Events Spring Up
Daylight Savings: Time to Change?
O shore Wind Opponents get Energized
Hometown Hero Creates Career Paths
Atlantic City's 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolled down the Boardwalk Sunday, March 12. Spectators decked out in green lined the Boardwalk to view the more than 60 participants and floats. Local restaurateurs Frank and Joe Dougherty were this year’s parade Grand Marshals.
by Marc Berman
ety Longport Bridge, and Captain Starns.
“Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?”
- C.S. Lewis.If you've been in South Jersey for some time, you likely remember a time when Birch Grove Park had a little zoo and miniature golf course where families flocked to spend time together.
The h ouse and Garden Department store was on New road, local teens hung out at T.W. Sports, the Shore Mall was filled with patrons, and Frank's Theatre was the weekend hot spot.
When I reflect on the thirty years Bob and I have lived here, SO much has changed! For those that grew up in the area, the memories run even deeper, including stories of Somers Point's famous Tony Marts, the rick-
Change is a strange thing. Its meaning is “not to remain the same,” yet change is the only thing in life that does remain constant. Everyone has their own tolerance when it comes to change. While some loathe the idea of it, others relish the new possibilities. however you choose to experience life's inevitable changes, one thing is for certain - we can't stop them from coming, no matter how hard we try.
Last week I had the honor of attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ideal Institute of Technology, which took place at the former Press of Atlantic City building in Pleasantville. As I pulled into the parking lot, I was flooded with nostalgia. Bob had worked there for 15 years, and I have fond memories of walking our young children through the entryway to show them where their daddy worked.
The tent was packed with local residents, business owners, and many city and county officials. As I looked around the gathering ceremony, I spotted Keith Dawn, the publisher of The Press during its heyday in
Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com
Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com
Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch
Staff Writer - Sarah Fertsch Digital Marketing Director - Marc Berman Web Designer - Holly Martin
Contributors –Charles Eberson, Dina Guzzardo, Scott Cronick, Dan Skeldon, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Steffen Klenk, Nancy Adler, Donald B. Kravitz, Joe Massaglia, Fred Miller, Krystle J. Bailey, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Jeff Whitaker, Elisa Jo Eagan, Michael Bray, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Keith Dawn, Whitney Ullman
Cover photo by John Loreaux. or
the early 2000's. Today, Keith owns a business consulting firm and is a valued contributor for Shore Local.
The Ideal Institute of Technology replacing the former Press building is a sign of the times as innovation and technology continue to expand within our community. The new addition to Pleasantville brings growth, opportunity, and inspiration back to our local neighborhoods.
ren Parikh, founder and director of the Ideal Institute of Technology, is a visionary in every sense of the word. h is immersive learning approach, paired with his philosophy of “learning while earning,” is changing the narrative for Atlantic County youth. read all about ren and the Ideal Institute of Technology on page 14.
When I met with ren for our interview at his hamilton Mall location, I stepped into a time warp. It had been quite some time since I walked through those hallways. I was shocked to learn that one of the newest stores was an old record shop. My mom did tell me that everything just goes around and around, and trends always seem to make a comeback. She was right!
Malls have been declining nationally for years and certainly are not the coveted retail arena they once were. I noticed offices, learning centers, community service centers, and other creative ways to utilize the space. One can only wonder what malls will be like in another 10 or 20 years. The possibilities are endless, and they will inevitably unfold before our eyes, whether we are paying attention or not.
As C.S. Lewis mentioned in the quote above, when you look back, nothing is ever the same. All we can do is continue to enjoy the here and now.
Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local.
Harry McGarrigel 94, of Brigantine passed away on Saturday March 11, 2023. h e was born April 2,1928 in Atlantic City. harry attended h oly Spirit high School and Seton hall University for business administration. harry joined the Atlantic City Beach Patrol in 1944 and retired as Deputy Assistant Chief in 1988. h e belonged to the Carpenters Union and worked in the lifeguard boat yard in the winter repairing boats, lifeguard stands and the buildings themselves. harry was a red Cross senior instructor. h e was a Past President of the Basketball Officials Assoc, harry enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry in 1946 and was sent to Italy. h e was honorably discharged in 1948. harry was Past Exalted ruler of Atlantic City Elks Lodge in 1963. h e was instrumental in starting the Brigantine Elks Lodge in 1970 and was the first Exalted ruler. h e held many offices thru the years including going back as Exalted ruler. h e was State President of the N.J. Elks Assoc. in 1980 and then went on to be Grand Esquire, Grand Treasurer and Chairman of Grand lodge Exhibits and Sessions for 30 years. he was "Man of the Year" of the Friendly Sons of St.
Patrick in 1990. h e proudly headed the St. Patrick Day Parade in Atlantic City as Grand Marshall in 2007. harry is survived by his wife of 58 years Lois, son William Lawler, wife Joann Lawler, grandson William Lawler, wife Jennifer Lawler, great- grandson Devon and brother William McGarrigel. The history of the lodge goes back to 1969 with Jack Kelly, a Brigantine resident and member of the American Legion, along with harry McGarrigel and Earl Fisher, members of the Atlantic City Elks Lodge. They decided that Brigantine needed an Elks Lodge and began the process. The recruiting of new members began in earnest. Meetings were initially held at Tom Battle’s restaurant and Bar, which was located at the State Marina, currently The Golden Nugget Casino. By Palm Sunday, March 22, 1970 there were 65 members. harry was the first Exalted ruler with a mission to find a lodge. The ground floor of the Brigantine Motor Inn (Laguna Grill) was made available to the membership if they were willing to fix it up. The Storm of 1962 had wreaked havoc on the island and especially on the hotel. A group of members got together and went to work. This served as the Brigantine Elks Lodge from 1970 until
1975. Talk of finding a permanent site for a Lodge began in 1974. In those days the membership participated in a bowling league at the rose Bowl. The owner became a member and there was talk of the Elks buying the bowling alley located between 7th and 8th street north where Sea Star is now. When it became known that the Grand Lodge frowned upon a Lodge owning a bowling alley, the idea was dropped. Brother Gil Panter heard that the Brigantine Boat Yard and slips were for sale and proposed buying it. The price, he said, was $220,000. The members discussed
this option and determined that a loan for $250,000 would be needed for the purchase and improvements. h arry tried to obtain funding from private sources to no avail so he ended up talking to Elwood Kirkman at the Boardwalk National Bank. Elwood approved the loan without any problems. But there was a complication. The actual amount needed was $5,000 more. When harry returned to Elwood for the additional $5,000, the money was made available with no questions. Settlement of the new hall took place in April 1975. Today, The Elks Lodge has 2250 members, each with a number ID. h arry was number 0001.
Pat Orchard, the current leader of Elks shared that harry was an excellent storyteller. “One of h arry’s stories recalled a celebrity who came to vit from Atlantic City,” she said. “It was Minnie Pearl asking about what the BPOE sign meant. Someone told her it that stands for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Minnie turned to them and said That’s not my daddy says. h e says it stands for the Best People on Earth.” Pat continued, “ harry truly believed and lived in the Elks as he was one of those best people on Earth.”
it daylight savings time. Be sure to leave the “s” off of “saving” to be grammatically correct. And it’s not capitalized either. Although Eastern Standard Time (or any time zone) is.
So why do we have it to begin with?:
They’ve actually extended daylight saving time…twice:
By Dan Skeldon
Presuming you “sprung ahead” your clocks one hour the weekend of March 11-12, then you’re back on daylight saving time for the next eight months. Sure, you lost the hour of presumably precious sleep. But you’re also most likely already enjoying the extended evening daylight. The sun now sets in South Jersey after 7p.m., as it will every evening until September 19.
But why do we partake in this bi-annual ritual of setting our clocks forward in the spring and then back again in the fall? And is there a chance that the practice goes away altogether? Let’s break down the history and future, the pros and cons, and the facts and figures of this increasingly unpopular practice.
First off, forget the “s”: The most common mistake is calling
Some rumors say it was created to help farmers. Others say it was enacted to help save energy. The latter has more support, theorizing that the extra daylight during summer evenings would keep people outside and not inside using electricity. Of course, there’s no statistics to prove people are actually outside and energy is being saved.
Don’t like the time change… head here:
Daylight saving time is not mandated by federal law although widely practiced through most (but not all) of the United States. hawaii and most of Arizona don’t practice it, as well as Puerto rico, the Virgin Islands, and some US territories in the Pacific Ocean. Of course, most of these are southern locales with a warm climate, not much change in daylight due to their proximity to the equator, and therefore not in much need of extra evening daylight in the summer.
When the Uniform Time Act was established in 1966, any state that practiced Daylight Saving Time was required to have it last for (the same) six months, hence the uniformity. 20 years later in 1986, it was extended to last for seven months. And yet again in 2005, another month was added. So daylight saving time now starts the second weekend in March, and lasts through the first weekend of November. You can actually thank the candy industry, at least in part, for the most recent extension. They actually lobbied Congress for the extra month so halloween would be included in daylight saving time, reasoning the extra evening daylight in late October would increase candy sales. Sure enough, candy sales have steadily risen since. But does the delayed time change deserve credit?
You don’t quite lose an hour of sleep when we spring ahead…but it’s close:
Studies have shown it does take our bodies at least a few days to adjust to the time change. The cliche says that we lose an hour of sleep in the spring and gain an hour in the fall. Well several studies have been done and showed our body’s circadian rhythm is indeed thrown off by the time change, but we don’t quite lose or gain a full hour. It’s actually about 40 minutes. But that’s 40 precious minutes, right?
There’s a growing movement to make Daylight Saving Time year round:
If we’re on daylight saving time(DST) for eight months and standard time for only four, why not get rid of standard time altogether? There’s actually increasing interest to do so, but action from the federal government would be required. We got somewhat close in 2022 with the
passage by the US Senate of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, which would make daylight saving time permanent. however, the US h ouse failed to take up the legislation, that Congress ended, and we’d have to start from scratch once again in any future Congress that decides to take up the matter, and also get a presidential signature.
Is year-round daylight saving time beneficial?
First and foremost, it would do away with having to adjust to the time change twice a year. And in a close second, it would also do away with the depressingly early sunsets in late fall and early winter. Instead of a sunset just after 4:30pm in late November and most of December, the earliest sunset would be an hour later, around 5:30pm. Supporters of the idea suggest it would help alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder and not have those that work or have after school activities coming home in the dark. Of course, there’s a flip side. And that would be late sunrises, to the tune of 8am or later sunrises for a two-month stretch from early December to early February.
But is year-round standard time just as good?
Most would probably say no. Sure, being on Eastern Standard Time yearround also does forego the disruptive time change each spring and fall. And supporters of this idea say that standard time is more in sync with our body’s natural circadian rhythm. But it also does away with the late 8:30 pm summer sunsets that so many locals and vacationers cherish each summer season. And that probably kills support for the idea right there, at least here at the shore.
By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer
The state is showing no signs of slowing down its offshore wind energy plans, despite ongoing public concerns that the project is contributing to the recent deaths of marine mammals.
On March 6, the state Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to seek a third round of offshore wind proposals. Solicitation 3 has a goal of adding between 1,200 and 4,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity to the 3,750 megawatts already awarded.
Gov. Phil Murphy has set a goal of 11,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy in New Jersey by 2040, which could power up to 3.2 million homes, and propel New Jersey to a 100 percent renewable energy economy by 2050.
Three projects: Ocean Wind 1, Ocean Wind 2, and Atlantic Shores are in development now under the terms of two previous solicitations. Work continues despite concerns that wind development activities, especially sonar mapping of the ocean floor, are contributing to the spike in marine mammal deaths off New Jersey and other East Coast states.
Since December, nine whales and 13 dolphins have washed ashore in New Jersey, dead or dying, according to data from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. Examinations have shown evidence of ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements, but no conclusive findings pointing to underwater surveys. MMSC is still waiting on pathology reports.
“In all cases, including those animals in which evidence of vessel strike was found, the pathology results are still pending,” MMSC reported on its website Feb. 17. “This means that the final cause of death has not yet been determined for these whales.” MMC has said it could take many months for results to come in.
A coalition of 30 South Jersey mayors, citizens’ groups, the Atlantic Coun -
ty Board of Commissioners, and state Senate republicans including Vince Polistina of Atlantic County have called for a 30-day moratorium on offshore wind development activity until the marine mammal puzzle can be solved.
“With the primary difference off our shores being the sonar and drilling related to offshore wind studies, it seems completely irresponsible to blindly continue the work without definitive reasons why so many whales are meeting a tragic end,” Polistina said in a Feb. 15 letter to Murphy.
The issue has energized grassroots advocacy groups such as Defend Brigantine Beach, Protect Our Coast and Save LBI. Clean Ocean Action, in a Facebook post about the solicitation, said pushing wind development at a rapid pace now is reckless when the true impacts have yet to be tested.
“Project impacts from previous solicitations are still unknown, not to mention the concern about the grim recent record whale and other mammal deaths,” the post stated.
rep. Jeff Van Drew has called for a permanent halt to all offshore wind projects now and in the future. The 2nd District republican said he will be
introducing legislation soon to place a moratorium on all existing and future wind projects.
rep. Chris Smith, republican serving District 4 (Ocean and Monmouth), has introduced a bill calling for an investigation into the environmental approval process for offshore wind projects.
Van Drew and Smith have scheduled a hearing on offshore wind for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Wildwood Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk in Wildwood. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
In a press release, Van Drew said the Biden administration was made aware that offshore wind development poses a threat to endangered right whales, but has not been transparent about it.
A 2022 letter to Brian hooker, lead biologist of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from Sean hayes, the chief of protected species at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), warned that offshore wind could have an impact on endangered North Atlantic right whales, Van Drew said.
“This letter, which only came to light through a Freedom of Information Act request, contains critical information
that this administration has failed to acknowledge, and purposely ignored in order to further their Green New Deal agenda, without debate or opposition,” Van Drew said.
Political pressure has failed to sway NOAA, which sees no evidence linking whale deaths to underwater sonar mapping and other activities by wind developers.
NOAA found “no specific links between recent large whale mortalities and currently ongoing surveys,” said Lauren Gaches, a NOAA spokeswoman during a recent media conference call.
Instead NOAA and another federal agency, the Marine Mammal Commission, cite an “unusual mortality event” or UEM dating back more than five years as a possible cause. Since January 2016, NOAA Fisheries has been monitoring a UEM for humpback whales, with 188 strandings along the entire East Coast and 27 in New Jersey.
Animal autopsies known as necropsies were conducted on about half of the whales. Of those, about 40 percent showed evidence of human interaction, either ship strikes or fishing gear entanglements, with no whale deaths attributed to offshore wind activities.
Moreover, NOAA says the humpback whale population has grown in the Mid-Atlantic, increasing the number of possible vessel interactions. Whales are also moving closer to shore in
pursuit of menhaden, one of their favorite prey fish.
Other well-known organizations including the Sierra Club, are saying that it would be inappropriate to let the current concerns about humpback whales slow down clean energy initiatives. A recent Sierra Club press release, which included commentary from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Audubon Society, the Surfrider Foundation, Clean Water Action and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, said halting ocean development based on concerns about whales would be “unfounded and premature.”
“The coalition encourages more research into the potential impacts of these turbines and their construction on wildlife, but don’t believe plans for future production should be halted unless a direct correlation is uncovered and proven,” the release said.
The whale issue has not deterred the BPU and Gov. Murphy from pushing ahead with their ambitious plan to use offshore wind to propel New Jersey to a 100 percent renewable energy economy by 2050.
Murphy, who has been championing offshore wind since he took office in 2018, is satisfied that NOAA’s findings
Map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows areas where wind projects are under development right now. The brown area will be home to Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2. The green area will be built as Atlantic Shores North and Atlantic Shores South.
are good enough. A statement reported on NJ.com from Murphy’s office called the results of the investigations unanimous and unmistakable.
“At this time there is no evidence of specific links between recent whale mortalities and ongoing surveys for offshore wind development,” the statement said.
Although BPU commissioners addressed the topic at their March 6 hearing which approved new wind
development, it was clear that the dead marine mammal mystery is not enough for the agency to change course.
“There are forces out there who don't want us to do this, but we are going to do it,” said NJBPU President Joseph Fiordaliso.
BPU Commissioner Dianne Solomon, although she voted in favor, was the only skeptical voice heard during the BPU’s unanimous roll call vote. Solomon said she’s worried about environmental impacts and costs.
“Promises are made that somehow disappear or we learn of increases in costs, above and beyond that which we relied upon when making our initial awards,” Solomon said. “Folks are relying on us to make prudent decisions that will forever impact the cost of energy here in New Jersey, not to mention the landscape and waters of our coastline.” She said she favors offshore wind development and its potential economic benefits, but questions whether the public is being adequately protected.
“Proceeding without due regard to the cost and effect discounts our obligation to serve ratepayers and demonstrates indifference to legitimate environmental concerns,” she said.
↘Continued on 12
Concerns about costs have also been raised by the New Jersey Division of rate Counsel, a state office that advocates for ratepayers in utility matters. Attorney Brian Lipman, division director, offered his comments in a Jan. 11 letter to the BPU.
Lipman brought up “the current economic uncertainty” and how “unnecessary levels of economic and financial risks associated with the third offshore wind solicitation may be passed along to ratepayers.”
h e noted that inflation is hitting everyone, not just offshore wind developers, but electricity consumers, too.
“ ratepayers simply cannot afford drastically higher electric bills, particularly if such bill increases are driven by attempts to insulate offshore wind developers from the same risks that New Jersey households and small businesses face.”
NJBPU President Fiordaliso called it “another step forward in making New Jersey the supply chain for offshore wind on the Eastern Seaboard.”
Fiordaliso said many of the arguments expressed against offshore wind are the same ones he heard when solar power first came out.
“Initially is it going to cost us more money? Yes. But the prices will continue to come down, just like they have in the solar industry.”
Fiordaliso said the BPU takes the whale deaths seriously, but it's not convinced of a wind whale connection.
“They have done autopsies on these whales and have not come to any conclusive decision that it is caused by any activity in the ocean regarding wind turbines,” he said, pledging to work with DEP to protect marine life and commercial fishing.
Fiordaliso acknowledged that BPU is new to offshore wind, so there will be “potholes.”
“Our challenge is to ensure the fact that when we hit those potholes, our tires don't blow out; that we continue to move.
“Offshore wind, and other types of renewables are the wave of the future, and New Jersey, I am proud to say, is leading the way.”
The deadline for bidders to respond is June 23.
Two more solicitations came before this one. Under Solicitation 1, awarded in June of 2019, Denmark-based Orsted got the greenlight for 1,100 megawatts for its 98-turbine Ocean Wind 1 project 15 miles out to sea.
Under Solicitation 2, awarded in June of 2021, the BPU granted 1,510 megawatts of offshore wind capacity to EDF/Shell’s Atlantic Shores. The twophase development has permission to build up to 200 wind turbines as close as 8.7 miles off of Atlantic City. At the
same time, Orsted’s 82-turbine 1,148 megawatt Ocean Wind 2 was okayed for a location about 15 miles out.
The BPU is scheduled to hold Solicitation 4 for 1,200 megawatts in the second quarter of 2024, and Solicitation 5 for 1,300 megawatts in the second quarter of 2026.
The offshore wind initiative has been steadily taking shape in New Jersey since 2004, when a state blue ribbon panel was commissioned to do a feasibility study by then-Gov. richard Codey.
After an evaluation that included six public hearings, offshore wind was found to show promise. The panel recommended the development of a limited test project no larger than 350 megawatts to assess the benefits and potential impacts.
In 2010 Gov. Chris Christie signed the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act, which directed the BPU to promote offshore wind power development through a system of offshore renewable energy certificates which created a new market for offshore wind producers and buyers.
In 2011, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management published a notice to see if there was any competitive interest in commercial leasing the Outer Continental Shelf off of New Jersey for offshore wind projects and to gain more information.
The nation’s first Atlantic Ocean wind farm was opened off of Block Island, r hode Island, in 2016. The five-turbine 30-megawatt project by Orsted is tiny when compared to what is being planned off of the New Jersey coast.
New Jersey wind development didn't kick into high gear untilI January of 2018 when Murphy signed Executive Order No. 8, requiring the BPU to solicit 1,100 megawatts of offshore power capacity as a first step in meeting a goal of 3,500 megawatts by 2030.
In November of 2019, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 92, raising New Jersey’s offshore wind goal from 3,500 megawatts by 2030 to 7,500 megawatts by 2035. The action increased the state’s renewable energy goal to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, and a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050,
In September of 2022 Murphy signed Executive Order No. 307, increasing New Jersey’s offshore wind goal to 11,000 megawatts by 2040.
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.
Shore Medical Center, a proud member of the Penn Cancer Network, Advanced Shore Imaging Associates, and ScreenNJ are hosting a LUNG CANCER SCREENING EVENT
Saturday, March 25, 9am - 12 noon Shore Cancer Center
Consultations provided by Dr. Maria Jose Jimenez Cerna, of Shore Physicians Group
100 Medical Center Way
Somers Point, NJ
As the cool, salty air warms up along the coast, many shore homeowners and businesses are thinking of updating their outdoor spaces. When it comes to bringing the indoor comforts of home outside, Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet is ready to help get the look you want with quality furniture that lasts.
Like many businesses, furniture retailers have faced a shortage of incoming inventory, leaving families and businesses without quality products to make their space look the best. Retailers across the country say that shipment issues are the primary cause of the shortage. Because most patio furniture makers work ou tside the United States, tariffs and taxes along with other international issues have been on the rise. This creates is creating big problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Fortunately, local buyers need not to worry since this is n’t a problem for Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet. They have new shipments coming in every week. Truckloads of beautiful, modern furniture are available for customers
quickly overtaking the outdoor market. Poly lumber is built mostly from recycled products and holds its color well. Combine its color retention with stainless steel hardware, a variety of color combinations and styles, and you may find that poly is the best choice for beach homes, vacation resorts or country living. It is extremely durable and resistant to nearly anything Mother Nature throws its way. Poly plastic furniture can be
to be cleaned with some good, old-fashioned soap and water.
Tables, chairs, deep seating sets and pub sets are ready to go to their new home today. Poly pub sets are popular at the shore. Two seat pub sets start at $950 and our fourseat pub sets with a pub table start at $1,400. Pub and bar sets are great because they allow couples and families to see over deck railings so their view is not obsured. These sets have the potential to make Ocean City, Sea Isle, and Margate customers very happy. The popular folding Adirondack Chairs start at $299. They are perfect for fire pits on cool autumn evenings. The Adirondack chairs sit low to the ground and offer a casual, relaxed feel. Alice reports they are selling very well to campers that seek comfort outdoors.
Landing, Beach Creek Oyster Bar to name of few. Our company has been in the New Jersey shore area for nearly 20 years. Our past stores in Cape May and Somers Point have been combined with one convenient store right in the middle, in Dennis Township. We offer white glove service from LBI to Cape May, Annapolis, Washington DC, and Ocean City Maryland.”
Call (609) 2871767 or check out www.TeakNearMe. com. For up-to-date information, check out their Facebook page, Teak Outlet - Ocean Outdoor Patio. Hurry and get beautiful new outdoor furniture so you can enjoy it now and for years to come.
to browse and purchase. “Because the outdoor season is relatively short here in New Jersey, it is important for us to stock enough furniture for our local customers to have immediately,” says store owner Alice DiGiovanni. “We are ready now, with a full selection of colors and designs of both Poly and Teak furniture.”
Teak has always been the gold standard in outdoor tables and chairs but its new rival, Poly lumber furniture is
left outside in the summer and winter without any adverse effects. The plastic is resistant to sun, rain, sleet, snow, wind, saltwater, chlorine and mildew. You can’t say that about furniture made from wood or metal.
Poly furniture is low maintenance and easy to care for; it requires no special coatings, sanding or staining. It does not require hazardous chemical treatments to maintain its durability. Poly only needs
After 15 years in Somers Point, The Teak and Poly Outlet moved to Cape May County. They are located on Route 9 in Ocean View/ Clermont Cape May County. It's a beautiful area two miles south of exit 17 on the Garden State Parkway (Sea Isle exit). “We have a much larger store here and a lot of room to expand, with large outdoor displays, and a large workshop to finish and refinish our teak furniture.” says Alice’s daughter, Allison. “Over the years you may have seen our furniture at the Ocean City Yacht Club, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Hyatt Penns
If you ever had a doubt about whether the “American Dream” is still attainable, ren Parikh will assure you that it most certainly is. h e achieved his dream and now he is helping others to reach their dreams.
Parikh is the Director of Ideal Institute of Technology, a growing and innovative ecosystem where work and education intersect. h is vision has introduced a new path to success for the area’s youth, veterans, and others eager to expand their horizons. Students at the Ideal Institute of Technology are taught how to earn an income while learning a trade or skill set.
The institute opened its doors in 2016 in Absecon. Today, there are six loca -
tions, including two in Atlantic City, two in Pleasantville, and two in the hamilton Mall.
“A lot of people know Ideal Institute and me as a champion for at-risk youth, out-of-school youth, or as an opportunity for youth,” shared Parikh. “After seven years, 'my kids' are living proof that there are no bad kids. I see kids in bad situations, but they are not bad. We just show them what they can do, provide a vision and walk the walk with them.”
Being smaller sets up apart from larger title agencies that often are not able to answer or return calls due to being short staffed and overwhelmed. When you call Atlantic Title, you are greeted by a live person who will tend to your needs right away We all have the same regulated title rates. Therefore, it's all about the quality of service. At Atlantic Title Agency, service to you is always our priority Try us out, you will not regret it.
718 Shore Road Somers Point (609) 365-1212
AtlanticTitleService.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
On Friday, March 10, Ideal Institute of Technology broke ground on the property that once was home to The Press of Atlantic City. This 30,000-square-foot property is being transformed into an Entrepreneurship and Technology h ub.
Parikh addressed the local officials and media that gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“I came to America at the age of 22, undocumented, couldn't speak English, and came straight to Atlantic City with less than a hundred dollars in my pocket, and I knew no one. From that day until this day to having
the groundbreaking for this building and this project, it has been a journey.”
Parikh's journey is evidence that the “American Dream” is still possible and within reach for those willing to follow their passion. With hard work, determination, and vision, anything is possible. Parikh describes his first job in Atlantic City, where he worked for $3 an hour and commuted by foot 40 minutes in each direction, regardless of the weather.
Parikh taught computer technology in the early '90s in India. After immigrating to America and settling down, he knew he wanted to make his way back to education and technology.
his wife, Mital, an Atlantic City high School and Atlantic Cape Community College graduate, has been his greatest supporter. Today, Mital is an occupational therapist, and together they have three children. Parikh has received a great deal of attention from the media and local officials. All of that pales to the admiration of his daughter, who looked up at him this year and declared, “Daddy, I want to do what you’re doing.”
If you would like to learn more about the Ideal Institute of Technology, visit iitnj.com or call (609)3188008.
Title Insurance Settlement Services Ren Parikh, Founder of the Ideal Institute of Technology
Ocean City Spring Book Sale
▶Friday, March 17th from 10am-6pm and Saturday, March 18th from 9am-2pm
Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson Ave.
Sponsored by the Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library and held in the library atrium. Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and more will be for sale. friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
South Jersey Players presents Dinner Theater
▶Tuesdays at 6pm
Aroma restaurant 5206 Atlantic Ave. Ventnor
South Jersey Players presents Dinner Theater, featuring Five Original One-Acts, and Three-Course Plated Dinner at Aroma restaurant. Event dates are Tuesdays this March. Tickets are $45. For more information, call 347-920-6399.
Somers Point Dance Society
▶Tuesdays from 7:30-10pm
Somers Point Fire Co #1 447 Bethel rd. Come out to Somers Point Fire Co. #1 every Tuesday for social dancing, line dances, dance mixers, and more. Light snacks included in admission cost of $1.
Live musical duo each week. Call rita Voli at 609-408-3619 for information.
Girls Weekend
▶Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26 Downtown Asbury Avenue 6th-14th Street, Ocean City
A Fashion Show Kick-Off Event on Friday evening, shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes, and so much more. For more information, visit oceancityvacation. com.
OC CON Comic Book & Memorabilia
Show
▶Saturday, March 25 & Sunday, March 26
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk Activities include artists, vendors, cosplayers, entertainment and more. More information is available at ocnjcon.com. 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' Play
▶Thursday, March 30th – Sunday, April 2nd
Ocean City high School – hughes Performing Art Center 501 Atlantic Ave. Show times are through Saturday at 6:30pm with a Saturday matinee at 1:30pm. Buy tickets online at bit.ly/3 h7Wtuf.
Thursday, March 16th
Piano Bar at the Gateway
▶7-9pm
Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point
Brandon Ireland Band 3pm - 7pm
Join Gateway Playhouse for their March Piano Bar featuring Michael McAssey. Tickets are available for $15. Visit gatewaybythebay.org for tickets and information.
Friday, March 17th
Ventnor’s 120th Birthday
▶10am
Ventnor City Municipal hall 6201 Atlantic Ave.
Ventnor is only getting better with age. Join the city at 10am in the rotunda at City hall for a Free Cupcake to celebrate Ventnor’s 120th Birthday.
Saturday, March 18th
4H Electronic Recycling Fundraiser
▶9am
David C. Wood 4h Center 3210 route
50, Mays Landing
The Atlantic County 4 h hosts their monthly Electronic recycling Fundraiser. Accepted items include computer monitors, keyboards, PC speakers, PC fans and power supplies, printers, copiers, scanners, scales, wire, and more. Visit https:// ac4hfair.org for more information and full list of accepted items. The electronics are recycled through a NJDEP-certified electronics recycler, thanks to Being Green, LLC.
EHT Free Rabies Clinic
▶9am-12pm
EhT Municipal Garage 6120 Mill rd. Egg harbor Township 2023 Dog Licenses for Egg h arbor Township residents will be available for issuance at the clinic. Dogs will be accepted between 9-11:30am; cats from 11:30-12. Cost is $9 for spayed/neutered pets, $15 for non-spayed/neutered. Checks or Exact Change Only.
EHT Health & Fitness Fair
▶10am-2pm
EhT Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave. Egg harbor Township
Join Egg harbor Township recreation at an event where anyone can find the resources they need to become and stay a healthy member of our community. Come try our classes; fitness instructors will be sharing a taste of their class. Spin, Cardio Blast, Yoga, Meditation, Zumba, Tabata, and others. Meet with health care professionals from AtlantiCare, Optimal h ealth, Southern Jersey Family Medical and many more. Visit with community organizations to learn more about programs available to all residents.
Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton ▶3pm
Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point
An inspiring documentary about a poor,
uneducated Irish immigrant who sets sail for America in 1928 with nothing but his faith and dreams of becoming a millionaire. This is the story of a tireless missionary, an unlikely hero, and one of history’s greatest advocates. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for students up to age 18. Visit gatewaybythebay.org for tickets and information.
Tartan Tenors
▶7:30pm
Stockton Performing Arts Center 101
Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway
The group is their own Celtic Invasion, mixing music energy with traditional folklore, dance, and humor. With an arsenal featuring classic bagpipes and fiddle, driving drum tones, and signature guitar styles. Tickets and additional information are available at stockton.edu/pac.
Sunday, March 19th
Wildwoods Spring Wedding Expo
▶12-4pm
Wildwoods Convention Center 4501 Boardwalk
South Jersey’s largest free wedding expo, featuring everything you need to plan your perfect wedding. From wedding venues, to planners, photographers, videographers, caterers, bakeries, florists, salons and spas, transportation companies, DJs, musical entertainment and bridal fashions, you’ll find it at the Wildwoods Convention Center. For more information, visit wildwoodsweddings.com.
Monday, March 20th
Garden Talk: Welcome Spring
▶5:30pm
ACUA Community Garden 6700 Delilah rd. Egg harbor Township
ACUA partners with the rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County to offer monthly Garden Talk meetings in 2023. Growing tips so you’ll have successful seedlings in no time. register online at www.acua.com/garden.
Tuesday, March 21st
Sustainable Book Group OCUT
▶6pm
The Sustainable Book Group for Ocean City and Upper Twp. will be discussing 1001 Voices on Climate by Devi Lockwood via Zoom. register in advance to receive the Zoom link for this meeting and learn more at https://bit.ly/SBG21MarchZoom.
New Moon Night Market & Dance Party
▶8pm
Anchor rock Club 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Anchor rock Club will transform into Swamp City for March’s New Moon Night Market and Dance Party. This monthly retail ritual features independent/small businesses, emerging artists, beloved local acts, and even regional headliners.
Thursday, March 23rd
Coffee Klatch: Special Guest Speaker
▶1pm
John Froonjian, Executive Director of The William J. h ughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University addresses Profiles in Courage: Defining Political and Governmental Leadership through Issues, Ideas and People. Attend in-person at the Katz JCC Boardroom or by Zoom. rSVP by March 16th by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Little’s Dairy Bar 50th Anniversary Opening Day
▶12pm
617 Zion rd. Egg harbor Township
Come celebrate Little’s 50th Anniversary and get your favorite treat. Opened in May 1973 by Mr. robert Little, the LaPorte family took over operation in April 1998. Think Spring and enjoy a special treat. Ocean City Fashion Show Kickoff
▶7pm Ocean City Yacht Club 100 Bay rd.
↘Continued on 18
Doors open at 6:30pm Lite fare and refreshments will be served. $35 per person. Limited seating. Tickets are available at the Welcome Centers or online at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Frankie Negrón
▶7:30pm
Stockton Performing Arts Center 101
Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway
renowned Latin music superstar Frankie Negron brings his distinct blend of traditional salsa and progressive influences of pop, rock, gospel, r&B, hip-hop, and reggaeton. Tickets and additional information are available at stockton.edu/pac.
Vagabond 10th Anniversary Party
▶9pm
672 N. Trenton Ave. Atlantic City
Vagabond Kitchen & Tap house in Atlantic City celebrates its 10th Anniversary, and they are celebrating in style with live music by The Usual Suspects.
Saturday, March 25th
EHT Spring Clean Communities Day
▶8:30am
EhT Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave. Egg harbor Township
Join Egg harbor Township Clean Communities for this special event. Everyone is encouraged to participate by spending the day cleaning up along roadways, on public property, and in non-residential problem areas (vacant lots) in neighborhoods. For more information, call 609-926-3838 or sign up via Eventbrite.
OC CON Super Hero 1 Mile Run and Kids
Super Hero Obstacle Dash
▶9-11am
Carey Stadium 500 Boardwalk
The First Harvest team can help you determine whether consolidation is right for you and suggest the best financial products to help you meet your goals.
To learn which loan option is best for you, call us at (800) 582-7640 or visit one of our branches.
Pre-registration and race Day registration. The event starts at 9am at Carey Stadium. For more information and registration, go to ocnj. us/race-events or contact lrumer@ocnj.us.
EHT PAL STEM Expo & Craft Fair
▶10am-2pm
Buddy’s Adventure Zone 2542 ridge Ave. Egg harbor Township
March is STEM month in New Jersey. The Police Activities League of Egg harbor Township & Atlantic County’s STEM Expo will introduce the community to their vast variety of programs and allow kids and parents to explore unique, hands-on STEM projects firsthand, including Mindstorms EV3, Lego WeDo, Smart Car, Smart robot, Drones, Solar viewing (weather permitting) and so much more. For more information, visit ehtpal.org. Celtic Music at Ocean City Arts Center
▶2pm
1735 Simpson Ave. 2nd Floor, Ocean City
Come listen, learn and experience Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums, inside the Ocean City Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 609399-7628.
Upper Township Indians Bag Bingo
▶6pm
Egg harbor Township Elks 1816 Somers Point Mays Landing rd. EhT
Ladies, don’t leave your husbands at home this time. Bingo prizes include 6-8 designer handbags, fishing/hunting and other “macho” prizes as well. Tickets are $35 in advance. Venmo @UpperTwpFootball or text or call 609-425-5736/610-209-4935 for tickets.
Who Hijacked My Fairytale? with Kelly Swanson
▶7:30pm
Stockton Performing Arts Center 101
Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway
Comedy and inspiration, for when your glass slipper turns out to be plastic. Tickets and additional information are available at stockton.edu/pac.
Sunday, March 26th
Margate Cherry Blossom Festival
▶12-4pm
Margate Community Church 8900 N. Ventnor Ave.
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with their first annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Wear tie dye swag, bring chairs, blankets and enjoy music, crafts, food and more. For
more information, visit www.facebook.com/ margatehasmore.
UNICO Annual Pasta Diner
▶12-5pm
Quaremba hall 15 N. Georgia Ave. Atlantic City
The Greater Atlantic City Chapter of UNICO will hold its annual Pasta Dinner on March 26th. Ticket prices are $10 per adult and $5 children ages 3-10. Children under age 3 are free. Tickets are available from any UNICO member, at the door, or at eventbrite. com. Event benefits UNICO Scholarship Foundation and The Parish of St. Monica/St. Michael’s Church. For additional information, go to unicoac.org.
Eggcelent Egg Hunt at 4-H
▶12:30pm
Atlantic County 4- h Fairgrounds 3120 route 50, Mays Landing
Celebrate Easter with Atlantic County
4- h . The Egg h unts will begin at 1:15. refreshments will be available for purchase; have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy photo-ops with live animals. $10 per ticket. rain or shine.
Philadelphia Art Museum with the ACAA
▶Saturday, March 25th
hitch a ride with the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Check in time is 7:40am at Absecon Field of Dreams, and the bus departs at 8am sharp. Please be prompt. The bus will return at approximately 6:30pm. Tickets are $50 per person and are for transportation only. Price does not include museum entry. For more information, visit www.abseconarts.com.
Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, April 5th 2pm
Earth Angels for Dementia 115 route 50, Mays Landing
h eld on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Call Diane Conover at 609402-6966 for more information.
▶Monday, April 10th at 7pm
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore rd. Somers Point
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults with a mental health condition. Family Support Group is a support group for adult friends and family members of people with mental health conditions. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call 609741-5125.
Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women, men, LGBTQIA+, 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 h ealth Association 609652-3800.
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. These daily groups include meditation, art, music, journaling, eating healthy, exercise, spirituality, adult coloring, gratitude, and more. Call 609-652-3800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj. org.
Do you have an upcoming event?
Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
MARCH
Thursday, March 16th
Jersey Steve 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn
1 harbor rd. Beesley’s Point
Doug Jennings 6-9pm. Bocca
7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
The Killers 8pm. hard rock Live at Etess
Arena
APRIL
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
DJ Clinton Conyer 8pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Friday, March 17th
Jamie & The Quietman 1-5pm. McGettigan’s
500 S. New York rd. Galloway
The Kilted Rogues 5-8pm. resorts Casino 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Jim Fisher 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn
1 harbor rd. Beesley’s Point
Adam Holcombe Duo 6-10pm rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Indelible Groove 6pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
The Flynn’s 7-10pm. Bocca
7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Philly Keys 7-11pm. renault Winery
72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg harbor City
Brandon Ireland Duo 7:30pm
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
316 roosevelt Blvd. Marmora
Ja Tun 7:30-10:30pm. Kelsey’s 1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Journey w/ Toto 8pm. Jim Whelan
Boardwalk hall. 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Little River Band 8pm. Sound Waves at hard rock. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Kelsea Ballerini w/ Georgia Webster 8pm hard rock Live at Etess Arena
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Escape Plan Duo 8-11pm. Tennessee Avenue
Beer hall. 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City
Billy Walton Band 9pm. Josie Kelly’s Public house. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point
Mall Rat Nu Metal Party 10pm. Anchor rock Club. 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
The Quixote Project 10pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Steal the Sky 10pm. The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Dear Zoe Band 12-4pm. renault Winery
72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg harbor City
Lost in Paris 2-6pm. Wild Wild West at Caesars. 2100 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
DJ Redline 5-9pm. The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Nick Moccia Trio 5-9pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Ray McGeehan 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn
1 harbor rd. Beesley’s Point
Cold w/ Divide the Fall, Awake for Days, Sygnal to Noise 6pm. Anchor rock Club
247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Matt Adams Trio 6pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Blues is Alright: Lenny Williams, King
George, Tucka 7pm
Tropicana Showroom 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Cat 5 7pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Isn’t It Always 7-11pm. McGettigan’s 500 S. New York rd. Galloway
The Educators 7-10pm. Bocca
7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
New Edition w/ Keith Sweat, Guy, Tank
7:30pm. Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Keep the Change 7:30pm
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
316 roosevelt Blvd. Marmora
Showtyme 7:30-10:30pm. Kelsey’s
1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Always ABBA 8pm. Sound Waves at hard rock. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Dead Reckoning Acoustic Duo 8pm
Tennessee Avenue Beer hall
133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City
The Amptons 8-11pm. Gregory’s 900 Shore rd. Somers Point
Big Bleu 8:30pm. Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay Ave. Somers Pont
The Usual Suspects 9pm. Josie Kelly’s
Public house. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point
The Way Outs 10pm. The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Sunday, March 19th
Doug Jennings 10am-1pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
John King 12-4pm. renault Winery
72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg harbor City
Golden Oldies with DJ Special K 5-9pm
Josie Kelly’s Public house 908 Shore rd. Somers Point
Cro-Mags w/ No/Mas, Jumpship, Gutter
Drunk 8pm. Anchor rock Club
247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Tony Day & Across the Globe Band 7:3010:30pm. Kelsey’s 1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
DJ Luap 8pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Monday, March 20th
Red 7-11pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Wednesday, March 22nd
Danny Eyer 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn 1 harbor rd. Beesley’s Point
Jazz by the Bob Sterling Band 6-9pm Bocca . 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series 7pm Gregory’s . 900 Shore rd. Somers Point
Thursday, March 23rd
Beth Tinnon 5:30pm. Fitzpatrick’s Deli 650 New rd. Somers Point
Friday, March 24th
Danny Lynch 6-10pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Jeremy Oren 6pm. 1923 Lounge at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Bob & Nicky 6:30-9:30pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Kicking Sunrise 7pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
No Clue Trio 7-10pm. McGettigan’s 500 S. New York rd. Galloway
BMW 7:30pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
The Zone Duo 7:30pm.
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern 316 roosevelt Blvd. Marmora
Philly Destiny Band 7:30-10:30pm
Kelsey’s . 1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Bob Dylan & The Band Tribute Show 8pm
Josie Kelly’s Public house
908 Shore rd. Somers Point
Disaster Artist w/ Peroxide Blonde, Friend, Jet Fuel Soda 8pm. Anchor rock Club. 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Vagabond 10th Anniversary Party w/ The Usual Suspects 9pm. Vagabond Kitchen & Tap house. 672 N. Trenton Ave. Atlantic City
Steve Moore & MIA 10pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Nancy Malcun 11am-2pm. McGettigan’s 500 S. New York rd. Galloway
DJ Vito G 5-9pm. The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
The Company 5-9pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Rob Lipkin 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn
1 harbor rd. Beesley’s Point
Steve Luhmann 6pm. 1923 Lounge at Ocean 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City No Clue Trio 7-10pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Petty Cash 7:30pm. Yesterday’s Creekside
Tavern. 316 roosevelt Blvd. Marmora
Stacia LaChloe & BlacSoul Band 7:3010:30pm. Kelsey’s. 1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Jowell y Randy 8pm. hard rock Live at Etess Arena. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
KC and the Sunshine Band 8pm. Bally’s Grand Ballroom 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Tina: Tribute to the Queen of Rock n’ Roll starring Cookie Watkins 8pm. Superstar Theater at resorts Casino 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Glenn Roberts 8-11pm. Tennessee Avenue
Beer hall. 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City
The Turtle Heads 9pm. Josie Kelly’s Public house. 908 Shore rd. Somers Point
Raza Costena and Los Magallones 9pm. Anchor rock Club
247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Big Bang Baby 10pm. rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 huron Ave. Atlantic City
Billy Walton Band 10pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Three AM Tokyo 10pm. The Yard at Bally’s 1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City
Sunday, March 26th
Stephanie Owens 10am-1pm Bocca
7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Friday march 17
OPEN AT 10AM
Tom Brett & Bill Felix | 12pm
Irish Session | 5pm
Nae Breeks Bagpipes & Drums | 5:30pm & 9pm
Mickey Boyle & Company | 7pm & 10pm
Emerald Isle Academy Of Irish Dancers | 7:15pm
Billy Walton Band | 9pm
SatUrday march 18
6 Nations Rugby Final Ireland v England | 1pm
Emerald Isle Academy Of Irish Dancers | 4:45pm & 6:30pm
Mickey Boyle & Company | 5pm
Usual Suspects | 9pm
UFC 286 | 10pm
SUnday march 19
TRADITIONAL BRUNCH
Saturday & Sunday 10am
IRISH MUSIC
Every Sunday 1pm
Dance Party with DJ Special Ken | 5pm
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Smoker’s h aven has been a part of the Northfield community for more than nine years. As one of the premier cigar retailers in New Jersey, they provide a wide selection of handmade cigars imported from the Dominican republic, honduras, Nicaragua and other countries.
In mid-2022 it became apparent to the owners that they had to move to another location. The result was a larger space which allowed them to carry an even wider selection of cigars and provide more room for their customers and club members have to enjoy the camaraderie of lighting up in the custom lounge area with fellow cigar enthusiasts.
The new location at 322 Tilton road has a walk-in humidor in excess of 350 square feet, enough room to significantly increase the variety of cigars they can offer. Additionally, they were able to create a smoking room which can comfortably hold 20 people.
For club members, they provide 24-hour access with professionally maintained lock-
New Jersey locations in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, they can offer their customers new cigar blends as they come to market as well as the tried and true staples of the industry.
For details go to the Smoker’s haven website www.smokershavennj.com.
ers and recreational options which include darts and a pool table.
Smoker’s haven looks forward to
being a part of the Northfield community for years to come. With the purchasing power of their four other
Atlantic Shoe repair came to the rescue when The Bench Cobbler abandoned their store after many years at 2603 New road, Northfield.
People were in a panic when they could not access their shoes that were in for repair. Fortunately, Lauren Favinger-Mills discovered this adverse situation and came in to reopen the shoe and leather repair business under her own name of Atlantic Shoe repair and Leather Works.
She totally renovated it into a beautiful, bright open store where customers can see the entire operation.
Lauren comes from a multigenerational shoe repair service from Atlantic City dating back to the early 1900s in the Ducktown section. The store is breathing life into a dying trade in our area.
In addition to the shoe repair service, she also offers a wide range of customizable handmade leather goods and vintage-style embroidery.
Lauren is a true entrepreneur who not only has a fabulous new business, but she also has an online store and participates in many outdoor events offering her goods and services.
Check out Atlantic Shoe repair on Facebook and Instagram, or call Lauren at 609-801-7398.
The thrill and excitement of March Madness came to Atlantic City over the weekend as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) hosted their annual men’s and women’s basketball tournaments under the bright lights of Boardwalk hall. Eleven schools representing four states took part in five days of col -
lege basketball action, all for a chance to representtheir school, and conference, in the Big Dance.
At the end of an exciting week, the Iona Gaels walked away with tremendous victories in both tournaments. The men’s squad gave an impressive second-half performance to win the title over Marist 76-55. Daniss Jenkins led the game with 27 points while Nelly Joseph led
with 11 rebounds. Iona’s women’s squad led the entire game, as Juana Camilion led the team with 24 points on the game and played all 40 minutes. The team defeated Manhattan by a final score of 73-60.
Both teams will now represent the
MAAC in the NCAA Tournament. The Iona men will take on the UConn huskies in round one on Friday, March 17. On the women’s side, Iona will have a meeting against the Duke Blue Devils Saturday, March 18.
This Spring, hundreds of local high school students will be walking the red carpet at prom wearing the gown of their dreams, thanks to a loyal group of individuals and volunteers. Since 2015, Project Prom has been helping students choose the dress of their dreams and is an effort that has grown in leaps and bounds.
Last weekend, more than a dozen volunteers made their way to Kensington Furniture in Northfield to assist area students in selecting the perfect dress. One of those volunteers included Brooke Feldman of Margate. Feldman previously served as Miss Atlantic County for the Miss America Organization and attended the event in 2022 as part of her year of service. “It was truly extraordinary. To see girls come in, no questions asked, and leave with such a smile, it's the most rewarding thing to
be a part of.”
rene Kane is the founder of the Project Prom initiative. She started the fundraiser eight years ago after one family turned to social media in search of a dress. From ensuring their attire to getting hair and nails done, the entire community pitched in. “The outpouring was amazing.”
In the years since, Kane’s initiatives have matched over a thousand girls with the gown of their dreams. Working in conjunction with the Boys and Girls club of Atlantic City, and with additional support from the hispanic Association of Atlantic County (hAAC), this event
continues to be a tremendous resource to our region.
Courtney rice of Egg harbor Township was one of many volunteers onhand Sunday. She serves as Miss Egg harbor Township for Miss New Jersey America Strong and says the experience of volunteering has been remarkable. “I like this organization because we focus a lot on service, and when I was in high school it was hard to find a dress so I couldn’t say no to this.”
Approximately 1,700 gowns were made available for students to choose from, but it didn’t end there. They also
got to select from a variety of shoes, scarfs, and a table full of assorted glittering jewelry, earrings and necklaces to match their attire.
From its inception, this annual event has been held at Kensington Furniture in Northfield, which is also where the dresses are stored. In an interview with Shore Local in 2018, owner Michael Grossman expressed how important this initiative is for the community and its im- portance. “The smiles shared when they leave with a gown is thanks enough,” Grossman said. For families who are going through the hardships of daily life, Project Prom has eased some of that stress and assures peace of mind. Feldman wants others to know that this resource exists. “You have nothing to lose to come by and be part of this.”
The goal for Project Prom is endure so that area students in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties have that special dress to wear. Kane summarized the experience in one simple sentence. “We’re just making dreams come true.”
While this year’s campaign might be over, work is already underway to plan for next year’s event. Project Prom is currently seeking leadership for 2024 and beyond. Anyone who is interested and has former retail experience may contact rene Kane at 609-703-8592 or email rene@renekane.com.
For the latest information on Project Prom and how you can get involved, visit www.ProjectPromAC.com. You can also follow @ProjectPromAC on Facebook and Instagram.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
Rene Kane holding up a pair of dresses.
Debra Freed of Linwood knows firsthand what it’s like to raise a child with special needs through the public education system and into adulthood. her experience with her daughter Lindsey opened her eyes to how difficult it can be to access resources, information, and support once a special needs student transitions out of high school.
The mother of three created Adult Independent Services, a consultation service for special needs students and their parents, to help families navigate life after senior year. Debra’s daughter Lindsey who lives with a rare chromosomal abnormality, grew up in the public school system with IEPs and an abundance of support offered through the school district. As Lindsey faced the transition to adulthood after graduation, her mother, Debra, went to great lengths to ensure Lindsey had everything she needed to experience an autonomous and fruitful adult experience.
“As your child is leaving, a new child is coming in,” explains Freed about the public school system. “ h igh schools can’t follow your child for the rest of his or her life.”
That’s where Adult Independent Services comes in. Debra formed the
organization in the Summer of 2022 to extend her knowledge and experiences to other special needs families in the area. She works alongside the families and schools to communicate the realities of life after high school, what options are available to them, and how to access state-funded agency support.
“I sit with the schools to help make their jobs easier,” shares Freed. “I am a trampoline for when families of special needs children walk out into the real world. As a mom who has done it, I’ve sat on both sides of the table, and I know what it’s like on the other side.”
Lindsey, who is now 25 years old, lives independently in supervised living. She maintains a job with the help of a job coach, goes to regular therapy, and enjoys horseback riding in her spare time.
Debra’s commitment to helping other families experience a transition into adulthood, and her heart for students with special needs led her to launch her consultation business last year. Adult Independent Services’ mission is to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with the question, “What will the future look like for my loved ones once they age out of the school system?”
Debra helps make the answer to that question a little easier and the transition a little bit smoother.
Contact Debra and learn more at www.adultindependentservices.com.
tertainment, churches, and housing into the early 1900s. Many of those structures are still standing today.
By Elisa Jo Eagan
In honor of my grandfather, William Joseph Eagan, Jr., who was born on Saint Patrick's Day March 17, 1887:
My pop pop was the oldest son of William Joseph Eagan, Sr., and Caroline W. Eagan.
My great grandfather was a Philadelphia fireman who owned and operated a livery service, also known as a horse and carriage business in Philadelphia.
The Atlantic Beach Boardwalk was completed in 1870. By the late 1800s, Atlantic City had become an ideal place to invest in real estate, creating a development boom in beachfront hotels, boardwalk attractions, en -
In the 1870s my great grandparents, Caroline and William, Sr., began to visit and enjoy Atlantic City frequently. They fell in love with each other and everything about Atlantic City.
They brought with them their four children: Anne, the oldest daughter; their son (my grandfather) William, Jr., daughter Olive, and youngest son Edward, to enjoy the beach and the boardwalk.
They were pioneers of a development revolution. With faith in God and great passion and vision, they invested their time, talent and treasure in real estate in the early days of "The World's Playground."
Anne, Edward and Olive made Atlantic City their full-time home around 1919. Their real estate busi -
ness grew, owning numerous properties on Florida Avenue and the Boardwalk, Stenton Place, Montpelier Avenue and Arctic Avenue until my great grandmother's death in 1955.
She almost made it to age 100. I am grateful for her inspiration and her legacy, which lives on in me. My grandfather, William Joseph Eagan, Jr., was a harvard graduate
with a degree in finance and an Army veteran of World War I.
In the days of Prohibition, he worked at the famous Babette’s Supper Club in Atlantic City for Nucky Johnson in the height of the "Boardwalk Empire” era. h e and my grandmother, Edna Mae Gouck Washburn, met at The ritz in the late 1920s, a love that lasted until the day Pop Pop died on Leap Day, Feb. 29, 1968.
My great grandmother Caroline, a true inspiration, was a staunch Irish roman Catholic and a prayer warrior. She was grateful, proud and considered it an honor and a blessing that her son, William Jr., was born on Saint Patrick's Day.
Tragically her younger son, Edward, who was in seminary to be -
come a priest, was killed in a train accident.
Through her heartbreak and her steadfast faith, she was inspired to devote herself and invest in the building of the Catholic churches in Atlantic City, and to assist in sponsoring young women to come from the Eagan Family hometown of Tipperary, Ireland, to Atlantic City to live, work, marry and raise their families for a better life here in the United States of America.
I am pleased to know that one of these fine women is the mother of my dear friend Msgr. William hodge, who shared this with me recently.
happy h eavenly Birthday to you,
my dear pop pop, William Joseph Eagan, Jr. We love you and miss you. An Irish blessing to each and everyone on this Saint Patrick's Day and always.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
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!"
Once again, the Philadelphia Flower Show dazzled and inspired first-time guests and return garden enthusiasts alike as the event returned to the great indoors after a two-year hiatus. This year’s theme “The Garden Electric”, held March 4 - 12, featured bold-colored flowers and lights throughout the interactive exhibits, with expanded displays allowing for a 360-degree view to mimic the feel of being outdoors while immersed in the garden.
For the past two years, the Philadelphia h orticultural Society (PhS) held the flower show outdoors, due to restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic. While holding a flower show outdoors seems fitting for a gardening event, this also subjected the affair to a variety of challenges such as unavoidable weather events of rain and extreme heat. Exhibitors and guests alike welcomed the return of the “Big Show” to the Philadelphia Convention Center. For the first time in the show’s history, organizers tasked several designers with “creating gardens between 2,200 and 2,900 square feet in size, making them the largest gardens ever displayed at the event,” according to the Philadelphia horticultural Society.
Attendees were welcomed into the show with a magical entrance garden designed to create a sense of mystery and intrigue as they were surrounded with music, flowers, and colorful changing lights from below and above. Below, an explosion of scents and colorful flowers and lights delighted the senses, while a look up above was rewarded with a dizzying display of suspended kokedama (moss balls) filled with ornamental plants such as orchids, succulents, and exotic flowers hanging amid changing lights.
Continuing on through to the exhibits, organizers of the flower show adopted the concept of a winding
promenade path, created to give visitors a close-up view of the flowers and displays. Garden and landscape designers wowed guests with their own interpretation of “The Garden Electric” theme. From peaceful landscapes to over-the-top floral designs, attendees of the flower show could take home memorable and inspiring ideas to implement in their own gardens.
Among the more memorable exhibits was a collaboration of Irwin Landscaping and Prairie Wind, which caught everyone’s eye with the focal point of a large black urn overflowing with colorful exotic plants in the middle of a fountain. This was a part of a larger scene that included a stream and long pathway bordered by planted flowers and also featured a wrought iron, birdhouse-style gazebo, complete with a glass-floral chandelier and seating.
Another eye-catching display, full of whimsy with a touch of grace, was a display from a team from the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD). Designers dressed mannequins with ballerina tutus in shades of pink using carnations and tulle. This was part of a larger exhibit where each artist was tasked with creating a display using a different monochromatic color scheme, resulting in very imaginative and impactful presentations.
Of course, South Jersey’s own, Waldor Orchids of Linwood, gave an out of this world performance with their display entitled, “I look to the
h eavens”. This exhibit featured a satellite dish filled with orchids as well as a color-changing spaceship, a spinning lunar lander, and astronaut helmets overflowing with orchids. Their award-winning displays never disappoint.
After viewing major exhibits, smaller garden displays, gardening presentations, and demonstrations, attendees could venture to the marketplace to bring a little taste of the flower show home. Vendors sold live plants, cut flowers, soaps, candles, jewelry, food, and an unlimited amount of other garden-related art and goods. You could even testdrive a heated sauna filled with the scent of lavender wafting through the air. After shopping and a bite to eat, visitors could stop by the bloom bar to fashion a flower crown (which seemed all the rage of attendees) or walk through the live butterfly habitat, a fan-favorite.
If the lines were too long on the first lap around, you could make a second attempt to view the exhibit by ILLExotics, who won the “Best in Show Cup - Landscape”, for their
exhibit called “Studio Exotica”, a Studio-54-inspired nightclub taken over by tropical plants and greenery, complete with a floral DJ and dancers. Another long line led to the popular display called, “Eye Candy” by Schaffer Designs of Philadelphia. Inside the exhibit, visitors walked by glass showcases of floral “confections” such as cakes, donuts, and candy that looked good enough to eat. They were then led to a display of eye-catching, fashion-forward, sassy mannequins bedecked in flower dresses or flower-bowl heads, earning Schaffer Designs the silver trophy for floral design.
You never know what can happen at the flower show. On Tuesday afternoon of the show, applause arose as surprised passersby became the happy witnesses to the engagement of Julia and Sumeet of Philadelphia. Love was in the air, and the couple had a beautiful backdrop for engagement pictures in the entrance garden, called “Florastruck”. Perhaps the flower show creators may consider renaming it “Lovestruck”?
Started in 1829, the Ph S Philadelphia Flower Show has inspired gardeners for almost 200 years. For those of us longing for spring, it’s a fun way to get through the last few weeks of winter. I just wonder how many gardeners will be inspired to add spinning lunar landers and mannequins to their gardens this year?
Tammy Thornton lives in Linwood with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
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.
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.
Focal point of display by Irwin Landscaping and Prairie Wind Stunning floral design, Philadelphia Flower Show 2023There are some really fun entertainment happenings in our area in the next couple weeks. Get your tickets because these acts are known to sell out. Be safe and have fun everyone. Oh, and feel free to tag me in some photos or videos if you attend one of these events.
ATLANTIC COUNTY
Who: The Journey - Freedom Tour 2023
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
When: Friday, March 17 Time: 7:30 p.m.
Website: www.Boardwalkhall.com
Journey is making a stop on the Freedom Tour 2023 to Jim Whelan Boardwalk h all Friday night, with special guest ToTo. This is a great
opportunity to hear all of their global chart-topping hits.
Who: New Edition with Keith Sweat, Guy and Special Guest Tank
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
When: Saturday, March 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Website: www.Boardwalkhall.com
Grammy nominated multi platinum r&B group New Edition will make a stop on their Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat, Guy and Special guest Tank.
What: The Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Where: resorts Starlight room
When: Saturday, March 18 Time: 5-8 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Website: www. resortsAC.com
Your favorite ladies of the 1980s are back and are inviting you to their party. But the women uncover something deadly, so who could the killer be? You will help solve this mystery. It’ll be a lot of fun, but quick note, this is not a dinner event. You can purchase cocktails, but for dining, grab a bite prior in one of the hotel’s award-winning eateries.
What: St. Patrick’s Day Seafood Buffet - All You Can Eat
Where: Showboat hotel resort
When: Saturday, March 18
Time: 2-10 p.m.
Website: www.PCEventServices.com
This pop-up, all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is back for St. Patrick’s Day, but the best part is, they will also have some traditional Irish fare such as Corned Beef, Bangers and Mash, Shepherd's Pie, boiled dinner and so much more. Plus live music by classic Irish bands and beer and drink specials.
Who: An Evening with KC and the Sunshine Band Where: Bally’s
When: Saturday, March 25
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.BallysAC.com
KC and the Sunshine band will have you movin’ and groovin’ with their decades of chart topping hits. This is their 50th Anniversary Tour, so get ready to shake your booty!
CAPE MAY COUNTY
What: The Wildwoods Spring Wedding Expo
Where: Wildwood Convention Center
When: Sunday, March 19
Time: noon - 4 p.m.
Tickets: FrEE
Website: www.WildwoodsWeddings.com
This wedding expo is the largest in South Jersey and the best part is, it’s FrEE. Find everything you need to plan for your big day, from venues to photographers, florists and salons, and entertainment to fashion. You’ll find it all at this expo. Plus brides and grooms can participate in fun contests to win free prizes.
What: Local Talent Night
Where: End of the road Theater, North Cape May
When: Thursday, March 23
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: www.EndoftheroadTheater.com
Comedian Jeff Sharkey will host a local talent night with a great lineup of comedy, music, poetry, storytelling and more. The best part is, the admission cost is “pay as you wish” and it’s a BYOB venue, so come out and support local talent.
Who: Chaka Khan
Where: Tropicana
When: Saturday, March 25
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.TropicanaAC.com
Ten time Grammy award winner Chaka Khan is going to sing her top hits on the stage at Tropicana, but tickets sell out fast, so if you want to see this dynamic diva at her 8 p.m. show, check Tropicana’s website for ticket info and details.
Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!
The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman
Winter is drawing to a close. Will your equipment be able to keep up if the summer is abnormally warm like winter was?
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● 1 cup of brown lentils
● 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
● 3 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable stock
● 2 teaspoons of herbs de Provence
● 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Onions are considered one of the world's healthiest foods. They are considered to be healing and therapeutic. Onions are loaded with plant chemicals like flavonoids, which have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
When consumed regularly in sufficient amounts, these compounds may help protect against chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes.
Onions contain quercetin, vitamins B and C, and potassium. The presence of potassium makes the onion beneficial to those trying to lower blood pressure. Onions are a heart-friendly root vegetable that offers beneficial anti-bacterial properties.
You may find this recipe in my cookbook, “Nancy’s r ecipes for Life,” available at my Linwood office location and Capellas Oil and Vinegar Store in Ocean City.
Ingredients:
● 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil
● 1 large onion, chopped
● 1 leek (white area) chopped, no bulb or leaves
● 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
● Cracked black pepper to taste
● 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
Directions:
h eat over medium heat in a large pot, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.
Add chopped leek, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in lentils and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, vegetable stock, and all herbs and spices. Cover and bring to a rapid boil for about 5 minutes.
Turn down the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring it occasionally until the lentils are soft.
Set about 2/3 of the soup aside to cool down.
Once cooled, process until smooth in a blender or food processor and return to the soup pot. For more “liquidy” soup, process all. For more chunky soup, process less.
Garnish with extra cilantro, and enjoy!
This recipe makes 5 servings.
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
Armando Christian Perez, known as Pitbull publicly, is an American singer/rapper specializing in Latin pop music.
Pitbull dominated the Billboard charts throughout the past two decades. h is hits include ‘Fireball,’ ‘Timber,’ ‘On the Floor,’ and ‘Feel This Moment.’ h e has collaborated with tens of music icons, such as Jennifer Lopez, Lil Jon, Pharrell Williams, and Bad Bunny.
‘Mr. Worldwide,’ as his fans call him, covers topics in his tracks revolving around romantic flings, living in the moment, and partying hard in Miami.
Pitbull had the sold-out crowd in party mode and dancing at his performance at hard rock h otel and Casino on March 10th.
By Krystle J Bailey
Marte King, the creator of the Ph Balanced 21-Day Lifestyle, is spreading knowledge, health, and hydration across South Jersey.
At 52 years old and in peak mental and physical health, Marte is determined to make the rest of his life the best years yet, capturing the healthy life experiences he missed out on in his youth. In addition to creating a healthy lifestyle for himself, he is using his experiences and wealth of knowledge to help improve the life and well-being of everyone he comes in contact with.
The Ph Balanced Lifestyle is centered around the products and services that helped Marte improve his health, heal himself from the effects of diabetes and other health issues, and ultimately transform his life. hydration is the core component
of Marte’s system. Not just hydration from any water, though. his Ph -balanced, alkaline water uses molecular hydrogen to serve as a super antioxidant in the body. This same Ph -balanced water is used in the production of his line of products, including juices, teas, coffee, medicinal mushrooms, and sea moss.
“Many of the ailments that we have are really signs of chronic dehydration,” explains King. “Top of the list when it comes to health is making sure that we are properly hydrated.”
In addition to the alkaline water that Marte produces, his mobile hydration station is equipped to offer the delivery of hydrogen in liquid, gas, and electrical forms, including a foot detox experience that draws out toxins from the body. All of the Ph -Balanced Lifestyle healing modalities are centered around the delivery of hydrogen molecules to the body to support detoxification and hydration.
The journey to healthy living that Marte offers focuses on creating one new habit at a time. his tagline,
“Think, Drink, and Eat to Live,” represents the mindset and lifestyle that he encourages for his clients. Once clients are on board and properly hydrated, Marte works with each person to create a sustainable lifestyle that includes his custom 21-Minute h IIT workout and learning how to eat for life. h e also offers acoustic shock wave therapy that aids in pain relief and the release of visceral fat in the body.
“Whatever you believe is true. If you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right,” explains King. “I want to work with people who believe they can be better. I love to help heal people without drugs, based on things that I used for myself.”
When Marte isn’t sharing the gift of hydration, he spends his time mentoring young men who come from the same trials and tribulations that he has faced. Through his Alfa Academy program, he helps young men get access to the tools they need to start new businesses and create a healthy, happy path toward success and entrepreneurship.
To start your journey to a healthier, properly hydrated life, contact Marte King at www.phbalancealfa. com, www.facebook.com/phbalance9.5 , and on Instagram at @ DoctaMarteKing.
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
November 12, 1929—September 14, 1982
saturday - sunday
MARCH
25 & 26
Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Streets sales, specials & demos
By Fred Miller
Grace Kelly spent every summer from 1930 to 1950 at her family’s house on the corner of 26th Wesley Avenue. During the 1950s, she was known around the world.
On March 24, 1993, the United States and Monaco issued a stamp honoring Grace Kelly. On the American version she was called Grace Kelly; Princess Grace on the version issued in Monaco. The United States Postal Service advertised “Capture her majesty at your post office today” when it issued the stamp.
March 24, 7pm
Ocean City Yacht Club
100 Bay Road
Doors open at 6:30pm Lite Fare and Refreshments
$35 per person
Limited seating.
Tickets available at the Welcome Centers, or online at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice
For the schedule of fun events call (609) 399-1412 or visit oceancityvacation.com, Facebook/DowntownOCNJ
Ocean City and producers
B r E Presents and Bob r ose Productions announced two new shows in the 30th anniversary season of the popular Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Bruce hornsby & the Noisemakers (June 26) and The rascals (June 27) will be part of an exceptional anniversary season.
Since winning a Grammy award as Best New Artist in 1987 with hits like “The Way It Is,” hornsby has had a diverse career with his own bands, as a
solo artist, and collaborating with other artists, such as the Grateful Dead and ricky Skaggs. The rascals are rock and roll hall of Fame members who had a string of No. 1 hits in the 1960s, including “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” and “People Got to Be Free.”
Tickets for these shows go on sale through Ticketmaster on Thursday, March 16 (rascals) and Friday, March 17 (Bruce h ornsby). A limited number of tickets for the shows will be available through the Music Pier Box Office later in the spring.
The Summer Concert Series features a lineup of rock and popular music concerts typically on Monday and Tuesday nights at the Ocean City Music Pier. Look for new show announcements in the coming weeks.
The current lineup includes:
Get The Led Out
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, June 19 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
Keb' Mo'
Ocean City Music Pier
Tuesday, June 20 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
Bruce hornsby & The Noisemakers
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, June 26 – 7 p.m.
On sale Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m.
The rascals
Ocean City Music Pier
Tuesday, June 27 – 7 p.m.
On sale Thursday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
Kenny G
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, July 10 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
Southside Johnny & The Asbury
Jukes
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, July 17 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
Aimee Mann (plus Jonathan Coulton)
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, July 31 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, August 21 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Bad All Over The World – 50 Years
of rock
Ocean City Music Pier
Monday, August 28 – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 29 – 7 p.m.
On sale now
The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return to its new location, the Ocean City Yacht Club, on Friday, March 24, 2023, and tickets are on sale now.
The annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments catered by Ocean City restaurants. The Fashion Show kicks off a long weekend of shopping, dining and class activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.
reigning Miss New Jersey Augostina Mallous will be emcee for the show. Mallous, 20, of Cape May Court house, currently attends h ofstra University, where she majors in journalism and minors in dance.
She began performing at age three when her mother signed her up for dance classes, and she danced competitively for 14 years on Jersey Cape Dance’s Competition Team. Growing up and working in her family’s diner, she learned the value of hospitality and service at a young age.
Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, prizes, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses by visiting the Facebook event page or calling 609-399-1412.
Tickets for the Fashion Show are $35 each and available now at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets.
GI r LS WEEKEND FAS h ION Sh OW TICKETS ON SALEreds with higher acidity, such as Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, have structures typically described as complex and layered.
By David SetleyWine is comprised of four major components: tannins, residual sugar (dryness/sweetness), alcohol, and acidity. There is much confusion among wine consumers as to the source of acid and what it adds to the wine. Let’s take a deep dive into this topic. Tartaric, malic, and citric acid are the primary acids present in wine. In the Northern hemisphere, grapes begin their journey to maturity in March or April, at the stage known as ‘bud break’. Depending on the growing region, the level of acid present in the grape at this time is sky-high and the sugar level is extremely low. The acid level drops and the sugar level increases through each stage: as grape clusters start to develop (fruit set), when the grape becomes plump and red grapes start to show their color (veraison), through to the harvest (le vendange). Warmer climate varietals with a late harvest, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandels, yield relatively low-acidity wines, while early harvest varietals in cooler climates, such as riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir, have relatively high levels of acidity. More on this later.
On the acid (ph) scale, all wines fall on the acidic side (low ph). For some perspective, water is neutral at a p h of 7; coffee comes in between 4.5 and 5, and cola soft drinks are even more acidic with a ph of ~2.5. The lowest-acid red wines have a p h of about 4, and the highest-acid whites have a ph of about 3. higher-acid wines, in general, are more frequently considered ‘age-worthy’ wines. Although white wines are not often considered for aging, the higher acidity in varietals such as Chardonnay or even riesling allows these wines to age up to 10 years. however, the most important benefit of acidity in wine is the flavor it adds. In both white and red varietals, acidity adds a level of tartness to the wine’s flavor, often described as crispness or brightness. Just as in cooking, balance in flavor is often a winemakers’ goal. have you heard the culinary term ‘agrodolce’? In effect, it means a combination of sweet and sour. In white wines particularly, the acidic flavor component adds a complexity of tartness to what may otherwise be a relatively sweet wine. This is why wines such as riesling or Sauvignon Blanc may have the aroma of sweetness but a flavor that is more on the tart side. In red wines, acidity helps to balance tannins in the flavor of the wine. This is why some red wines with lower acidity, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel have flavor structures and a mouthfeel described as round or smooth.
Now for the acid test. Take a nice sip of whatever wine you have close by and move the drink around your mouth (tongue, gums, pallet) before you swallow. If the sides of your tongue are stimulated and you are salivating, you are likely drinking a wine with higher acidity. A high-acid wine, just like a lemon, tends to make you pucker. remember, all wines are on the acidic side of the ph scale as compared to water. The differences are relative. The easiest way to notice differences is through a side-by-side comparison between two wines, one of lower acidity and one of higher.
A white wine that is traditionally relatively low in acidity is Gewurztraminer. My wife’s reminder on how to pronounce this wine is “girls are meaner” – no offense intended to my female readers! I like the Gewurz from the Domaine Barmes-Buecher in the Alsace region of France. Our higher-acidity contestant is also from the Alsace: the Pierre Sparr riesling. For your comparison, first taste the Gewurztraminer; then try the riesling. Do you notice how the riesling makes you pucker and salivate and might be described as more fresh, or crisp, than the Gewurztraminer? hello, acidity!
Next, red wines, both from the United States. For a lower-acid wine, pick up the Cha-
teau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley in Washington State. For our higher-acid contestant, try the A to Z Wineworks Winery Oregon Pinot Noir. Both are aged in neutral oak barrels and have smooth tannins. On to the acid test. The Pinot Noir should make you salivate more and, although the tannins in both stimulate the back of your tongue, notice how the sides of your tongue are more affected by the Pinot Noir.
I hope this short discussion on acid has given you a bit more understanding of this complicated wine term. As always, if you have questions or comments, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop the Somers Point store. Until next time, happy Wining!
Business Beat
By Keith DawnMany consumers don’t understand the amount of work that goes into running a business. And I’m not just talking about the daily operations. The real work is behind the scenes with planning, financing, raising capital, marketing and advertising to name a few. Without developing a strong foundation from the beginning, a well-intentioned business can struggle.
While dealing with hundreds of small businesses, I’ve learned that if you miss key ingredients, it can be detrimental to success. One area that many businesses never develop or improve as competitors enter the landscape is a Market Dominating Position.
You might be unique, but it won't matter to your customers unless it's a hot-button issue for them. A Market Dominating Position is basically a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) or distinctive advantage targeting the hot buttons of your market. This is the foundational element of marketing. A powerful Market Dominating Position can increase a business's revenue by as much as 50% to 75%. Let me give you an example: have you ever met a real estate agent? When you ask them what they do, they say, "I'm a real estate agent." When you hear that, it's not impressive or compelling at all. It makes you think, "So what?" What if they said, "I help families buy homes larger
than they thought they could afford." Or "I sell homes within 60 days or I sell them for free." If you were looking to buy or sell a home, would that be more compelling than someone who states what everyone else says? That's what a Market Dominating Position is supposed to do.
Businesses are established in response to market demand for a product or service. however, what happens when that demand slows and the competition sets up shop with a “new and improved” version of your product down the road? h ow do you keep your offering fresh while growing and maintaining your customer base? The answer, innovate your business and offer extraordinary value by creating a Market Dominating Position. So now ask yourself what, if anything, makes your business different from your competitors as perceived by your targeted prospects and customers? For the vast majority of businesses that answer is price. So then consider today’s top selling companies. have you bought a cup of coffee lately at Starbucks? According to their latest data, their typical customer spends between $6.00 to $11.00 on every visit. That’s around four times higher than most of their competition.
Obviously, low prices aren't the driving force here. These top selling companies have developed a specific and targeted Market Dominating Position. For Starbucks, it’s delicious hand-crafted beverages which they claim is the secret to making life better.
When you create your own Market Dominating Position, you will consistently get businesses and individuals to choose your business over your competitors.
But what exactly is a Market Dominating Position? “It’s simply any value-added customer perceived benefit, or a combination of benefits, that differentiates you from your competitors; and does so in a strong enough manner that it makes your business the logical choice in the minds of your prospects and customers.”
Another example, a dry cleaner that offers pick-up and delivery would be the only logical choice for any prospect or customer that values convenience. This simple distinction represents a Market Dominating Position.
The key is to create added value in everything you do. Prospects and customers DON’T buy based on price. They buy based on the value they receive for the price they pay. (read that again). Like all other elements in your marketing toolkit, added value is designed to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
If you don’t revisit the value you offer, then over time your customers will be drawn to your competitor who consistently innovates their business so they offer exceptional value that you don’t.
Everyone can add value to their business. The key is determining what your customers and target market perceive as valuable. You
must understand their needs, wants, troubles and in- conveniences in order to entice them with solutions through added value products or services. Adding value will also add to your profits, but if you don’t focus on genuinely helping your clients you’ll have a difficult time attracting them.
Added value works for both product and service-based businesses. If you offer a service like hairstyling, try treating your customers by offering them a latte while they wait, or complimentary shampoo samples or a free conditioning treatment with every sixth visit. If you sell a product, consider offering convenience services like free shipping or delivery to make the customer’s experience a seamless one. The customer will feel appreciated and their needs will have been taken care of.
Until next time, here’s to your success!
Keith is a seasoned media executive and former publisher for The Press of Atlantic City.
Keith is now a business coach/ advisor and CEO of his own consulting firm called Strategic Growth Partners. He’s passionate about helping businesses grow. He can be reached at keith. dawn@sgpCoach.com or you can visit his website for more detailed information at https://www.sgpcoach.com.
Recently, I spent some time at Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy in the Petersburg section of Upper Township. As I stepped onto the soil of the sprawling 16 acres of land that is the only Grade A Dairy farm in South Jersey, I instantly felt at home. This is especially surprising because home for me is usually a salty ocean mist and views of the back bay. I don’t know if it was the herd of dogs running past me as I entered the gates, the soft echo of bleating newborn lambs or being greeted by an old friend, but I was home.
This is precisely what Bill and Barbara Simmerman, the hardworking duo behind Misty Meadow, were aiming for when they moved back to New Jersey several years ago after realizing they were not the “retiring in Florida” type. Since opening their post-retirement labor of love, they have worked relentlessly to make their dream of having
a haven for families (theirs and yours) to gather, learn about the dairy process, and spend much-needed time reconnecting with nature. They do this in all sorts of different ways, but my personal favorite is their Lamb Camp.
During a lamb camp session, each paid camper gets to care for a newborn lamb—everything from keeping them company and cleaning them to bottle-feeding.
The dairy just ended their first lamb camp weekend, which runs Fridays – Sundays from March 18th through May 14th and is $25 per one-hour session.
Things to keep in mind if you’d like to sign up for Lamb Camp:
● Visitors are required to wash their hands after touching livestock.
● Sessions are held in an outdoor ‘hoop’ barn (think an outdoor barn with a large arched ceiling) so make sure to wear closed-toed shoes.
● Ages five and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Only one adult/guardian will be allowed to accompany each paid camper.
● Easter break sessions are available April 11–13.
● Sunday 4pm times are reserved for 13 years and older only
● registration is available in advance at mistymeadowsheepdairy.com
In addition to the fantastic cheese and ice cream they regularly make and sell in their retail store, Misty Meadow Sheep and Dairy Farm is having a special event, Celebration of the Lambs/ Wool Fiber Art on Sunday, April 2 from
10a.m. - 4p.m. There will be a wide selection of vendors, food, drinks, beer, live music, pony rides, along with lamb camps, lamb selfies, & hayrides to the Easter egg field! As always visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic tables, playground and petting zoo.
I had such a good time during my short visit to the farm. It felt almost as if I was on a mini-vacation because I left feeling rejuvenated and calm in a way I’ve only felt after taking a respite from everyday life, and I can’t thank them enough for that
For more information on the dairy, petting zoo, barn rentals, outstanding selection of fresh cheese, and more, please visit their website mistymeadowsheepdairy.com or give them a call at (609) 701-0478
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
went home to his wife with an idea.
“Let’s put tacos in The Exchange,” Mike said.
randi didn’t think it was a crazy idea.
By Scott CronickMike and r andi Talley are two of the hardest working people you will find in the local restaurant industry.
Whenever you go to their restaurant, TacocaT in Margate, or see their food truck at an event or festival, the Talleys – usually with other family members – are there.
And while there is no question that the longtime couple earned every bit of their success, they also know they are also a bit lucky … how appropriate on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
The first bit of luck started when a location at The Exchange in Linwood became available. Mike, who was working there as a manager for the former Ernest & Sons location there,
“I think if you can envision how something can work, then I am not nervous about it,” she said. “And I could really envision how it would flow, where we would get the staff, how the kitchen would operate and how we would be efficient. So, I thought it was a great idea, and I also knew we didn’t have a lot of risk.”
Since the space already had most of the kitchen in place, it took about two months to develop the Cali-Mex menu, and a new taco place would open in December 2018 on the mainland. But what would it be called?
“My stepdaughter Sierra presented TacocaT to me, and we were like, ‘ h uh?,’” Mike said. “We went to the designer and started messing with the name, and he flipped that second C around, and it just clicked. It’s a conversation piece because it’s a palindrome (a word that is the same backward and forward). I didn’t even know what a palindrome was.”
“We were banging our heads about how this name could be cool, and in five minutes the designer flipped the C and we were done,” laughs randi. “Now, we hear customers arguing about the name. When you look at the logo, the O is in the middle, so people think it’s Taco Taco, and others get that it’s TacocaT. I don’t care what they call it as long as it is recognizable, and they argue about it publicly.”
“Two weeks before we opened, I had anxiety,” Mike said. “I opened a lot of places before, but this was ours!”
Those worries ceased when the mainland quickly embraced the superb tacos, nachos and other California-inspired Mexican cuisine TacocaT offered.
The Talleys were content, until …
The biggest piece of luck came from a regular customer, local legend
r obert h ammerschlag, who has since passed. The former Downbeach Deli owner loved TacocaT’s food - especially the soup – but he loved something more: The Talleys’ work ethic.
In March 2019, h ammerschlag approached the Talleys to take over the small takeout space attached to Downbeach Deli with picnic tables under a pavilion that formerly housed a barbecue concept and some other concepts. he wanted to TacocaT there for that summer. It was already April.
“I said there is no way I can do that by summer,” Mike said. “ h e said, ‘I like what you guys do here. I always see the two of your working here. I am going to wait for you. I am not going to rent it this summer.’”
The trio came to an agreement in October to open in May 2020, but as we all know, the pandemic hit that March, initially causing the Talleys to question their decision to open a second location.
“We thought we were going to lose our business,” Mike said. “But our new point of sales system allowed us to do online ordering, and all of a sudden we are hustling.”
Yes, the pandemic actually helped businesses that specialized in takeout like TacocaT. After seeing the rush in Linwood, they decided to go ahead with Margate.
“Our model is to look for a turnkey kitchen and something that fits our production needs and outfitted with the right equipment, and the Margate location had most of that, but I had to go to our accountant for several thousand dollars. h e said, ‘Can I ask what it’s for?’ And I told him I wanted to open a restaurant in Margate, and I wanted to open tomorrow because our model was so good in Linwood during the pandemic. And he said, ‘Are you sure?’ And I was so sure!”
The Talleys’ hunch paid off. When they opened in May 2020, there was a line down the street and an hour wait to get food. People weren’t even allowed to eat at the outdoor tables because of COVID restrictions, but that didn’t stop customers from coming. TacocaT Margate opened on a Wednesday, and it ran out of food by Friday and had to close for the weekend.
↘Continued on 42
“We had a meeting and knew we had to figure this out, and we did,” Mike said. “We knew that on the downbeach, you have one chance: They either love you and tell everyone, or they hate you and tell everyone.”
Fortunately, the former happened as TacocaT impressed the finicky downbeach audience, making the Talleys reconsider if they should have two locations. After operating both for four months, they decided to concentrate on Margate.
“It was a good thing to focus on Margate,” said Mike, who closed the Linwood location right before Labor Day of 2020. “I loved The Exchange. That’s where the idea started, but when it came to numbers, we knew where we should be.”
“As much as we love the idea of expansion and multiple locations, we are cautious,” randi added. “We want to be there as owners/operators.” realizing the potential, the Talleys approached hammerschlag to renegotiate their lease so they could operate year round, something they didn’t even initially consider. h e agreed, and the rest is history … with some of that luck!
“We got lucky robert found us and knew we were hard workers,” Mike said. “And we grinded for that first
year and haven’t looked back. I tell everyone we got lucky. It changed our lives. If robert didn’t find us because he didn’t come to The Exchange to get his soup or whatever … I tell everyone we got lucky, but we also work our butts off and have a staff that works hard.”
It also might be a little luck the Talleys got together in the first place.
The two met when they both worked at harrah’s Casino more than 20 years ago. Mike, a sous chef in the coffeeshop, met randi from food and beverage when she was sent there to fix issues they were having.
“It was not love at first sight,” randi explained. “I was sent in like a cleaner, to tighten things up and see what was going on. For him, it was like an ‘Uh oh, here she comes!’ moment.”
Eventually, the two connected, most likely because opposites attract.
“She was always the Type A personality, and I am the Type Whatever,” said Talley, an Academy of Culinary Arts graduate at Atlantic Cape who went on to work at Chef Vola, The Claridge, h arrah’s and more. “She keeps me on point, and we work together 24/7, but it’s a great relationship. She’s smart at everything, but she pushes me to another level with this business.”
randi, a Stockton University grad, learned the ropes in the casino biz for 32 years, mostly working for harrah’s, Caesars and Bally’s in a wide array of jobs from valet parker to hostess to human resources to food and beverage and some more in between before landing at the former Sugar h ouse Casino in Philadelphia – now rivers – as Vice President of Operations.
“Sometimes, it’s all about timing,” randi said. “You know how casinos are turning over executive teams frequently, and when Mike came to me with this idea, I was recently severanced out of Sugar h ouse for a new team. I was thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’ I have never not worked. And when he came to me, I always say, bet on yourself, and we did! It’s hard working with someone you live with 24/7, but our skill sets are different, and we need each other to be successful, and that’s where we lucked out.”
There’s that luck again.
If you ever had TacocaT, you would think Mike has been slinging tacos his whole life. Not the case. In fact, his trial and error for the menu started after inviting friends over for a house party to taste test his creations.
“I always liked high-volume restau -
rants and good, fresh food that can be prepared quickly,” Mike said. “I love steakhouses and all of that, but I like quick food done well. And I thought this area really needed something like this. You can be pretty creative with tacos. Whatever we do is executed quickly. I can’t be braising stuff for 24 hours. I don’t want people waiting 45 minutes for food. I want to get that food out in 10 minutes.”
Talley does not sacrifice quality for quickness. Every ingredient is made fresh daily, including all of the proteins – ground beef, chicken jerk chicken, pork al pastor, ahi tuna, mahi, shrimp, scallops and more - sauces, even the popular hand-rolled Philadelphia cheesesteak eggrolls, one of the bar items TacocaT Margate brought over from The Exchange because of their popularity. Other popular apps include fried truffle Brussels sprouts, loaded fries and wings, including their signature sweet and spicy rum and cola wings, which won them honors at Atlantic City Wing Wars. Their most recent wings, a habanero concoction perfected by their cook Dougie, won the Damn, Those Wings are h ot trophy at this year’s Wing Fest.
TacocaT has evolved from six or seven tacos and a few items to a dozen tacos, about 10 different Fat Cat burritos that live up to their name, quesadillas, nachos and even a couple
of fried seafood platters. And don’t sleep on the queso … it’s the best in the area!
“In the beginning we didn’t even have burritos until someone asked me to make them one,” Mike said. “Now, we play with specials like an octopus taco or wild mushroom taco … all of them are unique. We make everything in house and fresh.”
One of the interesting offerings is jackfruit, a vegetarian suggestion from Sierra, a registered dietician.
“I compare it to tofu because it doesn’t have flavor until you give it flavor, but it has this stringy pork texture,” randi said. “The first time I tried it was because we made a mistake making an order, and I couldn’t believe how delicious it was.”
Make sure you also take home one of TacocaT’s bottled sauces – Feline Spicy (hot pepper sauce), Don’t Be a Pussy Cat (a scorching ghost habanero pepper sauce), Meow-Ch That’s hot (pepper sauce) and Scorched Paws (a garlic-parm Jersey jerk sauce).
Most people have probably seen the big TacocaT food truck at an area festival or event. The most recent addition to the TacocaT family goes by the name of Kitty Cat, and it has been a huge lift for TacocaT’s business, enabling them to be mobile for
catering, parties, events and festivals, including the upcoming Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival.
But the Talleys don’t seem like they are done.
“Knowing the type of person I am, plus how hard our team works and how great they are, we will be ready for expansion sooner than later,” randi said. “I am looking for the next location. We are one true family here. Without our team, we couldn’t do this.” hopefully, luck will continue to be on their side.
(TacocaT is located at 8 S. Essex Ave., Margate. Call 609-246-6973 or go to Tacocatsouthjersey.com)
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.
11
ed to return for another year. … “I ain’t (bleeping) done yet!”
Graham, the team's first-round draft pick in 2010, is already Philadelphia's longest-tenured current pro athlete. h e will be beginning his 14th season with the Eagles, tying Chuck Bednarik (194962) for the most seasons played with the team.
By David Weinberg
The Eagles are keeping their leaders for at least one more season.
Defensive end Brandon Graham and center Jason Kelce both agreed to terms on one-year contracts that will keep them in midnight green.
Graham likely could have landed a bigger contract with another franchise during free agency. But it was more important to him - and to the Eagles - to stay in Philadelphia.
As a result, he has agreed to terms on a one-year deal last week that will be worth up to $6 million, according to ESPN.com.
"It wasn't even about no money," Graham told ESPN.com. "It was more about wanting to be an Eagle as long as I could still play at a high level, and of course I still have a sour taste in my mouth on how things ended this year."
Kelce has been contemplating retirement for a few years, but announced on Monday that he will be back for his 13th season.
“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” Kelce wrote on Twitter. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decid -
The 34-year-old has played 178 games with the Eagles, which puts him in position to break former place-kicker David Akers' franchise record of 188. Kelce is just behind Graham with 176 games.
Such longevity is indeed rare in Philadelphia. Consider that Graham and Kelce are among 10 players who have played at least 160 games in Eagle green. Among the other eight, only former tight end Brent Celek (175) and current defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (173) spent their entire careers with the Birds and there is a chance Cox will be playing elsewhere in 2023.
Loyalty typically is not rewarded, even if you're among the best players in franchise history at your position. Safety Brian Dawkins signed with Denver after 13 seasons and 183 games. Wide receiver harold Carmichael reluctantly joined the Cowboys after 13 seasons and 180 games. Quarterback Donovan McNabb was traded to Washington after 11 years. Defensive end Trent Cole (Indianapolis) and tackle Tra Thomas (Jacksonville) met similar fates after more than a decade with the team.
Eagles general manager howie roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie also deserve credit for recognizing Graham's importance to the team and the community.
I've watched enough episodes of "Dancing with the Stars" - it's my tradeoff for watching sports - to know that it takes two to Tango.
Graham and roseman proved to be the football equivalent of Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke - they won Season 2 of DWTS.
Graham, who turns 35 next month, is one of those rare athletes whose value to a team cannot be measured strictly on the field.
h e is still a productive pass rusherhe registered a career-high 11 sacks this season - but the veteran is also perhaps the team's biggest defensive leader. When he talks, younger players such as Josh Sweat and haason reddick listen.
h e also delivered arguably the biggest defensive play in franchise history in Super Bowl LII.
Nick Foles and "Philly Special" may not have mattered if not for Graham's strip sack of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady that sealed the Eagles' 41-33 victory.
Like six-time Mirror Ball trophy winner Derek hough, Graham has worked well with a variety of partners while mastering a variety of moves.
There figures to be some changes to the defense this season. Cox is among nine veterans slated to become unrestricted free agent next week, including cornerback James Bradberry, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, linebacker T.J.
Edwards and defensive tackle Javon h argrave. According to ESPN, the team has also given cornerback Darius Slay permission to seek a trade.
It helps to have someone who can serve as a steadying influence, in addition to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Graham decided to stick around in hopes of getting back to the Super Bowl after a narrow, 38-35 loss to the Chiefs last month.
I'd be willing to sit through another season of DWTS if it means I can watch the Eagles in Super Bowl LVIII.
rIP richie Kates
The local boxing community just lost another legend.
Former Bridgeton light-heavyweight contender and trainer r ichie Kates passed away Saturday, two months shy of his 70th birthday.
Kates retired after a 14-year career with a record of 44-6 with 23 knockouts. his 44 wins are the most of any boxer from Atlantic, Cape May or Cumberland Counties over the last 60 years. Former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon (Atlantic City) is second with 40 victories. Millville middleweight Thomas LaManna (34-5-1, 13 KOs) will have a chance to take over third place tonight
in a 10-round bout against rahway's Salim Larbi in Orlando, Florida. h e is currently tied with the late Leavander Johnson (34-5-2, 26 KOs), of Atlantic City, who was a former lightweight champ.
richie turned professional when he was 16. he lied about his age and made his debut at a show in Baltimore on Dec. 11, 1969, during his sophomore year at Bridgeton high.
Kates is widely considered the best local fighter to never win a world title. And with respect to Seldon and Johnson, the argument can be made that Kates was the best local fighter, period. he retired from boxing in 1983 at age 30. Although he was still ranked among the top light-heavyweights at the time — he had won five straight fights — Kates
chose to quit after his 50th professional bout, a split decision victory over Jerry Martin on Oct. 26, 1983, at the since-demolished Sands hotel Casino in Atlantic City.
After his fighting days, Kates moved to Vineland and became a trainer. Ironically, he worked Seldon's corner during the former champ's comeback from an eight-year hiatus, guiding him to a 4-1 record in five bouts in the mid-2000's.
Ventnor promoter russell Peltz delivered the heart-breaking news of richie's passing Saturday.
Although he never won a world title, richie's character, dignity, grace and humility made him a champion.
MAAC Attack
Kudos to Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall officials and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for agreeing to bring the MAAC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments back to Atlantic City for the next three years.
Concerns about whether the town could support such a tournament were waylaid last weekend. Loud, raucous crowds showed up to Boardwalk hall to see the Iona University men’s and women’s teams win titles and earn berths in the upcoming NCAA tournament known as March Madness.
Matt “Lightning” Lyall of Atlantic City is picking up where he left off as a professional Muay Thai/ MMA fighter. At 43 years old, Lyall has carved a path for himself in the martial arts world and is known for having “Shins of Steel.”
his fighting journey began at an early age when he was living in the Virgin Islands. As an adopted child from Korea with a small stature, growing up with Scottish parents in the Virgin Islands, Lyall was the target of bullying at a young age.
In true Karate Kid fashion, Lyall learned to fight in the name of self-preservation. While many of his peers were skipping school to participate in typical youth activities, Lyall was learning to defend himself. When he wasn’t fighting, he would cut grass to earn an allowance that he used to buy magazines and books that inspired his love of martial arts.
At 18, Lyall was offered a fighting contract by a sponsor who brought him to New York. When money fell through
and plans changed, Lyall was left in the Bronx to figure out life for himself. After navigating the New York public transportation system, Lyall found himself living with the Guardian Angels organization, which helped him to continue his training. During this time, Lyall turned to kickboxing and began carving his own path in the martial arts world.
h is martial arts list of accolades includes USKBA Super Bantam Weight Kickboxing Champion, PKF Bantam Weight Muay Thai Champion, 2X David Vs. Goliath Muay Thai Champion, 2023 Action Martial Arts hall of Fame, 2x Gold Medalist Caribbean Youth Games, and so much more.
When his then-girlfriend, now wife, gave birth to their first child, Matt “Lightning” Lyall made the decision to hang his belt up for a while as he cared for his growing family. h e started a traditional career to provide and went dormant from the fighting scene for several years. h e had already won several amateur fighting titles and fought with some of the biggest names in UFC and MMA. As domestic matters took a priority in his life, Lyall moved his growing family to Atlantic City, NJ.
“God’s timing is impeccable,” shares Lyall. “I woke up one day and decided to get back to fighting. I’m going to finish what I started.”
Lyall’s fighting career has never been about fame, recognition, or money. What began as a way to protect himself has blossomed into a career that he believes is his life’s purpose.
Lyall’s sheer shin strength and his ability to break through even baseball bats have made it challenging to come across people willing to fight him. In this season of his career, he is taking a different path and going slightly more unconventional with Street Beast, David Vs. Goliath non-sanctioned fights.
These fights allow him to continue to pursue his career while opening himself up to additional opportunities, including spon sorships and global recognition.
“Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and play the game,” explains Lyall about his non-conventional approach. “If you want to make a difference
in life, you have to be seen.”
It’s making a difference and fulfilling his God-given purpose that is most important to Matt Lyall.
“ r ight now, God has something important for me to accomplish, and it has nothing to do with money or fame,” he tells Shore Local. “I’m going to walk away from fighting like John the Baptiste. Maybe the light won't be on me, but something I did that may have given someone else the light they needed.”
Matt Lyall was recently sponsored by Tough Sports out of Thailand and is looking forward to an upcoming fight in Indonesia. In the meantime, he continues to live, train, and work in Atlantic City. h e plans to bring an accessible karate school to the city that he says has been so good to him.
Keep up with Matt “Lightning” Lyall on Facebook and Instagram @MattLightningLyall.
Some clients have one family member who may feel that their dog missing them upon their leaving is cute or sweet, while the rest of the family is left struggling to calm the dog.
By Heidi ClaytonSince the pandemic, one of the biggest behavioral issues I have worked with is separation anxiety in dogs.
Separation anxiety is the dog equivalent of a panic attack when their humans leave the house. The panic attack can produce prolonged barking, panting, whining and household destruction in any breed or mix.
Separation anxiety is hard on the dog and the owner, but in most cases it can be trained away. In extreme cases, medication can help ease the drama of the training and make life manageable for the dog and the owner.
When you think your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, it is important to distinguish between actual anxiety and boredom.
When I first meet a client whose dog is having this issue, we talk at length about the dog's daily routine and habits. Sometimes it turns out the destruction the dog causes is the result of boredom and in having entirely too much freedom in the house, leading to finding interesting ways to entertain themselves such as chewing carpets, defluffing pillows, or destroying couch cushions.
In these instances we are able to save the owner’s sanity by implementing crate training and providing the dog with more interesting bones that are appropriate to chew on.
When separation anxiety is not caused by boredom, I find that the dog in question has some level of either genetic anxiety, such as being a puppy mill dog, or has experienced trauma like being removed from their litter too soon.
I also have noted that many of these cases are owner enabled, meaning that the owner has never crated their dog when they are home and helped them learn how to settle or relax; or the puppy or dog has been given constant access to the humans and is never really alone.
A severe case I referred to a behaviorist involved the dog being in such a panic when her owner left that she vomited and injured herself digging at the door and was snapping at remaining family members who were trying to help her. This behavior was causing a huge problem in the couple’s relationship.
Other families adapt to the dog's issue by always leaving someone at home to prevent destruction or injury to the dog. Neither approach is the answer.
It is never sweet or endearing for me to see any dog struggle. When separation anxiety is to a degree where the dog is causing harm to itself or humans, I always suggest seeing a veterinary behaviorist. Veterinary behaviorists have specialized training in the canine brain, behavior and use of helpful medications.
If your dog is truly struggling with this issue, a behaviorist can help identify medication that could be helpful. Most will also help with coordinating a training program. If you don’t seek out a behaviorist, at least speak with your local vet about the problem and possible use of medication.
There are various training methods I have had tremendous success with in treating my clients’ dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, which I will share next time. The first step in treating this problem is to seek help from someone that is familiar with counter conditioning and reward-based training.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at fouronthefloordogtrainig.net.
etc. just because you like it would be foolish. There should be a methodology behind the investment decisions.
By Eric Reich
If you get confused by all the names investment professionals go by, don’t worry, so do I.
Investment Advisor, Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Asset Manager, the list goes on. Where the main disconnect happens in my opinion, is in the services they provide. The big difference in Financial Planning vs. Investment Management.
Investment management is the end whereas financial planning is the means to the end. For me, it’s hard to imagine investment management without first doing the financial planning. That would be like walking into your doctor’s office and saying “I don’t feel well. What do you think it is?” without having any tests done or being asked any questions. It’s hard to imagine getting your symptoms to improve without these things happening. Planning should be the basis for all decisions regarding your investments. To pick a fund, ETF,
Planning can take on several forms. It could be an hourly engagement for the do-it-yourself investor who just wants someone to look over their shoulder or give them a second opinion to make sure they are on the right track. Planning could also be the other end of the spectrum where someone needs a complete financial plan to address every aspect of a person’s financial life including retirement, investments, estate planning, tax planning, college planning, etc. Many times, it’s something in between. The conversation you have with a financial planner should be able to uncover the depth of your planning needs. Most often this type of advice is billed either hourly or as a flat fee for a comprehensive plan. Some planners roll their planning fees into their investment management fees as well, or bill as a monthly subscription. It’s important to note that only a Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) professional can call themselves a Financial Planner.
Investment Management by contrast is the management of the actual investments themselves. Once the plan is done and agreed upon by the client, then the implementation
of that plan includes the investment selection and ongoing management. Seen in this light, you can start to see a more clear distinction between the two roles. Investment management is the process of evaluating and selecting a manager for a particular asset class as well as monitoring that investment and rebalancing as needed. Investment management is typically paid for via fees charged as a percentage of assets.
As mentioned, some advisors charge for their planning fees via the investment management expenses. I often hear people say that they don’t want to pay for investment management because they can just buy low cost funds. While this may be true, those funds do not come along with the planning most investors need. This defeats the purpose if you subscribe to the notion that planning is what helps determine what investments you should own. This is where I see investors sometimes fall short. They think they are performing well because they have no frame of reference to compare against. Many times, even if the performance is ok, the investment itself is inappropriate for the investor, and no amount of performance can compensate for that. I’m a big advocate of paying as little fees as possible, just not at the expense of the plan as a whole.
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.
you need to stop and rest after a short period of time. When it comes to cardio we usually think of exercises like running, speed walking, stair climbing, cycling, swimming, and so many more activities.
ty in older individuals. It also has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and may improve cognition. If the worst is misplaced keys, then I’m good with that!
Whether you call it aerobic, cardiovascular, or endurance exercise, you’re probably talking about the same thing. That thing we are talking about is getting your heart pumping faster and oxygenated blood flowing, with the goal of improving your cardiorespiratory fitness.
Did you know that it benefits more than your heart? You’re making yourself more efficient at delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. That means aerobic exercise makes the heart more efficient and capable of moving more oxygen-carrying blood with every beat. The lungs adapt to take in more oxygen, and the muscles become more efficient at using oxygen.
Another way to think about cardio is that it's the type of workout that increases your heart rate and breathing, but not so much that you feel like
r egular aerobic exercise helps lower your cholesterol, control blood sugar, improve immune function, and lower high blood pressure.
The heart is a muscle that benefits from a workout just like any other muscle in the body. Physical activity can help manage body weight, reduce stress and improve sleep and memory.
Over time, aerobic exercise gives you more energy to work out, which can set the stage for an overall healthier lifestyle. I know for myself that it has a snowball effect. If I’m working out and eating healthy, then I’m feeling like all is right in the world.
By improving your body’s ability to take in and use oxygen for fuel, aerobic exercise can increase your stamina, giving you more energy for both work and play. We aren’t here to merely exist, we are here to live our fullest lives and we need the energy to do so. Cardio helps get us to the place.
Moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, like running or jumping rope, can actually increase bone densi -
h ow much is enough per week? That depends on how intense your aerobic exercise is. If your aerobic exercise is very intense, then I recommend two to three hours per week. Intense or highly challenging exercise would be running, spin class, or high-intensity exercises such as burpees or plyometrics.
If you prefer a moderate pace such as walking, leisurely bike riding, or a low-impact aerobics class, then I recommend three to five hours per week.
If you’re not doing much aerobic exercise at all currently, then start small and work your way up. Build on opportunities for movement throughout the day such as a 10-minute break to walk or do a few jumping jacks. When my kids were little, I would be outside with them while they were playing and do 100 squats, jumping jacks and high knees. It was good for them to be a part of it or just seeing their mom doing something healthy.
A lot of people find success in focusing on walking as their exercise and gradually increasing time spent walking to reach the goal they set for them -
selves. I do this when I’m in a warm climate on vacation. I’ll set a daily goal to complete 4 miles, then 5 and then 6 miles. It’s an internal competition that I create for myself. As you gain aerobic fitness, you will be able to increase your exercise intensity and your duration.
You have lots of options when it comes to getting your aerobic exercise in, so set a goal to try activities that you enjoy. Depending on your preferences and abilities, group fitness aerobics, walking (outside or on a treadmill), bicycling, hiking, aerobic dancing such as Zumba, rowing, and gardening are all quality forms of aerobic exercise.
Don’t ever discount the workouts we can get from landscaping, house cleaning and other household projects that you can easily integrate into your day and yield big benefits.
Our bodies were built to move, so get out there and find your favorite types of aerobic exercise and get it done!
1. Cape May was named after:
a) Cornelius Jacobsen Mey
b) The month it was discovered
c) Captain Thomas May
d) The Mayflower ship by Christopher Columbus
2. What US service base trains recruits in Cape May?
a) Navy
b) Coast Guard
c) National Guard
d) Army
3. The quartz pebbles collected on the beach called:
a) Sandstones
b) Beach Gems
c) Sea Sand
d) Cape May Diamonds
4.What architectural style dominates the historic town?
a) Colonial
b) Victorian
c) Classical
d) American Craftsman
5. The Ferry takes passengers across the Delaware Bay to:
a) Wilmington
b) Philadelphia
c) Lewes
d) rehoboth Beach
6. What is the main shopping area in town?
a) Asbury Avenue
b) Washington Street Mall
c) Shore Mall
d) Bayshore Outlets
7. The walkway along the beach is called:
a) The Boardwalk
b) The Seawall
c) The Promenade
d) Oceanway
6. B. Washington Street Mall
5. C. Lewes, Delaware
4. B. Victorian. Most were built in the mid to late 1800’s.
2. B. Coast Guard
1. A. Dutch captain, Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. Due to a misspelling on the original paperwork, Cape “Mey” became Cape May, NJ.
3. D. Cape May Diamonds are found on the bayside beaches.
609-645-0500
ACROSS
THEME: FAIRY TALE CREATURES
1. *Like many mythical creatures
6. Second mo.
9. Spill the beans
13. Convex molding
14. "___ the President's Men"
15. Ankle support, e.g.
16. Make a logical connection
17. *E.T.'s craft?
18. Des Moines native
19. *Fire-breather
21. *h ousehold spirit
23. Tucker of "Modern Family"
24. Antonym of is
25. *Grimm's Queen ____
28. Tailor-made
30. Showing on TV
35. "All's well that ____ well"
37. Golly!
39. Punctuation mark
40. Seaport in Yemen
41. hitching post?
43. Additionally
44. Poison ivy or Poison oak
46. One more than The Beatles
47. hold as a conviction
48. *Mrs. Potts or her son Chip
50. Andrew Sean Greer's 2017 Pulitzer-winner novel
52. Toast choice
53. Jack and Jill's water jug
55. "____ Now or Never"
57. *h orse's cousin
61. *One of the seven dwarfs
64. Ascetic holy hindu
65. hhS agency
67. relating to #25 Across
69. Banana treat
70. Go bad
71. Australian canid
72. Lou of "Walk on the Wild Side" fame
73. Card in the hole?
74. "The Forsyte ____," pl.
DOWN
1. Wisecrack
2. Like a zealous fan
3. regular attendee
4. hipbone-related
5. Cuban music genre, pl.
6. *half-man, half-goat
7. *Santa's helper
8. Splotches
9. Arch on a face
10. Croquet turf
11. Popular smoothie berry
12. Well, to Sofia Loren
15. relating to living organisms
20. Opposite of alpha
22. Genetic initials
24. Parents hope to do this with values
25. *Beauty's beau
26. Empower
27. Dropsy
29. *Big Bad One
31. Yellow brick one
32. Feeling worse than before
33. *Like Curious George
34. *Garden dweller
36. Finger move
38. Moneyed one
42. Pine product
45. Choose not to do something, 2 words
49. Toni Morrison's "____ Baby" 51. 1862 plots, for short 54. Prefix for below 56. Old photo color 57. Stalin's domain 58. Back of the neck 59. Not active 60. Past tense of chide
61. Fill beyond full
62. Sound of passing bullet
63. *Baba ____
66. *Who Bugs Bunny talks to?
68. Numbers, abbr.
By Doug Deutsch
Still buzzing from the wonderfulness of the 35th St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We marched on the Boardwalk from Tennessee to Albany Avenue with the Anchor rock Club float and were treated to approximately two hours of eclectic music by Philly’s red Meat Conspiracy, who manned the float, joined by a few dozen r MC fans dressed in cow costumes (talk about a tight fan base!).
A rC manager Greg Mungan, local music promoters Maribeth and Tina Notaro, and all those who assembled the Anchor float are to be commended for a job well done on short notice.
Speaking of Anchor, NYC hardcore legends Cro-Mags, fronted by longtime bassist h arley Flanagan, will play there Sunday, March 19. If you like it hard, loud ‘n fast, don’t miss this one.
No Mas, promoting new album, “Consume/Deny/ repent,” plus local groups Jumpship and Gutter Drunk, open. Also coming to A rC: Emma
Sanborn Presents… Peroxide Blonde, Friend, Jet Fuel Soda and Disaster Artist on March 24. Think: https:// punk/experimental/indie/grunge/ lo-fi, and Philly-based indie rockers Low-Cut Connie, there June 10 as part of the North To Shore Jersey Festival, which takes place in Atlantic City June 4-11. See https://northtoshore.com/ for info.
LCC once did a Sunday residency at Memories in Margate, and even have a snippet of late legendary deejay Jerry Blavat in one of their songs. Lastly, rising Philly dream-pop outfit Miss Cantaloupe play A rC as part of the North To Shore Festival June 9, with locally indie-pop darlings Molly r ingworm opening. A r C tickets/ info:
http://www.anchorrockclub. com/.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Borgata: They’ve been mainly booking A-List comedians at the Borgata of late (we saw h ouston-based teacher-turned comic Eddie B there last month). But on March 31, the Big B stands for Blues as they welcome guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, one of many talented, successful blues guitarists from Louisiana (Tab Benoit is another that quickly comes to mind). A child prodigy who started performing (and signed his first record deal) at age 13, Shepherd is one of the biggest artists today in the blues world. Tickets/info: http:// www.theborgata.com/.
Save The Whales’ Song: Atlantic City native/singer-songwriter Johnny h igbee has a new single, “Save the Whales,” inspired by the many whales that have washed up dead on East Coast shores.
h igbee – former front-man from longtime South Jersey rock group Sacred Sword – received a call from world-renowned sand sculptor, John Gowdy, about bringing attention to this issue.
Both Johns want to build a lifesized sand sculpture of a whale on a South Jersey beach and play h igbee’s song on top of it. “Save The Whales” was recorded at Kit Worton’s right Touch Studios with Ludo and Zack from the Blue Street Band. “Look for the song on Spotify and YouTube and come to the beach to raise awareness. Save the Whales,” says h igbee.
In review/Shows We Caught: Super Trans AM at resorts Superstar Theater, excellent studio musicians playing a veritable jukebox of 70s music; Tune In Turn On favorites Mike LeCompt (Margaritaville/ r esorts), and Billy Walton Band (Eden Lounge, h arrah’s), two of the hardest-working, talented groups we know. Mike is the Crown Jewel
of Top 40/Show bands and never fails to deliver the goods; and there’s enough talent in the BWB to populate two bands! (catch BWB at Josie Kelly’s this Friday).
Finally: One of Tune In Turn On’s favorite local music duos, accordionist/vocalist Malcolm (Mc)Tent and guitarist-vocalist 1Adam(Mc)12), bring their rockin’ shenanigans to Vintage Betty’s Antiques and More in h ammonton this Friday night, March 17 (note: early show – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). The elder statesman of rock in South Jersey, who plays the accordion Tent is recording a new live album, tentatively to be released by the end of May. Next!
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail. com and www.facebook.com/ dougdeutschpublicity.
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