loved ones, especially if they’re older, just want to spend quality time with friends and family. consider scheduling a picnic with your mom, playing pickleball with your dad, or taking your niece on a special outing for a day. You’ll find that those times together will be less expensive than a material gift, and the memories will last forever.

Work a Side Hustle

The holiday season is more expensive than any other time of the year, so you might need to book some gigs to cover the additional costs. Dogsitting, babysitting, doing photography, or doing some freelance work can earn you between $50 and $200 extra cash. Get to work!

Be Honest

You might really be in a financial pickle. It’s best to be open about your limited funds than create unrealistic expectations. Tell your family that money is tight this year, so don’t expect much in terms of gifts. They may feel the same way, and arrange for a Secret Santa swap instead of buying gifts for everyone, or opt for a nice meal at a restaurant instead of a traditional present exchange.

What is it called when a snowman has a temper tantrum? A meltdown. How do elves respond when Santa takes attendance?

What is Santa's dog's name? Santa Paws! What’s every elf’s favorite type of music? Wrap!

What did one Christmas tree say to another? Lighten up! What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney? Claus-trophobia!

Locals Only: Who’s Making, Promoting Indie Music at the Shore

Tu ne In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Several of our recent columns have included writeups on regional or national acts playing at the Shore. This week we turn the spotlight on local promoters and performers.

Tina Marie Notero: “We’re doing our part to rebuild underground culture in the city,” Notero told me recently. “Thanks to Anchor rock club, we have this amazing space to showcase and elevate local artists.” That’s exactly what this tireless promoter has been doing, having recently curated (with Mari beth) the well-done three-day electric Halloween music/ art/multi-media event, among other shows. Notero brings New Moon ‘Wonderland’ Night Market and Dance Party (billed as Ac’s hyper-local art marketplace) back to the Anchor on Friday, December 23 with a mixed bag of indie acts including June’s Landing, The Washups, Saturn Daze, bungalo, and South Jersey’s Senior Ayatollah of rock and rolla, accordion player/ vocalist, Malcolm Tent; plus club-style deejays who will definitely have the Arc hoppin’ and more. Should be fun, these always are.

b etsy Lynn Paisley: Anyone who books bands, lets them stay at her place and whose only stipulation is “must love dogs” is definitely going to be included here. Paisley and I were long-distance Facebook friends for many years with a genre in common – her a blues promoter, myself a blues publicist – before I moved back east. “I stopped touring/booking/ radio/publicity and now just do house concerts,” Paisley told me. “I start booking bands and setting the lineup after the I bc (International b lues challenge, every January in Memphis).” Her company, betsy’s backyard Productions, in existence since 2004, has hosted some great blues acts in the past, including 2022 b MA winner and Philly resident, saxophonist Vanessa collier, Guitar Shorty, Annika chambers band and more. betsy told us she hopes to be booking Johnny burgin band, Mitch Kolassa, guitarist Kevin burt (someone I’ve personally publicized; good dude, better player), rae Gordon, Lisa Mann, and Janice Harrington (the latter an eightyyears-young stellar blues singer from Germany) in 2023.

Pending Light: There’s this hippie-rock-vibe sound coming back, and that’s not a bad thing. “We blend ‘90s alternative rock with shades of r&b and even some gospel influence,” PL’s Keith Aaron Steinberg told me recently. check out the fine guitar playing by Steinberg and solid vocals by c arlos ‘Daiz’ Diaz on Pending Light’s new videos, “Strong” from their new cD, “ bison Prism.”

Ventnor coffee on Dorset Ave. hosts a cD release Party this Friday, December 16 headlined by Pending Light with openers Ubsidian and Jackie O. Doors open at 5pm, show at 6 pm. It's free, so please don’t forget to tip the bands.

Molly ringworm: The first indie band we wrote about for this magazine. Happy recent belated birthday to M r vocalist/guitarist Sarah Holt. Dead reckoning: bet y’all thought right away of the Grateful Dead when you first heard the name of this local act, right? Well, horror/zombie movie buffs will recall this as the name of the armored vehicle built to kill the undead in the classic 2005 George romero film, “Land of the Dead.” This D r bills itself as ‘the world's only Dylan and (Grateful) Dead tribute experience, also performing Grateful Dead classics and rarities’ on its website. “We do lots of duo gigs as Dead reckoning acoustic duo, and we also perform as a Dead reckoning acoustic trio.

The electric Grateful Dead tribute experience is Dead reckoning. We

also perform as a three-piece tribute to bob Weir’s Wolf brothers, WeirWolves,” D r ’s charlie Wigo IV, a/k/a cosmic charlie, told me via email. “And I play solo as cosmic charlie.”

I also have a band playing original music I’ve written called IV Play.

The newest tribute experience is called ‘60s b ritish Invasion. We perform the music of The rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The beatles, The Who, Traffic, cream, Jethro Tull, The Kinks, The Faces, The clash and other classic british bands.”

Wigo adds, “I’ve been playing guitar since age six and am a huge live music fan, having seen well over a thousand concerts. My parents took me to see elvis Presley at age seven and it was at that moment I realized I wanted to be a professional musician.” That’s a lot of music and band iterations to keep up with, not to mention music to learn how to play! Their busy schedule includes several gigs at the Tennessee Avenue b eer Hall on New York Avenue, including one there New Year’s eve starting at 9pm. Info: www.deadreckoningnj. com.

That’s all for this week, stay safe out there and support live music.

Malcolm Tent, rock accordionist/vocalist, plays Anchor Rock Club December 23.

Photo by Doug Deutsch