SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | May 18, 2023

Area Events Aplenty

Shore Birds Spread Their Wings

Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench

Recalling Brigantine Castle

Don't

From the Editor

uitars are being tuned, food is being prepped, and fireworks are being loaded as we prepare for Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore. With the unofficial start of summer just days away, I can feel the collective excitement across the area.

The ocean will soon be ceremoniously unlocked, amusement parks buzzing with children, and fireworks booming in the sky. Summer in South Jersey is upon us.

This is our season to shine.

Nothing says summer like the smell of salt in the air and sand between your toes. There is a unique sound that fills the airwaves from Memorial Day to Labor Day and fills our souls with joy. It’s a symphony of seagulls squawking, children laughing, birds chirping, and waves crashing. The Jersey Shore is more than a

Stepping in to summer

destination; it's a feeling. There is an energy in the air during the summer months that is simply unreplicable.

With long days and warm breezes, summer is the season for the pursuit of happiness and wild adventures. There are plenty of those to be had in South Jersey! This summer, commit to trying something new like parasailing, jet skiing, surf lessons, boating, or deep-sea fishing. For some classic thrills, summer is never complete without a few trips to the Boardwalk amusement parks. From roller coasters to Ferris wheels to extreme thrill rides, there is something for everyone.

Be sure to check out 'Wahoo,' our new Dining and Entertainment section that is packed with local events, live music, and can’t-miss summer moments. The joys of life are best experienced with the people we love. Round up your tribe and discover the newest restaurant or grab tickets for your favorite beach concert. However you do Jersey Shore summer, we know you will make memories that last a lifetime.

With Covid-19 seemingly a distant memory, this summer is set to be one

788-4812

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, Danielle Davies, Bill Quain

Cover art photo of Rich Helfant and Lucy The Elephant by Donald B. Kravitz.

for the ages! Entertainment is back and better than ever, with lost time to make up for. Entertainment dining, nightlife, adventure, and thrills await. Buckle up and get ready for the summer of 2023, unofficially launching in eight days.

In this issue of Shore Local, we welcome new columnist Bill Quain of Ocean City. His column "Boardwalk Benches" tells the stories of the unique individuals that live in and visit the Jersey Shore. We've all seen the benches that line the Boardwalk with plaques and dedications, each representing someone’s story. Bill wants to know yOUR story, but there is a catch: it must be six words! yes, SIX. If someone asked you to describe summer at the shore or your life in six words, what would you say? Think

about it and look out for Bill Quain to share.

a s always, Shore Local Newsmagazine would not be possible without the loyal advertisers, contributors, and readers just like you. Thank you! Have an amazing weekend.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

The growing season is underway… and has gotten longer over the years

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

Take your pick. Is it the succulent strawberries of June? Or perhaps it’s the bountiful blueberries in July? Better yet, it could be the juicy Jersey tomatoes later in the summer? Whatever your choice, our South Jersey growing season is underway. and the rule of thumb is once we’re past Mother’s Day, we’re “usually” safe from any frost or freeze concerns until sometime later in the fall.

Of course, that’s not always the case. Just after Mother’s Day this year, a mid-week cold snap brought a frost risk to a good chunk of the Northeast, including parts of New Jersey. But there’s no better exam -

ple, albeit an extreme one, of what happened in late May back in the spring of 1992. a s we always do, let’s reference the climate records for the atlantic City International airport in Egg Harbor Township, where South Jersey records are kept. It was a devastating pair of back-to-back nights of record late-in-the-season cold and sub-freezing temperatures for area farmers. a 32 degree low on the morning of May 20 was then followed by a frigid and record-shattering low of 28 degrees on May 21, 1992, which qualified as a hard freeze. area crops were significantly damaged or destroyed by the late season cold, too late for some crops to recover.

But that’s the worst case scenario, one that has not been repeated since. In reality, the average date of our last 32-degree low temperature is around april 19th. So freezing temperatures are hard to get past early May, and we’ve only ever had three freezing nights past May 15th, and two of them were the aforementioned ones back in 1992.

While not as bad as a freeze, frost can be problematic for area agri -

culture, and can readily form with temperatures in the mid 30s, a few degrees above freezing. 36 degrees is usually used as a threshold for frost formation. and on average, May 1 is the average last day of 36-degree cold in South Jersey. Now remember, an average would be the halfway point, with roughly half of the years seeing the last frost before that date, and half after. That’s why Mother’s Day, which falls on a different day each year but is generally in mid-May, serves as a good rule of thumb for it being safe to plant.

Despite our changing climate, the start of our growing season, and the average last frost/freeze dates of the spring, have largely remained unchanged over the last seven decades. Climate change has not seemed to increase or reduce the possibility of some late season cold. March has even trended snowier of late, and april and even early May cold hasn’t become any more rare. However, it’s a little different for the fall.

Generally speaking, the growing season ends with the first hard freeze of the fall, when the temperature drops below freezing for a few hours and effectively kills off whatever is still growing. In South Jersey, the average date of our first freeze, going back over the last 80 years or so, is in late October, around October 21-22.

If you’re talking about our first frost and first 36-degree nighttime low, that occurs around October 12.

But if you shorten the range to the last two decades, since 2003, both the first frost and first freeze dates slide back by up to a week. So over the last 20 years, due in part to climate change and some extended summer into fall warmth, the growing season has been longer than it was in the decades before. Granted, 20 years isn’t a huge sample size climatologically.

Nevertheless, our average first frost has slid back to October 20 since 2003, and the average first freeze slid back to October 27. Falls have indeed been warmer of late, and that has led to an extended growing season, more often than not, since the turn of the century. Now whether that continues or reverses remains to be seen due to the fickle nature of weather (and climate) forecasting, but it’s interesting nevertheless. It doesn’t mean that an early frost or freeze can’t happen in the fall, or even the late summer for that matter. Back in 1967, the earliest freeze on record occurred when the temperature reached 32 degrees on the morning of September 24.

So yes, Mother’s Day is still a good threshold for judging the safe start of our growing season, at least most years with an occasional rare exception here and there. and if trends for a warmer fall continue, Halloween will continue to inch closer and closer towards becoming the fall threshold for the rough end to our growing season in South Jersey.

No one probably minds a slightly longer growing season. But I’m sure everyone would be ecstatic if there was a way to shorten pollen season. Or better yet, get rid of it altogether. That’s what we can hopefully work on next.

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 Heroes Keep Giving Back

How one EHT couple makes a difference in their community

ing as Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey. The 37-year-old, who lives with a rare disease called Fibroplasia Ossificans Progressiva, hasn’t stopped making waves and changing the world since.

By Krystle J Bailey

2018, Shore Local Newsmag-

Kathy and her husband Chuck live their lives committed to doing good for the communities that they are a part of. From advocating for changed handicap laws to cleaning up their neighborhood, the Fords aim to inspire change, one act of kindness at a time.

Each year, Kathy celebrates her birthday by doing something kind for a stranger, often in the form of a larger-than-expected tip at a restaurant. In 2020 when Kathy and her husband Chuck were bound to their house amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Kathy found herself at a loss on how to pay it forward for her July birthday. That’s when she and Chuck hit the street for a day of neighborhood cleanup that would ultimately become known as The Ford Beautification Project.

Starting with an office-sized garbage can in Kathy’s lap and Chuck at the wheelchair helm, the Fords began cleaning up Zion Park in Egg Harbor Township. The first filled trash can led to another, and the cleanup turned into a weekend-long project. The Fords enjoyed their neighborhood tidying so much that they decided to continue beyond Kathy’s birthday weekend.

Getting increasingly more clever, the powerhouse couple upgraded to a

13-gallon trash can and began attaching pull carts with additional trash and recycle bins to Kathy’s wheelchair. a s word caught on, many local individuals asked how they could be involved. Kathy encouraged everyone to get active in their own neighborhoods, and if you see the Fords on the street, just beep in recognition.

Once the community started to pay attention, Kathy and Chuck began receiving recommendations

In

azine featured Kathy Ford as our Hometown Hero following her crown -

Kathy Ford lives with a rare condition (FOP) that causes the connective tissue in her body to progressively turn to bone. At 37, Kathy’s body is frozen from head to toe, with the exception of her wrists, all 10 fingers, and 8 of her toes.

Kathy and Chuck Ford of Egg Harbor Township

Chuck Ford is the author of several children’s books that shine a light on individuals living with disabilities. Kathy’s personal story serves as the inspiration behind titles like The Littles Turkey, Leonard the Lizard, and No Need to Fear When Darkness is Here.

for places in need of a cleanup. They collected 169 gallons of recyclables on atlas Lane Road and multiple bags of trash on the bike path on Ocean Heights avenue.

Since the start of their mission, the Fords have adopted two local roads and all of Zion Park through the aCUa Blue signs that read “Litter Pick-up Provided by Ford Beautification Project” can be found scattered throughout Egg Harbor Township, where the Fords have spread their love.

Kathy Ford has been disabled since 1997 and works as an atlantic City Police dispatcher. The rare condition that she lives with (FOP) causes the connective tissue in her body to progressively turn to bone. Without a cure or effective treatment for FOP, Kathy knew when she was 11 years old that a wheelchair would be imminent. at 37, Kathy’s body is frozen from head to toe, with the exception of her wrists, all 10 fingers, and eight of her toes. Kathy’s

condition has empowered her to advocate for topics that make living life with a handicap more accessible and convenient. a s Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey, Kathy uses her voice to speak up, encouraging lawmakers to ensure adequate space for handicapped parking spaces.

In addition to being Kathy’s fulltime personal care assistant, Chuck Ford is the author of several children’s books that shine a light on individuals living with disabilities. Kathy’s personal story serves as the inspiration behind titles like “The Littles Turkey,” “Leonard the Lizard,” and “No Need to Fear When Darkness is Here.”

Keep up with the Fords on Facebook at The Ford Beautification Project.

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

Lucy looking good, but more improvements needed

to more than 135,000 per year. With that kind of popularity and growth, many things need addressing.

By Donald B Kravitz

The Save Lucy Committee hopes to raise $4.3 million to improve the visitor experience at historic Lucy the Elephant.

Built in the 1880s, the six-story architectural wonder brings joy to almost everyone she meets. Cries of, “Look. It’s Lucy the Elephant!” can be heard often as excited children enter the Josephine Harron Park in Margate, noted Richard D. Helfant, executive director.

Even though a $2.4 million exterior restoration was completed late last year, Lucy is still not in a position to keep up with her growing popularity.

Since becoming a national historic landmark, Lucy has enjoyed a visitor growth from 3,000 in the early days

One of the major concerns is that Lucy is not aDa (americans with Disabilities a ct) compliant. and that’s just one area where Helfant sees a need to do better.

“In an effort to have Lucy reach her true potential, the organization has set out to raise $4.3 million for the “Lucy Project,” Helfant said.

Plans include demolishing the existing building which houses the gift shop and second-floor office and small storage area. Its replacement would be an aDa compliant visitors’ center to house a much larger retail area, offices and a larger merchandise storage area.

Proposed improvements include the removal of the snack bar behind Lucy and the replacement of a section of boardwalk which will provide a much improved view.

The design also calls for moving

of the historic rail station, an original structure from 1881 which once served as the South atlantic City Railroad Station before the 1909 founding of Margate City.

The station would house railroad memorabilia and be moved to the front corner of the park area, serving as an additional point of interest for visitors to the park.

a major concern addressed in the proposal is new public restrooms.

“With the availability of public bathroom facilities, programs can be created for school tours, bus tours and accommodate the development and implementation of new and interesting ideas for the all the visiting public,” Helfant said.

another integral part of the program calls for the creation of a “Virtual Tour of Lucy” for visitors with special needs, said Helfant. a new food concession for snacks and drinks with an expanded deck area are also envisioned.

a s mentioned, the success of the project depends on finances. The Lucy organization has reached out to numerous groups and public officials to help with funding.

according to Helfant, “We have reached the point in Lucy’s life where we cannot generate more revenue as we currently exist… we need to move forward.”

Planning consultant Jim Rutala has been enlisted to check on the possibility of securing federal funds, and the possibility of acquiring state funding is also being explored.

“Making sure all bases are covered Lucy, which is an historic landmark, allows us to apply for funds from the New Jersey Historic Trust,” said Helfant.

Fundraisers are in the works including one aug. 11 at the Ocean Casino Resort, the second year they have provided a fundraising Lucy Weekend.

“Lucy The Elephant Organization has special plans for the Pachyderm’s 142nd Birthday Party on July 22 at Lucy the Elephant Historic Park, 9200 atlantic ave.

The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

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

Rich Helfant, executive director

Absecon students and therapy dogs recognize frontline workers

GAME

By Steffen Klenk

Last week, nurses and staff at atlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s Galloway and atlantic City campuses were treated to a special day of treats, performances, and smiles. Students and faculty from a bsecon Public Schools showed up in recognition of and to thank those on the front lines of health. Over 40 students, representing the school choir and band, performed several pieces of music, as therapy dogs Skye and Hope brought a plethora of joy to all in the room.

The visit was coordinated as part of National Nurses Week (celebrated May 6-12) and National Hospital Week (May 7-13). a s part of the day’s activities, elementary students delivered hand-written cards of appreciation for nurses, along with flowers. area businesses, such as McHugh’s in Galloway, delivered pizzas, and Wawa contributed over 100 hoagies.

This day of community engagement was developed and planned over a span of two months, incorporating things the staff enjoy. Tracy Reighard, atlantiCare’s clinical Director of maternal and child health, says

it is a great way of giving back to the staff. “They’ve given so much to the patients and the community; it’s nice to give back to them and for them.”

What started as a visit by absecon’s two therapy dogs last summer has grown into a great appreciation

for those in healthcare, according to Dan Dooley, superintendent of absecon schools. “It was about everything that the nurses had been through during the pandemic, and the things they had seen on the frontline day after day.”

This visit to atlantiCare hit home personally for Dooley, who suffered an aneurysm less than four months prior.

Absecon choir director Elena Castillo leads the middle school choir students.

Sixth graders Gabriel Carrillo and Victoria Witmer on the trombones with sixth graders Luna Taraborrelli and Nestor Mercado and seventh grader Max Brough on saxophone.

Nestor Mercado and Gabriel Carrillo bring their instruments on the bus.

He praised the hard-working staff of atlantic City’s campus who were oncall and saved his life. “I’m grateful to be here. To be able to give back to the people that save lives every day is so special.”

a bsecon Schools adopted its therapy dog program five years ago. With the goal of improving students’ well-being, the program is an effective way of providing emotional, academic, and social support for students. Research has shown that therapy dogs can be used to assist

with social and emotional learning needs and have been used as a form of engagement among students with vast social and interpersonal benefits.

Samantha Stoll, a preschool teacher at absecon, has seen these advantages firsthand, having used therapy dogs to help students with confidence and compatibility with reading. “The dogs are really the star of the show in the school,” Stoll describes. “They have the ability to brighten up everyone’s day if someone’s feeling a little down or they just

need a four-legged friend to cheer up and lean on for some support.”

a s a handler and pet owner, Stoll has also experienced the amount of joy that therapy dogs can bring to so many in the community. “Nothing fills my heart more than being able to give some peace and calm to others.”

Both Skye and Hope have been Nationally Certified as Official Therapy Dogs by PetPartners, an organization with a mission of promoting the health and wellness benefits of human-animal bonds. They have also

been recognized by the a merican Kennel Club (aKC). a s of last Thursday, Skye made his one-thousandth visit to atlantiCare.

For the hardworking staff and faculty at atlantiCare Regional Medical Center, last week’s visit served as a much-needed respite from the daily stresses of work life. Reighard is grateful for the support of the community and the businesses that made this recognition possible. “The nurses, staff that work in hospitals have been through a lot. To bring joy to their day really does take a village.”

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.

All photos by Steffen Klenk

Sixth-grader Stevie Hughes, Band Director Dave Seals, and fifth-grader Ryan Cox loading instruments onto the bus.

Absecon Public Schools' therapy dogs Skye and Hope.

L to R: Samantha Stoll, preschool teacher and volunteer therapy dog handler; Alaina Baner, administrative assistant to the superintendent; Claire Sylvester, district public relations specialist; David Seals, Attales band director; the Attales Middle School Band; Dr. Daniel J. Dooley, Superintendent of Absecon Public Schools; Alison Hess, middle school teacher and volunteer dog handler; and Jessica Packard, third grade teacher; with Absecon's therapy dogs, Skye and Hope.

Events and Happenings

Multi-Day Events

Smithville Mayfest

▶Saturday, May 20th & Sunday, May 21st from 10am-5pm

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Historic Smithville’s Mayfest is back, with over 100 crafters, an international food court, and live music. Non-profits will be in attendance along with kids activities, vendors and more. Free shuttle runs from 9:30am-5:30pm leaving from Smithville Blvd. at the Smithville Square. For more information, visit www. historicsmithville.com.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶Tuesdays from 7:30-10pm

Somers Point Fire Co. #1 447 Bethel Rd.

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

Thursday, May 18th

Piano Bar at the Gateway ▶7-9pm

Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay ave. Somers Point

Join Gateway Playhouse for their May Piano Bar featuring Michael Mc a ssey. He is described as “one of cabaret’s most talented troubadours” by Broadway World and “the love child of Robin Williams & Mae West, and the grandson of Mel Torme” according to NiteLife Exchange. Tickets are available for $15. Visit gatewaybythebay.org for tickets and information.

Sustainable Book Group OC-UT

▶7pm

The Sustainable Book Group (SBG) for Ocean City and Upper Twp. will continue discussing “The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet”, by Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis on Tuesday at 7pm via Zoom. Register in advance to receive the Zoom link for this meeting at http:// bit.ly/SBG16MayZoom.

Saturday, May 20th

American Legion Pancake Breakfast

▶8-11am

american Legion Post 158

527 Philadelphia ave. Egg Harbor City

american Legion Post 158 hosts a Pancake Breakfast this Saturday. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage,

orange juice, coffee, and tea will be served. $10 for adults, and $4 for children.

4H Electronic Recycling Fundraiser

▶9am

David C. Wood 4H Center 3210

Route 50, Mays Landing

The atlantic County 4H hosts their monthly Electronic Recycling Fundraiser. accepted items include computer monitors, keyboards, PC speakers, PC fans and power supplies, printers, copiers, scanners, scales, wire, and more. Visit https://ac4hfair.org for more information and full list of accepted items. The electronics are recycled through a NJDEP-certified electronics recycler, thanks to Being Green, LLC.

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

▶9am-12pm

Central Square Linwood 199 New Rd.

C.R.O.P.S. Linwood Farmers Market is open this Saturday at Central Square Linwood. Enjoy live music with Petty Cash, Containers Gardens with C.R.O.P.S. NJ and Tea Party with Baristas Coffee House. Visit cropsnj.org for more details.

Margate Rabies Clinic

▶9am

Fire House 1 S. Washington ave. Protecting your pet from rabies is important for their health and safety. Fortunately, Margate, NJ, offers a yearly Rabies Clinic to help pet owners vaccinate their furry friends. For more information, visit www.margate-nj.com or call 609822-5038.

Yoga in the Park

▶9am

Lake Lenape Park East 753 Park Rd. Mays Landing

atlantic County Parks is happy to host yoga in the Park this Saturday, sponsored by Zen Landing Wellness. Proceeds benefit Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Tribal Nations. For more information, or to register, please call 609-829-8688.

MK Betterment Park Grand Opening

▶10am

6 atlas Lane Rd. Egg Harbor Township

EHT Parks and Recreation celebrates the Grand Opening of its newest facility. Take part in basketball and pickleball contests, dedication ceremony and much more. Parking is available at Miller School, 2 alder ave. For more information, call (609) 272-8120 or visit www. EHTREC.com.

↘Continued on 16

EHT PAL Robotics Signing Day

▶12pm

2542 Ridge ave. Egg Harbor Township

The Police activities League of Egg Harbor Township & atlantic County is hosting its Robotics Class of 2023 Signing Day. This event will recognize six members of the FTC Enforcers as they make their college commitments. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children available online at ehtpal.org.

Relay for Life Linwood

▶12-10pm

anthony Canale Training Center

5033 English Creek ave. Egg Harbor Township

Fighting cancer takes many things like research, free rides to chemo and lodging near hospitals, and the american Cancer Society’s 24/helpline. But this can’t be done without you. Join the fight at RelayForLife.org/ LinwoodNJ.

Sunday, May 21st

OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon

▶6-11am

a sbury avenue from 5th-14th Streets

¼ mile pool swim, 2M Run/16M Bike/2M Run. Plus a kids course 1/8 mile swim, 1M Run/8M Bike/1M Run. Pool swim starts from 6-8am. Run/

Bike/Run starts at 9am. For more information, visit www.ocnj.us/raceevents.

Vermicomposting: Worming

Away Food Waste

▶1-3pm

Noyes a rts Garage 2200 Fairmount ave. atlantic City

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of atlantic County comes to the Noyes arts Garage of Stockton University for a free gardening workshop this Sunday. Join them for an educational program on vermicomposting, a composting method which uses worms to transform food scraps into natural fertilizers. This is a great workshop for small space gardeners and families looking for a hands-on gardening activity. For more information, visit artsgarageac.com.

Ventnor Chef’s Night Out

▶4-8pm

a sbury avenue from 5th-14th

Streets

Hosted by the Ventnor City Beautification Committee. Featuring over 25 restaurants, this restaurant dine-around will feature an evening of scrumptious foods and sweets. Try them all for only $45. Limited tickets are available and can only be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit Ventnor community projects. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 267-980-7632 or 609-

335-6390 or visit www.facebook. com/VentnorBeautification. Pre-paid tickets can be picked up at Ventnor City Hall from 3-4pm on Sunday.

Monday, May 22nd

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 Monday. For questions, please email casiellobball@gmail.com. you must register in order attend online at https://sptsd.jotform. com/230795245649972.

Tuesday, May 23rd

SOCSA Festival on Successful Aging

▶10am-2pm

Stockton University 101 Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway

Join Village Community Specialist

Tina Serota as she hosts a table at the Stockton Center for Successful a ging festival, which coincides with National Older a mericans Month. The festival will explore diverse aging experiences as well as how older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. The National Director of Village to Village Network Barbara Hughes Sullivan will be the keynote speaker for the Vibrant Villages Empowering Communities session.

Thursday, May 25th

Surf & Soul Drum Circles in Atlantic City

▶5:30-7:30pm

Caspian avenue Beach

Join Sea Goddess Healing arts for their monthly Surf & Soul Drum Circle Series. This is a free jam series open to all ages. No experience required. Bring an instrument if you have one. We’ll provide sticks and buckets to use during the drum cir-

cle. Free and open to all, donations appreciated. Come out and vibe with your tribe at the beach. For more information, visit seagoddesshealingarts.com.

Friday, May 26th

Ventnor City Farmers Market

Opening Day

▶8:30am-12pm

St. James Church Newport & atlantic ave.

Entering its 7th season, the Ventnor City Farmers Market is a most delightful place to shop every Friday throughout the summer. you’re greeted by friendly vendors who happily answer questions and offer up some market swag. The parking lot at St. James Church brims with 60+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and beautiful handmade wares. Open Fridays through September 3rd. Visit vcfm. org to see a complete list of vendors and sponsors.

Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge ▶12pm

Moorlyn Terrace Beach Boardwalk and Music Pier, Ocean City Participants dress in business suits, carrying brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the Summer. The event will take place at Noon at Moorlyn Terrace Street Beach. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

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.

Upcoming Bus Trips

Phillies vs. Braves

▶Thursday, June 22nd

Game time is at 1:05pm. $90 per person includes bus, 300 level ticket, a $12 voucher good for anything in the stadium, assorted beverages, and driver gratuity. Pick up locations in Brigantine and absecon. Contact John Walters at (609) 703-5418 for more details.

Health and Wellness

Meetings for Family Members of Individuals Affected by Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder

▶Thursday, May 18th at 7pm

This is a workshop style meeting among peers with a new topic each month. Meetings include a presentation segment and an open discussion component. Daytime meetings are 10:30am on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month; evening meetings are the third Thursday at 7pm. Offered by the Mental Health a ssociation of atlantic County through the Intensive Family Support Services program. Call 609-517-8614 for information on how to participate.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, June 7th at 2pm

Earth a ngels 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.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, June 12th at 7pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point

NaMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults with a mental health condition. Family

Support Group is a support group for adult friends and family members of people with mental health conditions. For more information and to register, please visit www. namiacm.org, or call 609-741-5125.

NaMI aCM is a non-profit 501C(3) corporation.

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 609-6523800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj. org.

Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

Know before you go — 2023 beach tag guide

Ocean City

Seasonal tag price: $30 before June 1, then $35. Purchase online, mail-in or in-person. Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept.

3.

Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.

Longport

Seasonal tag price: $20 before June 1, then $35.

Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.

Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

The familiar roar of crashing waves, shining sun and grainy softness of sand make the Jersey Shore special. Unfortunately, the beautiful space requires an admission fee in the form of beach tags. almost all New Jersey beach towns require beachgoers to purchase beach badges which pay for beach maintenance, the protection of swimmers along the coast and other costs associated with maintaining a seaside resource that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Beach fees differ from city to city, so it's important to be aware of costs before planning your getaway. Here’s what you need to know about 2023 beach badges locally:

Atlantic City

No beach badges are required to enjoy atlantic City’s beaches.

Where to buy: Boardwalk kiosks, Music Pier, the Henry Knight Building, OC City Hall, aquatic and Fitness Center, Route 52 and 46th Street welcome centers.

Discounted for military members and veterans. See https://store.ocnj.us/pages/purchase-in-person

Margate

Seasonal tag price: $10 before June 1, then $20.

Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept.

3. Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.

Where to buy: Margate City Hall, Margate Library or through Viply app. Free for military members and veterans.

Seniors: $3.50 until June 1, then $20. See https://www.margate-nj.com/ beach/pages/beach-badge-information

Where to buy: Longport City Hall.

Seniors: $5 before June 1, then $10.

Daily: $5 for anyone over the age of 12.

Weekly: $15, same guidelines as daily.

Veterans: Free with proper ID. https://www.longportnj.gov/beach/ beach_badge.html

Ventnor

Seasonal tag price: $10 before June 1, then $20.

Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept.

3.

Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.

Where to buy: Ventnor City Hall (cash or check only), at most beach entrances, or through the Viply app. Seniors: $3.50 before June 1, then $20.

https://www.ventnorcity.org/ beach-information

Brigantine

Seasonal tag price: $20 by May 31, then $25.

Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3. Weekly and daily tags: $10 daily, $15 weekly.

Where to buy: Brigantine Beach Fee Office.

Seniors: $8 for people between the ages of 60-64, free for those 65 and older.

active military members and three family members are free. Veterans are free.

https://brigantinebeach.org/beachtags/

Strathmere

No beach badges required on Strathmere beaches.

Discover Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet

Depleted furniture inventory not a problem here

As w e enter into the summer season, many shore homeowners and businesses are thinking of updating their outdoor spaces. When it comes to the indoor comforts of home outside, Ocean Outdoor Teak and Polly outlet is ready to help get the look you want with quality furniture that lasts.

Like many businesses, furniture retailers have faced a shortage of incoming inventory, leaving families and businesses without quality products to make their space look the best. Retailers across the country say that shipment issues are the primary cause of the shortage. Because most patio furniture makers work ou tside the United States, tariffs and taxes along with other international issues have been on the rise. This creates is creating big problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Fortunately, local buyers need not to worry since this is n’t a problem for Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet. They have new shipments coming in every week. Truckloads of beautiful, modern furniture are available for customers

quickly overtaking the outdoor market. Poly lumber is built mostly from recycled products and holds its color well. Combine its color retention with stainless steel hardware, a variety of color combinations and styles, and you may find that poly is the best choice for beach homes, vacation resorts or country living. It is extremely durable and resistant to nearly anything Mother Nature throws its way. Poly plastic furniture can be

Poly only needs 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.

May-Lewes Ferry, Hyatt Penns 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 this season.

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.

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

Colony Club of Ocean City takes top honors at regional conference

Fi ve members of the Colony Club of Ocean City were recognized with top awards for their entries in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs Southern District Spring Conference and achievement Day held april 26 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point.

Carla Heist and Kathy Tully both received “Gold” awards, Heist for her embroidery of a window and window box and Tully for her holiday cut glass decoration. Gold winners went on to state-wide competition at the NJSFWC convention, held May 1 -3 in atlantic City at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Winners of first place blue ribbon awards were Barbara Zarrella for her handmade quilt; Phyllis Bonner for her hand-knitted carriage blanket; Frances Worrell for her photo of irises titled “When Iris Eyes are Crying”; and Carla Heist, who won a blue ribbon for her original bracelet design.

another Colony Club award winner was Beth Little, incoming president, who was recognized for bringing in five new members.

“When Iris Eyes are Crying” is the title of this first place photo by Frances Worrell of the Colony Club of Ocean City.(Photo by Carol Smith)

Other Southern District clubs represented at the conference were the Woman’s Club of absecon, the Women’s Community Club of Cape May, Woman’s Civic Club of Hammonton,

Beth Little, incoming president of the Colony Club of Ocean City, is pictured after receiving an award for recruiting new members. The recognition was given at the Southern District Achievement Day of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, held at Great Bay Country Club, Somers Point. (Photo by Carol Smith)

Millville Woman’s Club, Woman’s Club of Vineland and the Ex-Presidents Club of the Southern District. Representatives from each club summarized projects and activities of their current club year. The keynote speaker was NJSFWC president Shirley Holly.

Colony Club members attending achievement Day were: Diane Mozzo, Judi Callahan, Cathi Ferber, Beth Little, anne Glenning, Barbara Zarrella, chairperson Phyllis Bonner, and Carol Smith. NJSFWC is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state and a member of the national organization, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

“When Iris Eyes are Crying” is the title of this first place photo by Frances Worrell of the Colony Club of Ocean City.(Photo by Carol Smith)

National Chain starts food fight over 'Taco Tuesday'

By Bob Fertsch

Taco Bell filed a legal petition this week to cancel the decades-old federal trademark registrations for “Taco Tuesday." Gregory's of Somers Point owns the trademark in New Jersey. They first used the phrase

would cancel the existing trademark held by Gregory's and Taco John's so all restaurants could use the term freely. The fast-food chain says it does not want to use it for itself alone.

"Taco Bell believes 'Taco Tuesday' should belong to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos," the compa-

something as simple, yet culturally phenomenal, as the taco."

Taco Bell may have a strong case. "Taco Tuesday" is a fairly common phrase among businesses and the public. U.S. trademark law “prevents the registration of common phrases or phrases that become commonplace after a registration is granted,” trademark attorney Josh Gerben told CNN. The battle for "Taco Tuesday" could eventually lead to a trial if an

agreement isn't reached.

Gregory's, located at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point, first used the phrase in 1979 when the family-owned restaurant and bar began serving tacos solely on Tuesdays. But the small business failed to renew the trademark properly and the USPTO canceled it.

To gain public support and attention, Taco Bell has launched a "Freeing Taco T***day" online petition.

back in 1979 and then trademarked it with state. Restaurant chain Taco John's owns the rights in the other 49 states.

If approved, Taco Bell’s petition

ny wrote in a statement. "In fact, the very essence of 'Taco Tuesday' is to celebrate the commonality amongst people of all walks of life who come together every week to celebrate

S PADAAFORA’S

Share Stories, Give Advice, Ask Questions

shortly after the dedication, and that bench became a bit of a shrine for my dad to visit until his death in 2015.

By Bill Quain

Welcome to the inaugural edition of my new weekly column, “Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench.” Each week you’ll see the column’s name, followed by a subtitle. This week, the subtitle is Share Stories, Give advice, a sk Questions – and that’s just what I’m going to invite you to do. your voice matters… as long as you keep it to six words.

Okay Bill, why the boardwalk bench?

Great question. I live in Ocean City, just off our famous boardwalk. The boardwalk is lined with benches, and years ago, the city began to sell sponsorships for those benches.

Back then, for about $500, you could buy a brass plaque and dedicate the bench to a family member, friend, local hero, etc. My family missed out on the boardwalk bench opportunity, but in 2001, we did get one on a sbury avenue, the main shopping street in Ocean City.

My six siblings and I dedicated the bench to our parents on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. Mom died

Today we decorate the bench for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. One of the things we tie to the bench each year is an ear of Jersey corn. Why corn? Simple: when Dad lived with us for the summer, we served fresh corn at every meal. He shucked the corn each day, and every year he

said the same thing – “The corn is hairier this year.” It became a running joke, and a wonderful memory.

But we didn’t realize it was a conversation starter for the local shopkeepers until we met the proprietor of the nearby yoga studio just as we were tying a piece of freshly shucked corn to the bench. She asked us why we chose corn, and we had a great conversation about parents, the shore, etc.

It was then that I realized that those benches, with their brass plaques, were more than just places to sit. They told stories, and they gave people a place to visit where they could share their stories. and, while the brass plaques never changed, the way people interacted with them did.

Six Words, From Boardwalk To Boardwalk

There is a rumor that Ernest Hemingway was the first one to tell a Six Word Story. Supposedly a fellow bar patron bet the famous author that he could not write a complete story in just six words. Hemmingway won the bet with, “For Sale; Baby Shoes. Never Worn.”

The modern version of the Six Word Story was popularized by Larry Smith, a Philadelphia native and a frequent visitor to the atlantic City Boardwalk. Larry’s grandfather (aka “the original Smitty”) would walk with Larry on the boards and talk to everyone he met. Larry began to suspect that his grandfather, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, must have a very interesting story to tell, but Smitty always said, “Who would be interested in hearing my story?” It turned out that many people had stories within them, but they needed an easy way to get them out.

years later, Larry founded “Smith Mag,” an online magazine dedicated

to finding the stories within everyday people. at one point, he came across the six-word technique and decided to give it a try.

The first time Larry asked his readers to send in their Six Word Stories he received an astounding 10,000 entries in just two days. It turns out that limiting people to just six words will absolutely unleash their creativity.

NOTE: For a great video, go to youTube and search for “Six Words are The Way In,” by Larry Smith. This is a TEDx Talk, and it is terrific.

Six Words Will Take You Places

Before COVID, I spent much of my time traveling the world, giving presentations from my 26 books. Of course, all that ended when the pandemic hit and I turned my attention to writing my latest book, “Who Will you Be When The Masks Come Off?”

In the book, I showed my readers how to use Six-Word Stories to help get them through the disruption of COVID, and how to envision their futures – when the masks come off. It wasn’t long before I was on the road again – sometimes virtually – working with individuals, corporations and organizations. Today I not only use

Six-Word Stories, I also help people develop Six-Word Playbooks. a nd, that brings us to this column…

Share Stories, Give Advice, Ask Questions

In the coming weeks, I’ll start off each column with a theme and a SixWord Story. I’ll supply the prompts, and you’ll have the opportunity to use your own six words to share stories, give advice, and ask questions.

Think of it as walking past a bench, seeing my six words, and joining the conversation with your six words. We’ll have an easy system set up for your submissions. and each week, I’ll choose some of the submissions to include in the column.

Just look for the boardwalk bench. Keep your eyes open. Let’s build memories, friendships, expertise, and enjoyment. The world is waiting for your story.

Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.

Pickleball continues to gain popularity

By Krystle J Bailey

Get your Pickleball paddles warm and your backhand shot ready for the 2nd annual Pickleball Open coming to atlantic City this September. a s the number of Pickleball enthusiasts in South Jersey continues to rise, there is an increasing demand for more local courts and competitions.

Over the last several years, we’ve seen several local Pickleball arenas pop up throughout atlantic County, including ProShot Pickleball in Egg Harbor Township, as well as new opportunities to play in Ventnor and Ocean City.

The 2023 Dietz & Watson atlantic City Pickleball Open will take place September 19-23, 2023, at the atlantic City Convention Center. This competition is the largest indoor-sanctioned pro, amateur, junior, and para-athlete Pickleball Tournament in the Mid-atlantic. With over 1,500 players expected this year, the winners will receive a Golden Ticket to play in the USa Pickleball National Championships. These tick-

ets can only be earned by attending a limited number of qualifier events across the country.

Created in 1965, Pickleball combines concepts from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong in an easyto-learn game that is continuing to spread like wildfire across the globe.

a s described by Pickleheads.com, “The sport is sneakily addictive, easy to learn, hard to master, slow then fast, casual yet competitive.”

Played in either singles or doubles, the game unfolds on a 20x44-foot

court with a 36” regulation net, which the whizzing Pickleball must carefully travel over following a set of simple rules. The first team to score eleven points (and is leading by two points) wins. The rules of the game can be found in further detail at Pickleheads.com. For hands-on learners, classes and clinics can be found throughout the area, though simply asking a Pickleball athlete may be all you need. Many players are eager and willing to share the game with newcomers.

It’s the fun, light-hearted, yet

competitive nature of Pickleball that continues to draw new players by the masses to the court. The sport offers a low-impact opportunity to sweat, connect, and have fun with other Pickleball lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Since the pandemic, when Pickleball was forced out of senior centers and onto outdoor courts, the interest from young adults has increased exponentially, with the highest growing age group being young adults 18-24.

Pickleheads.com is an online database with over 13,000+ facilities listed, where players can find nearby courts, teams, players, and more. The website includes the daily weather, wind speeds, frequently asked questions, and “How to Play” guides.

Ready to give it a shot? Find a court at Pickleheads.com.

Take your Pickleball athleticism to the next level at the 2023 Pickleball Open coming to atlantic City this September. Visit atlantiCityPickleballOpen.com for more information.

Organized by Guardians of The East Coast

Join us on Facebook

Michelle Baehrle and Bette Darcy play doubles.

Rich Baehrle of Northfield is an avid Pickleball player.

Swimming at the Flanders: A Look Back in Time

A Look Back at Ocean City

By Fred Miller

If you were in Ocean City before 1978, you remember the big swimming pool between the boardwalk and the Flanders Hotel. Jack G. Jernee, captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, officially opened the large pool, diving pool and kiddies pool on July 27, 1929. He was also poolside on May 30, 1924 when the Flanders' first pool, built between the hotel's solariums, was officially opened.

The Flanders' aquatic center was equal to any in the country in size and magnificence. The large pool was 50-yards wide; the diving pool was 10-feet deep and had three diving boards--three, ten and 30 feet high;

and the children had their own shallow wading pool.

During the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s water shows were a popular form of summer entertainment, and the shows put on by the Ocean City lifeguards were the best in the country. They were designed to educate, enter-

tain and thrill the people who filled the bleacher surrounding the pools.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has a large exhibit featuring water shows from all over the country and it includes a poster advertising the august 23, 1929 Flanders Water

Carnival. The main attraction was Olympic swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller. Over 5,000 people watched Weissmuller beat Ocean City lifeguards Frank Holt, Matt McConnell and Richard Beatty in the 100-yard freestyle race.

Even after the popularity of the water shows ended, the OCBP swimmers continued to train in the large pool and they won a record 13 straight South Jersey Lifeguard Swim Meets between 1960 and 1972.

The pools were opened to the public and a large bathhouse was available for people to change and shower. On a hot day 1,500 people would be at the pools by noon. September 4, 1978 the Flanders pool closed, never to open again--a victim of low attendance and high maintenance costs. Playland's Castaway Cove, an amusement park, is now on the pool site.

By Steffen Klenk

Nature is all around us. Here in South Jersey, we are lucky to have several spots where bird watchers can relish in spotting even the rarest of feathered friends. Every year, tens of thousands of nature enthusiasts “flock” to the southernmost point in New Jersey, eyes peeled and cameras in hand, in hopes of capturing the most magnificent photos of incoming birds. For some, it is a chance to count the number of birds seen on any given day. For others, it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty and diverse landscape that is the Jersey Shore.

With the warm weather making its return, so do the many birds that settle along our stretch of coastline. at the Ocean City Welcome Center, on the Route 52 Causeway, Snowy Egrets inhabit the wetlands. These small herons can be spotted along our back bays, and

Recent Bird Sightings a Sure Sign of Spring

and lakes.

The Great Egret is also populating our region, and was recently spotted at the Welcome Center. During the breeding season, you may notice their long feathery plumes that grow from its back. Their long S-curved neck and yellow-orange bills make them hard to miss. The beautiful egret is a true spectacle to watch in flight!

other estuaries along the east coast. The Snowy Egret can easily be identified by their white plumage, black and

yellow beaks, colorful eyes, black legs and yellow feet. you may find them foraging for food at the edges of rivers

Buzzing with Excitement

The yellow- Crowned Night Herons have invaded the protected areas along the causeway in recent weeks. These small birds are easy to spot, with their blocky heads and thin neck. you may notice their white cheek patch and bright orange-yellow legs. They perch quietly along tree branches and stumps, feeding on crayfish, crabs and other

↘Continued on 28

A pair of yellow-crowned night herons resting.

Photo by Steffen Klenk

Osprey found along the back bay. Photo by Steffen Klenk

Now Open Daily!

May thru mid-June

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

crustaceans, and are found commonly along our coastal wetlands. along your journey, you may find a flock of Great Blue Herons nesting along the wetlands. These magnificent birds can grow in size anywhere from 3-4 feet and have a wingspan of up to 6 ½ feet.

Ospreys are a popular sighting during the spring months. Their

nests are situated along the back bays, just far enough from away from people and other birds that may wander.

The large raptors enjoy living near bodies of water where their food supply is plentiful.

The osprey’s diet largely consists of fish, and its vision is adapted to spotting underwater objects. Here’s an interesting fact: ospreys can be found on every continent with the exception of a ntarctica. These large birds can tolerate many different habitats.

The Red-Winged Blackbird is showing a large presence in South Jersey. The passerine birds are known to be one of the most abundant living land birds in the entire continent. Its song is quite distinctive, a loud “conk-la-ree!” that almost sounds like a screech. you will often find the red-winged blackbird sitting atop high perches, surrounded by fresh and saltwater marshes. These birds are hard to mistake. The males are often seen with red and yellow shoulder badges, while females

appear more crisply streaked and dark brown.

and, of course, there is the american robin. These birds are a welcome sight across lawns throughout the

country. you will often find these songbirds low to the ground, foraging for insects and other small creatures. During the fall and winter months, they especially enjoy eating fruits. Set up a bird feeder in your yard, and you are bound to see these colorful birds make an appearance. Their orange bellies are a popular sighting no matter where you live. These are just some of the most recent bird sightings throughout our local area. Wherever you are in South Jersey, you are bound to find many unique birds flocking throughout our region. Now is the time to charge your camera, grab your favorite pair of shoes, and explore the nature that surrounds us.

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

Gret egret takes flight. Photo by Steffen Klenk

Fish crow nesting. Photo by Steffen Klenk

You're invited to 'Tea with Alice,' an interactive children’s show

By Krystle J Bailey

Fantasy adventureFest returns to Historic Smithville Memorial Day Weekend for two days of magic, wonder, and amusement for theatre lovers of all ages. This year, in order to offer something special for the younger audience, Riddlebrood’s Touring Theatre Company is introducing Tea with alice, an interactive children’s show complete with serenades from the Mad Hatter, a puppet show, baked goods, and of course, tea.

This special event takes place on the Village Green side of the dock with seatings at 10:00 and 11:30 am both Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are suggested. Seating is family style. Use promo code Shore23 for $5 off tickets. Children under two years old are free with an accompanying adult. Reserve your seat at tinyurl. com/TeaTimeadventureFest.

Fantasy adventureFest at Historic Smithville is a free event produced by Riddlebrood’s Touring Theatre Company. The outdoor production

will feature original music and an adaptation of Peter Pan, “Riddlebrood’s Peter Pan and the Pirates.” Shows are free to the public on Saturday, May 27th, at 1:00 and 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 28, at 1:00 pm. Local children are invited to be a part of the show. To sign a child up to participate, visit riddlesbrood.com/fantasyadventurefest.

In addition to the mesmerizing shows, guests are encouraged to enjoy the free sideshow, “The Fairy by the Well.” a magical fairy tale that follows the adventurous story of a whimsical fairy. Written by renowned author of classic literature Charles Perrault, the show takes the audience on an immersive and mesmerizing fantasy journey. “The Fairy by the Well” is adapted and directed by Sandy Durant and features a talented cast and crew. Plays take place on both festival days at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, & 5 pm.

The historic Towne of Smithville has 60 charming specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, cozy bakeries, and more.

When it comes

Schultz-Hill Foundation Brings Students to Boardwalk Hall for an Atlantic City Experience

Students in grades 3-8 enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest pipe organ, a private concert, and tour of the atlantic City Experience Museum at Jim Whelan Boardwalk

restoration team were on hand for the organ tour and special Q& a session. afterward, students were treated to a concert featuring music across several genres, including pop and classical. The morning culminated

Hall on Mon., May 15. The event was hosted by the Historic Organ Restoration Committee, Inc. and made possible by the Schultz-Hill Foundation, which funds arts education programs for students and seniors in the region.

Nathan Bryson, curator of organs, organist Brett Miller, and the organ

with lunch in the arena of Boardwalk Hall.

“Sharing the history of these magnificent instruments and their return to life with local students connects them with atlantic City’s amazing history,” said Scott Banks, Historic Organ Restoration Committee, Inc.

Survey: Most residents want to halt offshore wind farms Results of poll change when whales and dolphins are mentioned

By Bob Fertsch

Arecent survey shows that New Jersey residents narrowly oppose the continued development of offshore wind farms. The results of a Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll taken last week show 39 percent of respondents would like development to be halted and 35 percent in support of continuing the development of the wind farms off the coast.

“If we’re going to meet the Murphy administration’s green energy goals, New Jersey needs to build a lot of wind farms, and fast,” said Dan Cassino, a professor of Government and Politics at FDU, and the director of the poll. “But the administration just hasn’t convinced the public that it’s a good idea.”

Opponents of the project have argued that the development should be halted until a link to the whale and dolphin deaths can be ruled out. This argument seems to be effective. In the survey, some respondents were

asked about the offshore wind farms in a question that included a mention of the whale and dolphin deaths. When whale and dolphin deaths are mentioned, 46 percent of respondents wanted a stop the development. 28% of people polled said they would like it to continue, and 25 percent were not sure.

“The argument that the wind farms are hurting cute, smart animals just craters support,” said Cassino. “People concerned about the environment want to have green energy, but put that up against dolphins, and the dolphins are going to win every time.” Based on the poll, Cassino said Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration has

not convinced residents offshore wind is a “good idea.”

In the next ten years, approximately 3,000 wind turbines and over 10,000 miles of cables are slated to be built off the Eastern Seaboard, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Of those, current estimates indicate that up to 1,350 turbines and 4,000 miles of cable could be off the coast of New Jersey and Long Island, New york.

In the coastal counties of atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean, the overall results show that 44 percent say that development should be halted, with 33 percent saying that it should continue. 23 percent were not sure.

The phone and online survey of 827 adults in the state was held between april 28 and May 6. Respondents varied in ages, sex and political affiliation.

The SPBA announces winners of the 2023 Lou DeScioli Scholarship Awards

to gain real life experience on their journey to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

By Brian Cahill

The Somers Point Business a ssociation (SPBa) is proud announce the recipients of the Lou DeScioli Scholarship awards for 2023. $500 scholarships were awarded to Caroline Endicott, Nick Wagner, and Maddie Gregory at the Somers Point Business a ssociation’s networking breakfast on May 17 at Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Point. These scholarship awards are inspired by long time Somers Point business and community leader Lou DeScioli. Mr. DeScioli always believed that a great business is one that strives to make its community better and thrive.

Caroline Endicott of Somers Point

has worked at Greate Bay Country Club and Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar and is attending Stockton University; Nick Wagner, a life-long resident of Somers Point works at the Clam Bar will be attending Wagner College; and Maddie Gregory of Linwood works at Gregory’s Bar & Restaurant and will be attending St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants needed to submit a 500-word essay describing the impact they have made on the business at which they are employed. The essay should also provide three examples of how their efforts positively

affected customer relations and improved business practices.

Mike Smith, president of the SPBa , was thrilled to award scholarships to these three motivated and well-deserving students on behalf of the SPBa

“Caroline, Nick, and Maddie are all tremendous examples of self-motivated and hard-working members of our business community, and we hope that these scholarships will help them achieve their academic and future professional goals,” said Smith. “We would also like the thank our local businesses for providing these students with the opportunity

The SPBa is an organization that brings together businesses and professionals interested in the promotion, improvement, development and advancement of the business climate of Somers Point. The SPBa has served as the Voice of the Somers Point Business Community for more than 40 years. For more information on the Somers Point Business a ssociation or to become a member, please visit www.somerspointba.org or email somerspointba@gmail.com

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

Views from the Shore

N.J. lawmakers look for more solutions to teacher shortage

By Sophie Nieto-Munoz, newjerseymonitor.com

New Jersey lawmakers remain on the hunt for new solutions to the state’s longstanding teacher shortage, with a ssembly Democrats introducing a package of 12 bills intended to recruit people to work in education.

But education officials and lawmakers don’t know how long it will take to fill the gap of missing educators — which has yet to be quantified.

“I wish I had the crystal ball, but what I can tell you is that one of these bills is not enough. Twelve of these bills are not enough,” said a ssemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden). “The longer we wait to do anything about it, it’s that much longer our education system will suffer.”

The industry has been shedding educators and other school workers for years, but the pandemic aggravated the problem, with teachers burning out and quitting or retiring early. Over the last two years, legislators have held hours of hearings and

introduced several dozen bills to attempt to solve the issue.

Gov. Phil Murphy established a task force on public school staff shortages last year, and the 25-member panel came out with recommendations in February. The 12 bills introduced Thursday address its suggestions.

Seven of the bills advanced unanimously out of the a ssembly Education Committee, which Lampitt chairs. Those bills would allow students to more easily apply county college credits to teacher certifications, provide tax deductions for classroom expenses, and require the state Board of Education to approve expedition of teacher certifications for paraprofessionals.

Other bills moving forward would create programs to lower the barrier of entry into the field, like a reimbursement fund for certifications costs, student-teacher stipends, and tuition remission for students pursuing an education career.

“We want to do better. We want to be able to say, ‘ you know what,

we’re going to support you. We’re going to give you extra money to be able to go into the classroom, but you’re going to have to tell us that you’re going to work for us for a number of years afterwards,” Lampitt said. “We need to remove some barriers, and everyone thought these were good ideas.”

Sean Spiller, head of the New Jersey Education a ssociation, the state’s largest teachers union, supports the bills and on Thursday called the shortage a “complex problem that does not have a single solution.”

Some laws relaxing certification requirements have gone into effect, like doing away with the controversial edTPa testing requirement and a pilot program to allow teachers who don’t meet certain criteria to apply for certification. But officials say it’s still too soon to tell whether they’ve had any impact.

“I think some of the things we’ve done with certification and opening up those pathways, I think that we’re going to see some positive streams from that,” said Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex). “But it’s not going to be an immediate thing.”

Ruiz said the shortfall should remain a top priority of the Legislature. This legislative session, she’s sponsored at least nine bills to address the teacher shortage, but all have stalled. One of them would temporarily lift the in-state residency requirement for

public school teachers for three years.

“With removing the residency piece, you’d be able to start interviewing people who are not in New Jersey that are actually interested in filling these positions,” she said. “We can’t do that right now, and that truly impacts a great portion of the districts.”

a law signed in January 2022 requires the state to issue a report on teacher workforce projections for the next three to five years. It was due March 1, and lawmakers say they have yet to see it.

“We get the information from all of our superintendents, so we know that it’s a real thing. But we need to be able to identify where the vacancies are and how many we have in the state,” Ruiz said. “I don’t know if we have that right now. I don’t know that there’s a number we can point to.”

The Department of Education did not respond to a request for comment.

Focus on the flower — weigela

containers or ziplock bags. Keep them out of direct sunlight and your new weigelas should develop roots in about four to six weeks.

By Tammy Thornton Shore Local Gardener

Just as azaleas wrap up their spring show, the flowering shrub weigela blooms as a beautiful buffer between the seasons. This easy to grow, old-fashioned shrub with a funny name makes a pretty statement in the garden, often with pink or red flowers blooming from spring to early summer. Depending on the variety, weigelas can grow from one to six feet in height. Dwarf varieties can be grown in pots or as a compact hedge. Tubular clusters of flowers will attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Weigelas do not require much care. you can give them a light pruning to keep them from growing out of control and to promote new growth. But don’t try to force them into a hard shape, since weigelas look better growing naturally, with their graceful arching branches. Prune shortly after your weigela has finished blooming, since waiting until fall or the next spring could reduce flowering by cutting off the next season’s buds. However, you can wait until this deciduous shrub leafs out in early spring to trim away errant or dead branches.

Weigelas bloom best in full sun, but will also produce flowers in part shade. The big show occurs in spring. you don’t need to deadhead weigela, and

they may produce a second (smaller, sporadic) flush of flowers later in the season. When fertilizing, use a balanced fertilizer, since those high in nitrogen will produce lots of lush leaves but very few flowers. Foliage colors range from green and chartreuse to gold or burgundy. Varieties with light variegated foliage would benefit from partial shade as opposed to full sun. Though weigela is a member of the honeysuckle family, it is not invasive. Both of the weigelas in my garden are very well-behaved, but they are vigorous growers. My red weigela came from a friend who had it in her garden. The more she pruned it, the more it seemed to grow. When it no longer suited her garden, she offered it to me. Being a plant glutton, I was happy to take it off her hands and have been able to keep it tamed in my own garden. In reality, I simply trim a few branches here and there, and it flowers profusely in its sunny location. Many years ago, my pink weigela came from

a local produce store for about eight bucks. Little did I know then how well the beautiful clusters of pink flowers would reward me year after year.

Once you grow weigelas, you may wish you had more. Fortunately, weigelas are fairly easy to propagate from cuttings. Take a few softwood cuttings of about four to six inches each, dip them in rooting hormone, and place in a growing medium. Create a humid environment by misting the plants and covering them with clear plastic

Weigelas are non-poisonous, so they are safe around children and pets. But, they are also deer-resistant. you will enjoy this hardy shrub if you live in an area where deer are a problem. although desperate deer will eat almost anything, weigelas lose their leaves in late fall and winter. So deer will be more attracted to other plants. When weigelas are blooming, deer have many other more palatable options to munch on.

Consider adding this non-fussy, beautiful shrub to your garden. Plant it in view of a window so you can enjoy the happy clusters of flowers, as well as the visiting pollinators. If you have grown this bush in your garden, we would love to see your pictures. Please send your photos, questions, and comments 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.

Hummingbirds will love the tubular flowers of weigela.

Though they will bloom best in full sun, weigela will also produce flowers in part shade.

Time to start thinking about summer barbeque

By Steffen Klenk

Summer is almost here, and so is the warm weather. Over the next several months, many people will be spending their days outside, enjoying countless hours at the beach, soaking up the rays, strolling up and down the boardwalk, going on bike rides or relaxing in the backyard. With the long holiday weekend coming up, it’s time to start

thinking about your barbecue grill.

The barbecue’s origin can be traced back to the 1500s in Latin america. The word barbecue can be traced to a Caribbean Indian tribe called the Taino. at the time, it was known as barbacoa, meaning, “a raised wooden structure used to grill meat.” Outdoor grilling on a gridiron, or suspended metal grate, refers to what we now call barbecue.

Outdoor barbecues are an amer-

ican pastime, bringing family and friends closer together.

While grilling has been an essential part of american cooking for centuries, the barbecue grill has only been in existence since the 1920s. Edward G. Kingsford, a relative on Henry Ford, invented the first charcoal briquette using leftover wood scraps from the Model T production line.

ahead by prepping your equipment and your menu.

Once your grill is cleaned from its winter storage, checked for safety and properly prepared for its first use of the season, it’s time to prepare a meal. There are endless choices of sauces and spices and every region has its own ingredients that make their barbecue sauce special.

Henry Ford, of course, saw opportunity in this grand invention by encouraging families on take Sunday afternoon picnics (while driving one of his cars). George Stephen came up with the spherical kettle grill design, dome shaped with a rounded lid.

With the grilling season nearly upon us, now is the time to start making plans some smoking' good times

Memphis and Kansas City style barbecue sauces have a strong tomato base, with a very distinguishable texture. Memphis-style sauce has more spices.

Carolina mustard barbecue sauce may not be as popular in the Northeast, but compliments a meal nicely with its sweet and tangy flavor. The texture also changes from region to region.

“If summer had one defining scent, it’d definitely be the smell of barbecue.”

– Katie Lee

New Jersey has produced several brands of barbecue sauces and rubs that have gained notoriety. Locally based Hank Sauce is known for its distinctive hot sauces ranging at different levels of heat. They also make several rubs from seasoned to spicy.

a s a steak chef in our house, one of my personal favorites is BBQ Buddha. Their Zen Steak Rub and Kansas City BBQ Sauce are just a few of the products you’ll find in my kitchen.

Each year, the National Barbecue and Grilling a ssociation holds its annual awards of Excellence, acknowledging the most creative barbecue products on the market throughout the entire country.

Did you know that there are schools to teach what is expected as a judge at one of the national barbeque competitions? Sanctioned judges are required to have a qualifications certificate. During such competitions, teams work together in presenting their best sauces. Judges choose winners based on appearance, taste and texture.

Making a great batch of barbecue sauce requires time, energy, soul and patience. It's a process that can take anywhere from 45 minutes up to several days. When making your own personal sauce, you can add to the fun by keeping that one special ingredient a closely-guarded secret.

EHT hits a real estate sweet spot

The newest residential community in Egg Harbor Township is Ridgewood Point, located at 6205 Mill Road. The community features 11 custom homes being developed by Touch of Modern developers.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

The residential real estate market in atlantic County has been on fire for the past three years. Sellers have been receiving as many as 10 offers, a phenomenon attributed to tremendous demand combined with limited supply.

During the past year interest rates doubled as central bankers attempted to cool the economy. The market slowed slightly, but sellers are still getting multiple offers.

The availability of new homes in atlantic County has been limited aside from a few national developers such as DR Horton who have been extremely active at the Founders Reserve at Harbor Pines, a golf course community.

It has three models from approximately 3,000 square feet with amenities typically considered to be add-ons in

other developments. Standard features include Whirlpool appliances and an open floor plan. There is a gas fireplace in the family room and a two-car garage with options for upgrades.

For those looking to settle down in Egg Harbor Township, one of the

major prospective employers is Spencer Gifts, headquartered 6826 Black Horse Pike.

Founded in 1947, the company has 30,000 employees and more than 700 mall-based retail stores.

They own Spirit Halloween, which is one of the most popular niche Halloween chain stores in the country, with 1,400 seasonal locations. The company also has a prominent online

presence.

Leadership at the company has determined that it needs to grow its headquarters. They recently broke ground on a 23-acre site for an expansion on the neighboring property which was previously the Trocki Hebrew academy.

The new 78,000square-foot building will also include the site currently occupied by Ocean aquarium. This is exciting news not only for Egg Harbor Township, but the entire county.

It is a great opportunity for the creation of good jobs which will diversify our economy beyond the casino industry.

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

The newest residential community in Egg Harbor Township is Ridgewood Point located at 6205 Mill Road.

Spencer Gifts recently broke ground on a 23-acre site for an expansion on the neighboring property which was previously the Trocki Hebrew Academy. The new building will consist of a 78,000-sf building.

Salmon health benefits and recipe

Cook on a barbecue until done. Salmon is done when it flakes when tested with a fork.

This recipe makes six (4-ounce portions) pieces of salmon.

Nutritional information per serving:

● Calories: 210.2

Summer Camps for Creative Students!

Quality

Dance

Each

Nutrition

By Nancy Adler

Salmon is a great source of protein, which is crucial for bone health, preventing muscle loss and helping the body heal and repair. Its rich astaxanthin content may help maintain skin elasticity, reduce signs of aging and protect the skin against UV damage.

Even if you don’t eat salmon every day, making it a regular feature in meals won’t hurt you. In fact, salmon is an excellent source of many nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

Salmon has earned the permanent spot on the superfood list with its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids — a type of good-for-you fat that has a long list of health benefits going for it. Omega-3s may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and even help with detoxification. On the list of healthiest fish to eat are: rainbow trout, sardines, oysters and albacore tuna.

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 in Ocean City.

Grilled Salmon with Herbs

Ingredients:

● 1 1/2 lbs salmon

● 2 tablespoons of olive oil

● Half a teaspoon of dried dill or basil

● 1 garlic clove, minced

● 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

● Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare the grill.

In a small bowl, combine oil, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Using a pastry brush, brush on the herb mixture.

● Total fat: 9.5 grams

● Total carbs: 0.4 grams

For students who want deeper study in dance techniques. Pre-

Theater

● Dietary fiber: 0.3 grams

● Protein: 29 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

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

classes with highly educated faculty and professional artists!

Eagles poised for playoff run

rainy weather in the Pacific Northwest.

a lthough the season is still four months away, it looks like the Eagles will have a chance to build some early momentum while facing a tough stretch run against a challenging set of opponents.

By David Weinberg

The announcement of the Eagles' schedule is almost an event unto itself.

Their opponents have been known for months, but fans have been anxiously waiting to see the exact dates in order to plan some road trips to see the Birds. This year's slate of games includes visits to inviting locales like Tampa Bay (September 25), Los angeles (October 8) and Seattle (December 17). all three are among the top NFL towns to hit, given they have cool stadiums and plenty of stuff to do before and after the game.

Personally, I would always look forward to going to Seattle. The Seahawks' stadium, now called Lumen Field, has a unique design and is always loud. The visit to the Space Needle is a must, as is Pike Place Market and the original Starbucks a few blocks away. The only downside is the

Last season's NFC East title means a first-place schedule this season. Their 2023 opponents sported a combined record of 161-123-4. It's especially daunting in weeks nine through 14 with games against the Cowboys (12-5), Chiefs (143), Bills (13-3), 49ers (13-4) and Cowboys again.

Of course, it's way too early to make predictions. I haven't even taken my first dip in the ocean yet, not to mention started our annual summer Margarita Tour of Cape May-area establishments. But it's always neat to do it, anyway. So here, without further adieu, is my unofficial, strictly-for-fun, game-by-game breakdown of the Eagles' schedule. a s always, I reserve the right to alter my predictions later in the year. But as of right now, I think they'll be in the hunt for a second straight trip to the Super Bowl.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 10, at New England Patriots (4:25 p.m.): The Patriots will be honoring Tom Brady. The Eagles take part by re-creating "Philly Special." Tight end Dallas Goedert throws a TD pass to quarterback Jalen Hurts. (WIN)

Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 14, vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:15 p.m.) - The Eagles' home opener comes on a Thursday night. Good news for fans who can still head to the Jersey Shore for the weekend. The Birds dominated them last season in Week 2 and I sense a repeat. (WIN).

Week 3: Monday, Sept. 25 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:15 p.m.) - It's usually brutally hot in Tampa this time of year and the Bucs will also bring some unexpected heat. New quarterback Baker Mayfield throws two TD passes in a Tampa upset. (LOSS).

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1 vs. Washington Commanders (1 p.m.) - One of only two 1 p.m. games tentatively on the schedule. That's the price for reaching the Super Bowl. Commanders defensive end abdullah anderson (absegami High School grad) gets two sacks, but Eagles prevail. (WIN).

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 8 at Los a ngeles Rams (4:05 p.m.) - a ngels outfielder Mike Trout (Millville), an Eagles season-ticketholder, gets to watch his favorite football team in action while getting ready for his first playoff appearance since 2014. (WIN)

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 15 at N.y. Jets (4:25 p.m.) - New Jets quarterback aaron Rodgers burns the Eagles' secondary with three TD passes, but pulls a calf muscle trying to do a Lambeau Leap at MetLife Stadium. (LOSS).

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 22 vs. Miami Dolphins (8:20 p.m.) - New Eagles running back Deandre Swift rushes for 150 yards. Haason Reddick gets three sacks. (WIN).

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 29 at Washington Commanders (1 p.m.) - The Eagles oversleep because they're not used to playing at 1 p.m. They don't wake up until the third quarter. The score is still 0-0, but Commanders score late to win it. (LOSS).

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 5 vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m.) - Eagles rookie edge rusher Nolan Smith gets two sacks against Dak Prescott. Cornerback James Bradberry returns one of Prescott's three interceptions for a touchdown. (WIN)

Week 10: Bye Week

Week 11: Monday, Nov. 20 at Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m.) - Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (Vineland) runs for 100 yards and two TDs. Tight end Travis Kelce catches two TD passes, prompting his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, to ban him from the family summer home in Sea Isle City. (LOSS)

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Buffalo Bills (4:25 p.m.) - Buffalo decides to wing it. Bills quarterback Josh allen throws for three TDs. (LOSS)

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers (4:25 p.m.) - 49ers can't blame this one on Brock Purdy injury. Hurts throws for four TDs in dominant win. (WIN).

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 10 at Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m.) - Cowboys rely on their defense to get a split with the Eagles. Micah Parsons has three sacks, including a scoop and score. (LOSS).

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 17 at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 p.m.) - Eagles running back Rashaad Penny burns his former team with 125 yards and two TDs. Seattle's famous "12th Man" fans are drowned out by Eagles' fans. (WIN)

Week 16: Monday, Dec. 25, New york Giants (4:30 p.m.) - Santa Claus takes the field at halftime and is pelted with snowballs. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota throws for 250 yards and two TDs and celebrates the win by shouting "Merry Christmas, Philadelphia!" (WIN)

Week 17 - Sunday, Dec. 31 vs. arizona Cardinals (1 p.m.) - Kyler Murray throws two TD passes to ex-Eagle Zach Ertz, but Eagles clinch NFC East title. (WIN)

Week 18 - TBD, at New york Giants (TBD) - Eagles rest most of their starters in a meaningless finale. The Giants capitalize with a victory and earn a wildcard spot. (LOSS)

Final record: 10-7 (first place in NFC East).

Sixers’ big players come up small

The 76ers haven’t been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.

That disappointing streak was extended for yet another year last Sunday, when the Sixers suffered a 112-88 loss to the Celtics in Game 7 of the conference semifinals.

It wasn’t hard to figure out what went wrong. Fans want to blame coach Doc Rivers, but big games like that come down to leadership and the Sixers’ two big stars – regular-season MVP Joel Embiid and James Harden – disappeared while Celtics standout Jayson Tatum rose to the challenge with 51 points.

The loss is going to make for an interesting offseason. The Sixers have to decide whether to keep Rivers and/or Harden. But more importantly, they need to weigh Embiid’s future. He’s unquestionably one of the best players in the league, but has yet to carry the team deep into the playoffs.

The SIxers cut their coach Doc Rivers

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

There are some really fun happenings this 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.

& Dining at the Shore

Whitney's Weekly Picks

Who: Legends in Concert : Direct from London

Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

When: Friday, May 19

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35 - $45 + applicable fees

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com

This Legends in Concert features a

live musical celebration of some of London’s top artists: Elton John, Queen, Rod Stewart, and adele.

What: Ventnor Night at the Phillies

Where: Bus departs from Ventnor Heights

When: Friday, May 19

Time: 3 p.m.

Tickets: $100pp

Website: ventnor.recdesk. com

Ticket includes lower level seating in sections 106-109, round-trip bus transportation, and three-hour tailgate with food and drink. Have fun with your family, friends and community.

What: Meet the Maker: Mozzarella & Charcuterie

Where: Renault Winery & Resort

When: Friday, May 19

Time: 6 p.m.

Tickets: $70 + applicable fees

Website: www.eventbrite.com Get ready for a night of deliciousness and fun, with featured wines and charcuterie bites.

What: The Golden Girls Murder Mystery

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Friday, May 19; and Saturday, May 20

Tickets: $35 + applicable fees

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.resortsac.com your favorite ladies from the 1980s are back in atlantic City, and this time Blanche is hosting her annual Hunka Hunka Burnin Love Unauthorized Elvis Fan Club convention. Things will soon turn deadly, so it’s up to yOU to solve the mystery.

Who: Rob Schneider: I Have Issues

Tour

Where: Borgata

When: Saturday, May 20

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: borgata. mgmresorts.com

Rob Schneider is back in a tlantic City, bringing his award-winning standup.

What: Mayfest

Where: Historic Smithville & Village

Greene When: Saturday, May 20; Sunday, May 21

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: free admission

Website: historicsmithville.com/ smithville-events/mayfest

Mayfest at Historical Smithville offers an abundance of family fun. There will be more than 100 juried crafters and vendors, an international food court, children’s activities, nonprofit organizations and live entertainment.

Get ready to rock and roll with one of the biggest names in classic rock, Cheap Trick.

Who: Tom Jones a ges and Stages

Tour

Where: Borgata’s Event Center

When: Saturday, May 20

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment

Hear your favorite hits such as “She’s a Lady” and “It’s Not Unusual,” as Tom Jones stops at Borgata for his a ges and Stages Tour.

When: Wednesday, May 24

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 General admission + applicable fees

Website: caesars.com/caesars-ac/ shows

Filled with talented vocals and a 10-piece band performing aretha’s greatest hits, you’ll certainly love this concert.

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!

FRIDAY - MAY 19

Brandon Ireland Band 8pm - 12am

SATURDAY - MAY 20

Doug Jennings 4pm - 7pm

No Clue Band 8:30pm - 12:30am

SUNDAY - MAY 21

Turtle Heads Band 3pm - 7pm

FRIDAY - MAY 26

Who: Janet Jackson

Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

When: Saturday, May 20th Time: 8:00 pm

Website: www.tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com/new-events/sip-shopspring-market

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the biggest names in music history, live and in person. a s Janet Jackson makes a stop on her tour to the stage at Hard Rock’s Etess arena.

Who: Blues Traveler

Where: Harrah’s Resort The Concert Venue

When: Saturday, May 20

Website: www.caesars.com/harrahsac/shows

Enjoy a night of hits with Blues Traveler as they take over the Concert Venue at Harrah’s atlantic City.

Who: Cheap Trick

Where: Hard Rock’s Sound Waves Theater

When: Saturday, May 20 Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

What: Redbreast Whiskey Pairing

Dinner

Where: Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille

When: Saturday, May 20

Time: 6 p.m.

Tickets: $100pp

Website: https://bit.ly/3oqsGaa

Reservations: 609-704-9797 or via eventbrite with their surcharge Sit back, savor and sip on one of the world's most admired whiskeys of 2023 down the shore in beautiful Cape May. Each Redbreast Whiskey has been handpicked to be perfectly paired in this four-course tasting experience.

Who: Broadway’s Rock of a ges Band

Where: Golden Nugget

When: Saturday, May, 20

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: goldennugget.com/atlantic-city/entertainment

This band of rock star musicians and lead singers from the original Broadway cast, will give electrified performances of the five-time Tony award nominated show in this thrilling concert for everyone.

What: aretha: The Queen of SoulMusical Tribute to aretha Franklin Where: Caesars atlantic City

Big Bleu Band 8pm - 12am

SATURDAY - MAY 27

The Notion Band 4pm - 8pm

The Company Band 8:30pm - 12:30am

SUNDAY - MAY 28

Big Foot Band 4pm - 8pm

Stay Tuned Band 8:30pm - 12:30am

OPEN MIC WEDNSDAY NIGHTS

KARAOKE

450 Bay Avenue, Somers Point www.carolinesnj.com 609-927-9007

Friday, May 19th

The Gaslight Anthem w/ Emily Wolfe

▶7:30pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Legends in Concert

▶8pm

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, May 20th

Rob Schneider

▶7pm

The Music Box at Borgata Blues Traveler

▶8pm

Harrah’s atlantic City

Janet Jackson w/ Ludacris

▶8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Tom Jones

▶8pm

Borgata Event Center

Cheap Trick

▶9pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band

▶9pm

Golden Nugget

Tuesday, May 23rd

Jonas Brothers

▶8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Atlantic City Headliners

Saturday, May 27th

Adjacent Music Festival feat.

Paramore, Bleachers, Jimmy Eat World, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Beach Bunny and More

▶12-11pm

atlantic City Beach

Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis

▶6pm & 9pm

Golden Nugget

Tom Papa

▶8pm

The Music Box at Borgata

Adjacent Afterparties feat. Emo Night Brooklyn

▶11pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Wednesday, May 24th

Aretha: The Queen of Soul: Musical Tribute to Aretha

▶3:30pm

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Friday, May 26th

Sam Hunt w/ Drew Green

▶8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Celebrating Billy Joel

▶8pm

The Music Box at Borgata

Sunday, May 28th

Adjacent Music Festival feat. Blink-182, Turnstile, Coheed & Cambria, Japanese Breakfast, The Starting Line and More

▶12-11pm

atlantic City Beach

Adjacent Afterparties feat. Emo Night Brooklyn

▶11pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Friday, June 2nd

Disco Night Fever Mania w/ The Trammps, Lime, Tavares, Evelyn Champagne King, Musique and More

▶8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Puscifer w/ Night Club

▶8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, June 3rd

Chris Young

▶8pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Sunday, June 4th

Ricardo Arjona

▶7pm

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Friday, June 9th

North 2 Shore: Colbie Caillat +

Gavin DeGraw

▶8pm

adrian Philips Theater at Boardwalk Hall

Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band w/ Todd Rundgren

▶8pm

Borgata Event Center

Saturday, June 10th

America

▶8pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Jay Wheeler

▶8pm

Tropicana Showroom

Friday, June 16th

Buddy Guy

▶9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Saturday, June 17th

50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Mix

Tape Live w/ DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug

E. Fresh, Melle Mel and More

▶7pm

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

The Platters, The Coasters and The Drifters Revue

▶9pm

Golden Nugget

On-Sale This Week

Kevin Hart: Reality Check

▶Friday, June 30th at 9pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

On-Sale Thursday at 10am

Steel Panther

▶Friday, July 14th at 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

On-Sale Thursday at 10am

Shane Gillis Live Comedy

▶Saturday, July 15th at 8pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

On-Sale Friday at 10am

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead –

Acoustic

▶Friday, august 11th at 8pm

The Music Box at Borgata

On-Sale Friday at 10am

John Fogerty

▶Friday, august 18th at 8:30pm

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

On-Sale Friday at 10am

Paul Anka: Seven Decades Tour

▶Friday, November 10th at 9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

On-Sale Friday at 10am

Ashanti

▶Friday, November 24th at 9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

On-Sale Friday at 10am

Cheap Trick to perform at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City

Kevin Hart: Reality Check coming to Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City

Everything is coming up Rosés

Drink Up with David Setley

It’s May; it’s getting warmer, and Rosés are in full bloom! Rosé wines have had a resurgence of popularity in recent years, particularly during the warmer

months. Based on current wine statistics reported by MDPI, an industry research journal, one of every ten bottles of wine sold world-wide is a rosé. you may be surprised to know that rosés are arguably more complicated to create than either white or red wines. Read on so that you will be in the know and ready to enjoy these pink-wine choices.

There are generally two ways that rosé wines are made: the blending method and the limited maceration method. The least common method is the blending method, which takes al -

ready fermented red and white wines and, as the name suggests, blends them to make what we visually recognize as a pink rosé wine. Interestingly, the blending method is forbidden by most European wine-regulating organizations if the winemaker wishes for their rosé to be regionally certified. The exception is the Champagne region of France where the blending method is quite common. There are no regulations prohibiting the blending method in the majority of new world wine regions, however, most rosés that we enjoy are produced using the limited maceration method.

In red wine production, maceration is when grape skins, seeds, and possibly stems are allowed to remain in contact with the grape juice after crushing. The maceration period varies depending on the grape varietal, the requirements and traditions of the wine region, the level of tannins desired, and the length of aging desired by the winemaker. It can be as little as four days, as long as fifty days, or even longer in some extended-maceration styles of wine such as Barolos. In white wine production, the skins are removed immediately after crushing. In the case of rosé wines, the winemaker allows the skins to remain in contact with the juice for a limited time, often anywhere from a couple hours to a day or two. The result is the pink hue that we know and love. a s you have likely noticed, some rosés are a darker pink while others are quite pale. This variation may be attributed to the length of the maceration and the varietal of red grapes used in skin contact.

Italy is also exceptional in the world of rosés. From the Piedmonte region in the north comes the Proprieta’ Sperino Rosa del Rosa 2022, made from the Nebbiolo grape. Nebbiolo is also used in producing Barolo, a wine affectionately known as “the King of wines and the wine of Kings.” The Rosa del Rosa 2022 has a beautiful balance of acidity and dryness, as well as fruitiness and minerality. It is a perfect pairing for grilled salmon or tuna.

For a bottle from Spain, the Lobetia Rosé from the Tierra De Castilla is not only certified organic, biodynamically-farmed, and vegan-friendly, but it is the first wine on which I saw a “Carbon Conscious” certification on the label. This certification is awarded to businesses who strategically adopt practices to maximize environmental responsibility. The Lobetia Rosé wine is made from the wonderful Spanish Garnacha grape. It is a classic “rosé all day,” wine and is perfect for seafood meals, a charcuterie snack, or an afternoon of simply sitting on the porch (I speak from experience!).

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

although rosé wines are produced in almost every wine country in the world, I’d like to primarily address “old world” rosés. France continues to be the dominate producer, with a market share in excess of 60%. Many French wine regions produce rosés, with Provence being the clear leader. Rosés from Provence tend to a made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and a few other lesser-known varietals. Provence-style rosés are typically very light in both color and flavor. Whispering angel and Miraval are two very popular examples, and both quite good. However, my choice from this region is the Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé 2022. Bargemone is among the foremost producers of dry rosé in the Provence region. This wine is very reasonably priced and has the classic crisp, fresh aroma and flavor of red berries and flowers. It pairs perfectly with charcuterie, chicken and seafood. I also love this rosé with sushi or spicier Indian or Chinese foods.

a s a last stop in this particular article, visit the Greek wine section. Greece, the birthplace of wine in western Europe, offers L’ Esprit Du Lac Vielles Vignes 2022, a graceful, yet intensely flavorful rosé. The Greek indigenous Xinomavro grape gives this wine its beautiful color and floral aroma. It is an elegant rosé, perfect for your finest vegetarian, chicken or seafood dinner.

I hope this article whets your appetite for the wine you are likely already seeing springing up more and more in your favorite wine store. a s we head toward summer, I encourage you to stop and smell the roses, and then open and enjoy the rosés! a s always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the 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.

Six places to grab a juicy burger for International Burger Day

By Danielle Davies

At Shore Local, we’re big fans of holidays — as far as we’re concerned, any reason to celebrate is a good one. and while big holidays have plenty of pomp and — let’s face it, presents — to get us feeling festive, small holidays, the ones that don’t require planning, cleaning or decorating, offer plenty of fun without any of the stress. Even better? They’re often food related. This week, we’re thrilled to be celebrating International Burger Day with juicy, magnificent burgers of all varieties. Here, six places to celebrate International Burger Day.

1. Harbor Burger Bar. There are a number of superb burgers at Harbor Burger Bar in Stone Harbor, but the Bleu Rugula remains an all-time favorite. This hunk of yumminess includes

sautéed onions and mushrooms with truffle blue cheese aioli topped with fresh arugula, all on an astoundingly good patty. It’s the burger you never knew you needed, but trust us; you definitely need it. a word to the wise though – this is one messy burger. If you get it to carry into the adjoining Harbor Square Theater, and really, that’s half the fun, pack up some napkins — you’re going to need them. Located at 271 96th St., Stone Harbor. Burger-Bars.com/Stone-Harbor

2. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. The people have spoken. Winner of the 2018 Burger Bash People’s Choice

award, the Onion Believable Burger at Tennessee avenue Beer Hall is a scrumptious concoction of caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese and frizzled onions on two custom-blend Black angus Beef patties and a Brioche Bun. Pair this award winner with an icy cold one and side of tots — it’ll be one fantastic International Burger Day. Located at 133 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City. TennesseeavenueBeerHall.com

3. Ventura’s Café. Not all burgers are created equally, and not all are made with beef. If you’re looking for a beef alternative, go wild with the Buck Wild Bison Burger at Ventura’s Café. Made with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar, this eight-ounce baby is best enjoyed rare to medium rare paired with some perfectly seasoned Old Bay fries. Dee-lish. Located at 2015 Shore Rd., Northfield. VenturasCafe. com

4. Wahlburgers. This writer is a big fan of Mark Wahlburg (who isn’t?). So when we see a starred “Mark’s Choice” next to the Impossible Burger at Wahlburgers, we’re sold. Made with smoked cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, house made chili spiced tomatoes and Paul’s signature Wahl Sauce, the plant-based Impossible Burger at Wahlburgers is a delectable — and vegetarian — option. and Mark Wahlberg approved. Located in Ocean Casino Resort at 500 Boardwalk, atlantic City. TheOceanaC.com

5. Good Dog Bar. New to aC, Good Dog Bar is already pretty legendary in Philadelphia, where the Good Dog Burger is a beloved staple. Here in aC, they’ve added a new mouthwatering burger to the menu — the aC Smash Burger — and it’s a “smashing” addition (pun intended). With cheddar, shredded lettuce, minced white onions, tomato, and horseradish mayo on a ¼ pound house blend patty and a burger bun, the aC Smash Burger can be ordered as a single, double or triple, and with hot pepper relish, giving customers multiple options for deli -

ciousness. Located at 3426 atlantic ave., atlantic City. GoodDogBar.com

6. The Roost Pub & Grill. The Roost at Harbor Pines may be new, but the experience and deliciousness to be found at Harbor Pines is not — these people are experts at feeding hungry golfers and the public alike, so it’s no surprise that their new burger, The Roost, (which is one of many) is so stinking good. Topped with cheddar,

bacon, an onion ring and bourbon bbq sauce, The Roost Burger is exactly what you want to sink your teeth into after a long day of…anything, really. It’s that good. Located at 500 St. andrews Dr., Egg Harbor Township. HarborPines.com

Danielle's been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.

Spirits

129 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Don’t Call Me Francis 7-11pm. Sweetwater

Riverdeck. 2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

Isn’t It Always 7-11pm McGettigan’s

500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

Kono Nation 7pm Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Philly Keys 7-11pm Renault Winery

72 N. Bremen ave. Egg Harbor City

The Exceptions 7-11pm The Point

998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Bruce Klauber Celebrates Frank Sinatra and Friends 7:30pm Ryfe

4101 atlantic ave. atlantic City

Destinee & Billy Duo 7:30pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Sean Loosh 7:30pm. yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Brandon Ireland Band 8pm-12am

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave. Somers Point

Lifespeed 8pm The yard at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave. atlantic City

DJ Swoosh 9pm Josie Kelly’s Public House

908 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Loose Cannon 9pm-12am Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Lost in Paris 10pm Wild Wild West at Caesars. 2100 Pacific ave. atlantic City

Party Wave 10pm. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock. 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

DJ Sepper 10:30pm The Point

998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Saturday, May 20th

Sam & Jesse 12-4pm Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

Wood Vibrations 12-4pm Renault Winery

72 N. Bremen ave. Egg Harbor City

The Way Outs 1-4:30pm The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock. 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Doug Jennings 4-7pm Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave. Somers Point

Glenn Roberts 5-8pm Bar One at Resorts

Casino. 1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Chris Yoder 5:30pm Tuckahoe Inn

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Priceless 5:30-9pm. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Adam Holcombe Trio 6pm. Villain & Saint at Ocean. 500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Beth Tinnon 6-9pm. atlantic County

Country Club. 1 Leo Frazer Dr. Northfield

Jim Mitchell and the Repeat Offenders

6-10pm Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

Ian & Christina 7-11pm McGettigan’s

500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

Jim Shaw 7pm Bocca

7805 Ventnor ave. Margate

One Hot Mess 7-11pm The Pub at St. George

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Brigantine

Usual Suspects 7-11pm The Point

998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Brian Ulrich 7:30pm

yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Crash the Party 8pm The yard at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave. atlantic City

No Clue Trio 8:30pm Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave. Somers Point

Dead Reckoning 9pm-12am

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

DJ Johnny Looch 9pm

The Carousel Bar at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave. atlantic City

DJ Skyline 9pm Rhythm & Spirits

129 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Taking Back Emo 9pm Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Epic Soul 10pm The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

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

DJ Freezie 10:30pm The Point

998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Sunday, May 21st

Joe Grasso 11am-2pm McGettigan’s 500 S. New york Rd. Galloway

Buried Edge 2-6pm Sweetwater Riverdeck 2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

The Exceptions 2:30-6:30pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Turtle Heads Band 3-7pm. Caroline’s by the Bay. 450 Bay ave. Somers Point

BMW+ 4-7:30pm. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock. 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Shot of Southern 6-10pm. Renault Winery

72 N. Bremen ave. Egg Harbor City

The Verdict 6-10pm. The Point 998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Tony Day & Across the Globe Band 7:3010:30pm. Kelsey’s 1545 Pacific ave. atlantic City

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

The Neptunes 8:30pm-12am

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Monday, May 22nd

Amanda & Teddy 7-11pm The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City Sage Thomas 7-11pm The Point 998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Tuesday, May 23rd

B Street Band 7-11pm The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Brent Christopher 7-11pm The Point 998 Bay ave. Somers Point

Wednesday, May 24th

Coast 2 Coast 5-9pm The Point 10 43rd St. Sea Isle City

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

Ryan Shubert 7-11pm. The Point 998 Bay ave. Somers Point

The Billy Walton Band 7-11pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Open Mic Hosted by Blue Eagle 8pm-12am Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay ave. Somers Point Events subject to change.

Turtle Heads of South Jersey

By Krystle J Bailey

The Summer 2023 concert lineup at the Jersey Shore is packed with amazing performances. Be sure to check out the full schedule in our new entertainment segment, Wahoo where you will find these and other live music experiences throughout South Jersey.

The summer kicks off with the adjacent Festival coming to the beach in atlantic City Memorial Day Weekend. With performances from Paramore, Blink-182, Bleachers,

more, the two-day festival features over 40 bands on three stages with craft food, beverage experiences, and vendors.

Jimmy Eat World, Bleachers, andrea McMahon In The Wilderness, and

Paramore headlines the Adjacent Festival

The Live Nation powered festival will include performances by Surf Curse, Jeff Rosenstock, Beach Bunny, Coheed and Cambria, Motion City Soundtrack, andrew McMahon, Phantom Planet, and more.

In between the headliners, there are performances from some lesser-known but equally talented artists, including comedian Neil Rubenstein, best known for his raw and honest standup sets. Rubenstein is a burly, tattooed comedian original from Long Island, Ny. His jokes are inspired by personal life situations, trauma, and family dynamics.

“I just want to put people in a better mood and make them feel better,” shares Rubenstein when asked what inspires him.

Neil Rubenstein has competed in stand-up events around the country, toured with comedy greats from Ben Bailey to Trailer Trash Tammy, and opened for artists including Taking Back Sunday and Motion City Soundtrack. He has been featured on HBO, Comedy Central, and NBC.

“I’m so stoked to be a part of something so cool,” shares Neil

Rubenstein. “I look up and down that lineup, and it’s so many great bands and even better friends. Being included is such a huge honor.”

Following the two-day concert experience, Neil Rubenstein will be on tour throughout the U.S. all summer. Dates and information can be found at NeilRubenstein.com.

a dditional a djacent Festival performances include Soul Glo, an american hardcore punk band from Philadelphia, English pop-rock band Hot Milk, american supergroup L.S. Dunes, and so many more. The stages will be packed with excitement from noon to 11:00 pm Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28. afterparties are set to take place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Concert attendees will be allowed to swim in the ocean, and lifeguards will be on duty within the concert area.

One-day and two-day tickets, band lists, FaQs, and afterparty information can be found at wwww. adjacentFestival.com. Keep up with everything you need to know on all social media platforms @adjacentFest.

Blink 182 headlines the Adjacent Festival in Atlantic City Memorial Day Weekend.

Dog Friendly Bar Opens in AC

By Tim Hawk

Agood dog is confident, attentive, playful and trusted around people.

But can the same description be attributed to a bar? Heather Gleason, co-owner of Good Dog Bar in atlantic City, thinks so.

“I picked Good Dog just because it has a positive connotation," said Gleason, “I feel like dogs make people happy.”

So it’s no surprise that on Wednesday evening, during the second night of a friends and family event — which gave the staff and management time to work out the kinks before the grand opening Thursday afternoon — happy faces were all that could be seen.

a dding to the already festive atmosphere were 172 framed black and white pictures of dogs that were selected as winners of a dog photo contest.

Gleason and her husband Dave Garry first stepped foot into the already gutted building, located in the Chelsea section of the city, in July of 2020 after friend and developer Pat Fasano bought the property and told them he just bought Good Dog Bar in atlantic City.

The atlantic City location will be the second for the couple who also own Good Dog Bar in Philadelphia which opened in 2003.

Less than three years later the two-story building located on atlantic avenue, which was once a swingers club called RolePlay, is now a neigh -

borhood bar that has something for everyone.

“ you can come here for a nice meal, you can come play pool and put a couple of beers down, we're going to have NFL Ticket so you can watch any game you want,” explained Gleason.

The first floor features a 30-foot bar which seats 22 and a dog-themed ceramics mural created by MudGirls Studios. Booths and two-top tables round out the seating and a large bifold window will open up to let the light and the ocean breeze in.

Upstairs features a slightly shorter

bar which seats 20, a pool table, more tables and booths, and another large bifold window for a perfect view of the sunset.

Sitting near the window and the end of the bar was Brian Jackson and his husband Michael Baker who were sipping on signature cocktails while waiting for their first round of food, wings and mac and cheese.

“It’s beautiful, I'm really impressed with what they've done with the building. It's really a unique space,” said Jackson, who is the chief operating officer at Stockton University atlantic City.

Jackson said he loves that dogs are a feature of the bar and is excited that two of his dogs' pictures are hanging on the wall.

The bar is walking distance from Stockon and come fall semester more than 900 students, faculty and staff will have another option for food off campus.

“I think it's just a great asset to the community,” said Jackson. “It really lifts the value of what the Chelsea neighborhood brings to Stockton and to the city of atlantic City.”

Echoing that sentiment was Fasano who believes that the bar is another building block to take back the streets and transform atlantic City into a young hip city.

“This is such an accessible walkable city so we have to make the streets more friendly and the way we do that is one building at a time.”

Gleason said she still can’t believe Good Dog is finally done and up and running after completely renovating the dilapidated building. Tin ceilings on both floors and more windows

lops and different creations of lobster and crab.”

a fish sandwich will be on the menu and well as more salad choices since summer is right around the corner.

There will be a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m to 6 p.m. with drink and food specials and food will be served until midnight.

Gleason hopes everybody loves Good Dog as much as she thinks they will because it was two years of labor of love. But as any dog owner knows, every dog needs love and a little work to make them who they are.

If the bar was a dog Gleason said it would be a mutt.

“Durable, lots of different components went into making us, and you know we're gonna live forever.”

Tim Hawk has been a photojournalist for more than 30 years, covering South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. He is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University he teaches photojournalism.

help brighten up the space and the original brick was repointed and sealed.

The front of the building has the moniker “come. sit. stay.” welcoming customers to do the same while on the side, overlooking the outdoor space, is a mural of dogs doing various Jersey Shore activities.

The dog friendly outside patio area hopefully will be open by June, Gleason said, and will include eight picnic tables.

The menu will be similar to the Philly location and include a vegan cheesesteak, short rib grilled cheese, creamy mac & cheese and the popular Good Dog Burger which is stuffed with Roquefort cheese and topped with caramelized onions on a challah bun and served with house-cut french fries.

Gleason said that the chef hopes customers lean more towards seafood which will be a focus on the specials menu.

“She's really hoping we can move some whole fish and do a lot of scal -

Tickets on Sale for Summer Concerts on Ocean City Music Pier

The lineups are set for the 2023 Summer Concert Series and the 2023 Ocean City Pops season on the Ocean City Music Pier, and tickets are on sale now for all shows.

The Summer Concert Series is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season, and the shows feature rock and contemporary music acts. Most shows are on Monday and Tuesday nights. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and a limited number of tickets are available for purchase (by cash or check only) at the City Hall Welcome Center (861 a sbury avenue) Monday through Friday and the Music Pier Box Office on Saturdays and Sundays (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).

The following shows in the 2023 Summer Concert Series have been announced. Check back at www.ocnj. us/SummerConcertSeries for any updates or additions.

Get The Led Out

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, June 19 – 7 p.m.

Keb’ Mo’

Ocean City Music Pier

Tuesday, June 20 – 7 p.m.

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, June 26 – 7 p.m.

The Rascals

Ocean City Music Pier

Tuesday, June 27 – 7 p.m.

Kenny G

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, July 10 – 7 p.m.

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, July 17 – 7 p.m.

The Genesis Show

Re-creates Genesis’s 1980 Duke Tour

Live

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, July 24 – 7 p.m.

Aimee Mann plus Jonathan Coulton

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, July 31 – 7 p.m.

Don McLean plus Special Guest Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets

50th a nniversary “a merican Pie”

Tour

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, august 7 – 7 p.m.

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, august 21 – 7 p.m.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Bad all Over The World – 50 years of Rock

Ocean City Music Pier

Monday, august 28 – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, august 29 – 7 p.m.

The Wailers

Ocean City Music Pier

Thursday, august 31 – 7 p.m.

The Ocean City Pops has a great lineup of featured artists and themed concerts that include something for every musical taste. artistic Director and Maestro Vince Lee leads the Pops and has been a great addition to the beloved local orchestra.

Tickets for all shows are available online at oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the 9th Street causeway), City Hall Welcome Center (861 a sbury avenue), 46th Street Information Center (46th Street and West avenue) or Music Pier Welcome Center (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).

The current 2023 schedule of

shows includes the following. Check back for updates and additions. all shows are at 7:30 p.m. on the Ocean City Music Pier, except where noted.

Opening Night: Kristin Chenoweth

Sunday, June 25

Broadway and television superstar Kristin Chenoweth, famous for her starring roles in “ you’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Wicked,” makes her Ocean City debut. Known for having one of the most versatile and agile voices in the industry, Ms. Chenoweth is guaranteed to bring the house down.

A Star-Spangled Spectacular

Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4

This third annual outdoor concert is free and open to the public, so bring the whole family to Carey Stadium (just off the Boardwalk between Fifth and Sixth streets). Come celebrate america’s birthday with the Pops. Join Maestro Vince Lee for an evening of patriotic music and other popular hits.

Disney Princesses Live

Sunday, July 9

The concert will feature four singing stars joining the Pops to perform favorite songs from Disney classics at the Ocean City Music Pier. Be our guest as a quartet of Broadway, television, and animated film icons celebrate the music from every Disney princess. The Ocean City Pops orchestra and larger-than-life animation will immerse the audience in Disney magic while these acclaimed ↘Continued on 58

The Music of Anthony Newley

stars sing favorite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favorite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones. Songs will include “How Far I’ll Go,” “a Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Part of your World,” “almost There,” “Let It Go” and more.

OC Pops Greatest Hits: Maestro Lee’s Orchestral Favorites

Wednesday, July 12

Few orchestras in the world have the flexibility and versatility of the Ocean City Pops, and this evening is going to show it off. In this one-ofa-kind concert, Maestro Vince Lee will take you on a whirlwind tour of almost every genre imaginable: symphonic folk tales, brassy fanfares, Hollywood hits, Tin Pan alley tunes and even funk and soul.

A Sinatra Extravaganza

featuring Brandon Tomasello

Sunday, July 16

after his spectacular debut with the Ocean City Pops in 2022, Sinatra stylist Brandon Tomasello returns as a headliner to the Ocean City 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. Don’t miss this chance to hear these classic Sinatra songs performed exactly as they were written for Sinatra himself.

Broadway’s Kimber Sprawl Gets Wicked

Sunday, July 23

Broadway superstar Kimber Sprawl returns to the Ocean City Music Pier. after her successful run in the Bob Dylan-inspired show “Girl From the North Country,” she recently joined the Broadway cast of “Wicked” as Nessarose, so you can expect her voice to “defy gravity” as she takes you on a journey of her musical adventures.

The Jersey Tenors

Thursday, July 27

Concert will feature music from Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli to Figaro. The four talented singers, complete with Broadway and operatic credits, are Jersey-born and -bred and Jersey-proud. The latest opera and rock mash-up sensation, the Jer-

sey Tenors seamlessly perform some of opera’s greatest works alongside the best of Josh Groban, a BBa , Queen, Journey, Elton John, Kool and the Gang, and of course, the best that Jersey has to offer: from Sinatra and Valli to Bon Jovi and Springsteen and Jersey girl Whitney Houston. This concert is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Ocean City Pops.

Friend Like Me! Aladdin’s Michael James Scott

Sunday, July 30

Michael James Scott has played the Genie in Disney’s “aladdin” and will perform with the Pops. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in “Something Rotten” and originating Dr. Gotswana (a.k.a. The Maggots Guy) in “The Book of Mormon.” Other Broadway performances include “Hair,” “Tarzan,” “Mamma Mia,” “Elf” and “all Shook Up.”

“Wizard of Oz”

8 performances from august 1 to 11

The Ocean City Pops and the Ocean City Theatre Company will present a delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved “Wizard of Oz,” featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale continues to thrill audiences worldwide. (Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing arts Center, 7:30 p.m. shows on august 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 and 11, 2 p.m. matinees on august 3 and 10, $30 or $25 for 65-and-overs and 12-and-unders)

Judy Collins

Sunday, august 6

Inspired by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, singer-songwriter Judy Collins hit stardom in 1967 after her cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides, Now’ gained international recognition. The single peak at No. 8 on the Billboard charts, and Collins won her first Grammy for Best Folk Performance as a result. She then released singles such as ‘Someday Soon’ and ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ During her career, Collins has released over 25 studio albums and numerous live and compilation albums.

Tchaikovsky and Beethoven 5: Symphonic Fireworks

Sunday, august 13

The concert 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.

make their debuts on the Music Pier stage.

Jackie Evancho

Sunday, august 27

Jackie first dazzled a merican television audiences in 2010 at the age of 10 with her stunning debut on NBC’s “a merica’s Got Talent.” Since then, she has released a string of platinum and gold albums with sales of over 2.5 million in the U.S. all six of Jackie’s albums have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Classical chart. She has performed with the Ocean City Pops twice before and has become a local favorite

The Great American Songbook

Wednesday, august 30

Emily Margevich will perform favorites from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and many more. Referred to as the “star of the 2022 Ocean City Pops season” by Maestro Vince Lee (due to her three separate appearances, including one on short notice), Margevich returns as a headliner. She stunned audiences in 2022 with her remarkable versatility, singing opera, Broadway, and popular tunes with equal vigor and expertise, while also having everyone in stitches with her humor and panache.

John Williams Strikes Back!

Sunday, September 3

80 Years of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Sunday, august 20

This special show will feature the return Ocean City Pops Conductor Emeritus Bill Scheible. He will present a tribute to the most successful collaborators ever on Broadway. The legends Rodgers and Hammerstein started with “Oklahoma” and continued with “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Cinderella,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Don’t miss this special concert featuring wonderful vocalists and solo instrumentals.

Opera Superstars of Tomorrow

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

Over a span of eight decades, the movie music of John Williams has touched the lives of every living generation. Having worked with Williams, Maestro Vince Lee has become one of the premier interpreters of his music and is thrilled to continue this annual celebration of his music. Expect to hear big hits (“Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones”), family favorites (“Harry Potter,” “ET”), along with the Ocean City debut of the stunning music from the movie “War Horse.”

Maestro Lee at the Keys: Dueling Pianos!

Wednesday, September 6

This will be a concert over 20 years in the making. Maestro Vince Lee will step off of the podium and behind the piano for this unique concert event. Joined by his long-time colleague and regular Ocean City Pops orchestral pianist Eric Svejcar, 176 piano keys will be smoldering as

Vince and Eric scorch through some of the greatest hits of rock, pop, Broadway, classical and more. Originally having played side-by-side for two years as classmates at the famed music school of Indiana University, Vince and Eric finally get the chance to perform, simultaneously, on two pianos.

Dance Elegance with the Atlantic City Ballet

Sunday, September 16

This will be the season finale for 2023. after their breathtaking feature with the Ocean City Pops in 2022, the stars of the atlantic City Ballet return to heat up the Music

Pier Stage! Forging a new, continuing artistic partnership between the ballet and the OCPops, Maestro Vince Lee is delighted to highlight the talents of neighboring arts organizations. The Pops will also shine tonight as they play dancethemed orchestral features. a great way to finish an exciting season.

PHILADELPHIA COMEDIAN TO PERFORM AT MUSIC PIER ON JULY 15

Philadelphia comedian Joe Conklin will joins force with the City Rhythm Orchestra for a night of comedy and music at the Ocean City Music Pier on Saturday, July 15.

Conklin is known as a man of a thousand voices, and some of his spot-on impressions include a llen Iverson, Charles Barkley, Merrill Reese, angelo Cataldi, and other Philly figures. His songs include “Howie (Roseman) Went Down to Georgia” (to the tune of the Charlie Daniels classic) and other parodies. Visit joeconklin.com for more information and to purchase tickets online.

The most amazing thing I learned about The Amazing Kreskin

By Matt Bridgestone AC Jokes

My childhood came at a time before cable TV and remote controls. With fewer options, networks had the luxury of showcasing only the most talented performers.

No show had a bigger impact than “The Tonight Show” with Johnny

Carson. If you were lucky enough to be booked, you had a great chance of waking up the next day a star. Two or three appearances meant that you were a household name.

Born and raised in New Jersey, the world's most famous mentalist, “The a mazing Keskin” had an eye-popping 61 appearances. He was the inspiration for Carson’s most famous character “Carnac the Magnificent.”

Keskin’s passion for performing has had him in front of audiences ranging from proms, to shows in front of presidents and royalty.

When I had the chance to meet him, people asked, “What stood out as the most amazing thing he did?” Was it when he read people's minds? Was it his ability to guess how much change people had in their pockets? Was it his famous closing demonstration where his check for the show is hidden and if he can't find it he refuses to be paid?

Well, all those things were certainly amazing. But the thing I found to be the most amazing is how incredibly hard he shakes your hand. Well into his 80s, Keskin has a grip that will

blow your mind.

I later discovered that he is known for this, and has crushed the hands of stars such as Tom Hanks and Jim Carrey. you can come shake that hand yourself, as he will be doing a meet and greet after his shows at Resorts Casino on May 20 and May 27 at 5 p.m.

To be amazed, grab tickets by looking up those dates at www.acjokes.com.

Cheap Trick: Still rocking after 50 years, coming to Hard Rock this weekend

the junior member of the group at 42).

In 2021 Cheap Trick released their 20th studio album, “In another World,” which contains a cover of John Lennon's empowering political anthem, “Gimme Some Truth,” and also features former Sex Pistols guitarist, Steve Jones.

By Doug Deutsch

Cheap Trick Brings Their Hits to Hard Rock: Longevity is defined as “a long duration…long continuance… permanence, durability.” This would definitely be an apt description of the longtime quartet Cheap Trick, who have been at it since 1973.

The Rockford Ill. group, consisting of guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Robin Zander, and drummer Bun E. Carlos, will bring their entire playbook of hits to aC’s Hard Rock Casino (Soundwaves arena) this Saturday, May 20 (Carlos was replaced in 2010 by Nielsen’s son, Daxx). Expect to hear all their hits including “I Want you to Want Me,” “Surrender,” “The Flame,” “Dream Police,” “a in’t That a Shame” and more.

“I've been on the road for so long, I've found out that I'm still married and I got 12 grandkids,” said Nielsen, tongue-in-cheek, in a recent interview, but he’s not far from the truth. Not only are the demands of the road grueling, but even more so as a musician ages. Nielsen is 74, Petersson, 73, and Zander, 70 (Daxx Nielsen is

“The truth could haunt and hurt you,” says Nielsen. “We're not a protest band or a political band, although we care about all that stuff and we talk among ourselves. We don't want to tell people what to do, so we try to tell the truth. We try to be honest in our music.”

Info: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com, www.cheaptrick.com.

Happy 25th a nniversary, Matt Unversaw: For the last 25 years, WLFR 91.7 FM (Lake Fred Radio) has been blessed to have the talents of one Matt Unversaw serving as the radio station’s music director, as well as hosting his own eclectic show, “Strane Ways RFadio,” every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Unversaw continues to mark his quarter century with the Stockton University station with special guests. This Thursday, May 18 at approximately 5 p.m., The Sheckies – a fourpiece area band with a great sound, one of our latest finds – will be Matt’s special guests as he features two of their new tracks.

On May 25, Matt welcomes the irrepressible rock accordionist Malcolm Tent, who will feature tracks from his soon-to-be-released new album,

a Fade Worse Than Deaf.” Tent also calls into Unversaw’s show every Thursday to deliver “The Malcolm Minute,” where the latter discusses local music happenings with Matt, albeit quickly.

We congratulate Matt for his service and big-time contributions to the South Jersey original music scene and wish him many more years on the air. Info: mixcloud.com/strangewaysradionj; thesheckies1.bandcamp.com; facebook.com/malcolmtentpunk.

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall announces Summer Music Lineup: One of atlantic City’s only places to see and hear not only tribute and cover acts, but also original music, Tennessee avenue Beer Hall has announced a very ambitious summer music lineup, thanks to booker Scott Cronick who’s also part owner and a respected longtime media person in the South Jersey area.

among the myriad acts heading to TaBH: Loose Cannon, a sextet with a huge setlist who not only perform classic rock hits, but also music from the 90s and 2000s, on May 19 and July 14; highly regarded duo amanda and Teddy, who are booked by Philly super-agent anthony Baker, for three

performances – June 9, July 8, and a ug. 25; acclaimed a llman Brothers Band tribute Resurrextion June 10; Duck and Cover, respected local group featuring guitarist artie Goldfarb on July 1 and aug. 6; Bruce Springsteen tribute E Street Shuffle from a sbury Park, featuring, among its members, former aC Weekly Editor Ryan Loughlin in the band; and Eric Sommer and the Fabulous Piedmonts, hailing from Hillsborough, N.C., self-described “North Carolina’s americana Standard” on aug. 4. The North2Shore Festival will present shows at TaBH including Tom Petty tribute Pure Petty (June 3), a Quizzo event (June 7), Comedy Night with Michelle Tomko (June 8), the aforementioned amanda and Teddy (June 9) and Resurrextion (June 10), ex-Spin Doctor guitarist a nthony Krizan and band (June 10), and Bob Weir tribute Weir Wolves (June 11). Info: TennesseeavenueBeerHall.com, https://northtoshore.com/atlantic-city/

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.

In 2021 Cheap Trick released their 20th studio album, “In Another World.”

Resorts to Celebtate Memorial Day Weekend and 45th Anniversary

Join Resorts Casino Hotel in celebrating its 45th anniversary and annual Beach Ball Drop on Friday, May 26. It's a nonstop party on the boardwalk beginning at Noon. Emmy award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer will be on hand to assist with "Opening the Sea" for the 2023 season. Entertainment includes live music from local cover bands, bagpipers, a drumline, games, giveaways and much more. all of this excitement leads up to the Beach Ball Drop at 5:00 p.m. Resorts is also celebrating the grand opening of a new retro inspired pop-up bar, Lounge 78. The fun continues with a can't miss performance from the Ny Bee Gees in the Superstar Theater at 9:00 p.m.

Friday, May 26th

There will be events all day long as Resorts Casino Hotel leads up to their annual Beach Ball Drop at 5:00pm and then the Grand opening of their new pop-up bar, Lounge 78!

The Ny Bee Gees Tribute Show Superstar Theater, 9 p.m.

The New york Bee Gees Tribute Show is composed of some of Long

Island New york’s most versatile and exceptionally talented players. The band includes present or former members of well-known, world-renowned acts including the alan Parsons Project, Happy Together Tour, Meatloaf, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, Riot, and more. The N y Bee Gees Tribute Show presents the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience. The band offers all the classic 70’s Disco hits from “Stayin alive” to “Night Fever” while embracing the early works such as “To Love Somebody”. Delivering songs from every decade of the Bee Gees catalog with a stunning production, powerful vocals, and the professional stage presence to fill any club or casino.

Saturday, May 27th

Free Pull on the 1st Slot Machine

2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Margaritaville Lobby

Guests are invited to get a free pull on atlantic City’s first slot machine! Hit a top combination on two

consecutive draws and you could win a prize of $10,000! all participants receive a 45th anniversary magnet.

Golden Girls Murder Mystery –The Girls Do aC

8:00 p.m. | Starlight Room

Thank you for being a friend! Especially a Golden Girl friend! your favorite ladies from the ‘80’s are throwing a party, and you’re invited!

Sophia, Blanche, Rose and Dorothy have worked long and hard to throw the perfect celebration, but will they still be celebrating when they discover that one of their party guests has murderous intentions? a s Sophia attempts to lighten the mood with a song, someone’s attempting to lighten the mood with a BaNG! Who

could the killer be? Cast your vote! Perhaps yOU can solve this Golden Girls Mystery?

aC Jokes Comedy Club

8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. in the Screening Room on Tower Conference Level

Sunday, May 28th $100,000 Sweepstakes

There will be 45 winners of $1,000 in Free Play, with four winners announced every 30 minutes from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. at 9:00pm, five winners will receive $1,000 in Free Play, and another four winners will earn $2,500 in Free Play at 9:30pm. Lastly, at 10:00pm one lucky winner will be awarded $45,000 in cold hard cash.

Our mysterious, beautiful backyard

By Paul E. Pedersen, Jr.

When you really get down to it, having the Pine Barrens right in our very own backyard here in South Jersey, is like living in a never-ending, episodic, reality TV show. I mean, where else can you find a place where you can go from 39,000 people per square acre to zero people per square acre, inside of a thirty minute drive? Where else can you find many, many species of plants and animals that live no where else in the world? Or a place that

comes with it’s own, built-in monsters and legends that have been haunting the area and going on since before the white man even got here in the 1600’s, the Lenni-Lenape Indians referring to the place as Popuessing, meaning “the place of the dragon“? a place inhabited by folks…”Pineys”, some call them… that were once thought to be so strange and dangerous to the gene pool as to have the Governor of NJ in 1913, James F. Fielder, try to enact legislation to sterilize them, ridding the state of future generations of “half-wits and imbeciles“. and that’s not even men -

tioning the clan of “Jackson-Whites”, the albino, club-wielding tribe of zombies, that are rumored to be marauding through the Barrens, in search of their next hapless victim. yeah, buddy. We have it all. and it’s all right here, in our back yard!

I’ve always said that the Pine Barrens is not only a real place that consists of 1.1 million acres of pristine forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers sitting on top of 17 trillion gallons of the purest water on Earth, but also, it’s also a state of mind. It’s a giant, blank canvass, waiting for any artist, songwriter, journalist, screenwrit-

er, adventurer, or filmmaker to ply their talents, as it were, and create beauty and serenity from a place that makes up nearly one third of the most densely populated state in the nation. a place where you can find “sugar sand” roads with holes and ruts capable of swallowing a car, rivers and streams that flow with water that looks like strong iced tea, and a place where the silence is deafening, you can hear it, interrupted only by sounds that seem to echo and echo for miles. The Pine Barrens have been described as “our heavenly, secreted place” by naturalists that trek

along it’s miles and miles of trails, as well as by Caddy-driving wise-guys from New york alike. It’s a place of great paradox, and begs for active imaginations.

Like any place that draws strong forces from both sides of the emotional conservation poles, the Pine Barrens have become a political football, used to get votes because of what a person, party or group wants to do, or not to do, with any or all of it, and for a million different reasons on each side. There are those for and against pipelines that are slated to traverse through or near it. There are those for and against off-road vehicles that are traversing through or near it. There are those that want to shut it down altogether, and others that see it as a beautiful new development of neighborhoods, parks and retirement communities. In 1960, there were even those that wanted to turn it into the largest jet port in the world, complete with a supporting, adjoining city.

But the Pines is no stranger to being fought over and monkeyed around with. a long time ago, a guy named Joseph Wharton tried to sell water from his considerable land holdings in the Pine Barrens to the City of Philadelphia. Luckily, the NJ Legislature stepped in and forbade it. In 1954, Wharton’s family sold thou -

sands of acres of the family’s land to the State of NJ, creating the Wharton Tract State Forest that we now know and enjoy today.

It was long rumored that in 1850, there were no trees anywhere from

the sea shore to the Delaware River, the clear-cut “foresting” practices being so severely unmanaged by the iron and glass-making companies as to completely level most of the trees in Pine Barrens for use as fuel. and

in the great mysterious paradox that is seemingly always accompanying anything to do with the Pines, the abysmal practice of yesterday’s clear cutting drove the forges and glassworks west, along with the workers and their families, leaving deserted the obce-flourishing cities and towns, and allowing the Pine Barrens to re-grow and rejuvenate themselves into how they were originally when they were found, and, for the most part, how we enjoy them today. But, if you look hard enough in the right places, the ghosts of the cities and towns are still there, but they’re covered with the green and the silence of time that scream deep in the woods, making the Pine Barrens of today the special, stillwild island in the sea of civilization, that it is.

Enjoy The Pines!!

Paul Evans Pedersen, Jr. is a author, singer-songwriter, journalist, storyteller, and jewelry maker born and raised in South Jersey. He has appeared on numerous TV shows including “Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown” on CNN. His jewelry, “Pine Barrens Diamonds”, is made from old glass he digs in the Pine Barrens, and is available in shops and boutiques throughout the region.

By Eric Reich

Ihave heard a lot of people talking lately about their 401(k) and how much they “hate” it. They complain that it’s down (because the market as a whole has been down), and that they have limited choices, etc. I certainly understand all of those concerns, and no, a 401(k) isn’t a pension like the good old days used to have, but what I always try to stress to investors is that they should love their 401(k).

First, what is a 401(k)? a 401(k) is an employer sponsored retirement plan that allows you to defer a portion of your salary up to a maximum amount of $22,500 or ($30,000 if you are 50 or older) in 2023. See, there is a benefit to being over age 50. These contribution limits index with inflation. Funds can be accessed after age 59 ½ unless you meet certain exceptions or financial hardships. When you

Love your 401(k)

put money into your 401(k), those deposits are made pretax unless your plan allows for Roth 401(k) deposits. This can help lower your overall current income tax liability. your 401(k) while sponsored by your employer, isn’t an asset of theirs, it’s yours and yours alone. If you leave, you can take it with you or if your employer goes bankrupt, etc. it will not affect your account at all. Best of all, many employers match a portion of your 401(k) contributions. a 401(k) match is a free return. always try to contribute up to at least the limit of your employer’s match to maximize your contributions. Here are some additional ways to help get the most out of your 401(k).

1. Start early. Many of you reading this already understand the importance of starting to invest early, but perhaps your children or grandchildren do not. Investing just $500 per month for 40 years assuming an 8% return grows to over $1.600,000. Wait 10 years and that number drops to a little over $700,000. Wait 10 more years and now it’s a little less than $300,000. The key here is don’t wait. Even if you have to start by in -

vesting less, something is better than nothing and it will still grow over time.

2. Down markets can be a good thing for those actively contributing to a 401(k). While we all hate down markets, those that are contributing to a 401(k) may be buying more shares each time they make a contribution since the share price may be down. This can be a huge help for your retirement account once the market returns to where it was and eventually rises even higher.

3. Stay invested. Too often I see investors stop 401(k) contributions in a down market or get very conservative too soon before they retire. If you have 5 years to go before retirement,

in most cases, you should be fully invested in the market. There is likely no reason for a 25-year-old to be conservative in a 401(k). If you have enough time horizon, the markets will eventually correct themselves and you’ll be glad you stayed in the market. Using the $500 per month example from earlier, the $1,600,000 at 8% drops to around $960,000 at 6% and under $600,000 at 4%. That’s potentially a million dollar difference just by staying invested in the market. Those that have the courage to stay the course when things are scary are often rewarded handsomely for it.

4. Roth is the way to go for younger investors. yes, you don’t get a tax deduction for the contributions, but you get all of that money tax free on the back end when you take it out. If you aren’t in a high tax bracket, then the deduction might not be all that important to you anyway.

In the end, a 401(k) is a great tool for helping accumulate wealth. Not participating in your company’s 401(k) even if they don’t match is a huge, missed opportunity to help grow your wealth.

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

Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Under-

Why its important to obey leash laws

By Heidi Clayton

With summer approaching, it is almost beach season and with that the desire to take your dog to the beach for a swim or a walk. at the risk of sounding like a “Karen,” I will admit that I do not like loose dogs on the beach. I won’t say that I don’t take my dogs to the beach, but when I do my dogs are always leashed. I suppose there have been times when I will let a dog run loose when there are absolutely no other dogs or humans around. But in this area on the beach in the summer how often does that happen?

Reason number one I respect leash laws is until you have had a dogs temperament ruined as a result of a dog fight started by a loose dog running up on a leashed dog or two loose dogs meeting when overstimulated where one is the equivalent of

a schoolyard bully, you do not know the risks you are taking and the damage that can be done to your dog. I have had clients find out the hard way that their dogs either couldn’t handle the freedom of being off leash on the beach, or were attacked by another dog that resulted in punctures, gauges, and sadly a broken leg. In each scenario the owner of the offending dog claimed that they don’t know what went wrong, and that their dog was usually dog friendly. Even a dog fight that doesn’t result in a broken bone can traumatize a dog and human alike.

When letting your dog run off leash you also assume that everyone else on the beach likes dogs. a s strange as it is to me, there are actually people who do not like dogs. Can you guarantee that when loose on the beach your dog will ignore people, not jump on them, or try to interact with people who might not care for dogs? Does your dog have a 100% reliable recall and will come to you no matter what the distraction? If not keep your dog on a leash.

Distracted owners are another reason dogs should remain on leash.

I watched a man trying to walk his afghan Hound puppy onto the beach only to be pummeled by two loose dogs. The loose dogs owner was chatting away oblivious to the havoc her dogs were causing. The man had to pick up his large puppy and leave the beach because the loose dogs were scaring his puppy. Bottom line is your dog is most likely by local ordinance not permitted on the beach and while most beach towns tolerate it, leash laws should be followed as to not abuse the privilege. The loose dog is always wrong. Owners on cell phones who pay more attention to the phone than the dog are another issue. If your dog is off leash your phone should be away.

The city of Wildwood has des -

ignated an area of beach that actually welcomes dogs. Located at Glenwood avenue and the Beach, dogs are welcomed to come to the beach for visit the beach dog park with the requirement that your dog be on a leash. This is a lovely idea that I wish more shore towns would embrace. Perhaps more towns would welcome dogs if everyone obeyed leash laws and cleaned up after their dogs without fail.

you can read more about this area at: https://wildwoodsnj.com/attraction/wildwood-dog-park-beach/ any questions please feel from to email 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 https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

The 80/20 Rule: Maximizing efficiency and productivity

ne, however, are they the things that create the most value for your life and business. Remember the article on aI and how we should embrace it?

If we can trust aI to do the repetitive and menial tasks, we can then focus on the most important things in life that will make a difference.

The Bottom Line

By Keith Dawn

Ideal with a lot of folks who struggle between being busy and being productive. Many of us will stay busy throughout the day, but by the end of the week, we feel like we haven’t accomplished much. Does this ever happen to you? Stuff gets in the way of us using our time effectively. In order to be productive, we have to say no to the things that don’t add value to our lives or career.

I work with clients whose biggest complaint is that they can’t get the most important things done that NEED to get done. There are bills to be paid, meetings to attend, reports to be written, even floors to be swept. all these tasks need to be do -

In the realm of business and personal development, the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, has emerged as a powerful concept to enhance efficiency and productivity. It states that roughly 80% of the results come from 20% of the efforts. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, from time management and goal setting to resource allocation and problem-solving. Understanding and utilizing the 80/20 rule can lead to significant improvements in both professional and personal endeavors.

Applying the 80/20 Rule:

1. Time Management: By identifying the most crucial 20% of tasks that yield 80% of the desired outcomes, individuals can focus their efforts on the activities that truly matter. This means prioritizing and delegating

tasks, eliminating time-wasting activities, and dedicating more energy to high-impact actions.

2. Goal Setting: When setting goals, you can concentrate on the vital few objectives that will generate the majority of the desired results. By identifying the 20% of goals that will contribute to 80% of your success, you can streamline efforts and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

3. Productivity and Efficiency: By focusing on the 20% of methods that generate the majority of results, individuals can eliminate unnecessary steps, optimize workflows, and make the most of your resources.

4. Problem Solving: By identifying the root causes, a small number of factors contribute to the majority of problems. By pinpointing and addressing these factors, individuals and organizations can resolve issues more effectively and allocate resources accordingly.

5. Resource allocation: In business management, the 80/20 rule can guide resource allocation decisions. By identifying the key areas that contribute the most to the desired outcomes,

organizations can allocate their time, money, and manpower more efficiently. This ensures that resources are focused on activities that generate the highest return on investment.

It’s essential to recognize the limitations of the 80/20 rule. While it provides a valuable framework for decision-making, it is not a rigid formula that applies universally to all situations. The 80/20 split may vary, and sometimes it might be the 90/10 or 70/30 rule. Context and circumstances play a significant role in determining the exact distribution. Until next time, have a successful week.

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.

Brigantine Castle: Keeping the memory alive.

By John Gibbons

If you’re a child of the 70’s, you probably remember the TV commercial. Flashed across your screen was a vampire that sprung to life from a casket, a headless woman, monsters and other assorted ghouls. Creepy pipe organ music blared with the narrator an-nouncing “It’s alive!”

a s a kid arriving to the scene, intima-tion quickly set in. Towering 5

residents soon got tired of the traffi c, vandalism and unruly tourists. The castle facilities were not adequate to handle so many. Kids were knocking on doors asking to use their bathroom. This led to a law suit. Then, in 1984, a fi re at Six Flags Great adventure hunted house killed 8 children. This brought the castle’s safety to attention. Stricter regulations were imposed and an engineering study found many building code violations. The at-traction was shut down in late 1984. It remained vacant for 3 years. In 1987, the castle

stories high and 200 feet out over the atlantic was The Brigantine Castle. Maybe it was how the waves seemed angry around the pier. Under it, the water seemed deep, dark and cold. The seagulls didn’t squawk, they shrieked.

admission was $3.75 and the average tour took 22 minutes through

the fi ve-story citadel, if you weren’t running for your life by an axe wielding demon. The “demons” were mostly young college students, a perfect role for a drama major. Dressed as vampires, witches and werewolves with green glow makeup, fake blood and tattered costumes, the actors chased the guests through a dark maze of special eff ects. Before the season, they spent countless hours preparing new acts, sets and costumes. They kept the guests returning by changing the per-

formances each summer. Success was measured by how many guests could be frightened out of their wits. among the castle’s most memorable attractions was the rat room, a pitchblack hallway where “man-eating rats” scurried about the fl oor. The rodents were actually garden hoses pushed through holes in the wall with record-ings of shrill squealing and scratching piped in. a ttendance was tremendous when it opened in 1976. The castle was drawing nearly a million tourists annually. This was largely due to the extensive advertising in Philadelphia, North jersey and New york. Charter buses brought visitors by the thousand. While business was good for the castle and nearby businesses like the arcade across the street, island

F Graduation, Father's Day

PARTY TRAYS - COOKED TAKEOUT PLAT TERS

was sold for $1 million to a new owner that planned on demolishing the structure and building a recreation facility. Right before it was about to be dismantled, a massive blaze destroyed it, burning The Brigantine Castle to the ground. The new owner could not build on the damaged pier foundation. all that remained on the North 14th street beach were the burnt pilings, which were even-tually removed or covered with sand. Perhaps it’s the demise of the castle that adds to the legend.

The Freshest Seafood

The Freshest Seafood

Breaded - Fried - Steamed

Breaded - Fried - Steamed

Cooked Crabs & Oysters

Cooked Crabs & Oysters

THEME: THE 1990s

ACROSS

1. Deep cavity

6. Weasel-related onomatopoeia

9. Supernatural life force

13. French treat

14. Snake-like fish

15. Major Italian city

16. Ring around the sun, pl.

17. Pitcher's stat

18. Donated part

19. *Russian President

21. *"Nevermind" band

23. *"Walkin' on the ____" by Smash Mouth

24. Google search tool

25. Took the bait

28. Between larva and adult

30. Data input device

35. U in I.C.U.

37. Dems' opponents

39. One of Florida Keys

40. Be furious

41. *Canada/Mexico/U.S. trade agreement acronym

43. a gitate

44. Between free and freest

46. Molokai party

47. *Telephone Tammy or Sky Dancer

48. Unquestioning ones

50. Greek muse's strings

52. Slightly insane

53. Messy substances

55. Santa ____ winds, Ca

57. *TV show with Central Perk

61. *Popular Disney movie with a genie

65. Caterpillar precursor

66. accompanies wisdom?

68. *Pinky or The Brain

69. architectural projection

70. Crème de cassis plus wine

71. Un-written exams

72. ____pool or ____pit

73. One or some or all

74. Find new tenant

DOWN

1. *"____ Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus

2. Highlands hillside

3. Raise the roof

4. Leopard marks

5. Bungle (2 words)

6. Part of a hammer

7. "____ the land of the free..."

8. Heathrow craft

9. Type of missile, accr.

10. aquarium organism

11. Indian bread

12. "____ Kerenina" by Tolstoy

15. Breadcrumb, e.g.

20. Contain the ashes

22. Pen juice

24. amount in one's lap, pl.

25. *The Vampire Slayer

26. accustom

27. *"a ____ to Kill" and "Nick of ____"

29. Bell sound

31. Front or back one

32. Factual evidence

33. Quick and nimble

34. *First cloned mammal's name

36. Swarm like bees

38. Don't go

42. Pertaining to the ear

45. Pertaining to reign

49. Motion of assent

51. Bewitch

54. Port city in Japan

56. *Christian Dior's "J'____"

57. Mass of particles

58. Of low density

59. Pupil controller

60. December 24 and 31

61. Bald eagle's nest

62. Two-fold

63. Same as island

64. *TV show "Empty ____"

67. *"____ and Juice" by Snoop Dogg

See Solution on Page 78

Billie Jean, also known as the "beauty queen" came to the Cape May County Zoo from the National Zoo in Washington DC.

Billie Jean is a 17-years-old andean bear, also known as a spectacled

bear. This is South a merica's only bear species, native to the andes and surrounding mountain ranges. They are solitary, preferring to live alone outside of breeding season. Make sure to stop by and welcome her to the zoo!

How buyers can stand out in a competitive market

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

There is nothing more frustrating than making an offer on a home and then hearing that the home of your dreams has been sold to someone else. The solution to this headache? Make them an offer they can't refuse by standing out among other hungry buyers.

If your offers continually get rejected, these pieces of wisdom can help you win the next bidding war on the home of your dreams. Try out some of these tips:

Know Where to Be Flexible

Before you set your sights on your dream home, have a game plan. Go into making an offer by knowing how strict or flexible your budget can be, and other contingencies.

Be Prepared

If you express interest in a home that you are serious about but do not take the steps you need to follow through, the seller will not be waiting for you, especially in a competitive market. Be ready to follow through with each piece of the buying process to stand out.

Make Your Downpayment Appealing

The more that you can offer upfront as an escrow deposit, the more peace of mind the seller will have in following through with what you have to offer compared to other offers received. Show the seller just how serious you are about buying their home.

Put Their Schedule First

Remember, the seller is probably just

as stressed as you are, which means that any sign of difficulty or hesitation on your part could have the seller turning to someone else. Be open to meeting, and being compliant with the seller’s requests wherever you can be.

Personalization is Key

a s much as buying a home is a serious business deal, it is a deal made between real people who are both in a similar situation, so build a good relationship right off the bat, up front, with that commonality. Write a personalized letter about why you love the home, including a picture of you and or your family standing in front of their home, and include it with your offer.

Thank the seller for sharing their home with you so they are able to visualize you as the new owner of their home. The numbers and the contracts matter, but don't forget that behind all of that there are real people.

Doing something that sets you apart from the other buyers during this hectic season surely will improve your chances of finding and buying your dream home.

Until next time...Happy house hunting! and remember there's 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!"

4 BEDS, 3 FULL BATHS, WONDERFUL LOWER CHELSEA HOME! MOVE IN READY!!!

4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, COMPLETELY RENOVATED WITH HUGE FENCED-IN YARD!! LIKE BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION!

BEDS,