SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | May 4, 2023

Introducing our new dining and entertainment section

wahoo

wa·hoo

chiefly Western US

1. fast-moving salt-water fish.

2. used to express exuberance or enthusiasm

From the Editor

South Jersey media, as we’ve known it, has dramatically changed. In recent weeks, we’ve seen several tremendous shifts in local news publications, including The Press of atlantic City’s most recent decision to drop down to only three print days per week. Distribution of The Press has also been redirected from the home delivery system to the USPS Mail system, leaving many avid morning readers frustrated by the changes.

It was also announced recently that entertainment guides, aC Weekly and at the Shore, have been discontinued, leaving a huge void in the entertainment news world.

Shore Local is here to fill that void, and we are more than happy to step up to the plate. We live in an entertainment mecca along

the atlantic Ocean. The festivals and beach concerts are abundant, while nightlife, entertainment, and boundless dining opportunities exist right at our fingertips. With such a bustling community of events and happenings, South Jersey deserves a reliable source of entertainment news.

In this issue of Shore Local, we are introducing Wahoo, a comprehensive entertainment guide covering the Southern Jersey Shore and Mainland. From Brigantine to Cape May, Wahoo will include headliners, live and local music calendars, event listings and features, local restaurants, and a whole lot more!

The dual meaning of the word “wahoo” is representative of both the buzzing sea life off our coast, as a Wahoo is a saltwater fish, as well as the jubilance and enthusiasm offered at the Jersey Shore. Plus,

it’s fun to say! Wahoo!!! a dding a little extra significance and a dose of nostalgia, the name Wahoo also pays homage to the Whoot, published by Lou and Christine Steiner. For decades, the Whoot was the area’s entertainment and nightlife go-to for all that was happening.

Shore Local began publishing in 2016, and thankfully, we’ve seen exponential growth in the last seven years. We have made it our mission to create a publication that highlights the people, places, and events that make the southern Jersey Shore a great place to live and visit.

Wahoo will be within the pages of each Shore Local, free for pickup at over 300 locations throughout atlantic and Cape May County every Thursday. It will also be available at your fingertips online at shorelocalnews.com.

Bob and I are filled with gratitude – for our readers, sponsors, and talented team of writers, photographers, videographers, and the team of amazing humans working

hard behind the scenes to make Shore Local possible.

Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local and have a wonderful week ahead. Wahoo!

Peace & Love, Cindy

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore

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, 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, Elisa Jo Eagan, David Setley, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Keith Dawn, Whitney Ullman, Raymond Tyler, Tim Hawk, John Loreaux

Cover art photo by John Loreaux.

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

What a difference a weekend can make

Jersey are indeed in a moderate drought at last check.

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

They say that if you don’t like the weather in South Jersey, wait a few minutes (or drive a few miles down the road), and it will inevitably change. Well, it wasn’t a few minutes, but one weekend recently, the last weekend of april, that proved the old adage.

We went from drought to deluge in a manner of speaking over the last weekend of a pril. Well, we aren’t technically in a drought, like we were at the end of the growing season late last summer into the fall. But after a snowless winter and with rain scarce over the first month plus of spring, we were certainly abnormally dry, and heading towards a drought. In fact, parts of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and even far North

and as of the last Friday in april (a pril 28th), we had a 4 to 6 inch rainfall deficit for the year in South Jersey, not exactly where we want to be at the start of the growing season and with the summer heat perhaps only a month away. So it was safe to say that some rain was welcome at that point.

“Some” was the key adjective, as too much rain too quickly isn’t always a good thing. a s it turns out, the latter was what Mother Nature delivered, with a soaking 4 to 6 inches of rain throughout South Jersey from Friday a pril 28th through Sunday a pril 30th. The deluge, plus brisk onshore winds, brought all types of flooding to the area, river and stream flooding, tidal flooding, and poor drainage flooding as well. a nd in the matter of one weekend, that 4 to 6 inch rainfall deficit that we had spent a quarter of a year building up was instantly erased. Sure, the weekend weather left much to be desired, but we are now in a much better place as the growing season really kicks into high gear as a pril turns into May.

But the weekend wasn’t a complete washout, at least not in far South Jersey. If you went to one of my favorite annual festivals in South Jersey, Somers Point Bayfest, you were probably delighted to see some sunshine. In fact, while the rest of New Jersey saw the gray and gloom and the drab and drizzly weather persist on that final Saturday in april, Cape May County soaked up the sunshine, and some of that sun crept across the Great Egg Harbor Bay into coastal atlantic County as well. The Cape May peninsula is a fascinating forecasting study, as there are interconnected microscale forces at work that often leads it to have much different weather than the rest of the state, and sometimes even the rest of the New Jersey shore. I used to refer to it as the “Cape May bubble” during my NBC40 days. Only in Cape May County can you get Delaware Bay effect snow, or an occasional setup which features a land breeze and warm 80-degree beaches while beaches in atlantic County on north are shivering in the 50s. Sure, the Cape saw 4 to 6 inches of rain like the rest of South Jersey over the last weekend of april, but snuck in a sunny Saturday while doing so to set itself apart from the rest of the state.

Now we turn the calendar to May, as outdoor events exponentially increase with each weekend we get closer to Memorial Day. a nd while an unseasonably cool pattern continues for the first few days of the month, a warmer pattern should take over for the second week of May. and for those

waiting for this cool air to pass before planting those coveted Jersey tomato plants, remember that for South Jersey, Mother’s Day is always a good rule of thumb to start the growing season. While a frost or freeze can occasionally happen in mid to late May, the second weekend of May is typically when we’re safe to plant away, with only an occasional exception.

Finally, april 2023 is now in the books, wet finish and all. a nd despite the soggy conclusion, it was also the second warmest april on record in South Jersey, second only to april 2017. and like most of our Top 5 warmest lists from any month these days, (almost) all of the Top 5 finishers are recent years. For april, the Top 5 warmest have all occurred since 2010.

So here’s to a sunny and seasonable first weekend of May, and hopefully more evenly distributed rainfall throughout the rest of spring and summer. a nd in a perfect world, Mother Nature will keep all future rain away from our valuable late spring and summer weekends.

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

Remember the problems you had with your Air Conditioner last Year?

Lets get talking about themSummer is just weeks away! 5-31-23

5-31-23

Hometown Hero: Carmen Marotta, founder of Tony Mart Presents

stage. From blues to rock ‘n’ roll, reggae and funk, those in attendance are sure to be in for a party every single week.

By Steffen Klenk

“Let the Good Times Roll!” It is a catch phrase that stems from a track off Louis Jordan’s 1956 album “Rock ‘N’ Roll”. Today, those words continue to be echoed at every show produced by the great Tony Mart Presents, which organizes an array of spectacular concerts throughout the South Jersey region. One of those concerts includes the weekly Friday night Concert Series at William Morrow Beach in Somers Point.

With beach chairs and blankets in hand, over a thousand people gather weekly to hear some of music’s finest names. It can be hard to find an empty space in the sand as attendees tap their toes and dance around the

Today, the concerts are produced and curated by local icon Carmen Marotta, son of the late antonio Marotta who immigrated to the United States from Sicily. In 1944, he purchased Schick’s Tavern, on the corner of Bay and Goll avenues. The building soon became Tony Mart’s and was later converted from a bar into the famed nightclub. It became a staple of Somers Point and would remain so for 38 years.

Carmen’s passion for music began at the age of three, sleeping in a small apartment over Tony Mart’s. “When the television wasn’t on, I heard Dion’s “Runaround Sue” and Ray Charles “What’d I Say.” The venue was put on the map as an entertainment venue thanks to a group called Len Carey and the Crackerjacks. Carey was the drummer and protégé for the Spike Jones Band.

Following the closure of Tony Mart’s, Carmen attended the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, only

to find his way to Bourbon Street. It immediately felt like home. “I felt like I was back on Bay avenue with all the bars, and all the people and the action.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of weekly concerts in Somers Point, a tradition that was started by Nicholas Regine, the city’s Community Recreation and Education Director. Regine brought forth the vision of bringing live music back to the area, long after the closure of the legendary Tony Mart’s. What started on a stage at Kennedy Park was later moved to a more spacious bayfront beach along Bay avenue, and the rest is history.

In 2004, after serving on Somers Point city council, Marotta was tasked with running the Beach Concerts, a series that has seen such names as Devon allman, Third World, Marcia Ball, The Cowsills, Joe Louis Walker, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, even John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, whose hit single “On the Dark Side” has appeared in the hit 1983 film Eddie and the Cruisers. a nd it just so happens that part of that movie was filmed at the iconic Tony Marts in Somers Point.

Since its inception, the Friday night concerts have become a tradition for many in our region. Now, fans have another reason to celebrate its success. Late last week, the Somers Point Beach Concert Series was given a huge accolade by USa Today’s 10Best, selected the Number One Free Outdoor Concert Series in the country. Marotta describes it as magical and unique. “It is unique because you’re getting the greatest people, musicians, in the world for free, and

magical because of the gorgeous setting and that small town feel.”

What sets the Somers Point Beach Concerts apart is a certain type of quality you won’t find in many places. While many casinos and large venues continue to bring in big names, Marotta and the team of volunteers at the Beach Concerts and Tony Mart Presents offer great, critically acclaimed music that is culturally important while providing the venue and patronage to support the artists, similar to what you would find through your local performing arts center. “We have this inextricable link to the city of New Orleans, but we have several very important links to the history of american music.”

The Somers Point Beach Concert Series will take to the sand for up to 12 free weekly concerts beginning Friday, June 16th, along with a special July 4th concert featuring local guitar hero Billy Walton and Michael “Tunes” antunes. Tony Mart Presents is also preparing for another season of shows at atlantic City’s Kennedy Plaza on Wednesdays, dubbed Mardi Gras aC, and Tony Mart Rocks The Point on Bay avenue Thursdays, starting June 22nd, from 6-10pm. Further announcements are forthcoming. To learn more or to view this year’s stellar lineup of amazing shows, visit tonymart.com.

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.

Coyotes spotted on the beach at Ocean City's Corson’s Inlet State Park

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

If you pay close attention while walking in Corson’s Inlet State Park, you never know what you might find.

abby Longstreet was in the park on april 21 when she had a surprising encounter.

“I was with my son and a friend out for our daily walk,” said Longstreet of Egg Harbor Township.

She likes to walk in the Ocean City nature reserve at least once a week, carrying the camera that her

“Toward the end of our walk that day, my friend stopped and asked me, s she looked she saw something blending in with the marsh grass;

“I zoomed in with my camera and could see the coyote looking back at us,” she said. “In that moment we actually weren’t sure if it was a coyote or a wolf, but it kept eye contact with ccording to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, coyote sightings are not unusual. They’re common throughout New Jersey, said Larry Hajna, NJDEP spokesman.

They can be found in all types of environments – rural, suburban and urban. They play an important role in nature by keeping the rodent population under control. and they tend to steer clear of people.

“By nature, they are wary of people and will usually flee in the presence of humans,” he said.

Longstreet, who co-owns Creative Minds Insurance a gency in Northfield, said the Corson’s Inlet coyote did not seem to be afraid, nor did it run away.

“We got the feeling that we interrupted its peace. It did seem curious about us, but definitely very calm,” she said.

after checking out Longstreet, yoder, and their friend, James Cook for a bit, it slowly walked away, stop -

ping every few feet to turn and look back.

“Eventually it disappeared into the trees. The whole encounter probably lasted about two to three minutes tops,” she said.

They continued their walk with no fear that it would follow or approach them. On the way back they rechecked the location and the coyote was gone, having disappeared somewhere in the oceanfront dune forest that is Corson’s Inlet State Park.

The 341-acre nature reserve at the city’s southern tip is undeveloped and untouched, much like it was when the only human visitors were from the Leni-Lenape tribe.

It has been a state park since 1969, providing habitat for endangered or protected bird species including piping plovers, red knots, least terns, black skimmers, and american oystercatchers.

Shore Local called the park trying to find out whether coyotes pose a threat to the protected birds. No one was willing to talk on the record, other than to remind us that coyotes are part of the natural order of the Pine Barrens and that their presence is no surprise.

Prior to 1900, according to the Rutgers University a gricultural Extension, coyotes were only found in the prairies and deserts of central and western North america.

Logging and agricultural development, combined with a campaign to

Eastern coyotes like this one recently spotted at Corson's Inlet State Park, are common in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Abby Longstreet

exterminate wolves from the eastern United States, created an opportunity for the coyote to expand its territory eastward.

Researchers have determined that what is known today as the eastern coyote contains DNa from the wolf, western coyote, and domestic dogs, according to Rutgers, the latter fact being one of the reasons why they are more docile than their western cousins.

The first documented sighting of an eastern coyote in New Jersey was in Hunterdon County in 1939, Rutgers said. It wasn’t until 1948 that the state’s first verified sighting occurred. It happened to be right here in Cape May County.

“Coyotes have been reported in 453 New Jersey municipalities (out of 564) covering 96 percent of the state’s land area,” Rutgers reports. “Because coyotes are so elusive, it is difficult to estimate their population

size in New Jersey, but they likely number in the thousands.”

according to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, eastern coyotes have distinctive features that distinguish them from foxes.

“One easy way to identify eastern coyotes is by their drooping, bushy, black-tipped tails, often seen tucked between their hind legs. They also have large, pointed ears and bright yellow eyes,” NJCF reports on its website. “Red foxes, in contrast, are smaller and distinctive for their black ‘socks’ and ear tips, and white tips on their tails. Gray foxes are even smaller, and rarely glimpsed outside densely forested areas.”

Even when wildlife is hidden from view, there are ways to get close and observe without intruding. That’s why Longstreet is glad she graduated from her phone to a camera that lets her get close while keeping a comfortable distance.

“Getting too close to an unknown wild animal might be tempting, but can feel like a threat and cause the animal to act in a way it wouldn’t normally, or think fight or flight,” she said. “If you can’t enjoy observing at a distance, I would say to get a camera with a good zoom lens.”

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.

Ticket to Work in the Jersey Cape region

Photo courtesy of Abby Longstreet

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

closure.”

Baerhle said that the new owners plan to bring the inn back to its original charm and condition.

Not only does the inn serve families for dinner, it also offers a 24,000-square-foot banquet hall and 3,500-square-foot ballroom. The Ram’s Head Inn regularly hosted events for small groups of up to 300 guests.

When Shore Local News published the sale on its Facebook page, followers had plenty to say on the sale.

Now Open Daily!

May thru mid-June

Mon thru Fri 11am to 4pm; Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm.

Events and Happenings

Friday, May 5th

Martin Z. Mollusk Day

▶11am

9th Street Beach, Ocean City

Ocean City invites the community to come and find out if summer is coming early. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Saturday, May 6th

Roadside Barrier Installation Day

▶8am-12pm

Margate Causeway

The Margate Terrapin Rescue Project will be installing roadside barriers along the causeway ahead of terrapin nesting season. The organization is seeking volunteers to help dig trenches, move barriers, fasten them together, install fencing along the guardrails, and get nearly 2 miles of vulnerable terrapin crossing areas protected. Kids 8 years and older are welcome to help clean-up the roadside and marshes. For additional information or to signup, go to http://margateterrapinrescue.org.

Ocean City Spring Block Party

▶9am-5pm

a sbury avenue from 5th-14th Streets

Ocean City hosts its annual Spring Block Party. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more in -

formation, call 1-800-BEaCH-NJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.

C.R.O.P.S. Markets Linwood

▶Saturdays from 9am-12pm

Central Square Linwood 199 New Rd.

C.R.O.P.S. Linwood Farmers Market is open for Spring 2023 at Central Square Linwood. This week, enjoy live music by Don the Medicine Man, a kid’s activity with Garden State academy, Face Painting with Chelsea, and Make your Own Bracelet with TheLizTran Creations. The Market is open Saturdays through May 20th. Visit cropsnj.org for more details.

Margate Citywide Yard Sale

▶9am

Get ready for a day of bargain hunting and treasure seeking at the Margate City Wide yard Sale. This popular event is back and better than ever, with dozens of households participating throughout the city. For more information, visit www. margate-nj.com or call 609-822-5038.

Rain date: May 7.

Galloway Art Festival

▶10am

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

The Galloway arts Festival will feature music, dance and visual arts over the course of the day throughout the Smithville Village. Guests will be able to follow a master schedule of performances, led by the absegami Performing arts,

and enjoy some interactive activities as well. For more information, visit www. historicsmithville.com.

Public Archeology Dig at Somers Mansion

▶10am

1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Members of the public are invited to participate in archeological dig as part of Public archeology Day. On March 4th, archeologists led by Professor Richard Veit of Monmouth University came to Somers Mansion to begin the process of evaluating the site for a dig coordinated by the Patriots for the Somers Mansion and historian Dr. Levi Fox. after digging numerous test pits, the team located a couple of hopeful spots for further excavations. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.

Ventnor City Block Party

▶10am-5pm

Ventnor avenue from Troy to Portland ave.

Join the city of Ventnor for their annual Block Party. This event features live music, delicious food, unique crafts and kid’s activities in a safe outdoor environment. There will also be two beer gardens and RC Truck racing. Come say hi to the volunteer parents of the Ventnor Home & School a ssociation who will supervise the kids’ activities section this year. Plus, the Kilted Rogues will be walking through the crowd with bag pipes. For more information, please visit www. ventnorcity.org/special-events.

Print Day in May

▶12-4pm

Noyes arts Garage 2200 Fairmount ave. atlantic City

The Noyes arts Garage of Stockton University will participate in the worldwide printmaking event, “Print Day in May,” this Saturday. all are welcome to experiment and experience printmaking and walk away with a print of their own. Faculty from the Stockton University will be present for workshops and demonstrations, as well as other local artists. For more information, visit artsgarageac.com.

Derby Day

▶3pm

Studio Space 112 Woodland ave.

Somers Point

Derby Day is coming to studio;space. Written and directed by Bill Sterritt, rivalry and romance compete in the Run for the Roses as this rom com is set against the backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. Presented by the SPQR Stage Company. admission is $20 with live stream available. For more information, visit studiospacenj.com.

The Shaken Not Stirred Players’

Devorah Jenkins Presents: I Believe in Love

▶7pm

Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay ave.

Somers Point

The Shaken Not Stirred Players’ Deborah Jenkins brings you a night of music and laughter as she shares her love’s lessons learned in “I Believe in Love” – a solo show directed by Broadway’s Kelly Briggs with musical direction by the award winning John McMahon. Tickets are available for $30. Visit gatewaybythebay.org for tickets and information.

Pats Place 4 Comedy

▶8pm

Studio Space 112 Woodland ave.

Somers Point

Pats Place 4 Comedy is hosting a live comedy show in Somers Point this Saturday. The lineup includes Randi Lupo, Tania Lewis, Scott Friedman, and Michelle Tomko. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 via Eventbrite. For more information, visit patsplace4comedy.com.

Sunday, May 7th

Funny Farm Spring Festival

▶9am-4pm

6708 Railroad Blvd. Mays Landing

Funny Farm Rescue hosts its Spring Festival this weekend. This is one of their largest event’s of the year, with hayrides, face painting, music, dancing, vendors, food, and more. Plus, meet the furry and feathery friends of Funny Farm. all donations go to feed and vet care of the 600+ animals in need. For more information, visit funnyfarmrescue.org.

Chica de Mayo Skate Event

▶10am-1pm

Ocean City Skatepark 550 a sbury ave.

Calling all women skaters. The 8th annual Skate Chica de Mayo all girls skate event will be held this Sunday. Come out to help celebrate women’s skateboarding and female empowerment. Beginners encouraged. There will be fun contests, giveaways, music, and lots of fun. If you have never skated but want to learn, now is your chance to give it a try in a safe and non-judgmental environment. already shredding? There will be a fun contest with some super cool prizes from amazing sponsors.

Monday, May 8th

Casiello Free Basketball Clinic for Somers Point Students

▶2:30-4pm

Jordan Road School 129 Jordan Rd. Casiello Basketball is holding a Free clinic for all students 4th – 8th Grade at Jordan Road at 2:30pm on Mondays. For questions, please email casiellobball@ gmail.com. you must register in order attend online at https://sptsd.jotform. com/230795245649972.

The History of Linwood and its Schools

▶6:30pm

atlantic County Historical Society

907 Shore Rd. Somers Point

The atlantic City Historical Society

will show a video on “The History of Linwood and its Schools” created by Carolyn Patterson. Hosted by Judy Branin of the Linwood Historical Society. Free admission and refreshments.

Tuesday, May 9th Village Film Society

▶10:30am

Join Village Community Specialist Tina Serota for a discussion about the motion picture, His Girl Friday, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. The movie portrays a fast talking reporter getting ready to marry her new beau as her crafty former spose schemes to ruin her nuptials in this classic Hollywood comedy. The film can be viewed free on tubitv.com. RSVP by May 7th by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Upper Twp. Historical Society Program on Native American Folkways

▶6:30pm

Upper Township Wellness/Senior Center 1369 Stagecoach Rd. Ocean View

The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township will feature a program about Native american Folkways. John Ryan, Operating Officer of Historic Cold Spring Village, will speak about the customs, traditions, and origin stories of the Lenapi as the original residents of Cape May County. Please RSVP at UpperTwpHistory.eventbrite.com. For additional information, please email uppertwphistory@yahoo.com.

Thursday, May 11th

Somers Point Poetry Society

▶6pm

Something new has arrived in Somers Point, a Poetry Club. It will be held monthly on the second Thursday. Contact Erin at haikuclubnj@yahoo.com to register. This is not just for poetry writers, but for anyone interested in poetry. It is also open to the surrounding communities of Somers Point.

Friday, May 12th

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5-8pm

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd. a car cruise at Historic Smithville is simply a great place to hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Car cruises are held on the second and fourth Friday from May through September. Just drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge; you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car. For more information, visit www.historicsmithville.com.

Atlantic Christian School Legacy Gala ▶6:30pm

Ocean City Tabernacle 550 Wesley ave. Ocean City

atlantic Christian School is hosting its Legacy Gala. Enjoy an evening with Comedian Jeff allen, featured on america’s Got Talent, Pureflix, Dry Bar Comedy and

apostles of Comedy. General admission starts at $55, with discounted admission for groups of 10+. The VIP Experience is $150 and includes meet and greet and photo with Jeff a llen. Plus, enjoy an appetizer reception and silent auction. For more information, call (609) 6531199 ext. 302 or visit www.acseht.org/ legacygala.

Multi-Day Events

Ocean City Boardwalk & Downtown

Merchant Table Sales

▶Saturday, May 5th & Sunday, May 6th

a sbury avenue and Boardwalk

Ocean City shops on the Boardwalk and a sbury avenue will be offering great deals and sales this weekend. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶Tuesdays from 7:30-10pm

Somers Point Fire Co. #1 447 Bethel Rd.

Ready to go dancing again? Come out to Somers Point Fire Co. #1 every Tuesday for social dancing, line dances, dance mixers, and more. Light snacks included in admission. $10 live musical duo each week. Call Rita Voli at 609-408-3619 for information. See you on the dance floor.

Upcoming Bus Trips

Trip to Longwood Gardens

▶Wednesday, May 24th

The Offshore Gardens Club is hosting

a bus trip to Longwood Gardens. The bus will leave at 7:30am from Our Lady of Sorrow’s Church, Wabash and Poplar ave. in Linwood, and returns at 6pm. $75.00 includes bus, gratuity, admission, and a Guided tour of Longwood Gardens. Reservations by Tuesday, May 10th. Notify Linda Sikking at LCSikking@gmail.com or call 856-692-4465.

Health and Wellness

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, May 8th at 7pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point

N a MI 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 609-741-5125. NaMI aCM is a non-profit 501C(3) corporation.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, May 17th at 2pm

Earth angels for Dementia 115 Route 50, Mays Landing

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

Mental Health Support and Discussion Groups

Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women,

men, LGBTQIa+, individuals aged 18-30. Boomers, anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and many others. Groups are also provided to individuals with a family member who lives with a mental health challenge. To receive a full list and to register, call 609-652-3800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj.org.

Recovery Groups

More than a dozen groups for individuals living with substance use disorder are offered online. Topics range from mental health/wellness to employment, faith, and more. Groups are provided 7 days a week. Interested participants can register for groups through unitedbywellness@mhanj.org or by calling the Mental Health a ssociation in atlantic County at 609-652-3800.

Wellness Groups

a wide variety of online groups are offered to enhance wellness and introduce interested participants to ways they can improve their day-to-day mental health. These daily groups include meditation, art, music, journaling, eating healthy, exercise, spirituality, adult coloring, gratitude, and more. To register and receive links by email, 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.

Two new businesses start in Upper Township, others in downtown Ocean City

sistency, focusing on the classic look for the sophisticated bride.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

After 30 years Stecher Jewelers has finally closed its doors. Charles and Tracey prospered for many years at 41 Route 9 South.

Now a famous third-generation jeweler with roots back to the 1930’s, Berge abajian, has recently renovated the store. They had a grand opening on april 29 with a very successful splash.

Bergio creations are in a class by themselves due to their subtle elegance, European flair, and unique use of fancy diamonds.

He uses his extensive knowledge of jewelry of the past to design and manufacture his fashion collections in Italy. Bergio keeps his design con -

Bergio has added a new, fresh look to his already popular bridal and fashion lines. The bridal designs still focus on the classic look for the sophisticated bride while adding some new flair. Bergio has also added some new, exciting pieces to the European-influenced fashion line.

Stop by 41 Route 9 South or call 609-938-6497. There is something for everybody.

Located right next door is Set in Stone Outdoor custom creations at 35 Route 9 South where they just had their grand opening of their second location.

With over 40 years of experience in hardscaping and landscaping, owner Bill Howard has won many awards in architecture design with travertine, natural stone, marble, and more.

They offer their customers the best in travertine design projects

with all work conducted in house. They also provide custom outdoor patios, pool renovations, landscaping and retaining walls, driveways, walkways, fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor lighting, interior stone walls, and railing.

For more information call 609938-6636 or stop by.

Going over the bridge to Ocean City on the avenue is a new, fabulous and unique business. Shoppes at The a sbury, located at 801 a sbury ave.,

also known as the Crown Bank Building.

For years people have been vocal about improvements they would like to see on a sbury avenue, the heart of the Ocean City Downtown Shopping District. Repeatedly, customers have said that a men’s shop, upscale skincare and cosmetics, women’s lingerie, hosiery, and unique specialty food items, would be exciting additions. The brand has always found ways to support local merchants, and bring amazing products to the forefront and this will be evident at the store.

It continues to be difficult, in the current economic environment, for many small businesses to open a brick-and-mortar store. It has been difficult for businesses to be successful when rent, labor costs, and material cost have substantially risen.

The shoppes offers a business model that gives merchants the ability to consolidate their expenses and have access to experienced

merchandising techniques, as well as detailed business planning. It truly is an incubator for small businesses.

Owners Raj and yogi Khatiwala continue to provide exciting opportunities in Ocean City, and they have no doubt that this will be one of the must-sees for everybody. The new store is about local businesses pursuing dreams at the Shoppes at The a sbury, while providing an elevated, unique experience.

Just a taste of some of the businesses that shoppers will enjoy.

Sea Grass Boutiques and 8th and Crown are two entities owned by Kevin Heck and Justin adams. They intend to offer upscale women’s wear and accessories along with much-needed men’s clothing including dress shirts and polos.

Next is Timberlane Handcrafted cutting and charcuterie boards. It is a family business which is owned by Chris and Jen Porter. Each is unique,

made from Pennsylvania sustainable woods.

Gypsy Lane Home of Stone Harbor is coming as well. Owner Kelley Gardner said she will be featuring highend furniture along with accessories and gift items. The items will be highlighted with coastal flair. you will find everything to decorate your shore home.

The bottom line is you will simply have to visit The Shoppes at the a sbury and experience it for yourself. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

Rooftop roller coaster approved for Playland

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Locals and tourists alike will soon be riding high thanks to the approval by the Zoning Board of a plan to build a landmark roller coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove.

The board affirmed that no height variance is needed for the construction of a third story; so not only can the new roller coaster be built, Playland can also finish reconstruction of the iconic pirate ship and parrot which will accompany the latest attraction.

Shore Local News spoke with Brian Hartley, senior vice president at Playland, who said the process of adding the coaster is still in its infancy. He hopes to connect with manufacturers at a national amusement conference in November. From there, the park can start applying concepts, and creating a theme toward building a sturdy, smooth structure.

“What we know right now is that it’s going to be half dark-ride, and it will definitely be a family coaster,” said Hartley. “We are aiming for the coaster to be open and rideable by summer 2025.”

Not only will Playland construct a rooftop coaster, they will rebuild the massive pirate ship and arcade along the Boardwalk. The amusement park experienced a devastating fire in January 2021, which burned down the iconic pirate ship, the indoor arcade, and office areas used by park employees.

Scott Simpson, the president of Playland, and Hartley are determined to resurrect the pirate ship because of its history and legacy along the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Construction has been at a standstill for several weeks, but can now continue. The stamp of approval comes after two long months in limbo, which left Playland without answers or direction. Hartley is thrilled that things are back on track.

Bob Greene, the original engineer who designed and built the ship, will have a voice in the rebuild. Playland will also be working with a New Orleans company that specializes in Mardi Gras floats, trusting that the new ship will be more elaborate and ornate, thanks to modern building methods.

The third floor, approved by the

Zoning Board a pril 26, will have 1,074 square feet of space and will be 46 feet above the Boardwalk.

It will include a vestibule, stairs, an elevator and a roof deck. a control room for the roller coaster will also be included.

Hartley said Playland is focused on getting the arcade structure up and operational, mainly the exterior.

“The site walls really affect our neighboring businesses, and we want to protect the interior from inclement weather,” he said. “Once the exterior is finished (aiming for mid-summer), the team will develop a sleek, modern interior with high-end, classic arcade attractions.

“Many of the games have already been purchased and sit in our storage, and almost all of the games are the same as what we offered before the fire,” he said.

The historic shooting gallery, made up of antique treasures and life-sized gorillas and skeleton musicians, will reopen at Playland in a new way. Hartley said the gallery will include up-to-date gaming tech and 21st-century sensibilities.

Playland hopes to reopen the arcade by Labor Day weekend, 2023, but construction has stalled on several occasions. Hartley said his contractors get tied up with other work, or experience holdups with inventory and supply chains.

“We have lots of parents and grandparents at Playland reminiscing about their childhood thrills here, while taking the next generation to the park,” said Hartley. “We are bringing back that classic pirate ship with a fun, modern twist.”

Zoning Board member Brian Logue is enthused about the project.

“It sounds like the future ride that is coming is a wow ride,” Logue said.

Courtesy of Brian Hartley

World's #1 Beach Bum, Earl Paul of Ocean City

By Cindy Christy Fertsch

Nine thousand two hundred days is the equivalent of more than 25 years. While most of us may find it hard to imagine doing anything that consistently, Ocean City’s Earl Paul exists outside of the norm. The self-proclaimed “World’s Undisputed #1 Beach Bum,” has made it a mission to put his feet in the sand for the last 9,200 consecutive days.

a s sure as the sun that rises over our beaches, Earl Paul makes his way down to the sand on Plymouth Place each day. Whether the Boardwalk is buzzing with summer heat and bathing suits or the ground is covered in snow, Earl Paul does not miss a day at the beach, which confirms that he

winter is three months, but on the beach, winter is Thanksgiving through Memorial Day.”

Shortly after Paul retired to Ocean City following his career as a Philadelphia-based union pipefitter, he faced the terrible loss of his beloved wife. When he should have been reveling in his golden years, he instead found himself immersed in grief and sorrow.

“Catherine was her name,” shares Earl about his late wife. “She was in line at the drug store right across the street from Frankfurt High School in Philadelphia. I walked up behind her and started talking, and that conversation kept going for 40 years.”

Her untimely death at the age of 61 occurred two years after their arrival in Ocean City. Drowning in grief, Earl found himself uncertain how he would

closed to the public, but Earl wasn’t having it. He refused to leave the beach until the police arrived with a warrant for his arrest but then agreed to relocate the daily beach visits to the bottom of the Boardwalk entrance where, as far as Earl was concerned, “there was still sand, so it counts.”

Earl Paul’s memoir, “East of the Boardwalk,” is a self-published book describing his observations of the beach and the Ocean City community at large. Earl reports it has sold over 1,400 copies. you can pick up a copy at Sun Rose Book store in Ocean City.

truly is the world’s most dedicated beach bum.

“I’m at Plymouth Place, in front of the water slide every day, rain or shine, even in the snow. If you don’t sit on the beach for three hours, at

continue to breathe without Catherine by his side.

“Then something, somewhere, told me to go to the beach,” he explained. “It’s been my savior. I’ve been here ever since.”

Earl is now 87 years old, has survived five bouts of cancer, and is still living his life to the fullest with the healing power of sand between his toes daily. Some days, you’ll even find him body-boarding in the ocean to which he attributes his health and vitality.

least every day, you can’t call yourself a beach bum. It’s my game, I make the rules, and three hours is the rule. Some days I do more, like five hours, but I do at least three hours every single day," said Earl.

“The hardest days are in the winter,” he says. “The calendar says

“To do it every day, to be a beach bum every day, you have to stay healthy. I want people to know that cancer is not a death sentence," said Earl in a recent meeting on the beach where we ran into his friend George Gray.

"He is in my Boogie Board Club," explained Earl. "There used to be 30 of us! Now it's me and him."

During the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, the beach was temporarily

Spring Block Party and Martin Z. Mollusk Day highlight the Weekend in Ocean City

The weather forecast calls for a sunny and mild day for one of Ocean City’s premier events –the Spring Block Party – which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.

But before that, beach lovers will check on the summer forecast. Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, on the beach at Ninth Street. Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for five decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers). Everybody is invited to join the fun as we collectively jump-start the long-awaited arrival of summer.

Special guest host will be meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman. Martin Z. Mollusk will instruct Nor’easter Nick, who had the audacity to name himself after a common coastal storm, on the proper methods of weather forecasting and on the absence of inclement weather in Ocean City. The Cape Shore Chorus Sweet adelines and a string band will provide musical accompaniment to the festivities.

The Martin Z. Mollusk Day tradition in Ocean City dates back to 1974, when legendary Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer created the early-season promotion by declaring that if Martin sees his shadow, summer will come a week early to Ocean City. Friday’s event will mark the 50th time that Martin has delivered the good news.

On Saturday, more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown a sbury avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual Spring Block Party. The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for a pre-summer weekend of fun.

Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along the avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just a few of the perennial favorites include Chad Juros (creating balloon animals at 6th Street), the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Big Daddy (at 9th Street), String Band (12th Street and Keith Hickman (at 14th Street. Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and a sbury avenue) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. a small ensemble from the Ocean City Pops orchestra will perform show on the steps of City Hall (861 a sbury avenue) at noon and 2 p.m. Vendors including

a sbury avenue restaurants will offer food of every variety.

Street parking will be free at all metered spots and downtown parking lots in Ocean City, including at the Transportation Center lot (Ninth Street and Haven avenue) and at the municipal lots on the 700 and 800 blocks of Central avenue.

The weekend celebration also includes table sales by downtown and boardwalk merchants with discounted merchandise set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and a sbury avenue throughout the weekend.

aLSO

COMING UP IN May

May 21 – OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon: Races start at 9 a.m. For more information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/ race-events.

May 26 – Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge: Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season. Noon on the beach next to the Music Pier.

May 27 – Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes: The main obstacle course challenge is a soft-sand adventure race followed by a kid’s fun run. Staging at Ninth Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.

May 29 – Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park between Fifth Street and Sixth Street on Wesley avenue. In addition, a National Moment of Remembrance will ask americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The moment of remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk

Discover Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet

Expanded selection of furniture as spring season approaches

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

PRE-SEASON SALE

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

SAVE HUNDREDS

Flanders Hotel pool and the lifeguards

intrasquad championships.

Before the competition began Captain Jernee gave a demonstration of artificial respiration and the lifeguards showed how they rescued drowning victims.

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

The first swimming pool at the Flanders Hotel opened on May 30, 1924. Jack G. Jernee, captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, was there with his lifeguards. The pool, built be -

There were five swimming races, a diving contest, a canoe tilting contest, and a water polo match.

Lifeguard Lloyd Sheppard was the top scorer winning the 40-yard freestyle and the diving contest, and he was on the winning 160-yard relay team.

The water polo match pitted the lifeguards from the northern stands

tween the hotel’s solariums, attacted many bathers every day.

Large crowds attended the water shows put on by the Ocean City lifeguards.

The last show of the summer was held on Saturday evening, august 23, 1924. The pool was surrounded by people there to watch the lifeguard

against those from the southern stands. The spectators enjoyed watching the lifeguards' efforts to win. Thanks to referee Ewing T. Corson, fights ended quickly. The game ended in a 3-3 tie.

In 1929 the Flanders opened three more pools, and the era of the OCBP’s gigantic water shows began.

Eagles and Phillies stars get a warm welcome at Sports Memorabilia Show in Ocean City

Saturday, april 29 at the Ocean Music Pier.

By Donald B Kravitz

Philadelphia pro athletes past and present were the main attractions at the Sports Memorabilia Show

attendees had the opportunity to purchase some unique sports memorabilia and items as well as attend a meet and greet with Chad Durbin, Phillies Pitcher, Ike Reese, Former Eagles Linebacker, and Brandon Graham, Eagles Defensive End. It was a fun day for the large crowd in attendance.

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

The Kentucky Derby's local connection

By Cindy Christy Fertsch

As a young teen growing up in Mays Landing, Mike yanniello worked the concessions at both the atlantic City and Monmouth race courses. He even worked at atlantic City’s famous Diving Horse Show. yanniello became very familiar with the culture and excitement of horse racing in his early years. That bloomed into a true passion for yanniello, better known as Derby Mike.

Today, yanniello owns the Derby Shop in Stainton’s by the Sea, on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. It is full of Kentucky Derby memorabilia, bourbon infused sauces, hats with great flare and even a life size model of Secretariat, the famous horse and winner of the 1973 derby.

ipating. yet it is so much more. The road to the Kentucky Derby for these horses is long and extremely competitive. The excitement and traditions that are intertwined in the event have created a culture of fashion, food and celebrations.

“It is a two week long festival with fireworks, marathons, balloon races and an excess of 60 galas with 1.5 million visitors to Louisville, all within those two weeks,” says yanniello.

When Stainton’s opened to retailers in 2012, yanniello’s Derby Shop was the first to sign on. But shortly afterwards, Hurricane Sandy struck.

“We had 18 inches of water everywhere,” says yanniello. “We moved everything upstairs except Secretariat because she was too heavy and large. a s all the renovations and cleanups were done, all we could see in the win

be okay as long as she was still standing. Secretariat taught us all a lesson when she won in 1973. Stay with the plan, focus and persevere, despite adversity.”

yanniello would love to someday see the atlantic City Race Course make a comeback. He explains his vision for its success.

tlantic City and atlantic City Race Course should coexist for expansive growth and sustainable jobs,” says anniello. “Perhaps with a hotel on the side and trams running back and forth tlantic City. It cannot be reliant on casino gambling, but rather the entertainment industry and gambling industry must marry one another.

Hard Rock demonstrate this”

This year, the 149th Kentucky Derby will be held May 6. Whether you are in Kentucky or anywhere in the country, it is cause for celebration. For all your Derby merchandise, collectibles or party supplies, stop by Stainton’s by the Sea on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

yanniello is also an a ssociate Broker for Balsy Losco Realty. He has a great love for Ocean City and enjoys a very active lifestyle.

If you would like more information, stop by the Derby Shop at 810 a sbury ave. a sbury avenue, Ocean City or call 609 335 3314 or email itsmyderby@ gmail.com.

A look back at the Atlantic City Race Course

By Steffen Klenk

Long before the introduction of casinos in atlantic City, thoroughbred racing was on the rise. The atlantic City Race Course was the pinnacle of premiere horse racing in the country. atlantic City Race Course was led by the vision of four businessmen, John B. Kelly Sr., Leo Fraser, Fred Scholler and Glendon Robertson. On July 22, 1946, atlantic City Race Course officially opened to a crowd of over 28,000. among the attendees were stars such as Grace Kelly, daughter of John Kelly, and shareholders Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Sammy Kaye and Harry James.

Steinlen rode to victory in the 1990 Caesars International Handicap.

While atlantic City Race Course was known for its world-class horse racing, the venue has also played host to a variety of entertainment.

On aug. 1-3, 1969, aCRC hosted the atlantic City Pop Festival. The threeday rock festival was headlined by Jefferson airplane, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin and B.B. King, among a lineup of dozens. Over 110,000 revelers and approximately 6,000 gate crashers attended the concert, held nearly two weeks before Woodstock.

From its inception, atlantic City Race Course was at the pinnacle in New Jersey. The track drew record

sey Supreme Court would suspend simulcast operations in 1985, but it was later approved in a referendum. There was an effort to bring slot machines to the atlantic City Race Course in 1998, but the proposal was shot down.

In its later years, atlantic City Race Course would seldom open for live simulcasts and thoroughbred racing. Several real estate developers and large businesses made attempts in purchasing the 250-acre property,

all of which fell through. On May 4, 2012, atlantic City Race Course held its final live day of racing, drawing a crowd of more than 25,000.

On Jan. 9, 2015, it was formally announced that atlantic City Race Course would wind down its operations and close its doors for good. While the future of aCRC and the 250-acre property remains unknown, its legacy and impact on our region has been etched into the history books.

1031 Tax Deferred Exchange Seminar

September 1953 saw the debut of the yearly thoroughbred race, the United Nations Handicap. It was atlantic City’s first showcase for the best turf runners throughout the country and the world. The annual event saw the success of eleven-time Triple Crown jockey Bill Shoemaker, who led three straight wins from 1957 to 1959. Breeder’s Cup winning horse

crowds of over 33,000 fans in September of 1953. In the summer 1967, fans wagered over $3.1 million in a single day, the highest betting handle in aCRC history.

The rise of the casino and gaming industry caused attendance to slowly diminish. In 1983, aCRC became the first track in the United States to receive simulcast racing. The New Jer-

WHAT IS A 1031 EXCHANGE?

A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer gain on the sale and purchase of business use or investment real estate Some benefits of a 1031 Exchange may include:

• Immediate tax deferral

• Long term appreciation on deferral

• Greater buying power

• Ability to increase income stream

• Diversification or consolidation of investments

• Acquire future vacation home or primary residence

• Estate preservation

JOIN US FOR A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR SEMINAR WHEN?

Seating is limited. Contact Margaret Steadman @ 609-703-9093 to reserve your seat TODAY!

Eagles have Georgia on their mind

started last year, when Roseman drafted former Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean.

The connection has already started to draw interest among fans. Twitter is filled with various logos depicting "Philly Dawgs."

By David Weinberg

"Georgia, Georgia ... The whole day through ... Just an old sweet song ... Keeps Georgia on my mind. ..."

Based on their strategy in last week's NFL Draft, maybe the Eagles should consider replacing "Fly, Eagles, Fly," with Ray Charles' classic as their fight song.

Or maybe "Who Let the Dawgs Out?" by Baha Men?

General manager Howie Roseman definitely had Georgia on his mind. Three of their seven draft picksdefensive tackle Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith, cornerback Kelee Ringo - played for the Bulldogs last season. So did running back D'andre Swift, whom the Eagles acquired in a trade with Detroit.

That continued a pattern that

I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles signed Georgia mascot Uga X as a free agent. Uga X, nicknamed Que, just retired after a 10-year run of patroling the Bulldogs sideline. His 92-18 record is the best in school history.

"We have a lot of boys, a lot of Georgia Philly Dawgs here," said Smith, who was drafted 30th overall Thursday night. "I get to play with three of my (college) teammates and I just won back-to-back National Championships with (Carter). I'm just happy that I'm here with my Dawgs."

Wildwood's John Lynch now has the best of two worlds.

Lynch, the Director of Sales and Entertainment at the Wildwoods Convention Center and creator of the Lunch with Lynch Foundation, went to the University of Georgia and is a huge Bulldogs fan who also roots for the Eagles.

An Annual Event by Margate Community Church

Saturday, May 13 from 1 pm to 3 pm Free and All are Welcome!

Fun-filled family activities on the church grounds:

• Pony Rides

• Petting Zoo

• Crafts

• Games

• Balloon Animals

• Musical Entertainment

• Ice Cream Truck

offering treats for sale

This event takes place each year on the day before Mother’s Day. Flowers are available for purchase for the special Mom in your life.

Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Parkway, Margate Phone: (609) 822-5050

www.margatecommunitychurch.com

Lynch was in Los angeles when the Bulldogs won their second national championship with a 65-7 rout of TCU on January 9 and was at Lincoln Financial Field a few weeks later to watch the Eagles win the NFC Championship with a 31-7 win over the 49ers.

"The Linc is my UG a home away from home," Lynch wrote on Facebook. "Red is the new Green in Philly!!!"

Picking all those Bulldogs continued a three-year pattern for the Eagles of plucking players from the SEC.

It started in 2021, when they took alabama teammates DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson with their first two picks, then took Davis and Dean last year. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, a second-round pic in 2020, also has SEC connections, having played for the Crimson Tide before transferring to Oklahoma of the Big 12.

Of course, the Eagles don't restrict themselves to one conference, but it's not a coincidence that some of their top draft picks have come from successful programs.

" you see those guys play in the biggest games, on the biggest stage against the best competition," Roseman said. "It takes the part out of the big jump in competition because the guys they're playing against (in college) are the guys that are playing on Sundays (in the NFL)."

Speaking of Wildwood, former Warriors football star Wes Hills has gotten off to an outstanding start for the USFL's New Orleans Breakers.

Hills, a 2013 Wildwood High School graduate, rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns and also caught three passes for 16 yards to help the Breakers earn a 45-31 win over

the Birmingham Stallions last week.

Hills leads the USFL in rushing with 301 yards on 51 attempts (5.8 yards per carry) and his six rushing TDs are also tops in the league. Continued success could mean signing with an NFL team as a free agent later this summer.

The 6-foot-2, 218-pounder signed with the Breakers in February after rushing for a team-high 384 yards for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He made his NFL debut in 2019, scoring two touchdowns for Detroit in a victory over Tampa Bay.

Sticking with Wildwood, Wildwood High and Wildwood Catholic academy made the long-overdue decision to renew their sports rivalries in the 2023-24 school year.

The schools will be holding "Islandwide Rivalry Weekends" during the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. Wildwood will host all the events in 23-24, then the action will head to WCa in North Wildwood the following year.

The fall weekend will feature Wildwood versus Wildwood Catholic in cross country, boys and girls soccer

and girls tennis on September 9th, 2023. Exact dates have yet to made for the much-awaited boys and girls basketball showdowns. In the spring, the schools will play one another in boys tennis, golf, softball, and track and field.

The basketball games represent the return of one of South Jersey's best rivalries. For various reasons, the Crusaders and Warriors haven't met in girls basketball since 2015-16 and the boys haven't played since 2017-18. Wildwood is a basketball town. Both the boys and girls games figure to draw huge crowds. Here's hoping for a girls-boys doubleheader at the Wildwoods Convention Center, preferably at the Boardwalk Basketball Classic like the old days.

Eagles top draft pick Jalen Carter.

Wes Hills, a record breaker at Wildwood and Slippery Rock University now plays for the USFL.

Train your dog to walk nicely without force

the actual act of going for a walk with you as a negative thing.

By Heidi Clayton

Ido not use shock, choke, or prong collars in my training program. My program is based on training a dog to happily go into a show ring and ignore all of the other dogs and people and focus on just me.

“Checking” or “popping” is frowned upon, and the wearing of the above equipment is not permitted in the ring. But in the bigger picture, I want my dogs to associate that being on a walk with me and walking nicely for me is rewarding and fun.

There are many dangers of using shock, prong, or choke collars to teach your dog to walk nicely. Studies have shown that dogs that are shocked or harshly corrected (this also applies to the use of the electric fencing) end up showing more signs of fear and anxiety when being walked or trained and start to associate the shock or pain with the person delivering it. They can also start to associate

For example, if your dog is wearing a shock collar associated with an electric fence and runs happily to the boundary to see a person or dog walking by, they can start to associate the pain of the shock with what they are looking at, not with it being a fence boundary.

This also applies to walking at your side, which they will associate with being a scary place to be if inappropriate methods are used.

I train every dog that comes to me, including my own, on a collar called a martingale. Originally designed for sight hounds like Whippets or Salukis who have long delicate necks, they are now mainstream and widely available. They are designed to tighten up while not choking your dog and are perfect for dogs or puppies who try to back out of their collars.

For dogs that are strong pullers, I recommend pairing a martingale collar with a harness on which the leash clips to the front such as the Sensation or Easy Walk brands. These are the only harnesses that actually help with pulling since they are designed to harness the power of the dog's shoulder and chest where all of their pulling power comes from.

I clip the ring of the martingale collar to the front ring of the harness while training a dog to walk nicely. Ideally as training progresses, I stop using the harness and walk my dogs on a martingale collar alone.

Harnesses that clip on the back or between the shoulder blades are what sled teams put on their Huskies so that they can move freely and pull harder to win the Iditarod. you can train a dog to walk nicely without force, shocks, or corrections. Training your dog to walk nicely at your pace will absolutely take time, but if you enjoy being with your dog and you want them to trust that you will guide them safely through life, avoid punishing them with aversive methods like choking or shocks.

To read more about how using these methods can harm your dog, check out this article written by renowned behaviorist Patricia McConnell who also provides more tips on leash walking:

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/ theotherendoftheleash/simply-wrong

If you have any questions please feel from to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net

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.

MBCA Scholarship Foundation & Outstanding Teacher Recognition Awards Luncheon

The Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association (MBCA) held its 20th annual Spring Scholarship Foundation awards Luncheon was held Thursday, april 27 in the Grand Ballroom of the historic Claridge Hotel . Over $22,000 in Scholarships and grants were awarded by the MBCa Education Foundation.

They were presented for students in the region who are planning to continue their studies at an accredited higher education institution. This year’s Keynote Speaker and Outstanding Educator award recipient was Dr. Harvey Kesselman Past President of Stockton University . He recently retired and got a standing ovation from over 600 attendees at

the luncheon.

MBCa presented several named Scholarships the were sponsored by atlantiCare, Martin Wilson Jr. Music & arts Scholarships, Stage Trip, Glenn Insurance, accent aesthetics , Seashore Gardens Foundation, & (5) Named Epicurean Scholarships . MB -

Ca also recognizes an area educator for their outstanding contributions to education. The Epicurean Society’s Outstanding Teacher Recognition Award in the amount of $1,500 was presented to Julianne Vannella From

Continued on 30

Pictured: Councilman Kaleem Shabazz & NAAC President of NAACP, Richar Helfant of LUCY, John Schultz and NJ Assemblyman and VP of MBCA Don Guardian

Dr. Harvey Kesselman Receives the MBCA Outstanding Education Award by Co-Chairs Alex Marino, Rick Santoro with Co-Executive Director Scott Cronick and Lynne Kesselman

↘Continued from 29

The

Scholarship

cheon was sponsored by Atlantic Cape Community College & Fulton Bank

Co-Chaired by alexander Marino, Executive Director of Carnegie Library and Richard Santoro, CRDa/ SID Director , More information at www.mbcanj.com

MBC a

Lun

MBCA President John Schultz with SEASHORE Gardens Table Members

Stage Trip Scholarship In Memory of Becky Orsatti to Olivia D’Alessandro From Mainland HS with Mayor Marty Small Sr.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Here to Stay

2 parts. This week we’ll focus on where we’ve been and where we are with aI. Next week we’ll touch on some practical uses and how it effects businesses and consumers.

By Keith Dawn

Everywhere you turn today, there’s a blog or article on aI and where it’s headed. Well, here’s another one. In fact, 1 of

When I became Publisher of the local daily paper in 2001, I had an administrative assistant I’ll call Dianne. (I call her Dianne, because that’s her name.) She was very loyal and always ready to assist me in many of my routine and mundane tasks. She kept me organized and helped keep me focused on the more important things each day. She would repeatedly come in my office, point at her wrist and remind

me that I was late for a meeting. and almost daily, I would yell to Dianne from my office, “How do you spell _____ ?“(fill in the blank). I’m a horrible speller. These are two simple examples of where I or you no longer need a live assistant. Sorry Dianne. I’ve got reminders built around all my tasks and appointments. and as far as spelling goes, sometimes I butcher a word so badly that my aI spell-checker can’t decipher what I’m trying to spell. That’s when I rely on Siri or alexa. Point being, we’ve all adapted to the conveniences of aI.

Look at the other conveniences of aI. Remember what it was like waiting in

endless lines to pay your toll to an actual person on the aC Expressway? Thank God for the fast-lane EZPass. Not sure I like this one: there are now 3 McDonald’s in the US that do not have one person working at them. yep, all automated with robotics.

Whenever I think of aI and the evil/ scary developments, I’m reminded of the science fiction movie, I, Robot. That’s when humans created machines that were capable of using reason and became smarter as they gathered more information/experience.

Don’t panic…yET!

We’re heading full bore into a revolution of immense proportion. When Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and MIT researchers start sounding the alarms on behalf of humanity, it’s time we listen. according to some experts, aI could cut employment by 50% worldwide.

Think about this… you’ve heard of ChatGPT. In fact, you’re likely using it to accelerate your business...or help with your kid’s homework. It’s truly a wonder and its versatility is undeniable.

Just weeks after ChatGPT came out, GPT-4 was released. GPT-4 is 500 times more powerful than ChatGPT! That’s why Musk and Wozniak are proposing a 6-month “pause” on further aI development. They want to establish strict aI protocols that everyone agrees to follow. Not a bad idea, but how do we get cooperation? I’m not sure we can get China, India, Iran, the Saudi’s to all sit back and sing kumbaya together. It will never happen. If we take a 6-month pause, we’ll fall so far behind we will never catch up. We need to stay on top of it so we can be ahead of the bad guys.

Like anything new, we can embrace it or be skeptical of it. a recent poll about aI done through TED conferences found that 39% of respondents were excited, 41% were concerned and 18% were confused. another 2% noted something else. Like any new technology, we’ll learn and adapt as we go. This one is just a little more concerning.

Next week we’ll go into some of the practical and everyday uses of aI.

Until then, have a successful week.

PS, It’s National Small Business Week from april 30 to May 6. Go out and spend some money with a small business.

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.

The sun shone on Somers Point's Bayfest

Photos by Steffen Klenk

The sunshine made an appearance last Saturday for the return of Somers Point Bayfest. Thousands of people found their way to the city’s Historic Bayfront District along Bay avenue for this year’s event, which featured over a hundred vendors, plenty of delicious food, baked goods, and giveaways to those in attendance. In addition, attendees enjoyed three stages of live music, with performances by The Kilted Rogues, Dead Reckoning, and members of the South Jersey Jazz Society.

Kids young and old were treated to photo-ops with Mackie the Stiltwalker, face painting by Mindfully active, and toys and crafts from air Circus Kite Shop. Local organizations such as Funny Farm Rescue and Shore Medical Center provided information on their services. Organizers are busy planning for the return of Bayfest in 2024.

To learn more, follow Bayfest on social media at www.facebook.com/somerspointbayfest.

Dam Myers, representing the Somers Point Arts Commission, with Mackie the Stiltwalker.

The Kilted Rogues filled Bay Avenue with delightful music all day.

Doug Jewell of Air Circus

Matthew Deibert creates an amazing sand sculpture.

Members of the Dead Reckoning rocked the stage at Bayfest.

Basking in the shady garden

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

If april showers bring May flowers, then we are in for a floral treat, because april exited with a complete deluge. Now we look forward to warmer and sunnier days, when our flowers will eagerly burst open in a celebration of May days. Garden nurseries beckon us, like the song of the Sirens, calling us to find new flowers to beautify our garden paths. But what if the sun doesn’t smile on your yard, and tall trees leave you in the dark? Take heart, shady gardens offer unique advantages, giving us many opportunities for growing flowering plants.

When planning out your shade garden, assess the area where you intend to plant, and observe it throughout the day. you might realize

your “shady” garden receives quite a lot of sun in the morning, but lies in the shadows by afternoon. This will provide the perfect conditions for flowering perennials such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and clematis. These plants will enjoy morning sun to aid in blooming, but will enjoy a respite in the afternoon. Don’t forget about bleeding heart with its graceful arching stems carrying teardrops of pink hearts. Fill any empty spaces with annuals such as lobelia, tuberous begonia, and exotic fuchsia. My go-to shady flowers are impatiens. Flats of bluish-pink impatiens will soon line my front yard, and they will quickly grow and spread. Use white or light pink to brighten a dark corner. They will seem to glow at night.

Most shady gardens aren’t completely dark. Often, sunlight will find its way through the leaves of towering trees, providing the dappled light that many partial-shade-loving plants enjoy. For areas with dappled light, try elegant hellebores, brunnera, and Solomon’s seal. Keep in mind that in early spring, the space under the canopy of deciduous trees receives more sun since their leaves have not yet blotted out the light. This would make a perfect place to plant early daffodils and tulips.

Though we all love flowers, never underestimate the beauty of foliage. Shady gardens allow us to explore the interesting combinations you can create by mixing different shades, shapes, and textures of leaves for gratifying visual interest. Of course, everyone thinks of hostas when it comes to shade gardens. But have you considered all the different types of hostas? From dwarf to giant varieties, the leaves of hostas can go from dark-green to “blue”, chartreuse,

This combination of ferns, hostas, and bluebells bring peace in the shade.

and variegated combinations of all of the above. While darker colors can tolerate the most shade, variegated and lighter colors will want slightly more light. Though they are best loved for their foliage, as a bonus hostas will send up a spike of purple or white flowers that hummingbirds will enjoy.

When considering foliage in the shade garden, check out coral bells (heuchera). Named for the tiny flower bells atop their tall stems, the leaves of these plants come in so many varieties, you may become obsessed. From red and purple, to almost black, and all different shades of greens and yellows, coral bells have an unending variety of combinations. The flowers, which also come in an array of colors, only enhance the different colors and shapes of the leaves of these perennial plants.

Nothing beats the foliage of coleus. These plants are amazing and dramatic. your shade garden will be anything but boring when adding the hot pink or lime green blazes of these leaves to your landscape. The possible combinations are truly limitless. I can envision an entire shade garden composed solely of various coleus

varieties. Unfortunately, these tropical plants are extremely intolerant of cold weather. Now the good news: you can overwinter coleus indoors as a houseplant, and they are very easy to grow from cuttings. always consider your pets when bringing plants indoors, though, as the aSPCa (american Society for that Prevention of Cruelty to animals) lists coleus as poisonous to pets. Coleus will send up a purple-white flower, but these are insignificant compared to the vibrant foliage.

Once you look at your shade garden in a new light, you will realize the advantages and the beauty you can create. your options are limitless, and we haven’t even discussed ferns, caladiums, rhododendrons, dogwoods, or lily-of-thevalley (the May birth flower). In my own garden, we have a shady section that was unsightly and sparse. Now it thrives with ferns, hostas and blue-bells. after a hot summer day, you feel a sense of relief and peace when you walk by this part

of the garden. It’s almost like a hush, and you want to linger and enjoy the stillness. In your own shade garden, add a fountain of running water, a bench to repose, and take some time to bask in the shady garden.

We would love to hear from our readers. What is your favorite shade plant? Send your comments, pictures, and questions to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.

Variegated Solomon’s seal blooming from arched stems.

Elegant hellebores in the shady garden.

Honoring nurses who always answer the call

While we all have been affected by a nurse somehow, I wanted to use this column to provide you with an inside view of nursing, so I sat down with Shore Medical Center's Chief Nursing Officer, Holly Badali, RN, to get her insight and perspective.

By Brian Cahill

Each year, nurses across the country are honored during National Nurses Week, beginning on May 6 and concluding on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. a s the son of a nurse, I saw my mother's commitment to her profession and the special relationships she had with her patients, evident through the stories she shared.

For the past eight years as Marketing Director at Shore Medical Center, I have been fortunate to see that same dedication in each of the skilled and talented nurses at Shore Medical Center. I have come to realize that there is truly something special inside a nurse, something few of us possess, but something for which we should be grateful.

"Nurses are pretty remarkable people," said Badali. "Nursing is definitely a calling. There is something inside nurses that gives them an incredible joy to be able to care for someone. Sometimes they are direct caregivers. Other times they are patient advocates, and almost always, they are counted on to provide comfort and be a good listener."

after Holly said that to me, she paused, and her demeanor changed and took a more serious tone as she reflected on the pandemic.

"Go back to March 2020. People were scared. Loved ones were dying. It was terrifying. But what did nurses do while most others were home? They marched on in to the hospitals, putting others before themselves, and courageously went to work."

"I think about the donning and doffing of the PPE – it was like a science fiction movie," Holly continued.

"Emotionally, it was draining, but nurses remained mentally and physically strong despite it all. Think about all the times they were told that there was light at the end of the tunnel, only to learn there was a new variant, complication, or something else. But they never gave up and kept coming back for their patients."

With the national Covid emergency ending in mid-May, nurses face new challenges, but once again, they are proving to be up to the task.

"We've seen a significant uptick in this country with behavioral health issues, and many have not bounced back from the stress of the past three years," said Badali. "Some have lost their coping skills, but nurses never did."

"Nurses care for people at their weakest and sickest moments but also their happiest," she continued. "They are there when a beautiful ba -

by is born, and they are there to help patients at end-of-life die with dignity. Nurses are there for patients and their families at every stage during the circle of life."

Before our chat ended, I asked Holly if she could sum up her thoughts on nurses in a few words. She looked back at me, smiled, and exclaimed,

"I'd say we're pretty damn good! Nurses are my heroes!"

Well, Holly, I'd say that we all agree with you. Happy Nurses Week to you and all our brave, courageous, compassionate and skilled nurses.

Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

Views from the Shore

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Live & Local Music Calendar

Cheezy and the Crackers Trio 6pm Villain & Saint at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Friday,

Caroline’s by the Bay

Flight Back Home 7pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

One Hot Mess 7-10pm. Bocca

7805 Ventnor ave. Margate

The Usual Suspects 7pm. Josie Kelly’s Public House. 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 7-11pm. McGettigan’s

500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

LNJ Sessions 7:30pm.

yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Three AM Tokyo 8pm. The yard at Bally’s. 1900 Pacific ave. atlantic City

DJ Skyline 9pm. Rhythm & Spirits 129 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Matt Aadms Duo 8pm

Lounge at Golden Nugget

Huron ave. 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

Chris Yoder Band 7:30pm

The yard at yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Jumper Trio 7:30pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Screaming Matilda 7:30-11pm

McGettigan’s

500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

Jazz with Eddie Morgan 8:30pm

Rhythm & Spirits

129 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Sir Rod: Rod Stewart/Elton John

Tribute 9pm. Tennessee avenue Beer

Hall. 133 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

The Deck Band 10pm

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Sad & Boujee with Jake Karamol

10pm. anchor Rock Club

247 S. New york ave. atlantic City

Steal the Sky 10pm. Wild Wild West at Caesars. 2100 Pacific ave. atlantic City

Saturday, May 6th

Geri Mingori 5-8pm. Bar One at Resorts

Casino. 1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

NC3 5-9pm. Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Beth Tinnon 5:30-8:30pm

atlantic County Country Club

1 Leo Frazer Dr. Northfield

Mike LaGuardia 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Tuckahoe Inn. 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Half Jed 9pm. Tennessee avenue Beer Hall. 133 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Sad & Boujee with Fred Durst 10pm anchor Rock Club 247 S. New york ave. atlantic City

Lifespeed 10pm. Wild Wild West at Caesars. 2100 Pacific ave. atlantic City

Party Wave Band 10pm Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Sunday, May 7th

Brian Kmetz 11am-2pm. McGettigan’s 500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

Tony Day & Across the Globe Band 7:30-10:30pm. Kelsey’s 1545 Pacific ave. atlantic City

3AM Tokyo Duo 8pm. Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

DJ Curtis Remarc 8pm. Nola’s Bar at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Monday, May 8th

Red 7-11pm. Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget. 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Tuesday, May 9th

Patty & Bugzy 8pm.

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Wednesday, May 10th

Danny Eyer 5:30pm. Tuckahoe Inn 1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Michael Stevens 8pm. Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Open Mic Hosted by Blue Eagle 8pm12am. Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay ave. Somers Point Events subject to change.

Outdoor Deck Now Open!

Your New Place For

Whitney's Picks

There are some really fun happenings for Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby weekend, so make sure to support your local venues and get your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on any fun! Oh, and feel free to tag me in your photos and videos.

What: Cinco de Mayo Celebration at The yard

Where: The yard at Bally’s atlantic City

When: Friday, May 5 - Sunday May 7

Time: 7 to 11 p.m.

Website: casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city/promotions.htm

The Noyes arts Garage of Stockton University will host its inaugural Print Day with six printmaking workshops for people of all ages and live demonstrations by professional artists.

What: Ventnor City Block Party

Who: “On your Feet” The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

Where: Tropicana

When: Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7

Time: Various times

Tickets: $39.50 - $93.00 plus applicable fees

Website: caesars.com/tropicana-ac/ shows

“On your Feet!” The inspiring true musical story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, will come to the showroom at Tropicana.

What: Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Where: Ocean Casino Resort

When: Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7

Time: Various times

Website: www.theoceanac.com

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Ocean and fiesta all day, siesta all night. There’s a Patrón Cocktail Class, a Patrón Weekend Takeover Lunch at Villain and Saint and a Patrón Passport Tasting, plus a Mariachi band parade and much more.

What: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Where: Casa Taco and Tequila Bar

Tropicana

When: Friday, May 5

Website: casatacoac.com

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Casa Taco and Tequila Bar with an unforgettable evening of Mexican festivities, food, drinks and a Mariachi show with dancers from 6 to 9 p.m.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with specialty cocktails, food offerings and piñata fun every hour from 7 to 11 p.m. Plus, get a gold coin for your chance to win a Carnival Cruise.

What: Cinco de Mayo Ladies Night

Where: Tomasello Winery in Hammonton

When: Friday, May 5

Tickets: $29.96 plus applicable fees

Website: Tomasello Winery

Fiesta like there’s no mañana. Dance, shop, drink and enjoy a gourmet taco bar.

What: Print Day

Where: Noyes arts Garage of Stockton University

When: Saturday, May 6 Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Website: www.artsgarageac.com/ printday

Where: Troy and Portland avenues in Ventnor

When: Saturday, May 6 Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy delicious food, unique crafts, kids activities, two beer gardens and more, including an amazing musical line-up.

What: Ocean City Spring Block Party

Where: From 5th to 14th streets on a sbury avenue

When: Saturday, May 6 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come check out more than 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more.

What: The Galloway arts Festival

Where: Historic Smithville and Village Greene

When: Saturday, May 6 (Rain Date Sunday, May 7)

Time: 10 a.m.

The Galloway arts Festival features

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Eddie Bruce Celebrates The Music of Anthony Newley

music, dance and visual arts. Plus, performances by the a bsegami Performing arts and interactive activities.

What: Paint and Sip Party R&B Edition

Where: Phantasm The Experience Selfie Museum

When: Saturday, May 6

Time: 6 to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets: $45 at Eventbrite.com

Paint and party at Phantasm The Experience Selfie Museum with DJ Rhetlaw playing the hottest 90’s R&B hits. It’s ByOB and you’ll get a complimentary glass of wine with admission.

What: POP 2000 Tour

Where: The Pool after Dark Harrah’s Resort

When: Saturday, May 6 Time: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Tickets: $20 - $75

Website: www.thepoolafterdark. com/events

Head to The Pool after Dark for a throwback party to the early 2000’s hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSyNC with live performances by O-Town and LFO.

Tickets: FREE aDMISSION first come first served. Enjoy a Derby inspired menu featuring mint juleps plus prizes for the Best Dressed and Best Hat. and keep the party going with a live performance from The Usual Suspects.

What: Chili and Chowder Cook-off for Charity

Where: Harpoons on the Bay in North Cape May

When: Sunday, May 7

Tickets: $10 at the door

Time: Noon to 3 p.m. Prizes will be given to the first-, second-, and third-place winners. all proceeds will benefit the New Jersey

Make a Wish Foundation. a s you can see, there’s so much to do. No matter what you decide, be safe and have fun everyone!

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!

What: Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Where: Josie Kelly’s in Somers Point

When: Saturday, May 6 Time: 5 p.m. to midnight

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

Photo credit: Funny Farm Rescue and Animal Sanctuary

Mexican eatery returning to Atlantic City, debuting at Golden Nugget

would close, but I was asked not to reveal what would replace it.

Well, the wait is finally over: Dos Caminos, the Landry’s-owned Mexican restaurant with four locations in New york, will soon return to atlantic City this summer season.

By Scott Cronick

It’s that time of year when new businesses open just in time to make sure they are ready for the summer rush.

I already reported that Martorano’s will soon transform to another Italian concept, La Strada, in the near future at Harrah’s atlantic City; The Hook, a new Spiegelworld theater with an Italian restaurant, Superfrico, will open at Caesars atlantic City on June 30; Il Verdi will move into bigger digs previously occupied by Fin and Jose Garces’ Olon at the Tropicana Casino Resort in the next couple of weeks; Cardinal by Chef Michael Brennan on the Orange Loop in atlantic City debuted last week; the Showboat Island Waterpark is on schedule for a possible June opening with tons of new restaurants and offerings inside and outside of the resort; and Chucktown BBQ will debut at Tennessee avenue Beer Hall as early as Memorial Day weekend.

I also reported that Golden Nugget atlantic City’s Italian eatery, Grotto,

That’s about as good news as you can get for Cinco de Mayo weekend.

yes, I say return because if you remember, Dos Caminos was once located right across the street at Harrah’s atlantic City when BR Guest

operated that restaurant there – before the Landry’s takeover – along with other eateries including the great Sammy D’s, which is sorely missed.

Like Grotto, Dos Caminos will be located right in the center of the casino floor and bring a new energy to the entire Golden Nugget experience. It is part of an expansion for Dos that also includes another location in New york and one in Charlotte, N.C.

Known for its killer guacamole –probably the best I ever had – it is served with warm tortilla chips and a trio of salsas, all homemade.

Dos Caminos, which received Best Margarita in New york honors two years in a row, also offers a ceviche bar; street food such as queso fundido made with dark beer and pickled jalapenos and skillet-baked nachos with queso and all the fixins; nearly a dozen taco options including vegan cauliflower, birria, carnitas and local white fish; traditional plates such as enchiladas with mole poblano, chile relleno and fajitas; specialty dishes including skillet chimichanga, skirt steak asada, mole short rib and Oaxacan shrimp quesadillas; and sides including mac ’n chorizo and skillet poblano cornbread.

The New york locations also feature awesome happy hours and a weekend brunch, but Golden Nugget could not elaborate any more about the project yet.

More to come.

Italian at Vic & Anthony’s

For those of you missing the Italian experience at Grotto at the Nugget, fear not: Vic & anthony’s has stepped up and is already offering some amazing Italian dishes that are really wowing guests.

The incredible steakhouse – one of my Top 3 in the city – is already

known for its great steakhouse fare including steak tartare, Oysters Rockefeller, seared foie gras, an a merican Wagyu ribeye filet, a 40-ounce certified tomahawk chop from Harwood, Texas, fried lobster mac and cheese and more. It is also one of the only places that regularly serves a bone-in filet, which might be my favorite steak in a .C. and the maple-glazed quail is probably my favorite app in the city.

Managed by restaurant veteran Sal Spena, who welcomed the Italian infusion, some new offerings include meatballs with mozzarella, bechamel, toasted walnut pesto and marinara; a 14-ounce veal chop served parmesan or Milanese style; the former calamari dish was reinvented to be Italian and now features broccoli rabe, sliced long hots and marinara; pan-seared scallops with corn maque choux and sauteed baby spinach; and for happy hour (4 to 7 p.m. daily at the bar), an

interesting take on fried mozzarella.

Spena says there are also specials – right now there is a burrata appetizer dish –and two new Italian-themed desserts will soon be added to the menu.

I can’t wait to get in there to try the new menu!

New Somers Point bar

I don’t want to spoil the big opening of Passion Vines Owner Michael Bray’s new project, but the word is getting out, so might as well tease it a little.

Right next to Passion Vines in in Somers Point, the always upbeat and positive Bray quietly opened Queen Jayne’s Lounge & Royal Drinkery, a stunning new cocktail experience that will specialize in libations elegantly crafted and served in a fashion Somers Point has never seen before.

The name is a homage to his mother Jayne Bray, an amazing woman who died last summer after bravely navigating the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis for 32 years. Her battle including raising awareness for MS and creating The Right Notes with Michael and making a positive impact on the more than 400 people living with MS in atlantic and Cape May counties.

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.

Total class, Michael!

The grand opening is May 20. Stay tuned as Bray will discuss the new venture with me in an upcoming issue.

Somers Points Concerts on the Beach named the Best Outdoor Concert Series in America

Nearly 100 years into its legacy of live musical entertainment, Somers Points Concerts on the Beach has been nationally recognized as the Best Outdoor Concert Series in america by USa Today.

In an overwhelming display of regional pride and love for the unique and magical concert series, the people of the Northeast have given their hearts and their votes to Somers

Point’s summertime staple.

It’s an appropriate award, coming on the 30th anniversary of the series founded by Nicholas Regine, then recreation director for Somers Point. The series is now produced by the all-volunteer Somers Point Beach Concert Committee led by Nancy and Carmen Marotta of the Tony Mart Legacy.

Because it was just across the bay from the pretty, pristine, “dry” ocean -

front resort of Ocean City, entertainment establishments began to appear in Somers Point almost a century ago in the 1930s.

In 1944 a Sicilian immigrant discovered and acted upon the momentous opportunities in post-World War II a merica. The Marotta Family was one of many families including the Gregorys, DiOrios, Roy Steel, the Blakes, the Previtis the antolinis the Corniglias, the McCanns, the McCains, the Thomas Family, the Circle Liquor Store, Walt’s Original Primo Pizza and several more organizations whose hard work and dedication to their small family businesses created one of the Jersey Shore’s original party towns, which ultimately became one of the most famous rock ‘n’ roll meccas on the East Coast.

The hard-working, opportunistic antonino “Tony Mart” Marotta bought Schick’s Tavern and turned it into the legendary “Tony Marts,” which contributed 38 years of fame to the history of Somers Point.

Thirty years ago Nick Regine envisioned live concerts on the beach and in the last 18-20 years these Concerts on the Beach have increased exponentially in their scope and budgeting to become the top outdoor concert series in the country, regularly presenting Grammy-winning artists, million-selling recording artists, multiple New Orleans Big Easy award and Memphis Blues Hall of Fame award winners as well as members of the

Rock ‘n’ Roll and International Blues Hall of Fame.

The series is deep in cultural content and patronage, supporting the artists and their careers; it is extensive in its diversity and distinctive in artistic talent.

Like all living things it can only proliferate in an environment conducive to growth. Somers Point is just that remarkable, historic shore town distinguished by great community leadership led by the mayor, City Council, the chief of police, the Public Works Department and thousands of volunteers, sponsors, and contributors.

Everyone who is a part of this deserves recognition, rewards, credit and heartfelt thanks for the profuse outpouring of support and good will that propelled all of us, as a community, to this truly remarkable accomplishment in a lovely small town of about 12,000 people.

your Beach Concert Committee and the City of Somers Point are hard at work planning a special celebration.

Let the Good Times Roll!

Musician Michael "Tunes" Antunes pictured with Carmen Marotta, founder of Tony Marts Presents and Director of the Somers Point Beach Concert Series. Photo courtesy of John Loreaux

2023 Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point, 30th Anniversary Schedule

June 16 – Curtis Salgado. “The man who taught the blues to the Blues Brothers.”

Multi-award-winning R&B, funk, and soul, blues star.

June 23 – The Tony Mart Allstars, “Everybody Loves Ernie.” Classic rock guitar tribute to Clapton, Santana, Hendrix, The allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Harrison, John Lennon, and Stephen Stills.

June 30 – Martin Barre’s musical history of Jethro Tull founding members plus a tribute to their own, British rock legacy. The SSP’s start the rock ‘n’ roll party.

Tuesday

July 4 – The Billy Walton Band with Michael “Tunes” Antunes , saxophone star of “Eddie and the Cruisers.”

July 7 – Mardi Gras in July Starring James Andrews from “Trombone Shorty” and “Treme” TV Musical Family. Joe Krown tribute to Dr. John, Professor Longhair allen Toussaint and James Booker.

July 14 – The Weeklings . Beatles music with Glen Burtnik, star of Broadway’s “Beatlemania,” Styx and Electric Light Orchestra.

July 21 – The Dane Anthony Band premier Northeast party, dance band playing your favorite funk, classic rock, Motown, disco, and dance.

July 28 – Gary Us Bonds and the Roadhouse Rockers . Dick Clark to Bruce Springsteen, Livin legacy of classic rock. The Hilarious Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, rockin, boogie-woogie, piano, entertainer.

aug. 4 – Stanley Jordan , “Stanley Plays Jimi.” One of the world's greatest guitarists pays tribute to Hendrix. The Brandon Ireland Band with “Big Bob” Ernano

aug. 11 – Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience . Two-time Grammy winner, world music, reggae, classic rock.

aug. 18 – Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers . Multi-award-winning BB King Entertainer of the year.

aug. 25 – Tom Hambridge and the Rattle Snakes . Two-time Grammy winner performed with Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, President Obama, BB King, and hundreds of stars.

The E Street Shuffle: Premiere Springsteen tribute band.

September 1 – Red . Hot new allstar super supergroup with Patti Balbo 80s tribute. Heart, pretenders, Pat Benatar, and classic psychedelic rock with Janis Joplin.

September 8 – TBA

September 9 – Good Old Days Festival in Kennedy Park.

Promotions in Full Bloom at Hard Rock

Veterans Program

It’s Military appreciation Month and we proudly salute our veterans, who can join the Wild Card Veterans Program for free by enrolling with a valid Military ID at Wild Card Services. Benefits include: an instant upgrade to Elite status with complimentary self-parking, 15% discount at Hard Rock Cafe, 20% off all regular priced services at Rock Spa, 20% off hotel rooms Sunday through Thursday, special Veterans events throughout the year, a limited-edition Hard Rock Veteran pin, and buy one, get one buffet Monday through Friday.

The Wild Card Veterans Program is open to all active and inactive duty military, all veterans, members of the army National Guard, army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, air Force Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and all active military and veteran spouses.

Headliner

Entertainment Lineup

● Friday, May 19 – The Gaslight anthem – Sound Waves

● Saturday, May 20 – Janet Jackson –Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

● Saturday, May 20 – Cheap Trick –Sound Waves

● Tuesday, May 23 – Jonas Brothers –Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

● Friday, May 25 – Sam Hunt – Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

● Saturday, May 27 – Emo Night Brooklyn – Sound Waves

● Sunday, May 28 – Emo Night Brooklyn – Sound Waves

Food & Beverage 2023 Sommelier Series: Passport Edition – Cinco de Mayo Patrón Din -

ner. Thursday, May 4 at 6 p.m. Join us at Sandpiper and Sommelier James Crescenzo for an unforgettable tequila dinner experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mexico as you sample the finest Patrón tequilas and savor the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, expertly prepared by Sandpiper's Executive Chef John Zaitoun.

Reserve your seat now for this one-of-a-kind tequila dinner event in atlantic City. Hard Rock atlantic City is excited to welcome you and make this an evening to remember! Tickets cost $100 and are available at www. hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

Fresh Harvest Launches Seafood Buffet

Indulge in an all-you-can-eat Seafood Buffet at Fresh Harvest beginning on Thursday, May 11, and continuing every Thursday evening from 4 to 9 p.m. Cost: $55.99 per person.

Mother’s Day Cheesecake at Sugar Factory: available on Mother’s Day weekend, treat mom to a decadent New york cheesecake dipped in rich dark chocolate. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberries, a raspberry macaron and edible gold, this delicious dessert is the sweetest way to show your mom you appreciate her. Cost: $21.

Beach Bar Grand Opening: Hard Rock atlantic City’s Beach Bar is scheduled to open for the season on Friday, May 26. The Beach Bar will be open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Beach rentals are available daily from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Eddie and the Cruisers celebrates 40 years at Somers Point show

By Steffen Klenk

The Somers Point Historical Society in collaboration with Tony Marts Presents hosted a very special event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Eddie and the Cruisers at Gateway Playhouse on Saturday, a pril 22. Guests and attendees were treated to a special screening of the movie, filmed at Tony Marts in Somers Point and the South

Jersey region, in addition to a live performance by Billy Walton and Destinee Monroe. Special guests included Michael “Tunes” antunes (aka Wendall Newton) on saxophone and the vocals of David Wilson (aka Kenny Hopkins), both of whom performed stellar renditions of On the Dark Side and Tender years. Walton and Tunes are slated to share the stage for a special Somers Point Beach concert this July 4.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

Gateway marquee

Destinee Monroe on vocals

Billy Walton and Michael "Tunes" Antunes share the mic

A proud fan holds up a signed vinyl copy of the Eddie and the Cruiser soundtrack

L to R: David Wilson, Billy Walton, and Michael Antunes

‘May’ we talk about local music? There’s a lot to discuss!

Bamboozle was also plagued with many fans claiming they were initially charged exorbitantly high ticket fees that were suddenly, extensively lowered once tickets were on sale, and who were stymied in attempts to get refunds.

Tune In Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Bamboozled: Okay, well that happened (actually it didn’t). This longtime festival, resuscitated by original founder John D’a gostino in 2020 after being dormant since 2012, had the virtual plug pulled last Friday, a scant week before the three-day event was scheduled to take place at Bader Field in atlantic City.

Bamboozle – which in the past featured such big-time acts as Bon Jovi, My Chemical Romance, Foo Fighters, Skillrex, and more – was ultimately done in by paperwork, or rather, their lack of filing the necessary permits with the City of atlantic City.

“There was an ongoing concern that we were not getting the required documents from festival organizers

in a timely manner,” aC Business administrator anthony Swan said. “We asked for this information months in advance to protect the city and the

taxpayers of atlantic City.

“The event was fast approaching, and these issues were still unresolved.”

Meanwhile, NorStep Productions is stepping up to present a show featuring five of the groups who were finalists in the recent Bamboozle Break Contest, which would have seen these bands performing at Bamboozle (two of them on the main stage), this Saturday, May 6 starting 2:20 p.m. at the Tennessee avenue Beer Hall’s Outside Stage: Painted young, a ge of Ore, Misery, Specter, and Kobi Reese.

There’s no admission fee, says NorStep’s Stephen Weiss, but they’re currently working to ensure the bands get paid (please donate graciously that day to the tip jar!).

Speaking of Weiss, his recent 420 Festival went off without a hitch, and we saw/heard a band we loved there, The Record Keeper, straight outta Clifton. Look them up and check them out. Terrific female lead

Former Grammy nominee Sugaray Rayford will perform at Mardi Gras AC July 5.

vocalist, kind of a modern-day cross between The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde and Pat Benatar. Hope to see them play the aC/Shore area again soon.

a nchor Rock Club in atlantic City is also going forward with its previously planned Sad and Boujee Bamboozle after parties this Friday and Saturday night, May 5 and 6, with Limp Biscuit front-man Fred Durst switching his scheduled appearance at the aRC from Friday to Saturday. More at http://www.anchorrockclub. com/.

Mardi Gras AC Concerts A Go: The summer slate of shows for Mardi Gras aC is taking shape, and what a lineup, starting with longtime Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, who kicks off the season June 28 with his Martin Barre’s Jethro Tull band (expect to hear “aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath” and “Living In The Past,” among other memorable tunes).

Also on the schedule: Louisiana’s Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. IIs Sont Paris Band, along with past Grammy nominee and smooth blues crooner, Sugaray Rayford (pictured in above photo) on July 5; Heather Hardy and the Lil’ Mama Band (July 12); George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners (July 19); Johnny Sansone Band (July 26); Tito Puente Jr: The Living Legacy of Latin Jazz (aug. 9); Shemekia

Copeland Band (aug. 16); and The Weight Band (featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band, on aug. 23. Look for shows on 11 consecutive Wednesdays (taking place on Kennedy Plaza, across from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall) up until Sept. 6.

“More headliners will be announced soon,” says promoters Carmen and Nancy Marotta, who are also to be congratulated for being voted the ‘Best Outdoor Concert Series in america’ in a national contest sponsored by USa Today, for their great Somers Point beach concerts, now celebrating their 30th anniversary. Well done! all shows are free and family friendly. Info: http://www. tonymart.com.

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.

Jerry Blavat’s Margate Night Club For Sale

Will the memories go on?

Memories in Margate, the dance club owned by legendary Philadelphia/South Jersey radio personality Jerry Blavat is officially for sale.

For 50 years Memories had been the summertime home of "The Geator with the Heater". Thousands

of fans over the years danced to Blavat’s spinning records at the amherst avenue establishment, cooling off with cold drinks among friends. Some loved Jerry Blavat’s Jersey Shore nightclub so much that they bought houses nearby so they could walk there, dance and shuffle back home. a Facebook post last week by

his longtime partner Keely Stahl acknowledged that Memories in Margate is on the market. She hopes the club can host a memorial for Blavat

before the sale is finalized. “Best case scenario would be, as Jerry wished, for it to continue as the kind of club he ran for people to enjoy the kind of music he played and create new memories”, she said. “Let's see what happens & intend for the best possible outcome,” added Stahl.

a news release sent by the executors of Blavat’s estate indicated that the purchase would include the property, contents within the property, Jerry Blavat’s one-of-a-kind record collection, and naming rights with some exclusions. No asking price was given. Proposals must be submitted to BuyMemoriesinMargate@gmail. com by May 19.

The energetic entertainer died on January 20. He was 82.

Ronnies

Golf

Hospital

Pro Shop & Driving Range

Food, Drink and Fun at Resorts Casino

Laughter is the best medicine and aC Jokes is sure to deliver big laughs with some of the East Coast’s best comedians. The well-known troupe will be performing in the Screening Room seven days a week. There is not a drink minimum. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at ResortsaC.com.

Bar Bingo

Every Sunday | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Bar One

Enjoy your favorite cocktails while combining bingo with your musical knowledge. Win food credits and slot cash!

Paint Party

Thursday, May 6th | 7:00pm9:00pm | Dining Level

The first Thursday of every month, Resorts paints! This time around they’re painting Lilies of the Valley. Come early for happy hour snacks and cocktails. The cost is $35 per person. Call 609-703-7689 to reserve you spot.

Veterans Appreciation Day

Tuesday, May 9th | 10:00am –8:00pm | Promotions Booth

The second Tuesday of every month Veterans receive free parking, 5X tier points, VIP club access, a pair of aC Jokes tickets and a special gift. This month’s gift is a small logoed backpack. Guests must present military ID and their Star Card to participate.

Jazz Night at Bar One

Friday, May 12th | 5:00pm – 8:00pm Resorts is bringing back the sounds of atlantic City’s iconic Club Harlem

Happy Hours

Mukashi

Wednesday – Friday | 4:00pm7:00pm

Sit at the sushi bar and enjoy $9 and under sushi and sake specials.

LandShark Bar & Grill

Monday - Friday | 5:00pm- 8:00pm

Jimmy Buffett’s

Margaritaville

Everyday | 8:00pm to Close

Specials at both locations | $5 domestic drafts and wine | $6 fried pickles, $7 chips & dip, $9 lava shrimp

Dougherty’s Raw Bar

$1.25 oysters, $1 clams, $12 and under apps and drink specials

Daily| 4:00pm – 6:00pm Friday & Saturday | 9:00pm –10:00pm

Cielo Wine Bar

Thursdays and Fridays | 5:00pm –8:00pm | Drink and food specials.

Bar One

Monday – Friday | 2:00pm – 6:00pm | $5 domestic drafts and house wine, $6 margaritas

Breadsticks

Every Day | Open - Close | $7 cocktails

DraftKings Sportsbook

Saturday & Sunday | Open – Close | $3 Miller Lite & yuengling drafts

with a special performance by the Greg Pordon Band.

Tickets on Sale

Thursday for Four New Ocean City Pops Shows

Tickets for four special Ocean City Pops shows at the Ocean City Music Pier this summer will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 4.

● OC Pops Greatest Hits will feature Maestro Vince Lee's orchestral favorites on Wednesday, July 12. In this one-of-a-kind concert, Lee will take you on a whirlwind tour of almost every genre imaginable: symphonic folk tales, brassy fanfares, Hollywood hits, Tin Pan a lley tunes, and even funk and soul.

● a Sinatra Extravaganza will showcase Sinatra stylist Brandon Tomasello on Sunday, July 16. after his spectacular debut with the Ocean City Pops in 2022, Tomasello returns as a headliner to the Music Pier. Since his beginnings singing Sinatra songs over a recording as a teenager, Mr. Tomasello has curated a massive library of original Sinatra orchestral sheet music, arranged by greats such as Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Johnny Mandel.

● Tchaikovsky and Beethoven 5: Symphonic Fireworks on Sunday, august 13 will see Maestro Vince Lee showing off the virtuosic classical side of the Pops with an evening of symphonic favorites. Musicians from the orchestra will also take the spotlight as featured

soloists, and the evening will close with selections from one of the most famous tunes in classical music history: Beethoven's 5th Symphony.

● Opera Superstars of Tomorrow will take the stage on Wednesday, august 23. after 2021’s blockbuster concert featuring four of the top opera students in the country, Maestro Vince Lee is thrilled to make this concert an annual Ocean City tradition. Come hear which future superstars will make their debuts on the Music Pier stage. Online ticket sales and information on how to purchase tickets in-person for these and other great Ocean City Pops shows this season are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

Le Dîner en Blanc Returns to Atlantic City Boardwalk on June 24

Following the success of last year’s Inaugural Le Dîner en Blanc in atlantic City organizers Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran are bringing the popular event back to the Jersey Shore on Saturday, June 24th.

Last year’s event- the first held in New Jersey - brought 2,500 diners to the historic atlantic City Boardwalk

and this year’s event promises to give even more guests the opportunity to don their finest white garments, pack their best picnics and enjoy a truly magical evening under the stars in atlantic City.

Originally founded in Paris, the world-renowned pop-up picnic takes place in a surprise location. Guests dress in white and bring their table,

chairs, place settings, and meal to a meeting spot where they are led to the event for an evening of dining and dancing. Over the years, Le Dîner en Blanc has become one of the most sought-after culinary events around the world. Thousands of guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds with a common interest in elegant dining in an unexpected public space.

Those interested in attending this elegant evening of culinary adventure should add their names to the waiting list on the Le Diner en Blanc atlantic City website now. Everyone on the waiting list receives an invitation to register. Tickets will go on sale in mid-May. The exact sale date will be announced on the website and

via social media. The event will sell out, so those interested in attending should make sure to secure their spot when tickets go on sale.

For more information on Le Dîner en Blanc atlantic City, you can

follow them on Instagram and like their Facebook page. For more information, you can visit atlanticcity. dinerenblanc.com.

Guests enjoy dinner at the first Le Dîner en Blanc Atlantic City Photo courtesy of Hughe Dillion.

Cod, a healthy catch

add canned tomatoes, oregano, and lemon juice.

Cover and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until cod flakes easily with a fork.

This recipe serves 4.

Nutritional information:

Summer Camps for Creative Students!

Quality classes with highly educated faculty and professional artists!

Dance

Princess Ballet, Hip Hop & Broadway - One Week Sessions

Each week long session will end with a performance on the last day.

Nutrition

By Nancy Adler

Cod is a low-fat source of protein. It’s an excellent choice for people who would like to reduce their fat intake and improve their heart health. Enjoy cod grilled, baked, and broiled.

Providing vitamin D and omega fatty acids, cod helps to meet all the mineral requirements, including B6, thiamine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals are essential in bodily functioning.

Cod is in the group of lower mercury fish along with salmon, shrimp and sardines. avoid higher-mercury fish such as tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish and mackerel. Cod liver oil is one of the most popular supplements for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, as it helps reduce joint pain and relieve some of the other symptoms, such as morning stiffness, joint tenderness, swelling and discomfort.

you may find this recipe in my cookbook, “Nancy’s Recipes for Life,” available in my Linwood office location and Capellas Oil and Vinegar store.

Mediterranean Cod

Ingredients:

● 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

● 3 ounces of baby spinach

● 1 lb. cod filets cut into 4 portions

● 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

● 4 ounces of cremini mushrooms, sliced

● 1 (14.5-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes

● 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

● 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

Directions: Preheat oven 425.

Place onions and spinach in the bottom of an 11x7-inch baking dish.

Lay the cod on top, then scatter zucchini and mushrooms on top of the fish.

● Calories: 175

● Calories from fat: 12

● Total fat: 1.3 grams

● Cholesterol: 42 mg

Theater

● Sodium: 237 grams

● Carbohydrates: 167 grams

● Fiber: 4.2 grams

● Protein: 24.1 grams

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

Movements of an Actor

Navigate through character development, movement and audition practices.

Ages-Middle School: Jun 29-Aug 24 • Thurs 6:00-8:00pm

Intro to Screen Acting

Learn fundamentals including basic scene work and utilizing acting on camera.

Ages-Middle School: Jun 28-Aug 23 • Wed 6:00-8:00pm

Visual Arts Pastels, Watercolor Mixed-Media & One-of a kind art projects! Explore and create with a variety of materials during half day summer camp sessions. All supplies included.

Kaleidoscope Fantasy: Ages: 6-12yrs. • Jul 10-14 • 9:30am-12 Noon

By The Sea: Ages: 6-12 yrs • Jul 17-21 • 9:30am-12 Noon

Wildlife Adventures: Ages: 8-12yrs • Jul 25-29 • 9:30am-12 Noon Summer Collage: Ages: 8-12yrs • Aug 1-5 • 9:30 am-12 Noon

Music Private Music & Vocal Lessons

Private lessons are year round. Students ages 5-100yrs will learn and perform at individual pace. Vocals, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Ukelele and Mandolin are taught for all levels and experience.

Registration Open, visit: CygnusArts.org

Or call 609.272.1199 or stop by

* Made possible by funds from the Atlantic County O ce of Cultural & Heritage A airs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Drink Up with David Setley

Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is the date that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican war in 1862. This date has become an annual celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Here’s a fun wine fact for you: wine grapes grow well in the Northern and Southern hemispheres between the latitudes of 30 and 50 degrees. If you look at a map, only the northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula is located within this range, with much of the rest of Mexico located south. a s such, the Baja California Peninsula is where nearly 75% of Mexican wine is produced, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. However, relatively few of these wines make it to the United States. although many people who celebrate Cinco de Mayo might reach for beer or tequila, for those of us who enjoy celebrating with wine, let’s consider wine from some alternative locales that pair well with typical Cinco de Mayo menus.

Tacos, in all of their variations, are one of the more dominant Mexican dish served in america. Filling options may be chicken,

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

beef (Carne a sada), chorizo or pork, or even combinations of mushrooms, vegetables, or tofu. If your choice is chicken, Portugal offers a great wine from the alentejo region that pairs well. Fitapreta Branco 2021 is a blend of indigenous white grapes, including arinto de Bucelas and Roupeiro. It is crisp and fresh with excellent minerality and the flavors of honeycomb and stone fruit. Or, if you prefer to order Carne a sada, the bold, yet smooth, Can Blau 2020 Red Blend from the Montsant region of Spain is a perfect pairing. Earthiness is a dominant characteristic of Spanish wines and this delicious red, made from Manzuelo grapes grown in the region, is no exception. The aroma and flavor of smoke, oak, vanilla and dark red fruit will match well with beef. Chorizo, a cured, smoked, pork-based meat, originated in the Iberian Peninsula, where the Garnacha grape also originated. a s such, it is not surprising that wine made from Garnacha is a perfect pairing with the distinctive flavors and seasonings of Chorizo. The Galerna Garnach from Castilla, Spain is a perfect choice for Chorizo tacos. My wife and I are taking a plant-based approach to eating as of late, and will be filling our Cinco de Mayo tacos with veggies and/or tofu. My wine of choice is the Touriga Vai Nua (Unoaked) from alentejo, Portugal. Touriga Nacional is the unofficial national grape of Portugal. This wonderful dry red wine has flavors of cherry and raspberry, along with

notes of black pepper, mint and licorice that will complement our meal perfectly. Perhaps you’re planning on enchiladas, rather than tacos. Enchiladas may be ordered either Rojas (red) or Verde (green). If you will be enjoying the red version, consider a wonderful Spanish Tempranillo, such as the Cune Tempranillo Reserva from Rioja. This region commonly uses american oak barrels for aging. The Tempranillo is a classic Spanish varietal that has the fruit flavor of black plums and the earthiness of baking spices and vanilla, along with notes of oak that pair well with red enchiladas. Personally though, I love green enchiladas. The light citrus flavor that comes from the tomatillos pairs perfectly with albarino wine, the pride of the Rias Baixas region of Spain. This crisp, refreshing white wine has well-balanced flavors of apricot, pear, and citrus, along with the minerality of stones and salinity. Perfect for green enchiladas! another of my favorite dishes from our local Mexican restaurants are the wonderfully cheesy Chile Rellenos. Poblano peppers coated in egg batter and stuffed with cheese…what’s not to like? a wine grape that can stand up to this cheesy goodness is the alicante Bouschet from the southeastern regions of Portugal. The Cartuxa Tinto is perfect for the job as a medium-bodied dry wine, with medium tannins and an incredibly soft and drinkable style. The fruit flavors of

plum and black raspberry are present, but the earthiness of leather and smoke complement Chile Rellenos perfectly.

If you are not one to indulge in Mexican foods, I am willing to bet nearly everyone has had or made nachos. Crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, salsa, jalapenos, guacamole and an array of other accoutrements can be an appetizer or a full entrée. The perfect pairing with Nachos is cava, a sparkling wine from Cava, Spain. Cava is to Spain what Prosecco is to Italy. The Naveran Cava Vintage Brut is my pick. This cava is made from Parellada grapes and is nicely effervescent with a medium-plus level of acidity and a very smooth and drinkable taste. The flavor is green apple and citrus with a touch of classic brioche yeastiness. Nachos and cava are the perfect start to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

I hope these recommendations enhance your celebrations. a s always, if you have any questions or comments, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the Somers Point store. Until next time, Happy Wining!

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

As interest rates on credit cards and other consumer loans increase, consolidating your debt can help you save money.

When you consolidate your loans, you may be able to:

Obtain a lower interest rate

Lower your monthly payment

Reduce your repayment term

Benefit from a possible tax deduction1

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.

Red Foxes play in the sand in Ocean City

firstharvestcu.com | 800-582-7640

Ocean City’s fox population has been making its presence known before the influx of summer visitors. May is "denning" season, when foxes reproduce and make temporary homes around the island. While the creatures pose no threat to humans, wildlife experts advise keeping a safe distance and letting them find their own food.

Photos courtesy of Robin Shaffer

Common Estate Planning Mistakes-Part 1

By Eric Reich

In last week’s article, I talked about the basics of the estate planning process. While the process can be simple in some cases, there are certain things you’ll want to look out for and mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Poor estate documents can lead to people accidentally cutting loved ones out of inheritances, paying big tax bills unnecessarily and saddling families with expensive, head-scratching legal battles.

Here are 5 mistakes – from the obvious to the obscure – people tend to make when planning their estates:

Beneficiary Blunders - Not naming a contingent beneficiary on retirement accounts and insurance policies- or failing to review beneficiaries often enough-can be a big mistake. The default if no contingent is picked is likely your estate, which may be subject to probate, creditors, delays, etc. Forgetting to change an ex-spouse on an IRa

can have unfavorable consequences for your new spouse or family. (Note, in a retirement plan your new spouse becomes your beneficiary the day you get married, but not in an IR a .) If you don’t want your current spouse to be the beneficiary of your retirement plan, then they must agree to you naming someone else. and no, your pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t matter in this case, because only a spouse can waive those rights, and a fiancée isn’t a spouse yet.

“Selling” property for $1 - This was popular years ago in areas that saw very rapid land appreciation. For example, when my grandfather moved to avalon, N.J., he paid almost nothing for his bayfront properties. Today those lots would sell for millions of dollars. The theory was that you could sell it for a very low price and not have to pay taxes on the gain and remove it from your estate. you can sell property for whatever you want but:

● The IRS will deem it a gift if it is less than market value, and

● your heirs will lose the “step up” in value.

Here is an example: If I inherit a property worth $1 million and sell it for $1 million I may pay no tax. But if I “buy” it for $1 and sell it for $1 million, I pay tax on the $999,999 gain.

Naming specific investments in your will - Specific bequests are handled first, and the person who died might not even own that investment anymore. Their estate might be required to purchase the investment at a much higher price, which could hurt all of the other beneficiaries.

Not having a residuary clause - a residuary clause deals with everything you didn’t specifically name in your will, forgot to put in your will, trust, etc., things you don’t yet own but will before your death, and things you might not know you own. This happens more than you think.

Leaving assets directly to a minor without assigning a custodian - Who will handle the money for them? In addition, you’ll want to choose the custodian carefully. Define “for their benefit.” Does a new Escalade count because the kids won’t fit in my Honda Civic? That phrase welcomes a whole host of potentially abusive interpretations.

Be sure to read next week’s column, which will cover 5 more mistakes. In the meantime, consider contacting a qualified estate planning attorney to review your situation. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need a recommendation.

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

ber 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.

How Longport got its name An Early History

According to the late Michael Cohen, local historian and former Longport mayor, the borough’s first recorded private landowner was Thomas Budd, who settled a claim against the Lord Proprietors of New Jersey in 1695. In the claim, Cohen reports in his book, “Longport- The Way We Were,” Budd was awarded 1,500 acres of land, of which a large portion was located on absecon Island. He later sold most of the property at a cost of four cents an acre.

years later, in 1854, Samuel Overshine purchased a parcel of land containing dunes that built-up at the southwestern end of the island for $130. That same year he sold a parcel of that land for $10 to Isaac Barton. Three years later, Barton traded what was known as Lot 32 for a total of $2,000 plus land in arkansas to James Long.

Long kept the property for 25 years and over the years, his prop -

erty value increased in both value and size. His property increased by a little more than a mile in length after accumulating sand from an erosion updrift from atlantic City between 1870 and 1880. He never came to see the land he purchased, nor did he decide to develop it. although,

he came back to Longport several years later and purchased an entire block of land, between 12th and 13th avenues, where he built a home on the beach. Long named it the “Bidea-Wee.” By the turn of the century, the home was sold and became a sanatorium. The building was de -

stroyed by a storm in 1914.

Long decided to sell Lot 32 to his friend M. Simpson McCullough in 1882. McCullough, a renowned Philadelphia lawyer, businessman, developer and builder, thought of developing the area into a “seashore resort.”

1908 map shows a longer Longport

McCullough purchased the area, which had increased to a size of 250 acres for a total of $150,000. He then decided to name the area “Longport” in honor of the previous parcel owner and his friend. The naturally long port on the bay side also contributed to McCullough’s decision in names.

Longport became a good deal shorter between the years of 1900 and 1916, when approximately 180 acres of the 250 that McCullough purchased, moved across the inlet and became what is known as the Ocean City Gardens. This explains why the first avenue of the borough starts at 11th, instead of first, as avenues one through 10 were lost during those years.

New Childcare Center Opens in Mays Landing

By Krystle J Bailey

In 2016, Shericka Newsome of Egg Harbor Township took a leap of faith as she transitioned from working for a daycare center to opening her own home-based childcare service out of her Hammonton apartment. What began with five children in an upstairs condo has grown beyond her wildest dreams. This month, she cut the ribbon on her new Mays Landing childcare academy alongside her husband Matthew, their three children, and the Mays Landing Mayor Carl Pitale.

The EHT native has been working in childcare since she was a teenager. When she was young, Shericka often dreamt of opening her own school and would share her childhood visions with her late mother. a s an Egg Harbor Township High School student, she attended child development classes while participating

in the workforce program offered by the school. There, her love for working with all types of children truly began to blossom. She found herself uniquely attached to each child, showing them love, compassion, and tenderness. She has since offered that to the dozens of children in her care.

“I’ve watched kids from six weeks old until we send them off to kindergarten,” shares Newsome. “They have all felt like my children. There have been many tears and special bonds with kids and their parents. It has always been family based for me.”

With the help of her husband and two sisters, who also have extensive childcare experience, Little Sunshines a cademy has grown exponentially since 2016. Shericka and her family-led team of teachers provide top-quality care to children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, focusing on hands-on and creative educational experiences. Having experienced so much growth and a seemingly endless waitlist, Little Sunshines academy has expanded and opened its doors to a new facility on Mill Street in Mays Landing.

The new addition to the local

community will offer year-round preschool and childcare services, before and after school programs, and a summer camp for children up to 12 years old. Nutrient-rich meals are also provided as part of the tuition.

Little Sunshines academy is now hiring and seeking loving, nurturing

staff members to join the team. While Shericka plans to maintain a hands-on approach with students, teachers, and parents, she looks forward to giving teachers creative freedom to put their unique touch on the curriculum.

“I want people to know that their children will be safe here at all times,” shares Newsome. “They will be loved and cared for properly while learning and meeting their milestones.”

2023 marks 10 years since the passing of Shericka’s mother, who taught her what true love, care, and compassion look like. It’s that same love that she passes down to not only her biological children but every little human that walks through her doors. The new school celebrates her mother’s legacy and opens the door for a new class of students to have their own Little Sunshines academy experience.

For more information, visit LittleSunshinesaC.com

Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet. Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

inlet jetty

Headed East

Just as birds fly south for the winter, shore lovers drive east. These roads and bridges take on the traffic.

SHORE FUNNY

Murphy's Travel Laws

No f light ever leaves on time unless you are running late and need the delay to make the f light. If you arrive early for a f light, it will inevitable will be delayed.

A f light never leaves from gate 1 at any terminal in the world.

If you are assigned a middle seat, you can determine who has the aisle seat and the window seat while still in the boarding area. Just look for the largest passengers.

Shore Local Trivia

Test Your Local Knowledge

1. What breed of dogs strut their stuff at the Doo Dah parade?

a) Bassett Hounds

b) Chihuahuas

c) Golden retrievers

d) Bull Dogs

2. What sweet treat got its name on the Atlantic City Boardwalk?

a) Cracker jacks

b) Jimmies

c) Cotton Candy

d) Salt Water Taffy

3. How many drawbridges operate in Atlantic county?

a) One

b) Three

c) Five

d) Six

4. What is the name of the National Guard flight Squadron that flies out of Atlantic County?

a) Jersey Devils

b) Green Heads

c) Sea Gulls

d) Sting Rays

5. What was the name of the ride on the steel pier that took passengers below the ocean’s surface?

a) Kerplunk

b) The Nautilus

c) The Diving Bell

d) yellow Submarine

6. The Atlantic City Surf baseball team played here.

a) Boardwalk Hall

b) Surf Stadium

c) The Wave

d) Sandcastle Stadium

7. This town has two breweries.

a) Somers Point

b) Egg Harbor Twp.

c) absecon

d) Galloway

8. Where was the photo taken from?

a) Tuckahoe Inn

b) Ocean City Bayfront Park

c) Dog Beach

d) Kennedy Park

All Correct - SURELy LOC a L. you’ve got sand in your toes and pines needles by your feet.

7 or 8 correct - SOLID LOC aL. you know your way around.

4 or 5 correct - SEMI LOCaL. Not born and raised, but not bad.

2 or 3 correct - NEWBIE. Take another exit. you should get around more.

0 to 1 correct - SHOOBIE – Welcome to South Jersey. The beach is that way.

609-645-0500

THEME: MOTHER'S DAY

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. May occasion

5. ____ Tzu

8. auto unit

11. Lyft alternative

12. "On Golden ____"

13. Zetkin of International Women's Day fame

15. Forever and a day

16. "The Simpsons" palindrome

17. angler's decoys

18. *Mother, e.g.

20. Friend in war

21. Divided, it cannot stand?

22. Black gold

23. *Mother, e.g.

26. Like anti-cruelty proponents

29. "This land is your land..."

30. Loan shark

33. *Like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard

35. "Captain Marvel" genre

37. It also rises, in Spanish

38. Faulkner's "as I Lay ____"

39. ant construction

40. "Not my brother's ____"

42. First Tudor monarch's number

43. Meteorologist's line

45. Battles royal

47. Modus operandi

48. Chocolate source

50. Barrymore or Carey

52. *Like grandmother on mother's side

55. Like al yankovic

56. Gaelic

57. Joie de vivre

59. On pins and needles

60. *She played Zuzu's mom in Christmas movie classic

61. Left to a Russian

62. Pastrami partner

63. Greek H

64. One quarter of a Presidential term

DOWN

1. *School org. with moms (and dads) as members

2. Indian music

3. Farm team

4. Pool hall mishap

5. Powerball, e.g.

6. Playwright Chekhov

7. Perfume property

8. Lime-rich soil

9. Mouse to a snake

10. Fossil fuel

12. accepted truths

13. Request to Geico

14. *Mother's song

19. Tedium

22. "Days of ____ Lives"

23. *Delivery room word

24. Binary digits code

25. Train runners

26. *What many mothers want

27. Lacking guile

28. "Sesame Street" regular

31. Olympic cast-out

32. Future fish

34. Shining armor

36. *Form of thank you to mom

38. Gloomy and drab 40. Jared's competitor 41. Hosted 44. Off-color 46. With nobody to call your own 48. Editor's insert 49. Between harbors 50. Controvert 51. *Mother's Day, e.g. 52. *Emmanuel Macron's mom, e.g.

53. Toward shelter, nautically 54. Volcanic flow

Planting your roots: Picking a location

age children, upon first glance a school district may not seem like an important factor. However, regardless of your age, a school district can drastically impact the value of your home for better or for worse.

Crime Rates

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

While the number of bedrooms and the size of the backyard are both important when searching for a home, location should not be overlooked. In fact, it is often said in buying real estate and in choosing your place to call home, the most important factors are Location, Location, and Location!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the perfect location and property for you.

Neighborhood

Whether it is peace surrounded by acres of land, being closer to the ocean, beach or the water to enjoy fishing or boating, the hustle and bustle of the city nightlife or to be near public transportation that appeals to you, scoping out what a neighborhood offers will make you happier in the long run.

Unfortunately, neighbors are non-negotiable, unless you purchase your own remote private island!

Property Taxes

Property taxes play a large role in a monthly budget. While you have little control over mandated costs, it is best to take a look at the tax history before you take a look at a home.

School District

Certainly, if you are looking for a location for your children, this would most likely be your top top priority. If you do not have school-

The safety of your neighborhood impacts everything from your happiness and security to your home’s resale value. If you are considering moving out of town or to another state, numerous online tools shed light on crime rates.

Transportation

If you move somewhere that pushes your commute to more than an hour, you are likely to get pretty tired of the location fairly quickly. It may be ideal if public transportation or highway access is nearby.

Geography

The most obvious component your home’s physical location certainly will have a huge impact on how you live. Think about factors like the climate, landscape, and environmental changes that will impact you down the line.

Only you can decide the best location for you! It may take quite a bit of research, time, and discernment. Making any move for sure is truly a leap of faith!

With hugs, love, and warm regards…

For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609-703-0432. Learn more at TheRealEstateGodmother.com.

and remember, there is no place like owning your own home!

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!"

Stockton Student overcomes health hurdles to compete in body competition

nutrition plan and exercise regimen that keeps the majority of her symptoms at bay. Physically, after one month, tests revealed a significant improvement in her inflammation markers and she felt exponentially better in her body.

By Krystle J Bailey

Katie Squindo, a double Psychology and Political Science major at Stockton University, is taking her life by the reigns one workout at a time. The 21-year-old student lives with Ulcerative Colitis, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the body resulting in chronic pain and fatigue.

Rather than slowing her down, Katie uses her health hurdles as power to fuel her dreams. The 21-year-old, soon-to-be, graduate student recently stepped onto the stage in her first fitness competition. Tired of feeling sick and unhappy, Katie began working out with locally known trainer, Kris Johnson and a group of women working together towards their health goals. One mini challenge inspired the next and this past February, she found herself donning a bikini on stage at the OCB Double Down Natural Competition in atlantic City.

Working out was healing for Katie’s mind and body. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at 15, she recalls missing four months of high school and weeks of hospitlization due to extreme pain and undiagnosed symptoms. at 21, she continues to manage her UC with monthly infusions, though she shares that it’s the fine-tuned

“My anxiety began to feel better,” explains Squindo. “My autoimmune symptoms felt better and school became more clear and productive. Life has just been better since I started at the gym.”

Making the decision to compete with an inflammatory disease fighting back against her, Katie, along with her trainer (an’ne Johnson) and coach (Kris Johnson) were challenged to create a unique and flexible plan that would work with her body.

“I was like a unicorn, Kris didn’t know what to do with me for a little bit,” shares Squindo about her nutrition plan.

after weeks of tweaking her diet and showing up for daily training, Katie stepped out with a fresh spray tan, a sparkling bikini, and a new sense of confidence in front of the judges at her first competition.

“It’s just you versus you up there,” explains Squindo. “ The prep is awful and hard but once I got my makeup, tan, and bathing suit on, the day turned out to be amazing. I’m just here now to show up for myself.”

While another show wasn’t in her immediate plans, coming off the natural high of competition, Katie leaped right into training for what’s next. She will be competing again on May 20th of this year with hopes for consistent improvement.

Katie looks forward to furthering her education at Stockton University this fall as she pursues a graduate degree in mental health counseling while also continuing to show up for her fitness journey.