SHORE LOCAL | Downbeach | May 25, 2023

Memorial Day Weekend Events

45 Years of Resorts Casino

Spiegelworld Comes to AC

Tiki Boats Set Sail

Don't

Welcome to Summer 2023

multitude of South Jersey-based tiki boat cruises available on page 64.

From the Editor

This weekend, oceans will be unlocked, thousands will gather in the sand for beach concerts, and 5,000 beach balls will descend upon the atlantic City boardwalk, as the start of summer kicks off at the Jersey Shore. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will flock to the Shore to relish in the magic that can only be experienced in our backyard.

Shore Local's newest entertainment and dining guide, Wahoo, has everything you need to know about the latest events, entertainment and dining here in South Jersey. Look for the yellow highlighted pages (52-81) for your guide to everything fun at the Jersey Shore.

This summer, we look forward to welcoming several new developments including Spiegelworld, a live entertainment production company,

coming to atlantic City, featured on page 78. With dozens of new dining experiences to be had, there are endless opportunities for memory-making. Beach concerts and multi-day festivals are back like never before. Have you ever noticed that time seems to go by faster in the summertime? To ensure we make the most of it, Bob and I made a list of 5-10

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Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com

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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 Mainland edition cover by Mary Romano, Coastal edition cover by Hannah Morris. or

experiences that we really want to make happen this summer and hung it on our calendar. Some are fancy and indulgent, but most are the simple pleasures of life at the Shore, like watching a sunrise over the ocean.

Cruising the back bays at sunset on a tiki boat is high on our "mustdo" list this year. If this is something you want to try also, check out the

Memorial Day is about much more than barbeques and summer fun. It is a time to reflect on and honor those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Check out the schedule of Memorial Day observances throughout the area on page 8-9. Visit page 10 for a heroic story that will capture your heart and serve as a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day. Many veterans quietly walk among us every day. Memorial Day is a reminder to observe and express gratitude for these incredible men and women. The freedoms and liberties we experience as we move through our daily lives are only possible because of the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Whether you are a year-round, seasonal, or weekend “South Jersian”, you can count on Shore Local to keep you in the know. We will continue to spotlight the people, places, and events that make our community the place to be this (and every) summer.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, and God Bless america.

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Photo by Donald B. Kravitz.

Memorial Day Weekend: Always a challenge to forecast and plan

Day weekend comes the inevitable enhanced scrutiny of beloved or beleaguered meteorologists everywhere. The pressure is on for nice weather, or at the very least, accurate predictions of the not-so-nice weather so that alternative plans can be made.

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

Well, it’s that time of year. a gain. Granted, we didn’t have much of a winter to suffer through. But it still doesn’t diminish the anticipation and excitement of the reward of making it to the unofficial kickoff to summer, the Memorial Day holiday weekend. yes, the summer season is underway, and with it, the season-long hope that Mother Nature cooperates with any and all outdoor plans. and the general consensus is that cooperation is most vital on the weekends, and especially the “big three.” That would be the three long

Ironically, the first big weekend of summer that comes every year in late May is also one of the most fickle ones weather-wise. May weather can be tough to predict by itself, regardless of the overall weather pattern. In part, that’s due to the still cold waters of the atlantic Ocean, usually sitting around 60 degrees in late May, but sometimes can be stuck somewhere in the 50s. That cold ocean can promote stubborn fog banks that shroud the barrier islands while the mainland soaks up the sun.

and of course any wind off of that near 60-degree ocean can lead to similarly chilly temperatures on the sand, while areas just 10-20 miles inland sweat to some summery 80-something-degree warmth. Then there’s back door fronts, most compril and May, that can “back” down the coast and conduct a cool

Memorial Day Collection Notice

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-O s

sneak attack of sorts, lowering the temperatures by 15-30 degrees as it passes. Or sometimes they stall overhead, for instance let’s say around the Great Egg Harbor Bay, leaving atlantic County beaches shivering to the 50s while Cape May County beaches soak up the 70s and 80s.

Hurricane season begins on June 1, but especially in recent years, we’ve often had early tropical mischief off the Carolina coast. While not strong, rainfall from these storms can sometimes inch its way up the coast in our direction and lead to some unsettled weather. While we’re at the end of the time when coastal lows (a.k.a. Nor’easters) are possible, we’ve seen one or two wash out an entire Memorial Day weekend in recent years. and let’s not forget that severe thunderstorm season really ramps up in late spring and early summer, putting wind, hail, and heavy rain on the table any given year.

Just look at the last two Memorial Day weekends for an example of the variability. Last year, it was warm and dry throughout, with 80-85 degrees highs all three days. The year before, we were mired in the 50s Saturday and Sunday, which were cool and raw washouts, before salvaging a still cool but better 70-degree drier day on Memorial Day. and then there are the highly changeable Memorial Day weekends, like back in 2018, when we start with a 90-degree day on Saturday, see almost two inches of rain Sunday, then turn sharply cooler with Memorial Day that year stuck in the 60s. If variety is the spice of life, then holiday weekends don’t get any spicier than the first of the three big summer holiday weekends.

But from a weather perspective, Memorial Day is the least reliable one weather-wise, if you’re hoping for warm and dry weather conducive to all of those outdoor plans. Sure, Mother Nature can hit a home run some years, like in 2022, but there are plenty of times she strikes out, given the fickle nature of our May climate here along the Jersey shore.

If you’re a betting man or woman, then the safest holiday weekend bet is always Labor Day in early September. Sure, it’s the peak of hurricane season, and it only takes one storm to make a liar out of this meteorologist. and there’s been Labor Day weekends where even the threat of a storm in 2016 (that never did materialize… thanks Hermine) ruins the end of summer final hurrah. But as long as the tropics are kept in check, which

happens most of the time, the warm, dry, not-too-humid weather that is synonymous with early September usually leads to some epic Labor Day weekends weather-wise. a nd let’s not forget that it’s when our ocean temperatures are usually at their peak, somewhere in the 70s, an added bonus for sure!

What about the Fourth of July? Well, that one is easy. It will be hot. It will be humid. and there will almost certainly be the chance for a few popup afternoon or evening thunderstorms that will always threaten some holiday fireworks displays, and lead to some gnashing of teeth of those that plan the big July 4th events. Weekend washouts are difficult to get in early July, although not impossible. But most of the time, you’ll have to contend with the sultry summer muggies while watching the radar app on your phone and ensure that those pesky thunderstorms stay away.

Finally, what about this Memorial Day weekend? Well as I write this the weekend before the big holiday weekend, there’s sure enough a cut-off low forecast to develop and swirl over the Lower Mid-atlantic, likely throughout the entirety of the holiday weekend. Underneath that low, it will be cloudy, cool, and wet, likely across Virginia and possibly the Delmarva. In the true “fickle” spirit of late May, that low may get stuck to our south and leave us dry. If it does, will we be cloudy but dry or can we sneak in some sun? and could it drift farther north in our direction, bringing some rain into the equation at some point? They say “Cutoff lows leads to meteorologists’ woes”, as they are notoriously tough to forecast. and that’s yet another reason that late May is challenging, both for forecasting and for planning outdoor events.

So as always, time will tell how the holiday weekend weather plays out for us. But if history is any indication, make those Labor Day weekend plans now.

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.

Many household products contain hazardous chemicals that cannot be placed in your regular trash can, such as antifreeze, cleaning chemicals, oil-based paint, stains, varnish, weed killer, lithium-ion batteries and more. Dispose of these items safely at our drop-o s!

Memorial Day Observances

Absecon Memorial Day Parade and Patriotic Bicycle Brigade

▶9am

absecon Veterans Park New Rd. & Delaware ave.

a bsecon Community affairs invites the public to their 9th a nnual Memorial Day Patriotic Bicycle Brigade. Judging begins at 8:30am. Line up at the Firehouse parking lot at 544 New Jersey ave. Helmets required; decorated helmets encouraged. Strollers, wagons, and non-motorized scooters are welcome. Pedal power only. Prizes will be awarded. The Parade Route is East on New Jersey ave., Left on Station ave., North on Shore Rd., Left on Church St. Meet at a bsecon Veterans Park for the Ceremony. For more information, visit abseconnj.gov or absecon Community affairs on Facebook.

Egg Harbor City Memorial Day Service

▶11am

Lincoln Park Route 30 & Buffalo ave.

american Legion Post 158 and Egg Harbor City host their 2023 Memorial Day Service, honoring the Soldiers who made our Freedom possible, with performances by the Cedar Creek High School Band and

Choir. The public is invited to bring their own chairs. In the event of inclement weather, announcements will be posted at www.eggharborcity.org and the american Legion Post 158 & auxiliary Facebook page.

Egg Harbor Township Memorial Day Parade

▶9am

Veterans Memorial Park Ocean Heights ave. & Swift Dr. Egg Harbor Township honors our veterans at their annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Staging of marchers and vehicles begins at 8:30am. The parade will com -

Photo by Tom Briglia

mence at 9am with mobilized units starting at Diamond Drive, traveling west on Zion Road to North Mount airy avenue, where marching units will join in. The parade will continue west on Zion Rd. and north on Ocean Heights avenue to Veterans Memorial Park

Margate Mothers Memorial Day Parade

▶9am

War Memorial Park Ventnor & Union ave.

Honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country at the Mothers of Margate a ssociation’s Memorial Day Parade. This beloved tradition brings together Margate residents and visitors to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to show appreciation for our current military members. For more information, please call (609) 823-9144.

Ocean City Memorial Day Service

▶11am

Veterans Memorial Park Wesley ave. between 5th and 6th Streets

The city of Ocean City hosts their annual Memorial Day Service, scheduled to be held at Veterans Memorial Park. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Somers Point Memorial Day Parade and Service

▶11am

Patriots Park Bethel Rd. and First St.

Somers Point will hold its Memorial Day Parade on Monday. The parade will begin at Dawes avenue and Shore Road and proceed to City Hall, concluding with a ceremony at Patriots Park at Bethel Road and First Street. Veterans, scouts, military, antique cars, bands and decorated children’s bicycles are invited to participate.

Ventnor VFW Memorial Day Services

Ventnor Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 215 will hold two memorial services. The first service will be held at Ventnor City Hall at 9:45am and will be led by Senior Vice Commander Tom Klein, a Vietnam War Veteran. The second and main service will be held at the Post’s Russell T. Smith Home at 601 North Dorset avenue at 11am. The guest speaker will be NJ VFW Post State Commander Brian Wiener, and Sandpiper Bagpipers. Refreshments will be served after the service. The service will be moved inside in the Event Of Inclement Weather.

Margate Parade To Honor

Heroes On Memorial Day

May 29

annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29 at 10:00 am, along Ventnor avenue between Union ave. and the all-Wars Memorial at Mansfield ave. Parade participants will begin lining up at 9:30 am behind Margate City Hall on Union avenue at the pickleball/basketball courts. Ceremonies at the Memorial will begin approximately at 10:30 am. Participating in the parade will be Margate police and motorcycles, the Sea Cadet Color Guard, the atlantic City High School ROTC, newly elected Margate officials: Mayor Michael Collins, Commissioner Maury Blumberg and Commissioner Kathy Horn. Margate sports teams will be well represented with T-Ball, Little League baseball and softball teams and the Margate Riptides lacrosse team. Leslie’s Dance Studio performers and the Margate Fire Department will also be participating. youngsters on bicycles can also be part of the back of the procession. For more information visit Mba@ margatehasmore.com

Photo by Tom Briglia

A Senior’s Observations, Opinions and Rantings Remembering the Fallen

By Charles P. Eberson Se nior Moments

Highway Route 50 is a meandering two-lane road cutting through the bucolic countryside of atlantic and Cape May counties. The atlantic County Park in Estell Manor is located at 109 Rt. 50. Within the park is a Nature Center, playgrounds, hiking trails, barbeque pavilions and a beautiful river view complete with a bench for one’s contemplations. The park is also home to an ever-expanding Veteran’s Cemetery, which I learned of 32 years ago when my father, army air Corps Staff Sergeant Bernard Eberson, was laid to rest there. I never knew the park existed until his flag draped coffin was transported there, accompanied by a military contingent and culminated

with a flyover by the local air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing. apparently, my father was well acquainted with the park and the cemetery and frequented it often without our knowledge and now, my family and I are frequent visitors especially on Memorial Day Weekends.

On the Friday of the holiday weekend, the county hosts a ceremony honoring the veterans and their

Somers Point Playa Bowls

played by a single bugler and concludes the ceremony. The crowd quietly disburses and many, like my wife and I, return to our loved one’s graves to pay our respects on a day that has meant so much to them and to us.

So, on Monday, Memorial Day, we will have our barbeque with the traditional hot dogs, hamburgers and maybe even some potato salad with some close friends but the real

spouses who are buried in the cemetery. Over the decades, the graves have been more numerous and the attendees less so but there are nods of recognition as the crowd returns for yet another year of remembrance.

In the distance, bagpipes can be heard playing hymns of the various armed forces as they march towards us accompanied by their drummers. atlantic County Executive, Dennis Levenson has been giving a poignant opening speech for years and there is always an impressive keynote speaker conveying the weight of the debt we all owe our veterans. an honor guard is present, and a wreath is laid as the american flag is lowered to half-mast. Veterans, some of whom are helped to their feet, stand at attention and salute Old Glory, our flag which for over 250 years has flown over battlefields both on land and sea, sometimes in tatters. Taps, a haunting and distinctive melody of only 24 notes is

meaning of the holiday will still be in the forefront of our minds.

Atlantic County Veteran’s Program, Friday, May 26 at 2 pm. Atlantic County Park, Rt. 50, Estell Manor.

Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com

Lake Lenape Park yesterday and today

By Julia Train

On a sunny day, the parking lots on both sides of Lake Lenape Park are filled, the pavilions are decorated for celebrations and children are running around the playground.

When asked to name a fact about the history of Lake Lenape, most people are likely to state that it was named after the Lenni Lenape indigenous people.

a lthough that’s an important piece of local history, there’s more to the story.

Today, people enjoy a plethora of recreational activities at the lake’s parks, but the east side once had more than that.

about 200 years ago, the area that Lake Lenape took over was an apple orchard, but it was replaced with a dam.

In 1847, the dam was constructed to power the cotton mill, which was where Wheaton’s glass factory was. Today, the building is dilapidated and people fish on the bridge next to it.

Then, in 1867, the rest of Lake Lenape was created by flooding.

Before the county owned both sides of Lenape Park, it only owned the West while the East side had four different owners.

Gazebos, a softball/ baseball field, volleyball, playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, a small beach and a catering hall. This side of the park was renovated within the past year with the addition of a pavilion and pickleball courts.

Dawn and Ray Jackson, a local couple, were under the newly added pavilion celebrating their marriage after 25 years together.

The two were accompanied by their children and other family members and friends, enjoying their food and drinks that they set up on the pavilion’s tables.

If it weren’t for another couple, Lorenzo and Berta Leiling, the park wouldn’t have looked like it did on that sunny day.

a round 1903, the Leilings moved to the head of what is now known as Park Road and opened a dairy farm.

The couple’s local priest thought it was a beautiful spot for a picnic because of the trees along their property. It turned into a spot where local churches would have regular picnics.

On Memorial Day of 1907, the couple opened Lenape Lake Park to the public and it was a site for an abundance of attractions.

young purchased Lenape Park.

In the following years, the tower’s music stopped because the growing population wasn’t fond of the constant church hymns music.

Over the years, the lighthouse was used as a living quarters for lifeguards, storage for boating supplies and a clubhouse for young people.

a lthough the purpose has changed, it has always been a point of reference along the lake for boaters and a notable landmark.

In 1963, the skating rink burned and it was rebuilt 12 years later where it is today on Park Road.

In 1975, David Gillian, the owner

of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, signed a lease to buy the park, but faltered. The youngs then sold the park to the owners of the Inn at Sugar Hill, Larry and Tina Boylan.

Eight years later, they sold the park to the county for $3.8 million.

Now, the park is home to celebrations, both private and public and is a place that people of all ages can enjoy.

young's Skating Center, owned by Edmund young’s daughter, is next to the entrance to Lenape Park East.

*All historical facts are from archives from the Hamilton Township Historical Society*

Lenape Park West is the side located off Old Harding Hwy, near Weymouth Road. Today, visitors bike, hike, kayak/ canoe, fish, camp, hunt and have picnics in this area. There are also gazebos, and a boathouse where local high schools host their regattas.

Lenape Park East is home to the Cove, lighthouse and young’s Skating Center. There’s a playground,

a skating rink with a dining room attached to it was built over the lake and rooms for boarders were located on the second floor. There was also a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, scooter boats, kiddie planes and a “T”-shaped pier was eventually installed.

In 1939, the Leilings commissioned Herman Dehn, a German immigrant, to build a tower. By 1943, the 65-foot wooden lighthouse was finished. There were speakers atop the structure, which played church music for nearby residents to hear. It was soon called “The Tower of Music.”

In 1960, Edmund and Winnie

Dawn and Ray Jackson, celebrate their 25th anniversary with their family at a Lake Lenape pavilion.

Events and Happenings

Multi-Day Events

Peter Pan and the Pirates by Riddlesbrood Touring Theater

▶Saturday, May 27th & Sunday, May 28th

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

an exciting, new way of presenting live theater will be rolling into Historic Smithville. The premier of Riddlesbrood’s Peter Pan and the Pirates, an original, rollicking, musical adaptation of James Matthew Barrie’s, nonsensical novel, will be the featured free outdoor attraction at their annual 2-day Fantasy adventureFest that will return to Smithville. Showtimes are Saturday at 1pm & 5pm, and Sunday at 1pm. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.historicsmithville.com or www.riddlesbrood.com/ fantasyadventurefest.

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival

▶Saturday, June 3rd from 2-6pm & Sunday, June 4th from

tions. For a complete list of all festival breweries, musical lineups, activities, tickets and more information, visit acbeerfest.com.

Ocean City Flower Show

▶Friday, June 2nd - Sunday, June 4th

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

See beautiful commercial, amateur and children’s displays at the Music Pier. Show times are Friday 2-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. For more information, call 1-800-BEaCH-NJ or visit oceancityvacation.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 infor-

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 circle. 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.

www.steelpier.com

Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge

▶12pm

Moorlyn Terrace Beach Boardwalk and Music Pier, Ocean City

Participants dress in business suits carrying briefcases 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.

Opening of the Sea in Atlantic City

▶1pm

atlantic City Beach at Resorts

1133 Boardwalk

Resorts atlantic City kicks off its 45th anniversary and Hot Summer Fun with the Opening of the Sea this Friday, with Kelsey Grammar and atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. Atlantic County Veterans Memorial Program

▶2pm

atlantic County Veterans Cemetery 109 Route 50, Estell Manor

The 38th annual atlantic County Veterans Memorial Program will be held this Friday, featuring Keynote Speaker, atlantic County Veterans Services Officer and U.S. army Veteran, Robert L. Frolow Resorts Atlantic City Beach Ball Drop

▶5pm

1133 Boardwalk

you’re invited to summer’s biggest event with over 5,000 beach balls on the boardwalk. Join Resorts for the countdown to 5pm when over 5,000 beach balls drop on the boardwalk kicking off Hot Summer Fun. The festivities begin at 12pm with music from MC Bacardi ardi and DJ Gary, and the Opening of the Sea at 1pm.

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.

Ocean City Nor’easters vs. Philadelphia Lone Star FC

▶7pm

Carey Stadium 500 Boardwalk

The Ocean City Nor’easters return to “The Beach House” for their first home game of the 2023 season. More information is available at oceancityfc.com.

Saturday, May 27th

Brigantine Farmers Market

▶8am-12pm

Brigantine Community School parking lot Sheridan Blvd.

The Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers this Saturday and will run every Saturday, rain or shine, until Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/brigantinefarmersmarket.

Memorial Day Challenge for 31 Heroes

▶8am

9th Street Beach, Ocean City

The main obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kid’s fun run. Staging will take place at 9th Street Beach. Welcome ceremony begins at 7:30am, followed by the Obstacle Course Race at 8am, Kids Fun Run at 9:30am, and Memorial Paddle Out at appx. 9:45-10am. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.

Flea Market in Ocean City

▶8am-3pm

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

2988 Bay ave. Ocean City

Holy Trinity’s Memorial Day Flea Market and Hoagie Sale will be held this weekend, with vendors selling antiques, collectables, clothes, jewelry, crafts and more.

Upper Twp. Strawberry Festival

▶10am-3pm

Gandy Farmstand 26 Tyler Rd. Greenfield

The annual Upper Twp. Strawberry Festival and Craft Show will be held this Saturday. The festival is presented by the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township. South Jersey strawberries will be on sale. In addition, Society volunteers will be serving up their special Strawberry Shortcake and ice cream, along with other festival food selections, live music by Linda and Ollie, handmade crafts, non-profit organizations and more. For additional information, visit www.UpperTwpHistory.org.

Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam

▶6pm

Newport avenue Beach

Listen to live music on the beach. The Summer Beach Jam is held behind the Ventnor Library and Cultural a rts Center. This week, enjoy live music by the Cintron Band, playing the best in Latin and Santana. Live music begins at 6pm, with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5pm.

Sunday, May 28th

Black Art Matters with Raymond Tyler

▶1-3pm

Noyes a rts Garage 2200 Fairmount ave. atlantic City

↘Continued on 16

Join the Noyes a rts Garage of Stockton University with local writer, poet, DJ, visual artist, and Shore Local contributor Raymond Tyler. Black arts Matter is for local creatives to network and discuss the artistic process, with new themes every month. For more information, visit artsgarageac.com.

Thursday, June 1st

Pop Up Shop for a Purpose

▶11am-4pm

Location To Be announced

Pop Up Shop for a Purpose next Thursday. a portion of the proceeds will support Counseling Programs at Jewish Family Service of atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS). For the Pop Up Shop Open House address, email Development@jfsatlantic.org. For information on JFS programs and services, visit jfsatlantic.org.

Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County

▶6-9:30pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget 600 Huron ave. atlantic City

Join The arc and “Sail into Summer” with a casual evening on The Deck with friends, supporters, community partners, and business leaders. Chef-curated food, beer, wine & signature cocktails, live entertainment & dancing, silent auction, 50/50

raffle, and prize raffle. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or sponsor a guest, please visit thearcatlantic.org/ celebrate or call 609.485.0800 x 141.

Wonder Bear’s Birthday Bash

▶6-10:30pm

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier 6th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City

Celebrate Wonder Bear’s Birthday; celebrating 93 years on the Ocean City Boardwalk with fireworks at 9pm. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Friday, June 2nd

EHT BMX & Mountain Bike Open House

▶6:30pm

Veterans Memorial Park Ocean Heights ave. Egg Harbor Township

EHT BMX is hosting a free open house to the public. The track is located just past the hockey courts. Registration opens at 5:30pm. a ll riders who sign up for a free 1 day trial membership will be entered to win a free 1 year membership and EHTBMX swag. Bring your bike, helmet, long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes. For questions, call 609927-9089.

Saturday, June 3rd

Somers Point Farmers Market

▶8am-12pm

Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd.

Somers Point Farmers Market returns to Somers Mansion for 2023 next weekend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.

Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs

EHT

▶10am-12pm

EHT Nature Reserve 317 Zion Rd. Join EHT Recreation, the EHT Municipal alliance and NJDEP Department of Fish and Wildlife for a fun day of fishing and prizes at the Nature Reserve. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, smallest fish and most fish. This program is open to anyone under the age of 20. Sign up today at ehtrec.com.

Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs

Galloway

▶9am-12pm

Patriot Lake 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. Galloway

The Friends of Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge invites you to their annual Les Murray Memorial Free Fishing Derby for Children a ges 5-12. all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To register, call 609-652-1665 between 10am-2pm Wednesday through Sunday. Registration is limited.

Skato to Kato

▶1pm

Ocean City Skatepark 5th & a sbury ave.

Come help the Humane Society of Ocean City continue Kato’s legacy of raising money and awareness for all shelter animals in need of forever homes. $20 Registration fee to enter all a ges Skate Camp. Live music by LNJ Sessions, fun, and spectators are free, and donations will be accepted and appreciated. For more information visit hsocnj.org.

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

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, June 7th at 1:30pm

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3pm. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.

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

▶Thursday, June 8th at 10:30am

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.

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.

Senior Aging Experts

Information Senior Presentations available. Panel of experienced professionals that cover many aspects of aging. This is not a sales presentation. Please call to arrange. For more information, contact Diane Conover at 609-402-6966.

Organized by Guardians of The East Coast

Ocean City Mini Golf Guide

the way, you will find some historical plaques and photo references about Ocean City’s most famous shipwreck, the Sindia.

By Steffen Klenk

“Fore!” With the warm weather approaching, it’s time to get outside and enjoy a thrilling game of mini golf.

Whether you’re seeking a fun afternoon with family and friends, or searching for an enjoyable date night spot, this guide is your go-to resource for the best mini golf on the island. These are just some of our favorite spots:

Congo Falls , located at 1132 Boardwalk, is a South Jersey staple. This jungle-themed attraction boasts three courses: Solomon’s Mine, Lost City, and Congo Queen , each ranging from easy to expert.

For thrill-seekers, Lost City is my personal recommendation. The air-conditioned confines offer an element of surprise at almost every turn. you never know what will stand in the way next.

The course is rated PG and is not recommended for young kids. Congo Falls is also located at 9312 Ventnor ave. in Margate.

While strolling the Boardwalk, be sure to check out Goofy Golf, located between Castaway Cove and the Music Pier. While this bright and colorful course has aged over time, what makes this location stand out is creativity.

Each hole is designed differently, ranging from putting the golf ball into a basketball hoop to a game of skeeball. Giant, colorful animals watch the game play overhead. at $5 per person, it is also one of the most affordable options for large families on a budget.

Head just a few short steps down the Boardwalk and you will find Seaport Village Golf. It is directly across from Curly’s Fries and might be my personal favorite Boardwalk attraction.

The entire course is reminiscent of a small seaside town. It’s easy to get a hole-in-one at Seaport. along

OC adventure Golf, located next door to OC Waterpark, might be the best place to cool off on a hot summer day. Much of the course winds through the waterpark, offering unique views of the slides and splash zone. Many of the holes are simple and easy to play. Just be mindful of the water hazards.

While the name Haunted Golf may sound scary, it’s anything but.

a lip-syncing skeleton named Bones greets you with zany jokes that will tickle your funny bone and have you dancing to popular hits. along your adventures, ghostly characters come to life, offering recorded banter and jokes.

Make your way to the 18th hole and you will be greeted by a headless bellhop who thanks you for your visit. Be sure to drop your golf ball into the peg slot on your way out for your chance at a free game.

Pirates of the Golden Galleon is just one block south of Castaway Cove and is home to two courses, with a Port and Starboard entrance. The ocean theme is very much alive and well here, with the soundtrack to “Pirates of the Caribbean” ablaze over the Pa system, and an enormous peg-legged pirate standing high above the playing surface. While the obstacles themselves offer slight difficulty overall, you are sure to have a pleasant experience here.

Medieval Fantasy sits along the

1300 Block of the Boardwalk and is one of my favorite hidden gems. The exterior castle-like fortress and dragons sit high above the entrance. Follow the arrows around the course and you will be guided into two blacklight rooms that will illuminate the golf balls and clubs. Be mindful of your step and you will have a fun time. and if you are just lucky enough, you may just win a free game like I did!

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has brought back one of its most popular attractions. Sea-Quest Mini Golf is

located inside the pier next to the ticket booth and features easy obstacles. I highly recommend visiting if you have young kids or are looking for a quick and easy game.

Last, but certainly not least, is Tee-Time Golf. It’s just next door to Wonderland and might be one of my favorites on this list. Before arriving, be sure to leave your food and drinks behind. This is one of the cleanest courses on the Boardwalk by far, with course operators vacuuming between customers. almost every

hole has a moving component, and a new theme as you walk around, such as the Flintstones’ prehistoric pedal car, Lucy the Elephant, and an old-fashioned biplane.

Follow the yellow Brick Road to hole 19, where you will have a chance to putt the ball into the boot-shaped home of the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe for your chance at a free game. If you don’t win, you can watch as your golf ball travels up a windmill, through a tube above your head, and back to the entry.

What’s your favorite summer attraction? Is there a prime mini golf spot we didn’t mention? Let us know! Send an email to shorelocalsteffen@ gmail.com.

Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Ocean City to ‘unlock the ocean’ and take an anniversary plunge

After a long winter and chilly spring, city officials will finally turn a ceremonial wooden key to “unlock the ocean” for the season at noon Friday, May 26. The free public event provides an early start to Memorial Day Weekend and welcomes a long-awaited summer. It takes place on the beach between the Ocean City Music Pier and Ninth Street.

With the ocean officially open, a fully-clothed entourage will then march into the chilly atlantic Ocean to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Business Persons Plunge. The Ocean City High School band will play

“Pomp and Circumstance” and a banner plane will fly by as local business owners and employees take the first swim of the summer.

The Business Persons Plunge has grown in popularity since it first started in 2004, and anybody is invited to participate. It’s a chance to get some exposure for your business or organization or just to start Memorial Day Weekend with a splash. Participants are asked to muster on the beach at 11:30 a.m. for instructions from longtime event organizer and promoter John Walton.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and members and alumni will be on hand to share information about the history of the patrol. Rescue craft representing different eras of the OCBP will be on display.

The daily boardwalk flag-raising ceremony – a beloved tradition in Ocean City – will begin for the 2023 season at the Ocean City Music Pier starting on Friday, May 26. The event includes the playing of the national anthem and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S. a .” The ritual will take place at 9 a.m. every morning through Sept. 11.

Saturday morning (May 27) brings the Memorial Beach Challenge, a spectacle to behold as athletes complete a two-mile obstacle course that covers much of the beach on both sides of the Music Pier. Proceeds from the event benefit The 31 Heroes Project, an organization that specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportunities for service members, veterans and their families. The race

begins at 8 a.m. near the Ocean City Music Pier. It also includes a Kids Fun Run and Memorial Paddle Out. Visit memorialbeachchallenge.com for

of Wesley avenue). all are encouraged to attend. The keynote speakers will be local VFW Post Commander Mike Morrissey and american Legion Commander Bob Marzulli.

more information on the races and for registration.

Ocean City’s Memorial Day Service starts at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29 at Veterans Memorial Park (500 block

The National Moment of Remembrance is also set for May 29. Established by Congress, the event asks a mericans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. Greg Murphy of Buglers across america will sounds Taps from the Ocean City Music Pier to commemorate the moment. The performance will be broadcast on the boardwalk public address system

S PADAAFORA’S

Memorial Day in Ocean City

editor of the Ocean City Sentinel, wrote the following article in the May 26, 1898 issue of the newspaper, “One of the most beautiful and sensible anniversary days of the year is the 30th of May, called Decoration Day.

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was orginally called, has been commemorated in Ocean City for 142 years. While the day signals the beginning of summer in a merica’s Greatest Family Resort, residents and visitors have always remembered america’s war dead.

The patriotic tradition dates back to May 30, 1881 when Gainer P. Moore, a local resident and veteran of the Civil War, led a small group of men along a sbury avenue in the city’s first remembrance of a merica’s fallen soldiers. Moore was elected mayor in 1884, and under his leadership, the parade grew and became an important annual event. People were also encouraged to go to the mainland and decorate gravestones with flowers.

Under the headline, “Memorial Day.” R. Curtis Robinson, owner and

“The day is not a religious holiday, but rather a patriotic, memorial, decoration day. The right way to spend

the day will largely according to the individual or community’s selections.”

Ocean City’s 142-year old Memorial Day tradition will continue on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Skee-ball keeps rolling on the Boardwalk The games origin traces back to South Jersey over 100 years ago

By Steffen Klenk

The summer season in South Jersey is truly magnificent. The boardwalk is bustling and the sound of kids laughing, seagulls and amusement park rides fill the air. Inside Jilly’s arcade on the Ocean City Boardwalk, children of all ages try their hand at the pinball machines, air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution and auto racing.

In the back of the sprawling arcade are the many Skee-Ball machines. This popular game is fun and easy to play, for children and adults alike. The game is played by rolling a ball up an inclined lane and over a small ball-hop. The ball will then land into one of several bullseye rings. The object is to collect as many points as you can.

Skee-Ball has been a popular arcade game for decades. Its history

goes back over a century. Vineland resident Joseph Fourestier Simpson was granted the patent for his invention on December 8, 1908. In less than five months, John W. Harper and William Nice Jr. began marketing the thirty-two-foot game under the name Skee-Ball alley Company.

The first advertisement for the game appeared in Billboard magazine in april 1909.

Several years later, local resident Jonnathan Dickinson Este purchased the patent and all rights to the game from Simpson, forming the J.D. Este Company to market the game. In 1914, Este installed Skee-Ball machines in rented space along the iconic atlantic

City boardwalk. after just a few short years in the business, Este sold his company in 1919.

By 1929, the game was sweeping the East Coast. The nation’s first National Skee-Ball tournament was held in atlantic City at what was dubbed “Skee-Ball Stadium.” Over 100 players qualified to play in the tournament, with over $2,400 in prizes awarded to the winners (equivalent to $36,500 in modern times!). at its height of popularity, more than 5,000 Skee-Ball alleys were produced. Demand for the game waned in the late 1930s, and production halted altogether during World War II.

Today, the game is played socially all over the country, including Jilly’s arcade of Ocean City. Players who score more than 280 points in a single round are awarded with a free game and the chance to increase their average.

National tournaments are regularly held under the regulation of the National Skee-Ball League (NSBL). There is also an official website where the most skilled fan can purchase official merchandise, purchase tabletop and handheld machines, and learn more about the official “Skee-Ball Plus app,” allowing everyone the option to practice their skills.

From its creation more than 100 years ago, Skee-Ball continues to see widespread popularity. It is easy to see why. Just witnessing the smiles of all who play, from the youngest of children to the youngest of adults, brings joy to all!

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

A new beginning for Asbury Avenue

Give them a call at (609) 8497100.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

For years, most of the retail activity on a sbury avenue has been concentrated from 7th Street to 10th Street. However, the beginning of the avenue has now been reestablished as 6th Street.

Jon and Patty’s Restaurant has always been a staple on the 600 block and is very popular. Recently, two new additions have joined Jon and Patty’s: the Pedego Electric Bike Store and Goji Smoothie Store.

The latest business to open in this new hot spot on the avenue is the Shop Local Store, owned by Tiffany Hutchinson. It is a collaboration of 20 artists featuring their unique handmade items. Stop by, as there is always one of the artists on location.

Directly across from Shop Local is the new unique women’s clothing store, Beachkrew. It is owned by Karlee Hart, who aims to offer one-of-a-kind clothing lines not found anywhere else. Visit the store to discover what makes it so unique. you can find more information at www.shopbeachcrew. com.

The brand-new building located at 603 a sbury ave. will become the new landmark of a sbury. Its spectacular design will house White Lotus, a special boutique; Fabiana Edwards Studio Salon and Spa, and Pete’s Mercantile.

White Lotus is a specialty boutique focused on healing products for the mind, body, and soul. They also offer clothing, jewelry and accessories.

The store was founded 12 years ago by two local sisters: Jamie Hannigan and Lisa Catrambone, who started with a small shop in Sea Isle City. Now, in 2023, they are opening their sixth store. Their

passion lies in providing spiritual gifts that help people heal from within. The unique, handcrafted items cater to individuals rather than the masses.

In addition to their specialty items, the sisters will host classes and events such as crystal readings, Tarot card readings, meditation and yoga. Learn more about White Lotus at www.ShopWhitelotus.com. The grand opening is targeted for Nov. 19.

Fabiana Edwards

Studio Salon and Spa is not new to Ocean City or a sbury avenue. The salon, owned by Fabiana Simoes, has been located at 815 a sbury ave. since 2014. Due to its tremendous success, the salon is moving to its beautiful new location at 603 a sbury ave.

Fabiana started her career in Vineland in 1985 and has been a salon owner since 1991. Her impressive credentials include being a graduate of Vidal Sassoon with a master’s degree. Moreover, her salon holds the prestigious designation of a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon.

The new salon will feature six custom cutting stations, a color bar, a hair extension station, a barbering area, an aesthetic massage area, a brow bar, and eyelash extensions. additionally, they will provide bridal and prom makeup services. For more information, see www.fabianaedwards.com or call (609) 391-9900. The opening is set for Dec.6.

Pete’s Mercantile primarily operates as an online women’s clothing store boutique. It is a mother/daughter-owned business that has been serving women all over the country for the past year and a half. With curated looks for all ages and styles, their goal is to bring classic and timeless fashion with a touch of flair from

the South and other regions. Their success online has led them to establish a brick and mortar store. They chose a sbury avenue due to their love for the culture of Ocean City, where many of their clients live. They are looking forward to their fun new location on a sbury avenue where they can bring their vision to life. Remember to support your local businesses and to the Jersey Shore.

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

A tale of the two Ocean Cities

Ocean City, NJ vs. Ocean City, MD

By Steffen Klenk

Summer is almost here and it’s time to plan your vacation. With warm weather returning and countless people deciding how to spend their time close to the water, we wanted to take a look at the two East Coast summer beach communities known as Ocean City.

There’s no question that Ocean City, N.J., has a lot to offer, and our sister city in Maryland is also bound to see its fair share of tourists this season. So what sets these two popular summer destinations apart? Let’s take a look.

Ocean City, N.J was first inhabited by Native americans. Dutch explorer David Pietersz de Vries referred to the island as “flat sand beaches with low hills.”

In 1700 John Peck used the island as an operating base for storing freshly hunted whales. The land soon became known as Peck’s Beach.

In September 1879, four Methodist ministers chose the island as a spot to establish a Christian retreat. The group met under a tall cedar tree

on the land that is now the Ocean City Tabernacle. Soon afterward, the first school and railroad were brought into town.

With over 10,000 yearround residents and more than 100,000 guests during the summer months, Ocean City, N.J. remains a popular family destination and boasts two theme parks: Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove.

There are tons of family-friendly amenities, from mini golf to the waterpark, parasailing, surf camps, surrey rides and biking. The 2½-mile-long Ocean City Boardwalk is a perfect place to start any day, with several ocean-side restaurants that boast incredible sunrise views. On top of that, visitors can find plenty of shopping and amenities up and down a sbury avenue. Ocean City, N.J. also has the distinction of being a “dry town”

where the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

Ocean City, Md., was founded after Englishman Thomas Fenwick obtained it from Native americans. In 1870 local businessman Isaac Coffin built the first beachfront cottage to host paying guests. a short time later, more boarding houses were built along a thin strip of sand, attracting businesspeople from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Baltimore, and Wilmington, Del.

The town is home to just over 6,000 yearround residents, with a population that swells well above 320,000 on bustling summer weekends. There are plenty of hotels up and down the resort town. While the area is also known for its boardwalk, food, and attractions, it is largely oriented to an adult clientele.

Seacrets is one of the city’s Maryland’s main attractions. This bar and nightclub features several stages of live entertainment, prime bayfront views, and a distillery.

Head to their boardwalk and you will find Trimper’s Rides, a popular landing spot for families. The town

is also home to the Ocean Gallery World Center. From the outside, this building puts a spotlight on art, with an entire façade of signs, and an interior full of fine art and oil paintings. It is a bedazzling sight to be sure.

What puts Ocean City, N.J., on the map is its various family activities held during the summer. For more than a century, the city’s Baby Parade has marched its way down the Boardwalk, much to the delight and awe of the crowds. The parade's 2023 installment will mark its 113th year.

Night in Venice, the city’s annual boat parade, has become a popular summertime tradition, with decorated boats lined up and parading down the bay, to a brand new theme each year (this year’s theme is “It’s a Philly Thing”). The town’s official mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, makes his prediction for an early summer every May.

While doing research for this column, we came across another small town with a very similar name bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Ocean City, Wash., is a small, unincorporated community located

about two hours’ drive from Seattle and a short 30-minutes’ drive from aberdeen, Wash.

The birthplace of the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, the area is home to a small market for food and drinks, several RV parks, and a small casino on its borders. If you plan to visit, bring a light jacket. The average summer temperature is 67 degrees.

Of course we hope you spend your fun time right here in beautiful Ocean City, N.J. But no matter how or where you decide to spend your vacation, have a spectacular summer.

Ocean City, MD is known for its night clubs and bars.

Ocean City MD has significantly more high-rise hotels and condos than Ocean City, NJ.

A unique musical experience for kids comes to Ocean City

LONGPORT LONGPORT LONGPORT

609-380-0131

By Krystle J Bailey

ROCK-ED, a musical experience for young aspiring performers, is coming to Ocean City this summer. Hosted by ace Enders, lead singer of The Early November, ROCK-ED is unlike traditional music classes. With a focus on musical performance and collaboration, ROCK-ED was created to bring young musicians together in a 10-session band rehearsal setting that will culminate with an on-stage performance at anchor Rock Club in atlantic City.

a ce and Jen Enders recently moved their recording studio from

Hammonton to Ocean City, New Jersey. ace, who has worked in the music industry as an artist, producer, and songwriter for over 20 years, was inspired by his own children’s musical interests.

“Our kids have always been semi-interested in music, but they both recently got really into it,” ex-

plained Enders. “I work with adults and full-time artists all the time, but the most important time in a kid’s life is when they are discovering who they are and are able to express themselves in a way that is genuine and unique to them.”

ace, who signed his first record deal in 2001 and continues to tour with The Early November, began to

The 90-minute sessions will teach kids how to practice music with other musicians, work together as a band, and how to prepare for a show. The Enders are seeking vocalists, keyboardists, drummers, bass and guitar players, and anyone interested in electronic music. Bands will be assembled based on interest and experience. The first session begins this July and will include 15 hours of performance coaching. a second semester is scheduled for the beginning of 2024 after ace returns from a North a merican tour with The Early November.

coach his children and their musically inspired friends in their basement. after a month of regular rehearsals, the kids took their talents to the local talent show stage for a showstopping performance.

The seed was planted, and ace, along with his wife Jen, who works as an educator, made the decision to bring the kid rock band experience to more local youth.

“We were able to take what they knew and gear it towards performance,” explains Jen. “Now we are taking kids interested in music and building rock bands that they can work together with.”

ROCK-ED is for aspiring musicians of all skill levels, ages 10-18. Sessions begin in July, with a performance scheduled for the end of august.

“It’s a cool lifestyle that a lot of people don't have access to,” shares ace. “it’s cool to give that to more young kids and create an environment for them to get off screens and connect with their friends. I love seeing them realize their potential.”

Jen goes on to explain, “a s teachers, we both love working with kids, and we love alternative education. We’ve always let our kids explore in a creative way.”

Interested families can meet Jen and ace and explore their space at an open house on June 3rd. The private recording and production studio is located on 11th Street in Ocean City. For more information, visit rockedmusicschool.com.

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

Greek Festival returns for four days of food, friends, and family fun

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

Food, fireworks, and family fun will be on the menu when the Greek Festival makes its annual four-day run in Egg Harbor Township June 1-4.

There will be live music, folk dancing and rides for the kids. But the festival’s unique appeal is the selection of homemade Greek foods, prepared by parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Just about everything you can expect to find at a Greek taverna will be available.

“I think the pastitsio might be my favorite,” said Rev. George Liacopulos, pastor of Holy Trinity, when asked to name his top choice.

The baked pasta dish is made with ground meat and a creamy white sauce known as béchamel.

“Some people refer to it as Greek lasagna. They are not exactly the same, but they're close in some ways.”

Guests will be invited to try gyros, shish kebab and lamb and potatoes. Spanakopita — pastry filled with spin -

ach and feta cheese; moussaka, an eggplant casserole made with potatoes, beef or lamb, and tomato sauce, plus falafel will be available along with the pastitsio.

Festival-goers with a sweet tooth will love the desserts, especially the baklava — made with crispy layers of phyllo dough, nuts and honey; portokalopita — puff pastry with orange syrup; and kourabiedes, Greek cookies made with butter and almond along with Greek coffee.

If you are not a fan of Greek food, you can get a steak sandwich, hamburger or something at the clam bar. The festival will also offer adult beverages such as ouzo, retsina, Greek wine and beer. all of that food is made possible

through the hard work of the parishioners. It starts with a festival committee that meets regularly. There’s

also the church's chapter of Philoptochos (friend or lover of the poor), a nationwide women’s society dedicated to helping people in need. a ccording to Linwood resident Ritsa Kotoulas, getting ready for the festival ramps up weeks before the festival. Kotoulas said they usually start working on the pastries in March; for the cooked food it starts days before the festival. The rest of the year they’re getting donations and supplies.

“To put on the event takes a lot of people,” Kotoulas said. “It's a lot of time, a lot of devotion, a lot of volunteer work, a lot of love.”

Liacopulos said they have it down to a system incorporating a large commercial kitchen with ovens and a walk-in freezer.

The Greek Festival is about more than food, rides and fireworks; it’s an opportunity for old friends to reconnect, neighbors to touch base with neighbors, and generations from the parish’s 200 families to work together to maintain an important tradition.

Liacopulos has been with the parish for nearly 28 years.

“When I came, my first son was only 5 weeks old. and now he's one of the active members of the committee.”

Liacopulos said the Greek Festival is like an unofficial start of summer.

“It becomes a kind of reunion place where maybe an old school teacher meets up with a student that they had 15 or 20 years ago, or people who used to work together or used to be neighbors and haven't seen each other in a while.

“They'll bump into each other and reconnect. and I really like that part of the festival. I think that it's just very important.”

Liacopulos also finds a connection with people who visit the church. One of his favorite parts of the event is church tours which are led by parishioners.

Sometimes people from other faiths come by out of curiosity. Sometimes it’s people he knows from festivals past stopping by to say hello. Other times visitors want to say a prayer or light a candle.

One of the most popular attractions of the Greek Festival is the authentic Greek dances performed by parishioners. In addition to performers from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, other parishes also participate.

“I've noticed there are some people of other faith traditions who stop by every year, basically because they've gotten to know me or some of our other tour guides and they want to say hello,” he said.

about 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival over the four days. Liacopulos said most are from atlantic County, but they get some tourists who are down the shore on vacation, or notice signs that have been posted or other advertising.

Rides are a major attraction at the festival, which will take place Thursday-Sunday, June 1-4, with fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. The event began 40 years ago, but had a two-year COVID hiatus.

although this is the 40th year, this is the 38th full-on festival due to a two-year COVID hiatus.

In addition to the food and church tours, there will be ethnic Greek dance performances Saturday and

Rides are a major attraction at the festival, which will take place Thursday-Sunday, June 1-4, with fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. The event began 40 years ago, but had a two-year COVID hiatus.

Sunday evenings. On Saturday night, patrons can enjoy the live band Neo Kyma.

a dmission is $1. Children under 5 are admitted free. Parking is also free.

Festival times are from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Fireworks will go off Thursday and Sunday nights at 9:30 p.m. The church is located at 7004 Ridge ave. in Egg Harbor Township. Learn more at www.holytrinityegbert.com, find the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Facebook, or call 609-653-8092 ext. 5. a s Kotoulas said, “It is always a good time at the Greek Festival.”

Offshore wind put under the microscope at Margate meeting

pause to allow time to do some studies and find out what’s going on. So far his request has been ignored.

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

Elected leaders representing atlantic County have moved beyond taking a wait-andsee approach when it comes to offshore wind.

They want it to stop. and they are calling on their constituents to apply pressure to the decision-makers in Trenton and Washington to make that happen.

Initial skepticism about offshore wind has evolved into full-on opposition. It was clear during a community forum Saturday, May 20, at the Eugene a . Tighe Middle School in Margate, hosted by Brigantine, Ventnor, and Margate.

Taking the stage to address the audience were U.S. Rep. Jeff Van

Drew, state Sen. Vince Polistina, a ssemblywoman Claire Swift, and Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera – all Republicans, plus Bob Stern and Chris Placitelle from Save LBI.

“When this first started, I tried to keep an open mind,” said Sera, who served as emcee. Sera was one of the first local leaders to sound the alarm about offshore wind and its possible link to marine mammal deaths.

He and Brigantine officials, circulated a letter calling for a moratorium on offshore wind development until an answer could be found. It was co-

signed by mayors from more than 30 surrounding communities.

“The more I learned, the more I realized how bad these things are for our environment. They don’t make sense. They don’t work, and the problem is these foreign companies are going to make money leaving us stuck here holding the bag. We can’t let that happen.”

When people first connected marine mammal deaths to sonar mapping and underwater drilling, state Sen. Vince Polistina was a moderate voice, urging that there should be a

Polistina is convinced that although the federal agencies are claiming “no direct impact“ from their sonar and underwater drilling activities to the whale deaths, the sea mammals are changing their behavior to avoid them.

“These animals are just so frightened, disoriented or a combination of both that they are coming in so close to shore, leading to their own demise.

“There hasn’t been a federal permit anywhere that has looked at the cumulative effect of sonar in one area and drilling in another area,” he said.

The federal government might not be listening, but the public is, according to Polistina.

“Because if you look at public sentiment in New Jersey, we are winning the battle in terms of public sentiment on this issue.”

He said worsening economic conditions may represent an opportunity to turn the tide against offshore wind as costs rise, and officials have to answer for rising energy bills.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew

Rep. Jeff Van Drew has been a longtime skeptic of offshore wind. But he has been an ardent critic since the “almost biblical” spike in whale and marine mammal deaths.

He said NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette tried to blame climate change.

“ you don’t go from having one or two whales (die) one year to having 26 or 28 or 30 whales the next year. It really doesn't move that quickly,” he said.

Because whale carcasses often sink before they come ashore, we don’t know how many have died, he said.

a major concern is how large the offshore wind initiative is. The program so far covers an area of more than 2 million acres. The turbines plus blades will be 1,000 feet tall with a light on top. When they rotate, you will be able to hear them from the shore, he said.

“It’s one of the biggest, most ambitious projects, not only in the United States of america, but in the entire world.”

Van Drew said it should have started with a small pilot program just like what happens when a new drug is launched.

There are many other untested and unresolved issues including the turbine blades which are made with

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“In other parts of the world, they are located where hurricanes do not occur. So who knows what will happen to them where we are, a place where hurricanes are fairly common,” he said.

Because there are so many unanswered questions, and so much money is on the line, Van Drew said the opposition is growing from a statewide movement to a national movement that is gaining momentum.

“There’s lots of alternatives out there. I'm not saying we shouldn't look for a zero carbon footprint, but to do it in a way that doesn't hurt our people, doesn't hurt our region. I mean, they are really dumping on South Jersey.

“People around the world are going to be making money by hurting the Jersey Shore, by hurting our tourism.”

He said there are several initiatives underway including an energy bill that was passed by the House of Representatives with an amendment calling for an investigation. There are also at least three lawsuits underway against offshore wind.

But he also called for a grassroots effort.

“Tell every elected official you can. and it's very simple. If you vote for this, if you support this, if you don't

fight this, I'm not voting for you.”

attorney Chris Placitelle from Save LBI said documents supplied by offshore wind developer atlantic Shores illustrate that turbines will have a dramatic visual impact not just on the coast, but as far inland as 40 miles from the project site.

Noting that a single turbine is twice the height of the Washington Monument and quoting from the atlantic Shores report, he said the navigation lights will “become the focus of the viewer attention and could change the character of the nighttime skies forever.”

He said they could have a major impact on property values, too.

“So where are we going to get the money to fund the schools at the same level that they're being funded now (if property values fall?) We are going to raise everybody's taxes.”

He urged the people to unite.

“This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is about preserving our most precious natural resource.”

Bob Stern, PhD, also from Save LBI, was critical of the environmental impact statement provided by atlantic Shores.

He said the 2,000 pages were presented with almost all of the critical decisions made.

“So after they decided on this, they come to you, plop down a

2,000-page document, and they say, hey, we really want your input. On what? Their alternatives in this document are virtually meaningless,” he said.

Sound is going to be an issue, Stern said, according to the findings of a professional study done by Save LBI.

“The noise we're going to hear is going to exceed the New Jersey standards, the nighttime residential standards. and that is not going to be pleasant.”

There’s an expectation that the breeze and waves will be reduced by the turbines.

There will be a hearing by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on the environmental impact statement for atlantic Shores South, 5 p.m. June 22 at the atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd.

https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/atlantic-shores-south

Memorial Day Activities

Memorial Day Surprise is a beautiful story of a young boy who is on his way to the Memorial Day parade with his mom who has promised him a special surprise.

Mom's Vibe

By Krystle J. Bailey

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which is an exciting time for South Jersey. While BBQs and beaches await the summer buzz, let us not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the men and women who died serving in the United States a rmed Forces. We’ve collected some interactive Memorial Day activities to honor this day of remembrance.

Memorial Day Reading

This weekend, as you prepare to celebrate Memorial Day with the family, consider picking up these books from the local library or bookstore.

The Poppy Lady is an inspiring story about the Veterans Day red poppy, a symbol that honors the sacrifices of United States veterans.

Rags: Hero Dog of WWI is the heart warming story of an unexpected comrade for United States army Private, James Donovan. Check out these books along with The Flanders Fields and Rolling Thunder.

Paper Lantern Craft

Paper lanterns are a beautiful way to honor those we have lost. This Memorial Day paper lantern craft from RedTedart.com is the perfect way to kick off this commemorative weekend. allow the little ones to create while listening to a topical story or reading one of the aforementioned books.

Visit A Veterans Cemetery

For those who have lost loved ones who served in the armed forces, this one may be a no brainer. Memorial Day is a great opportunity to visit a local Veterans Cemetery to pay respects to those who have lost their lives. Consider making a DIy arrangement and delivering it to a cemetery with your family.

of the holiday, get your hands messy with a patriotic dessert. Of course, the world of Pinterest is full of dessert recipes to choose from.

Get started with this Patriotic Dessert from Taste of Home.

Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt

Have some fun with this Red, White, and Blue Scavenger hunt from PlayPartyPlan.com or create your own. Either way, use the items on the list to spark conversation topics sur-

Veterans Cemeteries can be found in Mays Landing and Cape May Court House, along with several others in surrounding towns.

Make Patriotic Desserts

Memorial Day is usually a weekend full of food and celebration. While teaching the kids about the meaning

rounding Memorial Day. a sk the kids what they think about things they have learned, point out the history behind the american flag, fireworks, and more.

However you choose to celebrate, enjoy a safe, healthy, happy holiday weekend! Welcome Summer 2023 at the Jersey Shore!

Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet KrystleJBailey.com

Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench

This week’s Six-Word Story: Appreciation and Sacrifice; Anticipation and

Paradise

By Bill Quain

Hello Story-Tellers, this is the Memorial Day Weekend edition of my column. My leading SixWord Story reflects the dual nature of Memorial Day Weekend. Memorial Day is a time when we remember the selfless actions of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom — “appreciation and Sacrifice”. On the other hand, Memorial Day marks the traditional start of the summer season here in South Jersey — “anticipation and Paradise”. after reading this

5 years old. While there were a number of names on the plaque, four had stars next to them. My grandfather explained that those were the Ocean City men who died in World War I. Pop had been a Marine in that war. When I later learned how hard the Marines fought in that War it confused me, because my grandfather was one of the most gentle people I’d known. But, that’s the point, isn’t it? The men and women who answered the call when their nation asked them to serve weren’t disciplined, trained warriors. They hadn’t been raised to fight. They were ordinary people – teachers, carpenters, or, like my grandfather, a beer distributor. and, that’s exactly why it is so important to remember them – all of them. So, please take some time this weekend and say “Thank you” to the memories of those who died. While you’re at it, say a big “Thank you” to any veteran who made it home!

column, I hope you’ll take the time to share your own Six-Word Stories about Memorial Day Weekend with all of us. you’ll find easy-to-follow directions for posting your “Six Words on our Boardwalk Bench” at the end of the column. We’d love to hear your story!

Why do those names have stars?

One of my earliest Ocean City memories was my grandfather taking me to the World War I Memorial in Veteran’s Park. I was probably about

Memorial Day weekend; Summer is here!

The great author Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” But Mr. Twain, do you know what was even colder? almost every Memorial Day Weekend when I was a kid. Finally, summer was officially beginning. a long winter of school and snow was behind us. a full summer of swimming and fishing was stretching out in front of us. But “stretching out” is

Ocean City's Veterans Memorial Park. Photo by Steffen Klenk

a lot different than actually starting! I remember going to my grandparents’ house on 17th and West, and well… freezing. The air was cold. The water was cold. The wind was cold. The rain

looked cold. But somehow, it didn’t matter. Sure, we went to the beach with gloves on, but hey… it was the Shore. and we all knew that no matter how cold it was, or how rainy it was, it was still (somehow) the beginning of the best season of the year, in the best place in the world. In fact, I think a good Six-Word Story is: “The Best Season; The Best Place”. When we went back to school on Tuesday, we’d always make our friends jealous, because we had been there!

around the corner. and, for those of you who are coming back down here, after a long, cold winter: “Welcome Back – We’re Glad you’re Here”.

OK, it’s your turn to write!

Imagine a Boardwalk bench with no words on it. It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and you want to share your story in just six words. What kind of memories or inspiration would you give us? In future columns, I’ll be sharing those stories – posting them on our Boardwalk Bench, right here in Shore Local.

Just send me an email, to bill@ quain.com. Put “Six-Word Story” in the subject line, and give us those six words in the body of the email. Feel

free to include a short “back story” for some context. and by the way, don’t be a stranger. Join us each week, and let the inspiration flow!

I’ll see ya’ in the papers!

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.

was cold. It was all cold. This wasn’t summer. It was an arctic Experiment.

My grandparents had a small cottage – with no air conditioning, no heat, and no insulation. If we complained, Nana would say, “There are a lot of kids in Germantown who would love to be here this weekend.” Well, I thought the kids in Germantown were pretty smart, and I’m sure they knew better than to say summer had started – when even the seagulls

In 2007, my family and I moved back to Ocean City… permanently. a nd, I always say one thing to people who ask me if I like living in South Jersey. I tell them “The only bad thing about living at the Shore, is that you never get to go to the Shore anymore.” There was nothing in my life that was ever as good as driving over that Ninth Street Bridge, and coming back to Ocean City. Now, believe me, I wouldn’t trade living at the Shore for anything, but I do miss that magic weekend –Memorial Day Weekend – when we’d get a fresh start every year. We’d get another chance to live in Paradise –just a short walk to the beach, and a short drive to the Point. Wow, ain’t we lucky!

So, for those of you who live here full time, start smiling. Summer is just

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A (friendly) War of the Roses

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

Once the garden has awoken from its dormant slumber, time seems to fly by, and just like that, we find ourselves in late spring. Tulips

and daffodils are only a memory, leaving behind nothing but languishing leaves. Spinach is already beginning to bolt, sending up pretty yellow flowers, and preparing to go to seed. The lilac flowers have mostly turned to brown (and should be pruned immediately), their heavenly scent lingering in the air. But, oh, the roses! The orchestra is tuning up, and the big show is about to begin. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the opening notes of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” playing gently in the breeze. But with eager rose -

buds waiting in the wings, the quiet whisper soon turns into a raucous party as the flowers burst open, no longer able to contain themselves. Each rose seems to be vying for attention in a friendly “War of the Roses.”

Let’s join the party and mingle through the garden to become acquainted with each rose’s unique personality. The first thing that catches our eye is a vibrant, red Knock Out®️ rose. Though this easy-to-grow rose has become common, it carries a special meaning in my garden. Mine was a gift from my motherin-law, many years ago, when we first planted our garden. Wind storms and even a fallen tree have attempted to conquer it, but with a strong spirit like the gift-giver, this tough rose blooms more robustly than ever. Nearby, we have the Collette rose, with full, peach-colored flowers, offering a subtle lovely scent. My dear friend Esther gave it to me to remember her by, as if I could ever forget her. Sometimes, I can still hear her voice coming through, with that beautiful Scottish accent giving me advice on life and gardening. Her pronunciation of liriope will always be the only correct one to my ears.

Just to the right of the Collete rose, we have the Meidiland®️ roses, with pure white flowers and glossy dark green leaves. In a nod to the White Gardens at Sissinghurst, the low-growing Meidiland®️ roses are partnered with the slender spikes of white Siberian irises. at night, the stems and greenery disappear, and the white iris flowers look like danc-

ing butterflies. Soon, this white garden will be complemented by the soft purple flowers of Russian sage. On the other side of the garden stands the tall and proud nameless rose. Perhaps she was a duchess or crown princess. Her stature, deep fragrance, and rich pink color reminds one of an old-fashioned rose, or possibly a hybrid tea? you’ll wish she could tell you her name and realize how important it is to learn about a rose before its history is lost to the ages. Use caution around this royal, because her millions of thorns will remind you that she won’t be taken lightly. across the garden, we have the beautiful roses from my sister-in-law, who gives the best gifts. Growing

Perhaps a descendant of the Red Rose of Lancaster?

alongside each other, we have the unlikely couple: Passionate Kisses, with its playful pink flowers and the more sophisticated Julia Child rose, with deep yellow, beautifully scented flowers. They were recently joined by a new elegant flower, meadow rue, having sprays of purple flowers and leaves like columbines.

Leaving the garden, we see that when passing through the arbor, we almost missed the New Dawn roses from my daughters. The blush pink New Dawn roses, flanking the arbor, have finally matured enough to climb up and meet at the top. Given their shady location, these flowers are blooming a little later than their cousins. Take a glance back before you leave and you’ll see the deep purple Jackmanii clematis climbing the almost forgotten white post. This is the first time in many years that the clematis has bloomed, and I like to think of it as the flower my son gave me years ago.

But look! More New Dawn roses are climbing the front porch. Below, the newly planted clematis (also purple) will grow up and bloom to remind me of my dear mom and dad, since the flowers were transplanted from their old house. along this front garden, we have pink fairy roses and more Knock Out®️ roses, in pink. In between, a stunning velvety burgundy

rose has popped up. I don’t remember inviting her to the party, but she is an intriguing guest, perhaps a red rose of the House of Lancaster?

a s you say goodnight, stop and take in the lovely scent of the wild, white rambling rose that just appeared out of nowhere, long ago in my “woods”. This time of year, you can see this wild white rose rambling up and down the South Jersey Parkway. Perhaps if you roll down the window, you’ll catch a whiff of its scent wafting through the air.

a ll these roses fighting for our attention complement each other in a beautiful chorus. Each has unique qualities, often accompanied by a story. Little did I realize our garden walk would be a walk filled with meaning and emotional memories. May all of your gardens be planted with such mindfulness.

We would love to hear about your gardens. Do you have an emotional attachment to certain flowers? Send your pictures, comments, and questions to: shorelocalgardener@gmail. com.

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

Local Boxer Anthony Young seeking to score upset Saturday

By David Weinberg

Irecently turned 65, which means MediCare is my primary insurance, I can play golf from the gold tees, and I qualify for the senior citizen discounts at local restaurants.

It means I played Little League baseball in a flannel uniform. I got to practices and games by hooking my glove around the handlebars of my Schwinn Stingray and pedaling a mile to the field on Lafayette Street in Cape May.

I played football for the Cape May Rockets on a field with H-shaped goal posts. If you got hurt, say sprained your ankle, coaches wrapped a 10-foot-long ace bandage around your leg, then fastened it with a pair of metal clips.

There were three stations - Channels 3, 6 and 10 from Philadelphia - on our black-and-white TV when I was a kid. a few years later, 17, 29 and 48 were added, then New york-based stations arrived with Channels 9 and 11. Dinners were eaten in the dining room, except on Friday's, when my two younger brothers and I got to set up trays in the living room and eat TV dinners - portable meals served on an aluminum square that contained items such as Salisbury Steak, green beans, mashed potatoes and a dessert. you peeled off the cover in hopes that yours had the brownie square or apple Crisp.

you listened to songs on your transistor radio, then rushed to the record store to buy the top singles on a 45. That was a vinyl disc about the size of a salad plate that you placed on your turntable, then carefully lowered the needed onto the edge. Sometimes you taped a nickel onto the top of the needle to prevent the record from skipping.

The 45's contained two songs, called an a side and B side. The a side was the one considered the hit re -

cord, then you flipped it over to hear a lesser-known song by the same band. I'm ashamed to admit that the first 45 I bought was "Sugar, Sugar" by the archies. I have no idea what song was on the other side of the record.

Boxing shows follow a similar pattern.

The bout sheets contain a and B fighters. The a competitors are the favorites, the ones with impressive records and large fan followings. B fighters are "opponents" who are usually brought in from out of town. Often, they are expected to lose.

But sometimes, things don't go according to script. Sometimes, the flip side of the record turns out to be a top-40 hit. Sometimes, the B fighter earns the victory.

Don't be suprised if that happens on Saturday night, when Pleasantville welterweight nthony oung (24-2, 8 KOs) takes on top-rated

(22-1, 12 KOs) at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

Despite his success - young is ranked No. 8 by the World Boxing Organization - he is the underdog. Rocha is the WBO's number one contender to champion Terrence Crawford.

"I'm definitely the B side fighter," young said. "But honestly, it doesn't make a difference to me. a ll the pressure is on him. I've got nothing to lose."

He hasn't lost in the ring in over seven years, since a defeat against Skender Halili in 2016 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in atlantic City. Since then, young has registered 13 consecutive wins, including an impressive, third-round TKO over former WBO junior-middlweight champion Sadam ali in Las Vegas on May 4, 2019.

Francisco Rodriguez

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That was supposed to lead to a title shot, but Covid-19 KO'd those plans. Now he's back in line for another chance at a championship.

If he beats Rocha.

"I think I was headed for big things in 2020, but Covid got in the way," young said. "But I just stayed patient and waited for the next opportunity. I knew there would come a time when some 'quote/unquote' prospect or title contender would come knocking on my door."

young isn't like most boxers.

He didn't pick up boxing until his early 20's. He focused on other sports in high school, playing football and running track. The 2007 Pleasantville High School graduate was a member of Pleasantville's 4 x 800 relay that reached the Championship of the america's Final at the Penn Relays in 2007.

He also doesn't have an intimidating nickname like "Iron"

Mike Tyson, Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns, a rturo "Thunder" Gatti and former atlantic City contender John "The Eastern Beast" Brown.

young is nicknamed "Juice."

"I'm not sure how I got it," he said. "My grandmother used to call me 'Juice' because I was always asking for juice when I was a little kid and it stuck."

I've had several nicknames. My college roommate at appalachian State still calls me "Winey." Because I was a resident assistant (R. a .), guys would refer to me as "Myra," as in "My R. a ."

I'm currently called "Poppy" by grandsons Hampton, Graham and Nixon.

Now if you'll excuse me, it's 4 p.m. and that means it's dinner time for us senior citizens.

3 Local earns victories atlantic City junior-middleweight Justin Figueroa (5-0, 5 KOs), atlantic City lightweight Francisco Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), and Somers Point lightweight Miguel Garcia (2-0) posted wins last Saturday at Showboat Hotel’s new event center.

Figueroa won via first-round TKO over a ntwion McCullough (0-1) of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Rodriguez stopped Venezuela’s Jose Luis Frac-

ica Baron (0-4) in the second round. Garcia earned a four-round, unanimous decision over Toms River’s Michael Ruiz (0-1).

Figueroa netted a bizarre victory. McCullough came out swinging

wildly with no success, retreated to his corner about a minute into the fight, dropped to one knee and then told referee David Fields he couldn’t continue, much to the crowd’s dismay.

“He just told me, ‘That’s it,’” Fields said.

Figueroa, a Holy Spirit High School grad and member of the atlantic City Beach Patrol, was disappointed in the way the bout ended.

Larry Hazzard, Commissioner of the New Jersey athletic Control Board, was miffed.

“We had two fighters from Kalamazoo, Michigan (McCullough and heavyweight Isaiah Cobbs who also lost in the first round) who came to atlantic City to quit in the ring,” Hazzard said. “They are not getting paid. They are entitled to a hearing, but we’re withholding their purses. and they’re never fighting in atlantic City again.”

IT UP TO ELEVEN

↘Continued from 40

Justin Figueroa

Anthony Young

Veal recipe and health benefits

● 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.

2. Shape into five patties.

3. Grill until done to your liking.

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Nutrition

By Nancy Adler

Veal is extra lean meat. It carries less fat than beef. Veal meat contains elements like Selenium.

This recipe serves five.

Nutritional information:

● Calories: 259.2

● Total fat: 14.2 grams

● Cholesterol: 134.4 mg.

● Sodium: 235.4 mg.

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Selenium helps protect the system against free radicals, which provokes cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Veal contains iron, so the red blood cells may transport oxygen. It also has vitamin B-12 for energy and to help recharge. Vitamin B-12 can affect mood in a very positive way. Veal carries important vitamin D. This is the “sunshine” vitamin and contributes to the proper functioning of muscles and bone health. It also has magnesium, which fights depression, and zinc, which protects against cold and flu. In addition, veal liver also has vitamin a , which prevents diseases such as breast cancer, cataracts and measles.

Veal is known for its high quality, tenderness and intense flavor. Veal is generally easy to digest and low in cholesterol. Great for grilling!

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

Veal Burgers

Ingredients:

● 10-12-ounce ground veal

● 2 eggs or egg beaters equivalent

● 2 tablespoons of whole wheat

breadcrumbs

● 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

● Half of a grated zucchini

● Total Carbs: 12.8 grams

● Dietary Fiber: 1.0 grams

● Protein: 18.9 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

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Or call 609.272.1199 or stop by

He's

Why your dog should never ride with his head out the car window

Driving safely with dogs

By Heidi Clayton

When I was a Police Officer I responded to an accident on Route 40 in atlantic City where upon arrival I was met by an hysterical driver whose dog had been loose in the back seat hanging out of the window. When they were rear ended the dog was thrown from the window onto the highway where it took off in a panic running through traffic. Lucky or unlucky, the dog was injured and was unable to run very far.

after this incident, I decided that my dogs would either ride in crates or be secured with a seat belt, and as much as they loved it, I would not allow them to hang their bodies or heads from the windows.

I often see toy breeds riding unrestrained on owners laps with the window down and the dog leaning halfway out of the window. I understand the desire to let your dog enjoy this, but it is incredibly dangerous. I have personally been hit with an air bag and it is not a pleasant experience. During the impact of an accident your little dog can be seriously injured being sandwiched between you and the airbag. you also assume when letting your dog ride on your lap and hang out the window that during the force of an impact you will even be able to maintain your grip on the dog. Most likely your body being thrown forward and quickly snapped back means you will lose your grip on the dog and again the result could be your dog being ejected from the car.

a loose dog in the backseat becomes a projectile during impact when it is launched forward into the front seat occupants which can result in injuries to both humans and dogs.

Dogs should also never be transported in the beds of pickup trucks in any way, shape, or form. My first preference for driving with a dog is that they are in a crate which is

secured in a location where it does not slide around which can result in car sickness. There are also a variety of crash tested seat belts for dogs which are a smart option if your car doesn’t have the space for a crate. I am not a fan of car seats for dogs if they are not used correctly. The car seat must be firmly secured with the dog being restrained to the seat. Some car seats are marketed as “look outs,” and I often see the dog in the car seat with the window down and the dog hanging half out of the window even though tethered to the seat. In the event of an accident your dog could be left hanging from the side of the car. I also worry about debris hitting my dogs face at 55 mph

resulting in eye or face injuries. When driving with your dog remember your first priority is safely operating your car. Being distracted by a loose dog in the car can result accidents, injuries, and possible motor vehicle tickets. Being found at fault in an accident due to being distracted by your dog can result in a 2 point ticket, insurance rate hikes, or costly lawsuit. It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe when driving, do the right thing for them and keep them safe in a crate or a seatbelt. any questions please feel free to email heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net

Dear Mr. Nipper,

We write as concerned citizens and residents of the State of New Jersey, U.S.A. Our groups total tens of thousands of volunteer citizen advocates including more than 500,000 signatories to various petitions supporting our efforts.

The NJ Shore is a national treasure enjoyed by millions who live and work, visit and vacation here and have done so for generations. On behalf of all the good people who love and enjoy the NJ Shore and its communities, please treat this letter as public notice that:

• We oppose your company’s efforts to turn our ocean, coastal ecosystems, and shore communities into industrial electricity generation and transmission power plants;

• We will protect our shore communities, the environment and the lives and livelihoods of all species including the millions of us that reside, work, visit and vacation here against your thoughtless industrialization;

• We will not falter, and we will not stop opposing your developments.

Ørsted is one of many multi-national energy conglomerates undertaking the largest industrialization of a coastal ecosystem in human history. Your Ocean Wind 1 project, currently awaiting a final EIS from BOEM, will be the first project to start construction off of our South Jersey beaches.

As this race to transform our coast and our livelihoods unfolds recklessly, know that public opposition is growing exponentially and will continue to do so. We will do everything in our power to delay and stop these projects from being constructed.

Despite repeated attempts to engage with your company, our concerns and issues have been ignored and dismissed; directing us instead to onesided claims previously filed in 1,000+ page documents. This display of ignorance and arrogance has kneecapped any public support for such a massive environmental transformation and intrusion into our way of life.

You have managed to avoid any meaningful dialogue with us by interpreting federal and state agency procedures to your benefit and checking boxes while advancing the Ocean Wind 1 project incrementally through the permitting process. Put bluntly, Ørsted’s dismissive treatment of the very people whose livelihoods your project will impact and harm the most has been inconsiderate and insulting. No more. The time has come for this to stop and for you to answer our questions and concems.

For reference here, we list some of our basic concerns, which have gone largely unaddressed. We include more detailed questions and invite much needed dialogue as an addendum to this letter.

Environmental and ecological — marine, coastal and wetlands

• Endangered and protected species

• Human health, wellness, and livelihoods

• Tourism and economic

• Commercial fishing and seafood stocks

• Avian habitats and migration

• National security

• Recreational boating, for-hire, and party boat fishing charters

• Mariner safety

• Hurricane Risk

• Horizon impairment, noise pollution, flashing lights

• Horseshoe crab habitats and survival

• Historic landmarks

• Electricity costs

• Home rule and eminent domain

• Maintenance chemicals and fossil fuels

• Decommissioning and disaster recovery

• Residential and commercial property values and rents

Your company’s actions in response to our concems to date have been nothing less than cowardly. You have repeatedly refused to take or answer basic questions, hiding behind lawyers, propaganda, and protective politicians at public hearings and virtual meetings. You have held hearings at times and places difficult for many working-class family members to attend. Announcements for these hearings have been sparse and purposely obscured at times in bushes — yes, in bushes.

More recently, you and your corporate officers failed to show up for a U.S. Congressional hearing held by our elected representatives from multiple states in Wildwood, NJ. The hearing included factual testimony on the impacts of offshore wind. Your absence provided another glaring example of Ørsted’s disdain for our communities as the hearing took place just a few miles from your proposed Ocean Wind 1 and 2 developments. The list goes on.

Further, your reactions to the recent whale and dolphin deaths here have been equally shameful. The carnage, which included 16 protected whales washing ashore in NJ/NY waters in four months, coincided with significant and rapid increases in offshore wind vessel activities in our waters.

Common sense and the data indicate the two events are related. Yet you and your supporters have refused all calls for a moratorium and investigation. Instead, you are engaging in a «no evidence» damage control campaign even as more dead whales and dolphins pile up on our beaches.

Despite these misinformation efforts by you and many on your behalf, the public widely blames Ørsted and other offshore wind developers for the ongoing marine mammal slaughter. In case you are unaware, you are losing in the court of public opinion here. Badly.

Public opposition here will proliferate and intensifr once construction starts and people see industrialization up close and witness further ecodestruction first-hand as more dead marine life washes ashore. Ørsted as a corporate brand will suffer and become synonymous with ecological death and environmental destruction along the lines of Exxon after the Valdez crash and BP following its Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Only in Ørsted’s case, the 30-year operating life and fixed nature of the turbines will provide everlasting images of harm.

Respectfully, you have an opportunity now — before a final investment decision and construction begins on Ocean Wind I — to pull the plug on this effort with minimal cost to Ørsted’s reputation and shareholders.

We ask you to consider it wisely.

New Jersey is home to proud and passionate people. Our opposition groups are growing and organizing their ranks daily. Our voices are echoing in city councils, statehouses, and congressional halls up and down the East Coast. The Pentagon and Coast Guard are now joining us in raising alarms over National Security and mariner risks posed by turbines off the East Coast.

We will use all tools available to halt the proposed industrialization of our oceans including lawsuits, hearings, investor outreach, voting booths, rallies, demonstrations, corporate boycotts, our pens and voices among others.

Rest assured we will defend our state and national treasure — the New Jersey Shore.

Relentless,

Michael R. Dean Apostolos Gerasoulis Monmouth County, NJ Long Beach Island, NJ mikerdean@verizon.net gerasoul@cs.rutgers.edu

Mr. Mads Nipper, CEO Ørsted Nes a Allé I 2820 Gentofte Denmark

Joined in support by citizen, ocean and environmental advocacy groups:

Protect Our Coast NJ

Defend Brigantine Beach

Save Jersey Shore

Save the East Coast

Save the Horseshoe Crab

Guardians of The East Coast

Protect Our Coast Delmarva

Windmills in Saltwater Versus the Voices of Reason

Long Beach & Long Island, South Shore Residents Opposed to Wind Turbines

cc:: Richard Hunter, EVP and COO

David Hardy, EVP and CEO ofRegion Americas

Ingrid Reumert, SVP and Global Head of Stakeholder Relations

Thomas Thune Andersen, Chair Board of Directors

Lene Skole, Vice Chair Board of Directors

Deiter Wemmer, Board Member

Jørgen Kildahl, Board Member

Peter Korsholm, Board Member

Julia King, the Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Board Member

Annica Bresky, Board Member

Andrew Brown, Board Member

Benny Gøbel, Board Member

Anne Catherine Collet Yde, Board Member

Alice Florence Marion Vallienne, Board Member

Leticia Francisca Torres Mandiola, Board Member

Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen

Addendum

As listed above and detailed below, our unaddressed concerns are many. As frontline impacted stakeholders, we believe proper dialogue must be afforded for any such proposed transformation of an entire coastal ecosystem not to mention our own livelihoods, health, and well-being. We propose a much needed, and thus far avoided, public forum to discuss the issues with Ørsted and its experts. Please reach out directly to arrange.

• In BOEM’s environmental impact statements, it states that offshore wind developments will have «no measurable influence on climate change.» Massive industrialization of the Atlantic continental shelf will disrupt the marine environment and significantly reduce primary production in this critical region. Any climate change remedy that harms the ocean could result in a net increase of atmospheric C02 and ultimately an acceleration of global warming. How can you this risk, given the lack of efficacy disclosed in the environmental impact statements?

• BOEM’s Ocean Wind 1 DEIS does not address the cumulative environmental impacts of all projects in the region. Given that BOEM is reevaluating this approach for the NY Bight lease sites, why do you feel it is appropriate to proceed with the permitting process at this time?

• A recent Harvard study indicates that the turbines effect of capturing wind energy will result in warmer ocean temperatures offsetting any potential forecasted benefits. Can you explain how warmer ocean temperatures will benefit the fight against climate change?

• The Atlantic Continental Shelf ecology differs significantly from that of the North Sea. As such how can you predict the impact Ocean Wind I will have on the ecology of our marine, coastal and wetland environments based on your experiences elsewhere?

• Given that NOAA has permitted or is in the final stages of permitting over 700,000 marine mammal Incidental Take Authorizations for offshore wind activities, how can and why do you continue to claim Ocean Wind 1 or any Ørsted sponsored project have not or will not adversely affect(ed) marine life and protected or endangered species?

• Given the impacts of offshore wind on water quality, harmful algal blooms, and even bat survival, how will these developments harm human health, wellness and livelihoods?

• Unlike projects in the North Sea, Ocean Wind 1 would impact the viewshed and recreational waters of New Jersey’s most populated tourist regions in the summer. You have relied on one-sided economic development analyses and kept other impact studies on historical resources confidential. Why will you not allow public access to these documents and findings on how Ocean Wind 1 will adversely influence tourism, historical sites, and overall economic development?

• You have ignored warnings about the importance offish stocks along the East Coast of the U.S. broadly. How can you justiör putting this major food resource at risk and compromising our commercial fishing industry and our seafood stocks?

• Your developments will occupy prime areas previously used by recreational boating and fishing as well as for-hire and party boat fishing charters. Please detail whether boating access to turbine lease sites will be

available or not. Also please justifr the harm you will cause to the livelihoods of those running small businesses related to this industry.

• Your developments will occupy thousands of acres in the middle of the North Atlantic Flyway, a critical migratory path for millions of birds. Such interference violates the Migratory Bird Safety Act. How do you justifr the siting of your projects in this critical pathway and the potential slaughter of hundreds of bird species?

• Likewise proposed Ørsted’s proposed and developments in South Jersey and Delaware waters threaten horseshoe crab habitats, feeding grounds and survival. Please detail and explain your countermeasures for such threats to this oldest-among-us living creature.

• How can Ørsted justify eroding the vistas, soundscapes, and viewsheds from dozens of public beaches in New Jersey? The visual and sound pollution will impact millions of people every year. Humans’ psyche depends on our ability to commune with nature. Spending time on beaches as well as in and on the water affords this. How do you justifr compromising the enjoyment and mental health of the millions of Americans that come here to enjoy nature?

• Our national security depends on protecting our coastline. Offshore wind turbines pose national security risks as the Department of Defense has noted. How are you proposing to address national security concerns.

• Mariner safety risks have been noted and documented by BOEM and the OSW industry. This risk is also a chief concern of the U.S. Coast Guard. How do you justiW this increased mariner risk including the acknowledged potential risk of loss of human lives that the turbines pose?

• The Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects as proposed rely on the taking of property from Ocean City and Cape May County residents through an exception to New Jersey’s Home Rule and Eminent Domain legal standards. How can you justiW this taking of property from American citizens? Further, the action is currently being challenged in court. What is your alternative route if the statutory authority granted the NJBPU in question is overruled? And why was an alternate route not chosen over the preferred route that takes our real property rights in the first place?

• Ocean Wind 1 must comply with Coastal Zone Management Act provisions. These include ensuring shore visual and character preservation, justifring loss of tourism related jobs, and protection of endangered whales and birds, among other provisions. What actual independent evidence supports your claims that you are in compliance with these provisions?

• Noise during construction from pile driving and from nonnal turbine operation is expected to exceed New Jersey nighttime residential criteria. What gives you the right to violate these standards?

• Further to the noise concerns, infrasound poses significant health risks to human beings from heart related to nervous system and stress related conditions. Given the new turbines proposed proximity to millions of residences along the New Jersey shore, many areas could become uninhabitable to human beings based on infrasound levels. At what distances have you measured infrasound levels from the proposed turbine sources over various water conditions? Please disclose and detail all of your infrasound study findings, and if studies are limited, please explain why that is justified prior to proceeding with construction.

• Given that you will transfer the legal and financial liability of these projects to LLCs, how will the projects address unforeseen costs, particularly in the context of unknown maintenance overruns and catastrophic related damages not covered by insurance, among others.

• Decommissioning and disaster recovery. Your emergency response plans and oil spill plans remain confidential, preventing the public from reviewing these plans. Please release these documents and allow the public to evaluate these ourselves. Please also detail how costs related to catastrophic damages and accidents not covered by insurance will be covered.

• Ocean Wind 1 is proposed to be situated in an historically active hurricane path. Please disclose all insurance related documents with respect to various Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 Hurricane damages. If insurance does not cover full replacement and removal costs, please detail how these costs will be covered by the LLC and how they are factored into your OREC costs.

As mentioned, the concerns listed are not meant to be an exhaustive list. Nothing can substitute for meaningful dialogue on issues of importance to those impacted the most. Please contact us to arrange a time and place of convenience to do so.

Protect Our Coast NJ

Defend Brigantine Beach

Save Jersey Shore

Save the East Coast

Save the Horseshoe Crab Guardians of The East Coast

Protect Our Coast Delmarva Windmills in Saltwater Versus the Voices of Reason

Long Beach & Long Island, South Shore Residents

Opposed to Wind Turbines

Local makeup artist tours with Cyndi Lauper

“ you grow up watching these people on TV, idolizing them your whole life, and she was right in front of me,” explains Nafra about her first experience with Lauper.

By Krystle J Bailey

Like countless other 80’s kids, Nafra Gonzalez spent childhood Halloweens decked out in brightly colored hair and eccentric makeup, singing “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” in honor of the iconic Cyndi Lauper. So, when the Egg Harbor Township makeup artist got the call of a lifetime decades later, she couldn’t believe what was being presented to her.

“Do you know Cyndi Lauper?” asked the voice on the other side of the phone.

Nafra had been working as a makeup artist for Mac Cosmetics for 17 years when her trainer called to ask if she was available to do Cyndi Lauper’s makeup for an upcoming summit in Philadelphia.

In a blink, Nafra found herself faceto-face with the timeless star as the newest addition to the Lauper glam team.

a s the summit concluded, Nafra thanked Ms. Lauper for the oncein-a-lifetime experience that, unbeknownst to her, was only about to get better. On the way out the door, Nafra was stopped by a manager who informed her that the legendary artist loved her work and would be in touch about future projects.

almost six years later, Nafra has done makeup for Lauper periodically, including a short United States tour, a trip to the Grammy’s, and attending the Tony awards as Lauper’s “plus one.”

This Spring, Nafra was invited on tour with Lauper and Rod Stewart for the “The Hits!” tour through australia and New Zealand. The mom of two and career esthetician grabbed her passport and hit the road with one of her childhood idols for an experience she does not take for granted.

“When we first got to Sydney, the window of our hotel opened up to the Sydney Opera House,” explains Nafra about her most memorable tour experiences. “I began to cry in front of Cyndi; I was just so thankful.”

Cultural Arts

after six weeks of touring, we asked Nafra how the superstar prefers her makeup, to which she responded, “It’s a day-by-day thing; it really depends on her mood. Some days it’s a soft eye and a red lip, while others involve glitter from lip to brow. She’s unafraid of color or texture, so we do anything!”

a s the australia tour came to an end and Nafra danced to her favorite Lauper songs, she was invited on

stage with Cyndi’s hairdresser and stylist. In a moment of opportunity, she did what any 80’s kid would do. She grabbed the microphone and belted out, “They just wanna, they just wanna!” to a sold-out crowd of fans.

Nafra’s career in makeup and skincare began at an early age. She recalls coloring only the faces of characters in coloring books and telling her mother how pretty the girls looked. a s a high-school student, she attended VoTec for cosmetology and, later,

Nafra Gonzalez of Egg Harbor Township is Cyndi Lauper’s makeup artist and goes on tour with her.

Rizzieri aveda to become a licensed esthetician. She became a makeup artist in Miami at 19 and continued to follow her passion for skin and beauty throughout adulthood. Now, as a mother of two adult boys, when Nafra isn’t on tour with Cyndi Lauper, she works as an esthetician at Drift Day Spa in Northfield.

Nafra looks forward to expanding her career and skill set, including her interest in special effects makeup.

“I want to do a big film,” explains Nafra when asked about the future. “But right now, my priority is Cyndi. I’ve been able to learn so much, and everything has been such a great experience. It’s so surreal.”

a s for her journey with Cyndi Lauper, she is excited to continue working on upcoming projects and events. Nafra’s work will be showcased in Cyndi’s upcoming documentary, “Let the Canary Sing,” being released on June 14th by Sony Music Entertainment.

Keep up with Nafra on Instagram @Nafra25. Mention this article for $10 off when you book an appointment with Nafra at Drift Day Spa.

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

Cyndi Lauper

McAllister wins Elite Dealer of the Year Award

Mc allister Service Company of Somers Point, a Comfortmaker dealer, was one of six dealers recognized at the 2023 International Comfort Products Elite Dealer Meeting in Phoenix May 4.

The awards are based on achievements in customer service, community involvement and growth in brand loyalty.

Mc allister was an Elite Dealer of the year winner.

“I was so proud when we were notified that we had been chosen the ICP Elite Dealer of the year,” Tom Mc allister said. “This award is absolutely one of the proudest moments in the 147 year history of the Mc allister organization. This achievement was made possible because of the hundreds of employees that have helped make this organization what it is today.”

“Our award recipients have made an unparalleled commitment to growing with ICP and providing home -

owners with best-in-class products and customer service,” said Charlie Piranian, General Manager, International Comfort Products. “These dealers demonstrated top-notch performance by surpassing the rigorous standards expected of an ICP Elite Dealer. We are proud of their accomplishments and honored to be their manufacturer of choice.”

In addition to the awards program, attendees participated in factory training, breakout sessions, product and vendor showcases, and received the latest news and updates on ICP.

The ICP Elite Dealer program offers benefits, materials and tools to participating ICP dealers.

To learn more about International Comfort Products visit https://www. icpusa.com/en/us/.

ICP is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NySE: C aRR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

Whitney's Weekly Picks

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Friday, May 26

Time: 5 p.m.

Website: resortsac.com

This is a nonstop party on the Boardwalk beginning at noon with actor Kelsey Grammer on hand to assist with the opening of the sea. There will be live music with bagpipers, a drum line, games and more. Then it all leads to the Beach Ball Drop at 5 p.m.

There are some really fun Memorial Day Weekend happenings, 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.

Who: The New york Bee Gees

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Friday, May 26

Time: 9 p.m.

Tickets: $39 + applicable fees

Website: www.resortsac.com/entertainment-and-shows

Enjoy a night out with the New york Bee Gees as they pay tribute to the band’s popular songs.

What: The 45th anniversary Beach Ball Drop

Who: Sam Hunt

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

When: Friday, May 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

The cool thing about this show is it’s for all ages and there’s a pit in front of the stage for standing room only. So get your tickets to see this unforgettable night of country music.

Who: artist Mark Kostabi

Where: Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor

When: May 27-May 28

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Website: https://www.oceangalleries.com/

See an unparalleled collection of original artwork by artist Mark Kostabi. There is a rare in-person meet the artist appearance for Saturday and Sunday.

Who: Celebrating Billy Joel - america’s Piano Man

Where: Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

When: Friday, May 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.borgata.mgmresorts. com

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Billy Joel’s album “Piano Man” so come see this tribute show, reminisce and honor his music.

Who: Emo Night

Where: anchor Rock Club

When: Friday, May 26

Tickets: FREE

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.tixr.com/ groups/anchorrockclub

Dance the night away with some of your favorite “EMO” songs, presented by Three 3’s Brewery & Von Trapp Brewing.

What: The Burlesque Show

Where: Borgata

When: Thursday, May 26 - Thursday, July 27 (various dates)

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com

Burlesque is back at Borgata featuring a talented, sexy and hilarious cast of dancers, comedians and performers.

has performed thousands of shows for millions of people around the world. This show boasts a powerful 11-piece band, horn section, incredible background vocalists and more.

What: The Golden Girls Murder Mystery

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Saturday, May 27 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: ResortsaC.com

your favorite ladies from the 80s are back at it again, and this time Blanche throws a party that turns deadly, and it’s up to you to solve the mystery.

What: The adjacent Music Festival

Where: atlantic City Beach

When: Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28

Website: adjacentfest.100xhospitality.com

This unique concert experience blends the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors, accompanied by a captivating and immersive visual presentation.

What: Ocean City Walking Club

Where: Ocean City BoardwalkOcean City Music Pier

When: Every Friday

Time: 8 a.m.

to bring a coffee, water and of course, your smile!

What: The Bar None Duel

Where: The Steep Pier

When: Sunday, May 28

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: https://steelpier.com/ Come see Sherry Lynn and Brian Bachorz perform on the Steel Pier for the first time this season.

What: Senses Fail Beach Concert after Party

Where: Caesars Mountain Bar and Boardwalk Saloon

When: Sunday, May 28

Time: 11 p.m.

Website: https://www.caesars.com/ caesars-ac/things-to-do/nightlife/ boardwalk-saloon

Who: Comedian Tom Papa

Where: Borgata

When: Saturday, May 27

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com

Comedian Tom Papa will bring his hilarious standup to the stage at Borgata.

What: EMO Beach Concert Viewing Party

Where: Bally’s Beach Bar

When: Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28

Tickets: $75 admission includes guaranteed table seating, two beverages, lunch entertainment

Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Website: www.ballysac.com

Get up close and enjoy the music of the adjacent Fest while relaxing at the Bally’s Beach Bar. also note that seats are provided at four top tables. So you may be seated with another party if you purchase less than four tickets.

The lineup features over 40 bands on three stages. Plus craft food and beverage experiences, vendors and more.

What: Ventnor Summer Beach Jam

Where: Newport avenue Beach

When: Saturday, May 27 and every Saturday until Sept. 2 Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

Website: www.ventnor.recdesk.com (to be a vendor).

This Ventnor City Summer Beach Concert is a FREE, family friendly, outdoor live music experience which includes food trucks and crafters. It’s on the beach between the Ventnor Boardwalk and the Ventnor Library which includes a playground.

What: 2023 Virtual Run for the animals 5k

Where: Marine Mammal Stranding Center

When: Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28

Tickets: $25

Website: https://runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/Brigantine/MMSCRunfortheanimals

Help support the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. This year's event will be held in a virtual format. all participating runners will receive a certificate via email personalized with your name, time and ranking. This will help support MMSC’s life-saving efforts on behalf of injured marine mammals and sea turtles.

Who: Magical Mystery Doors

Website: https://shorelocalnews. com/new-ocean-city-walking-clubinvites-all-to-stroll-the-boards-weekly/

Created by the Ocean City Healthy Living advisory Council, it’s is a great way to meet new friends, and take in the fresh air on the 2.45-mile boardwalk (4.9 mile round trip) which takes about 90 minutes - but you can stop at any point along the route. People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to come, but don’t forget

Check out this live performance featuring Senses Fail directly after the adjacent Music Festival.

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!

Who: Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis

Where: Golden Nugget

When: Saturday, May 27

Time: 6 p.m. + 9 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city

For nearly two decades, Dean Z

Where: Ocean Casino Resort Ovation Hall

When: Sunday, May 28- Sunday, Sept.

3

Time: 4 p.m. (Every Sunday)

Website: https://www.theoceanac. com/entertainment

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, May 26th

Sam Hunt with Drew Green 8pm Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Celebrating Billy Joel 8pm

The Music Box at Borgata

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

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

Atlantic City Beer and Music

Festival: Dropkick Murphy’s 2-6pm

Bader Field

Chris Young 8pm Ovation Hall at Ocean

Sunday, June 4th

Atlantic City Beer and Music

Festival: 311 12-4pm. Bader Field

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

Umberto Tozzi 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, June 10th

America 8pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Chelsea Handler: The LBB Tour 8pm

Borgata Event Center

Christopher Cross & Justin

Hayward 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Jay Wheeler 8pm & 11:30pm

Tropicana Showroom

Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless

Leg Tour 7pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Sunday, June 11th

Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless

Leg Tour 7pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Friday, June 16th

Nancy Wilson’s Heart 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Buddy Guy 9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

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

Sunil Grover 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Platters, The Coasters and The Drifters Revue 9pm

Golden Nugget

Upgrade your coffee game and treat your taste buds to the delicious, premium coffee they deserve. We roast on-site everyday! Don't settle for less when it comes to your daily caffeine fix. We serve single origin, 100% organic coffee every single day.

Black Turtle Coffee's subscription service is now available for the convenience of having fresh, high-quality coffee delivered right to your door.

(609)887-5017 • 3101 Revere Blvd. Brigantine • blackturtlecoffee.com

Our entire menu is chef-curated, with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

Hand-crafted and made-to-order burgers made fresh, never frozen with 100% natural Certified Angus Beef steak patties.

Shoobie Shake® milkshakes are shaking up the game! A milkshake topped with a big slice of cheesecake? A magical cloud of cotton candy?

Oreos, M&M’s, or Nerds pressed into the side of the glass? Yes, indeed. Our Shoobie Shake® milkshakes are truly works of art, and you probably need one.

(609)453-7200

3101 Revere Blvd. Brigantine

Friday, June 23rd

38 Special 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Gladys Knight 8pm

Borgata Event Center

Tears For Fears w/ Cold War Kids 8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Fifth Dimension 9pm

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Saturday, June 24th

Lettuce & Steel Pulse w/ Makua Rothman 7:30pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Diana Ross 8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Friday, June 30th

Kevin Hart: Reality Check 8pm

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Joe Satriani 9pm

The Music Box at Borgata

The Australian Pink Floyd Show: Darkside 50 9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

On-Sale This Week

Andrew Schulz Saturday, July 29th at 7pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

On-Sale Thursday at 10am

Trombone Shorty Friday, august 25th at 9pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

On-Sale Friday at 10am

“The best coffee I’ve ever tasted” says just about everyone.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, May 25th

Al Olivero 5:30pm

Tuckahoe Inn

1 Harbor Rd., Beesley’s Point

Atley Moon & The Say Somethings

6-9:30pm

The yard at yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

Juicy Trio 6-10pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave., Sweetwater

Don’t Call Me Francis 7-11pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Legacy 7-11pm The Point 998 Bay ave., Somers Point

DJ Luap 8pm

Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

8pm-12am

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

Friday, May 26th

Derek Crider 4-7pm The Point 998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Jimmy Mazz 5-8pm

Bar One at Resorts Casino

1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Kono Nation 5-9pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Jim Fisher 5:30pm

Tuckahoe Inn

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Black Car Gina Trio 6pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Steve Moore & The MIA Band

6:30-10pm

Ventura’s Greenhouse

106 S. Benson ave. Margate

Cat 5 7-11pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

Chaos on the Coast 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

Carlos Scott 7:30pm

yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

Chris Yoder Band 7:30pm

The yard at yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

The Deck Band 7:30-11:30pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

Vicki Auston & Mr. D 7:30-11:30pm

The Pub at St. George

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd., Brigantine

Big Bleu Band 8pm-12am

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

New Jersey British Invasion 8pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House

908 Shore Rd., Somers Point

No Clue Trio 9pm-12am

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City

Coast 2 Coast 10pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Goodman Fiske 10pm

The yard at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave. atlantic City

The Way Outs 10pm

Wild Wild West at Caesars

2100 Pacific ave., atlantic City

DJ Wreck It Ralph 10:30pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Saturday, May 27th

FM Band 12-4pm

Renault Winery

72 N. Bremen ave., Egg Harbor City

Ian & Christina 12-4pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave., Sweetwater

Dane Anthony Band 1-4:30pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

DJ Kurteousy 2-5pm

Deauville Inn

201 Willard Rd. Strathmere

No Pressure 2:30-6:30pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

DJ Perry Angelozzi 4-7pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

The Notion 4-7pm

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

Mersey 5-8pm

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City

Taylor Rhodes 5-8pm

Bar One at Resorts Casino

1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Amy Fadden Duo 5:30pm Tuckahoe Inn

1 Harbor Rd., Beesley’s Point

Gypsy Wisdom 5:30-9pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Ventnor Summer Beach Jam:

Edgardo Citron Band 6pm

Newport avenue Beach

Beth Tinnon 6-9pm

atlantic County Country Club

1 Leo Frazer Dr., Northfield

Dead Reckoning Acoustic Duo

6-9pm

Robert’s Place

7807 Ventnor ave., Margate

High Five Swan Dive Duo 6pm

Villain & Saint at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Shot of Southern 6-10pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave., Sweetwater

↘Continued on 58

Don't Call Me Francis

Outdoor Deck Now Open!

Your New Place For

Amanda & Teddy Band 7pm

Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Sensational Soul Cruisers 7-11pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Go Ham Band 7:30pm

The yard at yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

Indelible Groove 7:30-11:30pm

The Pub at St. George

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd., Brig-

antine

Matt Adams 7:30pm

yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

Party Wave 8pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

The Company 8:30pm

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

Glenn Roberts 9pm-12am

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City

Cheers the Band 10pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

The Swemo Experience 10pm

The yard at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave., atlantic City

DJ Will Mormile 10:30pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Early November 11pm

Wild Wild West at Caesars

2100 Pacific ave., atlantic City

Sunday,

May 28th

Suitcase Murphy Band 12-4pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave., Sweetwater

BMW+ 1-4:30pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Coastal Envy 2-6pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

DJ Smooth 2-5pm

Deauville Inn

201 Willard Rd., Strathmere

The Exceptions 2:30-6:30pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

Magical Mystery Doors 4pm

Ovation Hall at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Big Foot Band 4-7pm

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

DJ Eddie Tully 5-9pm

Vagabond

672 N. Trenton ave., atlantic City

Audio Riot 5:30-9pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Chameleon 5:30pm

Tuckahoe Inn

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Six Pack Rodeo 6-10pm

Renault Winery

72 N. Bremen ave. Egg Harbor

City

NJ British Invasion 7-10pm

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave. atlantic City

Hotlanta 7-10pm

Josie Kelly’s Public House

908 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Sensational Soul Cruisers 7-11pm

Sweetwater Riverdeck

2780 7th ave. Sweetwater

The Verdict 7-11pm

The Point

998 Bay ave. Somers Point

The Way Outs 7pm

Nola’s Bar at Ocean

500 Boardwalk, atlantic City

The Zone 7-11pm

The Pub at St. George

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd., Brigantine

The Part-Timers 7:30pm

The yard at yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern

316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora

DJ Gary 8pm

Bar One at Resorts Casino

1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Don’t Call Me Francis 8pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

Stay Tuned Band 8:30pm

Caroline’s by the Bay

450 Bay ave., Somers Point

Isn’t It Always 10pm

The yard at Bally’s

1900 Pacific ave., atlantic City

The Neptunes 10pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

DJ Nyse 10:30pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Senses Fail 11pm

Wild Wild West at Caesars

2100 Pacific ave., atlantic City

Monday, May 29th

Tom Angello and the Rock’n Blues Band with Budesa Brothers

5-8pm

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

133 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City

Chris Yoder Duo 7-11pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Red 7-11pm

The Deck at Golden Nugget

600 Huron ave., atlantic City

Tuesday, May 30th

Cheezy and the Crackers 4pm

Peace of Wood

345 West ave., Ocean City

Dan Ward 7-11pm

The Point

998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Fat Mezz 7-11pm

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

1000 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Wednesday, May 31st

Brian Kmetz 7-11pm

The Point 998 Bay ave., Somers Point

Paul Jost Quartet 7pm

Gregory’s 900 Shore Rd., Somers Point Open Mic Hosted by Blue Eagle 8pm-12am

Caroline’s by the Bay 450 Bay ave., Somers Point Events subject to change.

Cheap Trick, 50 years in, deliver in concert at Hard Rock Casino

is still a song you get goosebumps hearing. The whole group in general sounded like the well-oiled machine they have remained since first forming in 1973.

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Idon’t want to hear any of this stuff about being “too old to rock n roll” anymore, ever – especially after the stellar concert put on by longtime rockers Cheap Trick at the Hard Rock Casino in atlantic City Saturday, May 20.

Performing in the acoustically-fine Soundwaves a rena, the band: Rick Nielsen, guitar/vocals; Tom Petersson, bass/vocals; Robin Zander, lead vocals/guitars; and Neilsen’s son, Daxx, on drums and vocals – delighted the capacity oldster crowd with the proverbial Cheap Trick songbook.

Fans enjoyed their legendary hits including: “California Man,” “Dream Police,” “I Want you to Want Me,” “Surrender,” “a in’t That a Shame,”

and more as well as a couple of tracks from their most recent album, 2021’s “In another World” (their 20th).

Memorable moments abounded during the hour-plus set, which saw virtually everyone in the audience standing up from the moment the first song was played (and also led us to wonder why this was a seated concert).

Neilsen, known for his incessant playfulness, is still a master of funny faces, still wears some of the most

colorful stage clothes in rock n roll, and still revels in connecting with the crowd with between-song banter. He played a vast array of colorful guitars onstage including one that was actually five guitars put together, which he played at the end of the show. It was probably heavier than it looks, no small feat for a guy in his seventies to lift and play.

Zander flawlessly performed the beautiful ballad, “The Flame,” which

There are bands who retire and get back together for what they call “money tours.” No such thing happened here. Cheap Trick have been playing their unique brand of rock with great hooks for half a century, and man oh man, that’s saying something. Their Hard Rock Casino show was one we won’t soon forget.

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.

Rick Nielsen wields a guitar with five necks at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City Saturday, May 20.

The day that changed the wine world

of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, a Burgundy estate producer of some of the world's best, and most expensive wines. The tastings commenced first with Chardonnays from both countries, and then Cabernet Sauvignons.

Drink Up!

By David Setley

On May 24, 1976, a wine tasting event in Paris, France changed the wine world forever. Steven Spurrier, an Englishman, a wine expert, and an entrepreneur living in Paris brought together the crème de la crème of French winemakers, sommeliers, and wine experts to taste and evaluate wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, France against wines from California’s Napa Valley. you may have heard of the 2008 film, Bottle Shock – a film that loosely depicted the blind tasting in Paris and Spurrier’s trip to California beforehand. Interestingly, Spurrier was not happy with the film, as it was “fast and loose” (his words) with many of the details. That said, the film is entertaining and features some wonderful performances by Chris Pine, Bill Pullman, and the late, great alan Rickman. If you have an opportunity to watch it, enjoy! Just know that it largely fictionalized the true story.

In fact, Spurrier and his colleague, an american named Patricia Gallagher, intended for the blind tasting to be a celebration of the american bicentennial and the 200-year relationship between the US and France, as well as an opportunity to showcase the strides that California winemakers had made in producing good-quality wine. In the 1970s, California wines were still in their infancy and generally assumed to be low-quality. at the suggestion of Gallagher, Steven and his wife traveled to California to tour vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and to select wines he thought might show well in Paris. He chose six Cabernet Sauvignon and six Chardonnay, the two classic French varietals that were also in production in California.

The 1976 blind tasting, which has since become known as The Judgement of Paris, was the first time that new world wines shared space on an international stage with old world wines. On the day of the tasting, nine judges, all French, arrived. a mong them were the esteemed Madame Odette Kahn, editor of a highly prestigious wine magazine in France, and aubert de Villaine, the director

George Tabor, the only reporter willing to accept an invitation to the event, was the only person who knew which wines were from France and which were from the US.

When the scores were totaled, I can just imagine the shock felt throughout the wine world. California dominated the white wine category, with a 1973 Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena the winner, and three additional Ca wines in the top five. In the red category, a 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Stag's Leap Wine Cellars came out on top, edging out a 1970 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild from Bordeaux. Upon hearing the results, Madame Odette Khan demanded (unsuccessfully) her scorecard back so that the world would never know how she scored the wines. aubert de Villaine later described the event as "a kick in the rear for French wine."

Emilion to compare with the J. Lohr Merlot 2020 from Paso Robles, Ca For Chardonnay, try Saint Veran 2020 from Collovray & Terrier against a Sonoma County Chard like Raeburn 2021. Have a friend or partner pour samples of each wine without letting you know what glass came from which bottle.

George Tabor wrote an article for Vanity Fair titled The Judgement of Paris, the event’s eventual namesake. you can even see the score cards and some of the bottles from the event at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. So why was this important? Did it mean that California wine is better than French wine? Not necessarily. But the event did draw attention to the existence and quality of new world wines produced throughout the world.

Blind tastings have become very popular in wine bars, but you can certainly simulate the Judgement of Paris at home. First, select comparably priced wines from California and France. For a red, reach for the Chateau Carbonneau La Verriere 2020 as a Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blend from Bordeaux and compare it with a California Cab such as the Oberon Napa Valley 2021 from the Michael Mondavi Family Cellars. Or, try a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend such as the Clos Castelot 2018 Saint

Evaluate the appearance of each wine based on color and viscosity. Slowly swirl the wine in the glass and observe the “wine legs” that drip down the side. Generally, the more “legs” you see and the slower they cascade down, the fuller the body of the wine. Then, compare the aroma. Think F-E-W: fruit (Cherry, Plum, Lemon, apple, etc.); Earth (Forest Floor, soil, sea mist, etc.); Wood (Oak, Cedar, Pencil Shavings, etc.). Finally, compare the taste. Is it fruit-forward or more Earthy? Is it dry, sweet, or somewhere in between? Is the taste long-lasting, or not so much? Which glass do you think is from which country? a nd lastly, which do you prefer overall? you be the judge!

you can conduct blind tastings for other varietals, regions, and countries. Try Sauvignon Blanc, comparing bottles from New Zealand, California, or France. Test your sense with Pinot Noirs, comparing Burgundy to Willamette Valley, Oregon. The possibilities are endless. 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.

Time to Tiki: 6 Tiki Boat Cruises You Have to Try

By Danielle Davies

You’ve probably seen them – floating parties casually cruising through the bay, often with festive lights and thatched roofs, and always full of people who look like they’re having loads of fun. They’re floating tiki bars, and they are as fantastic as they sound. From mornings on the bay to afternoons stopping at beach bars, they each offer different — and worthwhile — ways to spend your summer days at the shore.

Pau Hana Based out of Somers Point, Pau Hana has nailed the tiki boat tour, offering intimate sound systems with curated playlists (you can DJ yourself, but why bother, when they do it for you?) and multiple different cruises upon their three well-dressed tiki boats — Salty, Tipsy, and Sassy — as well as plenty of catering options including mixers for those summery cocktails you’re

planning. Whether you want to take a two-hour “When the Sun Goes Down” tour in the back bays from 7 to 9 p.m., or soak in the vibes of a Full Moon Tiki Tour from 9:30 to 11:30 during full moons, there’s an adventure just waiting for you at Pau Hana. and when it’s time to set your feet back on land, just grab a souvenir from their Boutiki, which is full of everything you need to remind yourself of your fabulous day on the water. Located at 198 Higbee ave., Somers Point. PauHanaTikiBoat.com

Tiny Cruise Line Further south in Cape May County is the Tiny Cruise Line, with boats located in Wildwood and Cape May. Tiny Cruise Line has two tiki boats, and one ridiculously cool fantail launch boat that replicates the boats that ferried passengers from Schellenger’s Landing to Wildwood Crest in the early 1900s, and one of only two made in the U.S. The tiki boats — Tiny Tiki Too and The Big Bamboo Too — both of which accommodate up to 15 passengers

and crew, have bathrooms, and offer two separate cruises: the 1.5-hour harbor tour or sunset cruise and the 3-hour, 12 passenger bar/restaurant hop OR swimming trip. Guests can bring a cooler for food and snacks, though if you’re doing the bar hop, there will be plenty of eating and drinking options available. With U.S. Coast Guard certified captains, and dual locations, Tiny Cruise Line is accessible, friendly and plenty of fun. Located at South Jersey Marina, 1231 Rt. 109, Cape May. TinyCruiseLine. com

Big Kahuna atlantic City Tiki, the Big Kahuna lives up to its name. you can book this tiki boat for events up to 25 guests and enjoy music, drinks, snacks and a guided cruise. It is the only tiki with its own bar service and liquor license. Open and covered areas, a bathroom and customizable bar service makes this tiki a great choice for private or corporate parties. Events can be booked in advance so you can make sure you're ready for adventure. all you have to bring is your sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and a will to have fun and make memories. Contact 609-7701476 to book a party boat rental.

Cruisin’ Tikis South Jersey Spanning two counties, Cruisin’ Tikis has home bases in both Sea Isle City and Margate, and are a little different than the other tiki cruises that we previously mentioned. For one, these tiki boats are octagonal, and significantly smaller — all boats are regulated for 6 people plus crew, and that includes children. Not to worry if you’re plan -

ON THE BEACH IN SOMERS POINT

JUNE 9 VICTORY CELEBRATION: #1 ON OUR 30TH!

JOHN CAFFERTY & THE BEAVER BROWN BAND

ORIGINAL MULTI PLATINUM "EDDIE & THE CRUISERS" RECORDING ARTISTS DEDICATING THEIR NEW RECORD

“A DAY IN THE SUN”

JUNE 16 CURTIS SALGADO

“THE MAN WHO TAUGHT THE BLUES TO THE BLUES BROTHERS” MULTI AWARD WINNING R&B, FUNK AND SOUL BLUES STAR

JUNE 23 THE TONY MART ALLSTARS “EVERYBODY LOVES ERNIE”

CLASSIC ROCK GUITAR TRIBUTE TO CLAYPTON-SANTANAHENDRIX-THE ALLMAN BROTHERS-JOE WALSHSTEVIE RAY VAUGHN-GEORGE

HARRISON-JOHN LENNON-STEVEN STILLS

JUNE 30 MARTIN BARRE’S MUSICAL HISTORY OF JETHRO TULL FOUNDING MEMBERS TRIBUTE TO THEIR OWN PROGRESSIVE BRITISH ROCK LEGACY

THE SSP’S START THE ROCK ‘N ROLL PARTY

JULY 4 THE BILLY WALTON BAND

MICHAEL “TUNES” ANTUNES

SAXOPHONE STAR OF “EDDIE & THE CRUISERS”

JULY 7 MARDI GRAS IN JULY STARRING JAMES ANDREWS FROM “TROMBONE SHORTY” AND “TREME” TV MUSICAL FAMILY JOE KROWN TRIBUTE TO DR JOHN, PROFESSOR LONGHAIR ALLEN TOUSSAINT & JAMES BOOKER

JULY 14 THE WEEKLINGS BEATLES MUSIC WITH GLEN BURTNIK-STAR OF BROADWAY’S BEATLEMANIA, STYX AND ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

JULY 21 THE DANE ANTHONY BAND PREMIERE NORTHEAST PARTY DANCE BANDTODAY'S DANCE, FUNK, CLASSIC ROCK, MOTOWN, DISCO

JULY 28 GARY US BONDS AND THE ROADHOUSE ROCKERS DICK CLARK TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: LIVING LEGACY & MILLION SELLING CLASSIC ROCK STAR THE HILARIOUS REV BILLY C. WIRTZ

ROCKIN’ BOOGIE WOOGIE PIANO ENTERTAINER

AUG 4 STANLEY JORDAN “STANLEY PLAYS JIMI”

ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST GUITARISTS PAYS TRIBUTE TO HENDRIX

THE BRANDON IRELAND BAND WITH “BIG BOB” ERNANO

AUG 11 TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE

2 TIME GRAMMY WINNERS:

WORLD MUSIC, REGGAE, CLASSIC ROCK

AUG 18 TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAIN KILLERS

MULTI AWARD WINNING

“BB KING ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR”

AUG 25 TOM HAMBRIDGE & THE RATTLE SNAKES

FOUR TIME GRAMMY WINNER PERFORMED WITH BUDDY GUY, MICK JAGGER, PRESIDENT OBAMA, BB KING & HUNDREDS OF STARS

THE E STREET SHUFFLE

PREMIERE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE PARTY BAND

SEPT 1 RED

HOT NEW ALLSTAR SUPER GROUP WITH PATTY BALBO 80’S TRIBUTE – HEART-PRETENDERS-PAT BENATARJANIS JOPLIN CLASSIC PSYCHEDELIC ROCK

SEPT 8 CYRIL NEVILLE WITH OMARI NEVILLE & THE FUEL GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD RECIPIENT WORLD RENOWN STAR OF NEW ORLEANS R&B, FUNK & SOUL THE ONLY “NEVILLE BROTHER” STILL PERFORMING!

THE JIMMY BROGAN BAND

POPULAR JERSEY SHORE ROCKIN’ PARTY BAND

ning a raging soiree of 10…you can rent two tikis and they can be linked together when they are stopped in the bay. Cruisin’ Tiki cruises are all ByOB but there are coolers available on the boats as well as Bluetooth capable surround sound systems. With multiple boats in each location, these tiny tiki huts, complete with the requisite thatched roof and bamboo bar, are perfect for their 1.5 to 2-hour tours, or select 3-hour tours. Whichever cruise or location you choose, be sure to pack your sunscreen and leave your heels at home – flats, flip flops, or sneakers required. Located at 318 42nd Place, Sea Isle City. CruisinTikisSouthJersey.com

Aloha Tiki Cruises

atlantic City’s “first and original authentic tiki boat experience,” a loha Tiki Cruises set sail right from the Golden Nugget Marina, making them an obvious pre- or post- casino adventure. With a second boat almost ready to launch (Tiki 2), aloha Tiki Cruises feature six-passenger, authentic tiki boats with plenty of room for kicking back on colorful adirondack chairs while you’re checking out the back bay between atlantic City and Brigantine. Running 7 days

per week, aloha Tiki offers a number of cruises including a Waikiki Wake Up Cruise from 2 to 4 hours (don’t worry – there’s a bathroom on board) and a Hawaiian Happy Hour Sunset Cruise. New this year and available only on Tiki 2 is the Magical Mermaid adventure. This 75-minute tour guarantees a magical mermaid siting, making it the number one tiki cruise for kids this summer. at least one adult is required. Located at Golden

Nugget Marina, 600 Huron ave., atlantic City. alohaTikiCruises.com

Beachy Tiki Tour Boat If you’re looking to tiki with a crowd, you’re going to want to head to Ocean City and climb aboard the Big Tiki, a “custom-built 40-foot catamaran

with seating for up to 32 people.” With plenty of room for friends — both new and old — the Big Tiki has daily Beachy Tiki Cruises and Happy Hours on Island Time, both 1.5 hours each. also available at Beachy Tiki are two Little TIkis. More intimate than Big Tiki, the Little Tikis are for private charter only and include up to six guests. all the boats have bathrooms and provide premium music with Sirius XM Radio and an adventurous atmosphere. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase on the Big Tiki — guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks,

but they need to be limited to a backpack or over the shoulder soft cooler. Located at 228 Bay ave., Ocean City. BeachyTiki.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.

Don Rickles tradition continues

By Matt Bridgestone AC Jokes

If you talk to any professional standup comedian, they will tell you that comedy works better at night. There's something about the feeling of mischief that only comes out once the sun goes down. The later it gets, the rowdier the crowds become.

This was never on display more than when the legendary Don Rickels would have his live latenight shows in atlantic City and Las Vegas. Rickels would announce 11:30 p.m. start times, but shows wouldn't start until closer to 1 a.m. This was during the height of the Rat Pack, so the first hour and a half was more about seeing who would show up, grabbing drinks, and generally trying to feel like you were part of the cool crowd. Things wouldn't really heat up until Frank and Dean showed up. Legend has it that sometimes Rickles wouldn't hit the stage until 2 a.m., but nobody complained as it was well worth the wait.

The man known as Mr. Warmth would sling insults after insults, but the biggest insult would be if he did not pick on you. People would gladly pay extra for front VIP seats in the hopes of being one of his targets.

Classic lines would include saying to a fat man “ you have a beautiful wife, but be careful in bed or she will wake up flat,” or saying to a skinny man “ you’re an awfully nice guy, but there’s a new thing out now called food.”

Finally, this tradition of late-night comedy is back in atlantic City. ac Jokes has begun 11 p.m. shows on Saturdays at Wild Honey in the Tropicana. This is the first time in over 20 years that you can catch a live late-night comedy show so grab your tickets at www.acjokes.com

The late, great Don Rickels

Atlantic City’s first casino – Resorts –celebrates 45th anniversary in grand fashion

By Scott Cronick

Resorts Casino Hotel may not be the biggest casino in atlantic City, but it certainly is the most historic.

The first casino to open in atlantic City on May 26, 1978, it has withstood the test of time in pretty astonishing fashion. Despite being one of the smallest casinos in atlantic City, it has watched much larger and newer casinos – most notably Trump Taj Mahal, once dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” – come and go while maintaining a successful and impressive presence.

This summer, starting this Memorial Day weekend, the inaugural atlantic City casino will celebrate its 45th anniversary with an array of amazing events, entertainment

and promotions, including its annual Beach Ball Drop, a new ’70s-themed revue show, its first celebrity chef dining experience, major promotions and much more (see sidebar).

Where it all started

The Haddon House, a beautiful, wooden structure built by Samuel and

Susanna Hunt, opened on the current Resorts site in 1869 and was sold to Leeds & Lippincott in 1890. Six years later, the original wood building was razed and rebuilt as a brick building, spending an astronomical (at the time) $200,000 and renamed the larger, more stunning building Haddon Hall. a cross the street, Henry Leeds bought The Chalfonte House in 1900, an eight-story, $1 million brick building that was dubbed atlantic City first skyscraper, opening July 2, 1904. Haddon Hall went through more construction stages in the 1920s, adding an 11-story wing facing the boardwalk followed by a 15-story center and 11-story rear wings later in the decade. When Haddon Hall was completed, it was merged with the Chalfonte by Leeds & Lippincott by a skyway that still exists today.

The Chalfonte-Haddon Hall opened its doors as the largest at-

lantic City hotel in 1929 with 1,000 rooms. It enjoyed great success and was considered one of the premiere hotels in the country.

“From the early days at the turn of the century when it was built as a wooden structure to later when it became Haddon Hall, it was always one of the nicest hotels in atlantic City, and I still it is because of the historic bones in this building are amazing,” said Resorts President and CEO Mark Giannantonio. “People from around the country and the

world would flock to stay here. When Haddon Hall opened, it was one of the top hotels in the country catering to presidents and dignitaries from all over the world. The existing building has such historic legacy, and I think that’s because it’s such an amazing property is one of the reasons it has withstood the test of time.”

World War II, however, paused its success as the hotel became part of “Camp Boardwalk” along with 46 other atlantic City hotels taken over by the United States Military to train soldiers. Th military later merged it with the adjacent Traymore Hotel to become England General Hospital to treat soldiers.

after approximately six years, the Chalfonte-Haddon Hall was returned to its owners and reopened in the late summer of 1946, and instantly was successful again.

“after it was re-established as a hotel, it’s amazing to look at the synergy with the Steel Pier, which was right outside these doors, and the Steeplechase and Million Dollar piers. The city worked in unison to drive tourism and conventions, and Miss america was a main staple of this city, and this hotel was a very important part of the early days. a I think it speaks to atlantic City and the staying power atlantic City has had for more than 125 years. The island has had so many challenges, but it’s still one of the most traveled destinations in america. That’s quite remarkable.

Transformation to Casino

Even though Resorts didn’t open until 1978, the path started 10 years earlier when Resorts International formed after learning of a planned fourth attempt to bring casino gam bling to New Jersey and limiting it to atlantic City. after extensive and expensive lobbying and eventually buying 55 more acres of land on the atlantic City Boardwalk after ac quiring Chalfonte-Haddon Hall from Leeds & Lippincott, Resorts Interna tional actually reduced its room count from 1,000 to 566 to make room for a casino, restaurants, shops and a

showroom.

after being briefly named The Palace Hotel in 1977, it was renamed Resorts International in 1977 and opened as a casino 10 a.m. May 26, 1978, drawing tens of thousands of people who waited in massive lines to get in after Gov. Brendan Byrne performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting and entertainer Steve Lawrence threw out the ceremonial first dice in a legendary photo where he is surrounded by politicians and Resorts executives.

Within a matter of months, Resorts International became the No. 1 grossing casino in the world.

Overseeing Resorts holds a special place in Giannantonio’s heart. He remembers working at the legendary Orsatti’s restaurant as busboy when he was 14 years old, remembering the day gaming was passed in the legislature and later waiting in line to get into Resorts when it opened. He eventually worked at Resorts, starting as a room service waiter in 1982

Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel

while a Stockton student, and holding many other jobs there before moving on to another casino.

“We waited in line and there was this excitement for a new era for atlantic City,” Giannantonio said. “a s a kid, I didn’t know atlantic City fell on hard times, but it did, and casinos were a catalyst for the future of atlantic City, and it really helped moved atlantic City forward, and Resorts was the first to do that. When it opened, it took the world by storm being the first gaming operation outside of Nevada. a s a teenager I remember going to Resorts and later the other casinos that were being built and taking photos with my camera thinking how the city was being transformed right before my eyes. and then when I came to work here for five years in the ’80s, it was an incredible learning lesson dealing with vibrant visitors or taking care of the stars backstage. What an incredible experience that was for any young man, and all that energy was just amazing. That’s frankly when I fell in love with the business and never left it.”

Entertainment was a major part of Resorts’ early success, hiring legends like Gene Kelly, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles to headline. Jackie Gleason and the cast of “The

Honeymooners” even performed a show there.

“When you think of entertainment, even prior to gaming, there was the 500 Club and Skinny D’amato, who certainly had some of the biggest acts play there like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack,” Giannantonio said. “For a while, atlantic City had some of the greatest entertainment in the world, whether at the Steel Pier or wherever. and then when Resorts opened, all of the big names played here first. and that is something that has also stood the test of time the last 45 years because atlantic City still has – on any given weekend – the greatest performances in america. and that is something to be really proud of as a destination.”

Ownership changes

Of course, other casinos – bigger and more extravagant - like Caesars atlantic City weren’t far behind, eroding Resorts’ initial success and leading them to selling it in 1987 to talk show host and entertainer Merv Griffin, who

would use his status to attract even more entertainers and even filmed one of his game shows, “Ruckus,” at the resort. Griffin also would broadcast a New year’s Eve special on the rooftop of Resorts with local journalist David Spatz to receive incredible national exposure for Resorts.

Griffin spent $90 million making improvements to the property, but he couldn’t compete against the newer casinos opening, including Trump Taj Mahal next door, selling it to Sun International in 1998. Under Sol Kerzner, a $50 million expansion and renovation helped the property compete, but they decided to sell to Colony Capital at a significant loss. Colony also had its issues, but it did

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accomplish one major thing by building the 459-room Rendezvous Tower to boost its room inventory to 942 and help Resorts compete against its larger competitors. Without it, Resorts would likely not exist today.

Current ownership

The best thing to ever happen to Resorts was Dennis Gomes and Morris Bailey. The former Tropicana Casino and Resort president Gomes and Real Estate Magnate Bailey bought the casino out of default from Colony and initially transformed it to a Roaring Twenties theme when it was purchased in 2010.

after Gomes’ shocking death in 2012, Bailey took over operations and entered an agreement with Mohegan Sun to manage the casino, eventually hiring Giannantonio as president, another brilliant move that has paid off in the long run.

“Morris and Dennis really strategized and invested and transformed this property,” Giannantonio said. “Dennis’ untimely death was just a shock to everyone, including me. When I came here following his death, it was a little surreal to be honest.”

Under Bailey’s ownership, Resorts added Margaritaville on the boardwalk, the Landshark on the beach, renovated the entire casino floor as

Resorts Anniversary Celebration

Friday, May 26

Noon to 5 p.m.: Entertainment on boardwalk featuring The Kilted Rogues Bagpipers, Brittany Lynn from Philly Drag Mafia, New york Bee Gees, “Disco Inferno”

1 p.m.: Opening of the Sea with Kelsey Grammer, Mayor Marty Small Sr.

1 to 7 p.m.: Free anniversary tote bag for Star Card members

5 p.m.: Beach Ball Drop on boardwalk

9 p.m.: New york Bee Gees in Superstar Theater

all day and all summer: Pop-up bar Lounge78 and sand sculptures by John Gowdy

well as most of its rooms, teamed up with DraftKings to open one of the nicest sportsbooks in the city and added great restaurants like Doughertys Steakhouse & Raw Bar and a world-class convention center, while recently spending $5 million to renovate its pool to include a retractable dome.

But all of it was done with respect to the history of the property.

“We spent about $175 million here since Morris bought the property in 2010,” Giannantonio said. “We try to keep the historic architectural aspects of the property as best we can. When you go to the dining level where Capriccio’s and Dougherty’s Steakhouse are, much of that architecture is painstakingly kept because you can’t duplicate it. you can fake it, but when you look at the Capriccio veranda and the arched walls with stone columns, you can’t replicate that. This is all real architecture with the original frescoes. The ceiling in front of Dougherty’s is all original. We have gone through great efforts to preserve the historic value of this building.”

Saturday, May 27

2 to 10 p.m.: Free pull of first slot machine to win $10,000, receive commemorative gift

Sunday, May 28

4 to 9 p.m.: $100,000 promotion, including $45,000 grand prize

Anniversary celebration

Of course, no anniversary would be complete without a massive celebration, and Resorts’ 45th anniversary will begin this weekend, starting 1 p.m. Friday, May 26, when “Frazier” star Kelsey Grammer, who is in town regularly to promote his Faith american Brewing Co., will join Mayor Marty Small Sr. to host the annual opening of the sea, followed by boardwalk entertainment including the Kilted Rogues Bagpipers, Brittany Lynn from Philly Drag Mafia and the New york Bee Gees at 2 p.m., who will later perform a ticketed show in the Superstar Theater at 9 p.m., along with the Beach Ball Drop at 5 p.m. featuring 5,000 beach balls.

Other weekend activities include

a Resorts’ 45th anniversary tote bag giveaway, sand sculptures throughout the property by renowned local artist John Gowdy – a monopoly board, lifeguard boat and lifeguard, Mr. Peanut, and the iconic building – and the debut of Bar One’s latest pop-up installment titled Lounge78, which will be open all summer and maybe even longer.

On Saturday, May 27, guests can get a free pull on the very first slot machine – a 1975 Bally Honey Money - that went live at Resorts to possibly win $10,000.

On Sunday, May 28, Resorts will have a $100,000 promotion with a grand prize of $45,000.

Starting June 25 and continuing to Oct. 29, the revue show “Disco Inferno,” an allen Valentine production, will be performed every Sunday evening; and Giannantonio promises other big promotions.

Other big news includes the arrival of a major celebrity chef concept to be announced soon that will be located on the boardwalk, as well as a major expansion of Landshark.

The future of Resorts

Giannantonio is not just bullish about Resorts’ future, but the future of the whole city, predicting this summer will be one of its most successful in years.

But he is particularly adamant that Resorts’ 45th anniversary celebration this summer will be one of many more to come.

“We are a people company, and we not only invest in the property, but in our team members, who are our greatest asset,” Giannantonio said. “This company is not worried about next month or the quarter or even the year, it’s about long-term sustainability of the property, and we are on strong footing and compete with the largest properties in town when it comes to customer service, fun and excitement. The future of Resorts is to continue to innovate. If we keep investing in the property and our employees, that’s what will make us successful for the next 45 years.”

(For more information go to ResortsAC.com, and to watch the retrospective Resorts video, go to Resorts Casino Hotel’s YouTube page.)

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

30th Anniversary season of Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point

Named Nation’s Best Outdoor Concert Series by USA Today

June 9 - Victory Celebration: No. 1 on Our 30th!

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band Original multi-platinum band from “Eddie and The Cruisers.” Dedicating their new record, “a Day In The Sun.”

June 16 – Curtis Salgado “The man who taught the blues to the Blues Brothers.” Multi-award-winning R&B, funk, and soul, blues star.

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

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

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

July 7 – Mardi Gras in July Star-

ring James Andrews From “Trombone Shorty” and “Treme” TV Musical Family. Joe Krown tribute to Dr. John, Professor Longhair allen Toussaint and James Booker.

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

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

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

aug. 4 – Stanley Jordan “Stanley Plays Jimi.” One of the world's greatest guitarists pays tribute to Hendrix.

The Brandon Ireland Band with “Big Bob” Ernano.

a ug. 11 – Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience Two-time Grammy winner, world music, reggae, classic rock.

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

a ug. 25 – Tom Hambridge and The RattleSnakes Two-time Grammy winner performed with Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, President Obama, BB King, and hundreds of stars. The E Street Shuffle: Premier Springsteen tribute band.

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

Sept. 8 Cyril Neville With Omari Neville & The Fuel Grammy Lifetime achievement award recipient. World renowned star of New Orleans R&B, funk, and soul. The only “Neville Brother” still performing.

The Jimmy Brogan Band i Popular Jersey Shore rockin’ party.

Saturday

Sept. 9 – Good Old Days Festival in Kennedy Park

Photo by John Loreaux

Memorial Day weekend and beyond offers a plethora of musical choices at the Shore

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Over the three months between Memorial Day and Labor Day there will be no shortage of entertainment options, enough big-name casino shows and local/area bands/events to satisfy virtually any culture vulture.

No Losers Here: One of the truly unique events taking place this Sum -

mer is North To Shore, three culture-filled weeks of music, comedy, film and technology, taking place in atlantic City June 4 through June 11 (the other dates/locations are a sbury Park (June 14-18) and Newark (June 21-25).

In atlantic City, events will be taking place throughout the week, at a myriad of locations. One that really caught our attention: Joe McGinty and The Losers Lounge, who perform

at the anchor Rock Club in aC on June 8. McGinty – based in New york but also with a home here in Ventnor – is a respected composer, arranger, bandleader and keyboardist based in New york City.

The Losers Lounge, which McGinty formed and curates, is a New york City nightlife institution whose past celebrity guest performers have included Richard Dreyfuss, Moby, Parker Posey, Debbie Harry, Lee Hazlewood, Paul Williams, Cyndi Lauper, John Cameron Mitchell, Fred Schneider, Joey Ramone, John Flansburg of They Might Be Giants, Ronnie Spector, anne Magnuson, Michael Cerveris, Joan Jett, Ian Hunter, Fred armisen, and many more.

They were the house band for Comedy Central's “Night of Too Many Stars” benefit for autism education; a mfa R (backing Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Elton John and Dionne Warwick); plus several MoveOn events and The David Lynch Foundation.

McGinty also owns Sid Gold’s Request Bar, a retro-piano-karaoke bar with locations in New york City, Nashville, and Detroit, in addition to owning/operating Carousel Vintage Recording Studios in Brooklyn. Oh, and he once was a member of renowned post-punk group The Psychedelic Furs.

“I was born in atlantic City and grew up nearby,” said McGinty in a recent email interview, when asked what the atlantic City/Jersey Shore area means to him personally. “My family ran the cable company here for many years, so I have deep roots! My first professional gig was playing with the lounge act “Franco and Mary Jane” at Resorts International in 1983. I’m always rooting for aC to make a comeback and it’s exciting seeing all of the positive things going on here. and North2Shore is one of them. It’s great to be involved!”

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

a sked to describe the Losers Lounge in more detail, McGinty replies, “The Loser’s Lounge started out as a loose collective of local New york musicians that would get together to pay tribute to artists that may have been under-appreciated at the time. at any given show, the band backs up over twenty different singers, each doing their interpretation of a song from the artists’ catalog. Everything from crowd-pleasing hits to lesser-known deep cuts.

“When it started it was a bit ragtag, but as the show has grown (and the audience has grown) the band has

become super tight, and we’ve had stars from Broadway, stage and screen and popular music join us in the show. There’s also a bit of an atlantic City connection to the name: When driving to atlantic City, you’re bombarded with billboards advertising the “High Rollers Club,” “Big Winners Lounge” and the like. I thought it would be nice to have a place where the losers can hang out and have fun, too.”

Come on out to the anchor June 8 and see Joe McGinty and the Losers Lounge, where every loser is actually a winner!

Other Memorial Day Happenings: Ill Rendition, an aC-based indie rock trio, will provide the music this Saturday, May 27 at the opening of the Outdoor Deck at The Vue, the scenic rooftop lounge at The Claridge located 23 stories above the ground. Go for the view at the Vue, it can’t be beat.

Ventnor City Summer Beach Jams: If you’re a bicycle rider as we are, check out 2023’s first Ventnor Summer Beach Jam, also this Saturday, on Newport avenue Beach right off the Boardwalk, with The Citron Band bringing their Latin-flavored sounds beginning at 6 p.m.

Other scheduled acts include popular aC Top 40 party band No Pressure (June 10); Jersey Tenors (opera-rock 4 Seasons tribute) on July 1; and Parrott Beach (Jimmy Buffet tribute) on aug. 19. Family friendly and free (and, you can ride your bike to the shows). Full summer schedule at https://www. facebook.com/ventnorcityspecialevents.

Let’s Dance: WLFR 91.7 FM Lake Fred Radio is in the house at the anchor this Saturday as well, with Lauree, Fones, Baby Sinister (Phoebe) and Bob Portella spinning starting at 8PM. Rock, punk, funk, indie, hip hop and more will keep you dancing all night. you know their shows, now see them live on Saturday! #alternative #WLFR #anchorRockClub.

Joe McGinty and the Losers Lounge will perform at the Anchor June 8.

Chucktown BBQ Ignites Atlantic City's Taste Buds with a Smokin' Grand Opening

Chucktown BBQ, a soon to be renowned name in the world of barbecue, is excited to kick off Memorial Day Weekend with the grand opening of its location inside the Tennessee avenue Beer Hall in atlantic City. Starting May 26, visitors and locals alike can relish in the tantalizing flavors of authentic barbecue like pulled pork, smoked sausage, brisket, ribs and an assortment of mouthwatering sauces.

Situated outdoors in the bustling Tennessee avenue Beer Hall yard, Chucktown BBQ is poised to redefine the culinary landscape of atlantic City. Combining the rustic charm of the beer hall with the art of barbecue, this new staple promises a truly memorable dining experience for guests.

"Our goal is to bring an added, one-of-a-kind experience to atlantic City" said Executive Chef Charles Soreth, owner and pitmaster of Chucktown BBQ. "We wanted to create an atmosphere where everyone

could enjoy the rich flavors of Carolina-inspired barbecue, paired with the lively ambiance of the Tennessee avenue Beer Hall."

at Chucktown BBQ, guests can expect a menu curated and inspired by down-home Carolina BBQ, satisfying even the most discerning barbecue aficionados. Offering both pulled pork and chicken, prepared to perfection, the meat melts in your mouth with its exceptional tenderness. The smoked sausage is bursting with rich flavors, but for those craving a taste of smoked excellence, the brisket is a musttry, and no barbecue experience is complete without a succulent rack of their perfectly charred ribs. The culinary journey is elevated with an array of sauces, allowing guests to customize their plate to suit their individual preferences, including the pairing of classic sides like collard greens, potato salad, Carolina slaw and BBQ beans. Savor your meat by the half or full pound, or atop an expertly crafted sandwich.

Soreth further revealed the catchy name is rooted in his own upbringing, “Growing up sharing the same name as my Father, the nickname Chuck was ensued on me as a way to differentiate us. Then after spending a lot of time in Charleston, deemed by locals as ‘Chucktown,’ I came to adapt the nickname of the iconic Southern city to my own concept right in the heart of atlantic City.”

Follow the smoke to the outdoor yard, the heart and soul of the smokin' haven, where you’ll step into the tantalizing aroma of mesquite filling the air, and the lively 40-seat atmosphere inviting you to kick back, relax and soak in the true essence of Southern hospitality. a friendly server will take your BBQ order and grab you a round from inside. With an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails available from the Beer Hall, guests can relish in the perfect pairing with their barbecue feast. Expect future collaborations, including a one-of-a-kind BBQ smoked Old Fashioned.

Dine in or take out, the outdoor walls surrounding the smoker will soon boast a three-story mural painted by a local atlantic City artist. Catering will also be available, as well as options to book your next birthday or bachelorette party up close and personal with the pitmaster.

Chucktown BBQ inside Tennessee avenue Beer Hall will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. until the mouthwatering BBQ delights sell out. This limited availability was crucial to Chef Soreth, ensuring each guest is treated to the freshest and most delectable barbecue experience.

Chucktown BBQ atlantic City’s most exciting street welcomes Chucktown BBQ just steps away from the yard at Tennessee avenue Beer Hall. Chucktown will offer Carolina inspired BBQ by Executive Chef Charles Soreth, and enjoy all the beers and cocktails you love from Tennessee avenue Beer Hall. For more information call (609)-5414099.

You will be Hooked by Spiegelworld at Caesars Atlantic City

to the bank.

Now, the bad news: The Gazillionaire, the raunchy, filthy, hilarious absinthe master of ceremonies, will not be coming to atlantic City.

By Scott Cronick

So, there’s some good news and bad news about Spiegelworld coming to atlantic City summer.

First, the good news: Ross Mollison, the witty, personable aussie who is the founder and Impressario Extraordinaire of Spiegelworld, assures everyone that The Hook and its sister restaurant Superfrico will be unlike anything atlantic City has ever seen before.

If you have ever seen any of the three shows on the Las Vegas Strip that Spiegelworld produces – “absinthe” at Caesars Palace, “Opium” at The Cosmopolitan, along with the Italian american psychedelic restaurant Superfrico and speakeasy Ski Lodge, and “atomic Saloon Show” at The Venetian, you can take his word

“I know that will be a relief,” Mollison joked. “at least for me … because he’s a very exacting boss. He’s very hard to work for.”

Here’s The Hook

Spiegelworld, which in my opinion hosts the three must-see shows in Vegas – particularly a bsinthe, my favorite, is about to change atlantic City – and Caesars - in a big way.

a lot of companies and restaurants and shows say that, but Spiegelworld will actually do it … in so many ways.

For starters, there has always been the question if atlantic City can sustain a year-round attraction like Vegas’ long-running shows?

Spiegelworld will put that question to the test.

No other show has even attempted to do this since “Legends in Concert” closed on the Claridge stage many moons ago … it has to be at least a decade, if not 15 or more years.

SOUTH

If anyone was going to succeed, it would be Spiegelworld, and it will do so with The Hook, a dual name for both the theater and the show the Vegas-based company will debut on June 30 inside Caesars in the space that was formerly a slot hall that connected Caesars to the Wild Wild West Casino.

The company is being smart and historic about how it attempts this pretty miraculous feat, starting by paying homage to the stunning Warner Theatre, an atlantic City Boardwalk icon dubbed the “Wonder Theatre of the World.” Opening in 1929, the building became an East Coast mecca for star-studded entertainment, featuring more than 4,000 seats.

Back when Bally’s atlantic City was transforming its façade to its Wild West theme, someone was smart enough to basically save the stunning original, ocean-view façade of the Warner. Now, Spiegelworld is taking it to another level, restoring the former front of the theater – including its stained glass - to not only look better than it probably has ever looked, but it will also serve as the theater’s Boardwalk entrance.

“a s soon as I saw the façade, I thought someone was clever enough to leave this here,” Mollison said. “When the rest of this building was torn down, the façade was saved, and as part of the renovation, we are doing a lot of work. We started at the top and worked all the way down.”

Once inside, guests will be treated to Superfrico and a myriad of discoverable bars – including one on the boards – but more on that later.

The main attraction is The Hook, “a riotously funny, seductively beautiful show that completely lures you in,” according to Spiegelworld.

It is only for adults, only in atlantic City.

“Expect Spiegelworld’s signature blitz of the ridiculous, the funny, the jaw-dropping and the superhuman,” Spiegelword announced, adding it will feature an international cast directed by British comedy director, Cal McCrystal (“atomic Saloon Show,” “One Man Two Guvnors”).

Other than that – and the fact that there is no Gazillionaire - Mollison is quite tight lipped about what exactly The Hook will be. a preview video shows cirque-like acts doing crazy stunts wearing exotic costumes and interacting with the audience in The Hook as well as Superfrico.

“ you have to come see it yourself to understand,” he said of the 420-seat theater. “I would say it’s a world first. No one has seen anything like this before. The show goes into the restaurant, and the restaurant goes into the show. actors will participate in the restaurant. all I can say is I think we continue to evolve. a lot of the places do the same thing every year, but every time we try to create a new show, create a whole other experience. yes, there will be components of ‘absinthe’ and ideas from ‘Opium’ and ‘atomic Saloon’ and other things.”

a s for the theater itself, it’s going to be gorgeous, featuring super high ceilings, a balcony, ornately painted proscenium and balcony border, and giant overhead catwalks with access to the roof that somehow gives Mollison pleasure, but he wouldn’t elaborate.

“It will have incredible intimacy,” he said. “For those who have seen our shows in Vegas, I would like to see this as a melding of the ‘absinthe’ theater with the ‘atomic Saloon’ theater. It has the scale that comes with ‘absinthe’ at Caesars Palace right on the strip, but it equally has the intimacy of the ‘atomic Saloon.’ We didn’t build

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Ronnies Golf Hospital

Pro Shop & Driving Range

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this to do a house musical or play or do cinema. Unlike many theaters, we built this for us designed to our exact specifications for Spiegelworld.”

A Star is Born

Spiegelworld actually began not too far north in New york City on Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport on the East River in 2006 with “absinthe.”

“I always loved the boardwalk … I always love the pier,” Mollison said. “at the time, it was a derelict pier, nobody could care less. you go back there now, and you look at what we helped create: a n entertainment mecca with restaurants. That’s what’s happening there right now, and we are pleased to have been part of it.”

Spiegelworld expanded there to include other shows, a restaurant, hammock garden, outdoor bars, VIP cabanas and a late-night music program. The company eventually toured before opening an enhanced version of “absinthe” at Caesars Palace Las Vegas in 2011 in a 650-seat spiegeltent – which is where Spiegelworld got its name – right outside Caesars’ main lobby before becoming such a hit that a custom-built, more permanent tent was constructed there. Still running, “absinthe” was named the No. 1 greatest show in Las Vegas history by Las Vegas Weekly. Having seen it – and most other long-running shows in Vegas – it’s hard to disagree.

Throughout the years, Spiegelworld returned to New york City with a new show, “Empire,” in Times Square, later touring it to Sydney, a ustralia, New Zealand, Tokyo, Portland, Toronto and Montreal; premiered multiple shows in Las Vegas, including “Vegas Nocturne” at The Cosmopolitan, among many other projects resulting in “Opium” and its outer space theme at the Cosmo in 2018 and its Wild Wild West-themed atomic Saloon Show in 2019 at The Venetian, the latter two which are both still performing.

In a pretty stunning move this past January, Spiegelworld purchased the whole town of Nipton, Calif., - population 15 to 20 - for $2.5 million, stating it will become its new base of operations and where Spiegelworld will “retreat to dream, create and undertake unfettered artistic experimentation.”

Libations Galore

you certainly won’t go thirsty inside – or outside - The Hook.

Right outside the main entrance guests can have a drink and a bite at Cheval de Plongee, a French, tonguein-cheek play on the bar that guests will first find when they walk inside, the Horse Dive Bar – obviously homages to the Steel Pier’s diving horse

shows – that will feature a glow from the boardwalk through the stained glass.

Once they get inside the theater, there will be another as-of-nowunnamed bar, plus another inside Superfrico.

Each bar will have unique, themed specialty cocktails … nearly 40 in total, including a yummy, sweet but boozy Cracker Jack-themed one we were treated to on a recent tour.

“a ll of it is themed around this incredible story of what used to be an attraction in atlantic City, and it’s something we decided to look back at because it’s an incredible story,” Mollison said. “It’s an incredible part of history. But no horses will be diving. Both the Horse Dive Bar and Cheval de Plongee will have very different feels. On the Boardwalk you can have a delicious Superfrico chicken parm sandwich as well as an array of cold sandwiches. and, of course, there will be great cocktails on both because that’s the best way to enjoy a Spiegelworld show: With a cocktail in hand … or a beer of a glass of wine.”

Superfrico

Spiegelword’s Italian concept Superfrico is literally hidden backstage of The Hook.

The 150-seat restaurant opened its first location in Las Vegas in 2021, offering Italian, psychedelic comfort food featuring random live performances.

“It has always been close to my heart that when you go to a circus in Europe, they say, ‘Come back to our kitchen backstage and let’s have dinner after the show.’ and you go back and have dinner with all of the actors,” Mollison said. “That’s the modern hospitality concept here that combines entertainment and food and beverage of the absolute quality.”

When you first enter Superfrico, the Backdrop Bar will be the first thing you see and will feature a DJ. Then there are several small dining rooms, including The Dressing Room, some secret ones that guests will have to find when Superfrico opens, as well as the aviary, which will feature an audubon Collection from an esteemed amerian artist.

“I love the idea of being surrounded by the sea … and birds,” Mollison said. “Going to a restaurant … it’s not about the artwork matching the upholstery. It’s about the artwork matching the love of life. It’s very personal to me.”

The kitchen, a chef’s dream come true with all-new equipment and plenty of space, will crank out amazing pizza, square and round; appetizers like hamachi crudo, fried mozzarella, spicy soppressata meatballs and grilled oysters; pastas like shrimp scampi

spaghetti, Trapanese pesto gemelli, beef cheek rigatoni and brown butter gnocchi; main dishes such as fresh fish, roasted sea scallops and chicken and eggplant parm; an array of steaks including a 40-ounce Tomahawk; and desserts ranging from roasted coconut panna cotta to banana walnut tartufo.

But Mollison promises atlantic City’s Superfrico will also be reverential to the history of atlantic City, particularly the legendary Hackney’s, which started as a clam shack in 1912 and grew to the largest restaurant in the world, featuring 3,200 seats and taking up a full block of the boardwalk along absecon Inlet by 1929. Even at that size, there were lines down the boardwalk to get in.

“There will be a couple homages to the menu,” Mollison said. “When I saw the old pictures of the staff dressed up as a lobster – what a fantastic piece of history. and who doesn’t love lobster? Why not celebrate that? Hopefully some of the dishes we create here, we can take out to Las Vegas.”

Mollison also said there will be a dining experience that comes in from the loading dock … “but that’s a secret.”

Countdown begins

a lthough it is still under major construction, Mollison said both The

Hook, Superfrico and all of its bars will be ready by June 30. Reservations can already be made at Spiegelworld. com.

“This is going to give people an impetus to head to atlantic City instead of New york,” he said. “Come to an incredible restaurant and see an incredible show. There is nothing like this show in New york … no contemporary adult entertainment in this space. Fact check me: Tell me what is the closest thing Spiegelworld does to New york?”

No fact check needed. We believe you. and we know Spiegelworld will kill it in atlantic City.

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

Atlantic Cape’s Academy of Culinary Arts Program Graduates

Encouraged to Make Goals and Dream Big at Awards Ceremony

Years of hard work, perseverance and passion for the culinary arts culminated with a milestone in the lives of atlantic Cape Community College’s academy of Culinary a rts’ (aC a) graduates as they were recognized during the aCa’s 41st annual awards Ceremony on May 17 in the Quad on the Mays Landing campus.

atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba honored the 30 culinary arts and 13 baking & pastry graduates, and reflected the aCa’s excellence and professionalism.

“I am so very proud of the academy of Culinary arts. It is indeed our signature program here at atlantic Cape. I am reminded of the accomplished chefs, bakers and restaurateurs who have come through our doors and gone on to great careers across the country and the globe. The academy has truly earned its reputation as an institution of excellence,” Gaba said. “The success of our academy’s graduates rests on the shoulders of our Chef educators. They are the consummate professionals and they are integral to the academy’s excellence. all of our graduates here today rose up to meet their challeng-

es to become the best they can be.”

atlantic Cape’s Senior Dean of Liberal Studies and Culinary a rts Dr. Denise Coulter commended the graduates for overcoming the long days and hours that were required to complete the culinary academy, and offered meaningful advice as well.

“What a remarkable moment. you can leave here knowing you possess the necessary skills to take that next step forward in your careers. The possibilities are endless so aim big!,” Coulter emphatically stated. “Hold on to your dreams, but remember that you are responsible for making them come true. Do the things that will get you to that goal. We are so proud of you and we wish you the very best.”

Guest speaker and 1992 gold medal academy of Culinary arts alumna Deborah Pellegrino, executive director chef at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, implored the graduates to shoot for the stars.

“Dream big! Be positive, be honest, have integrity and lead by example. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,

don’t let negativity influence you, choose to be positive, a good human, kind, flexible, tolerant and never lose focus,” said Pellegrino, who has also been a Food Network Challenge winner and world-traveling private chef. “ you can make your future happen. always strive to be better and the knowledge you gain from your experiences can never be taken away from you.”

Chef Educator Vincent Tedeschi introduced this year’s Valedictorian Cole Perfetti and bestowed upon him the Nathan Schwartz award, which was created in his memory. Schwartz, who was a role model to many of his fellow students, was an exceptional

scholar and member of the academy of Culinary a rts’ first graduating class in 1983. He was also a non-traditional student who returned to college after a professional career and raising a family. Unfortunately, following his graduation that year, he tragically passed after an automobile accident.

Perfetti spoke to the culinarians’ importance in not only cuisine, but in culture and art.

“It is my honor and privilege to stand before you all. I want to thank our wonderful group of instructors and mentors, faculty and friends all who have gone above and beyond in an effort to raise us to new heights,” Perfetti said. “The culinary arts are forever evolving as we discover and develop these flavors of bliss and community. The culinary arts protects, teaches and defines culture. We recognize the next generation of chefs today who will usher in the future of food, culture and art. This class is the pinnacle of headstrong determination and will stop at nothing to lay their claim. I have hope and

confidence that we will all do just that.”

Chef Educator Ruth LaTorre recognized the graduating officers of the Culinary Students a ssociation (CSa) with a gift to thank them for their leadership over the past year. They included President Elvis Rodriquez, Vice President Danina White, Treasurer Zachary Martin and Secretary amber Devine.

a s emotion and admiration filled his eyes and voice, Director of the academy of Culinary arts and Hospitality Joseph Sheridan offered some closing words to his graduating class.

“Take a moment to reflect on your journey. you have risen to the challenges that have come your way and emerged as the professional culinarians you are today. your culinary education does not end when you leave here today. It is a lifelong

endeavor,” Sheridan said. “Remember that you are not just cooks, you are storytellers. you are nourishers of the soul and guardians of the culture of cuisine.”

Sheridan also espoused the merits of traveling in a culinary professional’s life and career.

“I urge you all, if you are able to do so, to please travel. It is an incredibly enriching part of your journey. It offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, expand your culinary knowledge and gain valuable insight into diverse cultures and cuisines.”

and in parting, Sheridan reminded his graduates to, “remember to share your knowledge with others. This is how we create our legacies. and never forget those who have helped you along this journey.”

Culinary arts recipients: Hudhiyfah abdulhaqq, Chandler accardi,

Jonathan ahlum, ahmad Brooks-Vick, Tiana Brown, antonio Bruno, Jocelyn Caceres, Jared DeNicola, amber Devine, Lexi Hamilton, Noah Johnson, Marina Kebalo, Isaac Kiess, Hannah Lashley, Matthew Lashley, Michael Licari, Mason Mangione, Zachary Martin, Daniel Mendez, Julian Molina, Caroline Muhlbaier, Cole Perfetti, Nathan Price, Elvis Rodriquez, Quincy Smalls, Ethan Szymanski, Benjamin Taylor, Tommy Tran, Jason Ulrich and Danina White.

Baking & Pastry recipients: Brittany Bates, Tiana Brown, Jamie Callan, a shlee Carr, Jada Edwards, Kaylee Hernandez, Hannah Lashley, Damaris Matos, Tatiana Matos, Felixia

McDowell, alex Naumchik, anastasia Ortiz-Cartagena and Trista Popowski. Learn more about the academy of Culinary arts at atlantic.edu/aca.

Credit: Atlantic Cape Community College

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.

Keep politics out of your investments

By Eric Reich

Iwas always told not to speak about religion, politics, or personal finances in social settings or at your place of employment. These topics tend to cause the most stress and aggravation among conversationalists, typically leading to confrontations. In this article I am going to break 2 of those rules by discussing politics and your personal finances.

On countless occasions one of the first topics our clients want to discuss in their meetings is the current political environment. The instantaneous media and 24-hour news cycle has caused a lot of investors to be overly worrisome and agitated at any given mention of policy or law suggestion. Some believe that each word a politician utters damages their hard-earned savings leading to irrational financial decisions. We are more in tune than ever with policy and government and that’s not a good thing.

your portfolios don’t care if a Republican or Democrat is in office. There I said it. Instead of investing depending on who is in office, we encourage investors to look at history and trends. Every four years we have a new presidential election. Every two years we have a shakeup in Congress. We have hundreds of years of history providing us statistical data exhibiting how the stock market reacts during each year of a president’s term. Notice I didn’t state whether said president was a Democrat or Republican? Why? Because the market looks past who is president. The market is bigger than all of it. yes, policy can manifest short term volatility, but untimely profits rule above all and we encourage investors to act accordingly.

Policy can certainly drive the stock market, but the Federal Reserve, having control of interest rates, has far more influence on the market they any political party. Case and point, the year 2022. It was one of the worst years for the traditional 60:40 stock to bond portfolio in history. The fed raising interest rates to combat sky high inflation, had quite a bit to do with that.

Remember politicians can say and threaten a lot of things, but they need support to enact any laws. Our government was established with strict

checks and balances to ensure not one person has total authority. This alone should help put investors at ease.

The market has historically trended higher. It has done so under Democratic leadership and will do so under Republican leadership. We expect that to continue. It is important to take personal bias and emotion out of your financial plan. We are not saying you need to agree with our elected officials, we are suggesting you ignore their rhetoric when it comes to your financial future.

you should build and invest your financial plan based on your goals and objectives not political basis. you should also rely on facts not feelings and look at history and trends to help guide your narrative. We help counsel our clients through volatility and uncertainty by doing this.

We recognize the frustration and angst that the media can create making it even more important to seek advice and help when it comes to making financial decision. Don’t let the media’s narrative dictate your future. Take control and make decisions with a clear head.

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

visory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual.

It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https:// bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

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

Personalizing your Funeral Service, Part 2

they do so in style. They honor their dead with brightly colored coffins that cel ebrate the way they lived or what was important to them.

By Andrew Hoffman

Personalizing the funeral service can show the uniqueness of a life well lived. In my last column, I went over some of the options available to help remember the individual in new ways. This includes caskets, vaults, urns and cemetery stones.

Caskets can be adorned with religious items, sports memorabilia, or the love of a hobby. Some are designed after a movie theme or even a rock band.

I am willing to bet that some coffin manufacturers first got their inspiration from the fabulous coffins of Ghana. For the Ga tribe in coastal Ghana, funerals are a time of mourning, but also of celebration. The people of Ghana believe that when their loved one dies they move on to another life and the relatives make sure

Funerals are often uplifting occasions in Ghana, where it is widely believed that death is the beginning of a beau tiful afterlife and should receive “a rapturous sendoff”. The tradition in the culture is called “abebuu adekai”, which means proverb coffins. It pays tribute to the occupant with per sonalization and often spectacular design.

Supposedly the first proverb coffin (abebuu adekai) was created in the 1950’s when a palanquin carriage was made for a tribal leader in the shape of a cocoa pod. But the leader died suddenly, and quick thinking subjects buried him in the pod. Today there are many proverb coffin manufacturers and artists in Ghana that produce gorgeous coffins that are works of art. One such manufacturer is The Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop which produced their first coffin for the owner’s grandmother in the form of a jet plane because she

fin for his deceased grandmother to take her spirit from this world to the next. They make coffins in the shape of planes, fish, cameras, cars, birds, lizards and other animals.

So if your one of the many people that tell me that you want a Viking funeral burning long boat and all (which is illegal), you may want to consider having a casket or coffin made in the shape or likeness of a long boat and then be buried in it or cremated in it (legally) at a crematory. Or maybe you have other ideas as to your design or wishes, I have a client family that wants to be buried in a green cemetery in a

whiskey barrel. So long as it is not illegal or immoral Jeffries and Keates is willing to make it happen and I would think other funeral homes hopefully feel the same way. This finishes the first part of my article on merchandise personalization possibilities in funeral service. The second part of this article dealing with vaults, urns and cemetery stones I hope you will find just as interesting. To close out I believe that every person has a unique life that they lived and a wonderful story to tell. One of the ways to tell it is through your casket at the funeral service and I encourage you all to step outside the box (no pun intended) and tell it in your own unique way. Bye for now and see you in the next article.

Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.

Memorial Day: A Time to Honor the Fallen and Give Thanks for Our Many Freedoms

develop a comprehensive business plan to increase their chances of success. They play a vital role in driving innovation and job creation. Startups contribute to market and economic growth. They bring new ideas to the market, disrupt traditional industries, and solve problems with innovative solutions.

By Keith Dawn

This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day. a s we gather with friends for cookouts and drinking, take time to honor all the veterans who gave their lives in sacrifice for our great nation. although our country is sometimes divided in our beliefs, we’re still the best country on earth. Let’s never forget the freedoms that our veterans fought for and helped preserve.

One of those is economic freedom. The United States has a market-based economy that values entrepreneurship, competition, and free enterprise. The government plays a minimal role in regulating businesses, allowing individuals to start their own ventures, innovate, and pursue economic success. The country has a history of contract enforcement and the rule of law, which create a stable and predictable business environment.

There’s no better place to launch, buy, operate or sell a business than the good ol’ US of a . We’re often referred to as the land of opportunity because of the freedoms and opportunities we are offered. There are various advantages for business owners, including access to a large consumer market, a well-developed infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and a strong legal framework for protecting intellectual property rights. The country has a long history of promoting innovation and has been a breeding ground for many successful startups and multinational corporations.

The U.S. government also provides support for businesses through programs, grants, and initiatives that foster economic growth and development. There are numerous venture capital firms, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms that offer funding opportunities for startups and small businesses.

It's important to note that starting and running a business in the United States can be highly competitive, and success requires careful planning, market research, a solid business strategy, and adaptability to changing market conditions.

Overall, while the United States offers abundant business opportunities, it's important for entrepreneurs and startups to thoroughly evaluate the market and industry they wish to enter and

If you’re involved in a new business or interested in starting a business, there are many resources available to you. Reach out to me and I can point you in the right direction. In the meantime, have a great Memorial Day and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 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.

The Parkway Murders - Memorial Day 1969 revisited

By William Kelly

As it approached, Memorial Day weekend 1969 appeared to be like many other such holidays at the Jersey Shore, but before it was over, a horror and mystery would seep in, and while the horror has dissipated somewhat, the mystery remains.

It was the quiet Tuesday before the weekend when two teenage college coeds – Susan Davis and Elizabeth Perry, arrived on 9th Street in Ocean City in a light blue 1966 Chevy Impala SS – Super Sport convertible, their hair blowing in the wind with the top down.

They took a ten dollar a night room at 712 9th Street, a rooming house near the boardwalk owned and run by Walter and Franacis Syben. They spent most of their time on the beach and boardwalk, met and socialized with other college age kids who congregated there, not yet old enough to enjoy the bands and booze at the Somers Point nightclubs when the drinking age was 21.

a s I had just graduated from high

school at the time, I probably served them slices of pizza at the counter of the 9th Street Mack & Mancos. They were good girls, raised with upper middle class family values, and only once did they have an older boy buy a six pack of beer and sat in the car and drank and smoked cigarettes with their new found friends. The highlight of their stay at the shore was the beach and boardwalk, but by Friday morning they were anxious to get on the road and avoid the holiday traffic.

So at four thirty in the morning they said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Syben, hugged them, promised to write, and got in their car and headed over the Somers Point causeway. They stopped at the Point Diner on the circle for breakfast but as the bars had let out at 3 am, the place was very crowded and had to wait in line. Eventually they got a booth near the door, and invited some college boys standing in line to sit with them.

The boys insisted on picking up their check, and the girls left the diner around 6:15 am. They drove around the circle, as a security guard getting

off work saw the blue convertible leave the circle and pick up a hitchhiker, a young man, possibly with his arm in a sling, who got in the back seat. They sped off down Mac arthur Boulevard to the Parkway north, and the girls were never seen alive again.

They entered a horror that is hard to imagine, were dead within the hour. and now, over a half century later, it is still a mystery that some people think can still be resolved, if only the effort is made.

Sometime after 8 am that Friday morning a State Police Trooper on routine patrol passed the blue Chevy convertible on the north side of the road as he headed south on the Parkway, turned around at Cape May and at mile marker 31.9 – less than two miles from the Ocean City-Somers Point exit, he pulled in behind the parked blue car. all seemed normal, so he ran a license plate check and the car wasn’t reported stolen, so he considered it abandoned and had it towed by Blazer’s auto on Tilton Road in nearby Northfield.

When he was done his shift the State Trooper returned to his bar-

racks and filed a report about the towed blue Chevy convertible that no one apparently read, then went on a two day fishing vacation. Blazer, who had towed the car, also went fishing.

The parents of the girls were pretty upset when they didn’t arrive home or call, and they filed missing persons reports with the Ocean City police, then rented a helicopter to follow the route the girls would have taken, looking to see if they had an accident and ran off the road.

By Monday, Memorial Day, the State Trooper returned to work and discovered the girls were missing, and were driving a blue Chevy convertible, a car that he had reported towed, but his report went unread.

Parkway maintenance worker Elwood Faunce found the bodies in a bed a leaves not far into the woods from where the car had been towed. They had been stabbed to death and probably raped.

But the three days that had elapsed since the murders had occurred made for few clues and the trail had gone cold. The boys from the diner were questioned, as were

hundreds of others when the State Police set up a trailer at the diner to question transient visitors on the following Memorial Day weekend. and anyone who was around at the time recalls those girls every Memorial Day.

While they say time heals all wounds, this one just won’t go away, and won’t, as long as the mystery remains. Some national true crime magazines have featured the story recently, but most of the current spate of publicity stems from the book The Garden State Parkway Murders – a Cold Case Mystery (Wild Blue Press, Col. 2020) by Christian Barth, a Cherry Hill, NJ lawyer who took a serious interest in the case.

at first Barth contacted me about articles I had written as a reporter, saying he was writing a fictionalized novel about the case -The Origins of Infamy. I asked him why he had to write fiction when the true story was more incredible than anything you can imagine. So after Infamy was published Barth undertook the research for this non-fictional account, and it is the most documented and up to date compilation of information on the murders.

If you want all the gory details, they are in Barth’s book, and he gives a good chronological run down on all of the known suspects, but the one

that interests most people is notorious mass murderer Ted Bundy, who doesn’t make it into Barth’s book until near the very end.

Bundy was in the vacinity at the time, was aware of the murders, and confessed, sort of, to his prison psychologist, who had to keep quiet about it for professional reasons until after Bundy was dead.

But the NJ State Police, local police and a succession of county prosecutors are reluctant to tie Bundy to the case because it would have been the first time he committed such a crime, and because since they failed to solve it, they could feel responsible for the fifty or so other murders Bundy is suspected of committing afterwards.

In Chapter 17, of The Garden State Parkway Murders, Christian Barth writes:

“(Richard) Larsen, a political reporter who’d firt interviewed Bundy in 1972 while covering Washington State Governor Evans’ re-election campaign, was initially impressed by the young campaigner and envisioned a bright future for him…. Larsen later chronicaled his days covering Bundy’s initial arrest and subsequent travails. His book, The Deliberate Stranger, was made into a three-part NBC miniseries, with actor Mark Harmon playing the role of the deranged killer….. according to Larson’s article,’In 1975…investigators learned that during the spring of 1969, Bundy had been living in the Philadelphia area with an aunt and uncle and attending classes at Temple University.’”

Besides Larsen, Bundy was extensively interviewed by two criminal psychologists, Dr. Dorothy Lewis and Dr. arthur Norman, a Portland, Oregon clinical forensic psychologist, and a member of Bundy’s defense team.'

Bundy told Dr. Lewis that, “In the spring of 1969 I went to Ocean City, New Jersey. and just hanging out at the beach and looking at the young

↘Continued on 90

women, trailing them around. and my plan again was-I had never done anything like this before – it was very confusing, kind of, and fearful, and yet I felt compelled to continue to, sort of, act out this vision….” The vision he explained, “was some other women.”

Bundy: “Okay, so I was just stalking around the downtown area of this small resort community and I saw a young women walking along… ..I didn’t actually kill someone this time, but I really, for the first time, approached the victim, spoke to her, tried to abduct her, and she escaped. But that was frightening in its own way. But that was the first – the kind of step that ou just – that you don’t – that I couldn’t return from…..I know that I, in Ocean City, I realized just how inept I was. and so I didn’t do that again for a long time. It scared me. It really scared me.”

During Bundy’s eighty hours of talking with Dr. Norman, Bundy recalled living in Philadelphia in 1969 he went to New york City to view violent pornography at Times Square. “Talk about being pushed to the edge,” Bundy told Norman. “So after being more or less detached from people for a long period….didn’t have any friends, didn’t go anywhere, just more or less had school and then

sort of entertained himself with his pornorgraphic hobby and drove to the shore and watched the beach and just saw young women liked up along the beach.”

“ you know, it’s like an overwhelming kind of vision, eventually found himself tearing around that place for a couple of days. a nd eventually, without really planning anything, he picked up a couple of young girls. and ended up with the first time he had ever done it. So when he left for the coast, it was not just getting away, it was more like an escape.”

Barth says that, “Norman was certain that Bundy was cryptically referencing the parkway murders.”

as for remorse, Bundy said, “ yeah, yeah, I had this kind of extraordinary, catastrophic kind of despair. This horror. This fear of getting caught. It’s just an extraordinary trauma, you know. and one that is shocking in many respects. you tend to break all the conventions. and a lot of social taboos. and then there’s the fear of detection and apprehension when you kill someone.”

Barth writes, “Ocean City historian William Kelly also spoke with Dr. Norman in the days following the execution, offering more detail into what Bundy divulged to him in 1986. Norman explained to Kelly that he’d

been interviewing Bundy during the time period to compose a psychological portrait to gauge whether he’d be fit to stand trial. The meeting took place over a dozen occasions.”

Norman said, “This has to be put into proper context...I don’t believe he was lying because he never lied to me again. This was a totally different kind of interview, not like one he had ever done before. He was talking about himself in the third person, then in the first person, and he was on a roll, so I just let him talk.”

Norman was unaware of the Parkway murders of Perry and David when he interviewed Bundy.

“I’m convinced he did it,” Norman says of the Parkway murders. “and I believe that it was the first two murders that he got into. He had no reason to lie to me, and if he was lying, he had been saving this information for twenty years just to con somebody. Or is this just an amazing coincidence, that he just happened to be there on Memorial Day before he went back to the West Coast, and two girls disappeared in that area at the time? That is an amazing coincidence then, and I don’t think he had a little book of crimes he knew about that he could use to throw his psychologist off. Everything else he told me has been borne out, so why should he lie just about that? I

believe him.”

When then atlantic County Da Jeffrey Blitz talked to Norman, he said that isn’t a confession, just Norman’s psycho analysis of Bundy’s rantings. So he did nothing.

The NJ State Police didn’t send a representative to the Bundy Conference at Quantico, Va., where they reviewed unsolved cases Bundy could have been responsible for. and there’s no record of the official investigators checking Bundy’s fingerprints with fingerprints found on the car, or attempt to match Bundy’s DNa with DNa found at the scene –the murder’s skin scrapings under the girls’ fingernails.

Bundy was on death row in Florida with mass murderer Wayne Gacy, who painted a portrait of Bundy while there, and he too confessed to the Parkway murders. The State Police sent some officers down to question Gacy, but he got a lot of details of the crime wrong, and they dismissed him as a suspect.

While most if not all of the other suspects have been exonerated, Bundy hasn’t been, and he should be looked at more closely by the official investigators to determine if they can take the mystery out of this horror story that resurects itself every Memorial Day holiday weekend, and just won’t go away.

Grand Hotels of Old Atlantic City

Hotels were once the undisputed kings of the resort, with their owners engaged in a race to create the best and grandest accommodations ever seen. Most were demolished to make room for the new wave of casinos.

609-645-0500

ACROSS

THEME: WORLD CUISINES

1. Caribbean vacation destination

6. "How Green ____ My Valley"

9. Elementary particle

13. His oyster?

14. Where couples are joined?

15. Most common vowel in English language

16. Relating to a node

17. E in BCE

18. Makes better

19. *Tex-Mex or California cuisine, e.g.

21. *Smurgesbord, e.g.

23. Dwindle

24. In a frenzy

25. U.N. workers' grp.

28. Notary Public's mark

30. Vandalizing a car

35. Karl of politics

37. Priests' robes

39. Type of eclipse

40. One on a list

41. *Like cuisine in a fancy restaurant

43. Stalactite site

44. Las Vegas' main street

46. Very pleased with oneself

47. Location of aCL and MCL

48. John Cusack's time machine, 2010

50. Upper hand

52. Caribou kin

53. Student aid

55. Four quarters

57. *Pelmeni and borscht, e.g.

61. *Samosa and biryani, e.g.

64. Remove, as in a Pinterest post

65. any doctrine

67. Spectator

69. Newman/Redford movie "The ____"

70. Cartographer's creation

71. "____ Line Is It anyway?"

72. Carrying container

73. Sunday newspaper inserts

74. Editor's "Let it stand" marks

DOWN

1. Grass bristle

2. Shingled house part

3. Pakistani language

4. Nonchalantly unconcerned

5. Rhymes at rap battling

6. One of Five Ws

7. Lungful

8. Tetanus symptom

9. Got an a

10. *Tom Kha Gai and Gaeng Daeng, e.g.

11. Horned birds

12. Classic TV series "_*_*_*_"

15. Israeli money

20. african sorcery

22. *Chinese pan

24. Egg white

25. *Coddle and soda bread, e.g.

26. another word for Bingo

27. Not hidden

29. Regrettably

31. Exclamation of disgust

32. absurd

33. Innie or outie

34. *Spanokopita, e.g. 36. Do like exhaust pipe 38. Wall support

42. Encourage, two words 45. Whimpering 49. Flapper's accessory 51. Funds 54. True inner self 56. Number of planets 57. Metal enemy 58. "Do ____ others..." 59. Rotisserie skewer 60. Cosine's counterpart

61. Mischievous fairies

62. Gel-producing plant

63. Hatchling's home

66. *Typical U.S. fare, acr.

68. Second solfa syllable, pl.

Tips for Protecting Your Family Against Bug Bites

From hikes to picnics to relaxing in the hammock, nothing ruins summer fun quite as fast as bug bites. Unfortunately, bug bites are more than just a nuisance. They can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and may transmit diseases like Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. Taking these precautions this summer can help the whole family stay bite-free.

DRAIN THE SWAMP

Standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Walk around your property after rainfall or after watering the lawn and take note of areas that are not draining properly or are catching and holding water in objects like garden buckets, lids and frisbees. The smallest puddle of water can breed mosquitos. Drain everything you find.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUG SPRAY

Lyme Disease expert, Dr. Michael Jacobs, MD says “When shopping for insect repellents look for those with the active ingredients DEET or Picaridin, two of the most effective active ingredients at preventing bug bites. Stronger concentrations of the active ingredient in the formula will give you more hours of protection. For example, a 10 percent DEET or 7 percent Picaridin formula provides

one to two hours of protection, while higher concentrations provide protection for eight hours and longer.”

COVER UP AND BE SMART

Make your skin less vulnerable to bug bites with smart fashion choices. When outdoors, particularly in wooded areas, wear loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Light colors are a good choice, as mosquitoes seem to prefer darker clothing.

WHY ME?

Have you ever felt you were being eaten alive by mosquitoes, while everyone else around you remained unaffected? There are many factors that can make one person more appealing than another to mosquitoes. and some are beyond one’s control, such as blood type and genetics. However, mosquitoes are attracted to sweat, so don’t forget the deodorant. They also seem to prefer beer drinkers, according to a study by Japanese researchers.

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

The nine best summer home renovation projects

costs. Even if you feel comfortable doing the project on your own, it can be beneficial to use a professional team. Vinyl siding is there to protect your home from moisture, and a poor installation can lead to water damage.

Power Wash Your Home

that will likely give you a high return when you sell your home. you'll also be excited over the cuts to your home energy costs in summer and winter by replacing drafty windows.

Reseal Your Driveway

With Memorial Day weekend here and summer on its way, it's time to enjoy fun in the sun. But the season isn't all about barbeques and vacations—this is a great time to tackle some home improvement projects. Whether it's an improvement to your house or yard, the warmest months of the year provide plenty of opportunity to improve the look and, better yet, the value of your home.

Make your home ready-to-sell with these simple, effective home renovation projects. Potential buyers love to see these upgrades, and they can help move along the process if your buyer requests an inspection.

Here are nine of the best home improvements you should plan to tackle over the summer months.

Install New Siding

you can make your home look brand new by changing the color and style of your siding. However, this is more than a cosmetic improvement. Loose or missing siding can affect your home's weather resistance and lead to higher heating and cooling

If your siding is in good shape, your home might just need a refresh. Power washing your home and walkways can help cut the grit and grime built up over the winter and spring. While you can do this chore on your own by either buying or renting a power washer, you may want to use a professional company. If your home is particularly large, professionals have the personnel and equipment to do a more efficient job and get to areas you may struggle with.

Replace the Roof

This is a repair many homeowners dread. But if your home needs a new roof, summer is a great time to have the project taken care of, as new shingles require heat to form a weathertight seal. The lifespan of a roof can be up to 20 years or more. Delaying a roof replacement can lead to leaks, which could result in water damage and mold.

Replace Your Windows

Winter may still be months away, but summer is the time to replace inefficient windows. The cold weather will sneak up on you, and old windows can lead to a chilly, drafty house. While this isn't the most exciting home improvement project, it is one

Give your asphalt an extension on its lifespan by resealing it. Sealing your driveway can last up to 10 years. you may have to reseal your driveway more often depending on where you live. areas with rainy and snowy winters, as well as areas with hot, steamy summers, will need more frequent sealings.

Add a Deck

Summer is the time of year for outdoor entertaining, and you can extend your living space by adding a deck to your home. a wooden deck can be a strong investment, as it can help increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell it. If you already have a deck, take a weekend to strip and stain it. It can give your home a huge appearance upgrade.

New Garage Door

your garage door can take a beating. Whether it’s a miscalculated parking attempt or from a rough game of pickup basketball, your garage door can easily become dented and scraped up. Sometimes a coating of paint just won't be enough, so taking time over the summer to change out your door can be a great renovation. Not only will it increase curb appeal, but this is another renovation that increases home value.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Depending on the layout of your yard, you have almost limitless possibilities for upgrading your landscaping. There are a number of plants, trees, and flowers that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Best of all, most of these projects can be done yourself.

Replace the Gutters

Gutters are an important part of your home that channel water away from your roof and foundation. But if they are worn out, it can lead to leaking inside your home. New gutters can also give your home an appearance upgrade and instantly improve your curb appeal. Not only are they available in classic white, but also in black and copper upgrades which surely add a classy, rich detail that makes your home stand out.

By adding some of these projects to your calendar, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in good shape, allowing you to enjoy some rest and relaxation this summer. Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and the official kickoff to the summer season.

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!"

Elisa

Cape May among Top 10 Beach Towns in the Country

By Steffen Klenk

Last week, the City of Cape May received a huge shoutout from one of youTube’s biggest creators. Jimmy Briggs, the content creator behind World according to Briggs, has been making top 10 lists about places in the United States for the past five years and has recently hit one million subscribers. The channel informs viewers on places you may, or may not, want to visit, with relevant facts and statistics.

Briggs recently unveiled a list of Top 10 Beach Towns Nobody Knows about. Cape May ranked number two

overall. “Cape May is a small town on the coast of New Jersey and is known for its beaches and it’s Victorian architecture”, Briggs describes in the video. “It’s also got a really nice atmosphere.” The town itself has a year-round population of over 2,000 residents and an average yearly temperature of 52 degrees.

With summertime quickly approaching, many will be looking for that perfect getaway spot. Lucky enough for us South Jersey residents, Cape May is just a short drive down the Parkway or Route 9 and makes for a perfect day trip or mini getaway.

To watch the full video, go to www. youtube.com/watch?v=vj0-iX7eCEy