SHORE LOCAL | Brigantine | June 15, 2023

Dad's Day Activities

Happenings All Around

O shore Wind Hearings Ahead

Boardwalk E-Bike Ban Considered

From the Editor

Most good things in life start by simply showing up. Being home for dinner, tucking your child in at night, or being present at a sports games or school events show you care.

It’s not the Hallmark moments that define a dad. It’s whether dad shows up, in a positive way, for his child. The day to day, ordinary, even mundane moments are what adds up to create extraordinary fathers. Some people even say that love, most simplified, is defined as just showing up, relentlessly.

Father's day may evoke images of a "perfect dad" using eloquently impactful words to encourage their child or the creation of beautiful memories that seem larger than life.

Fortunately, no real-life dad has to measure up to this version of father-

Issue 236

Here’s to the dads

hood. There is no such thing as a “perfect dad” or a secret formula to being a good father.

My dad showed up every single day of my childhood. I remember him coming home from work, gardening, sitting at the dinner table, and talking. He loved to talk about everything and anything. Sometimes we went for rides, played catch, or went for an ice cream cone. All of these ordinary moments, day after day and year after year, created a bond of trust and love.

When my children were born, their father too loved them without limit and committed to showing up in their lives every day. When our oldest was diagnosed with autism and manifested some serious behavior problems, I could see the depth of his father’s love for him and how truly unconditional it has always been.

Bob didn’t always do things exactly the way I wanted them to be done. There were diapers put on backwards

Established 2016

and schedules tossed out the window. That said, he always had a knack for fun and adventure, for creating silly games and inspiring laughter. Bob showed up for all those little moments over many years and still shows up today – simple as that. There’s no doubt that he was and is a great dad.

Whether you’re a dad, a stepdad, a grandfather, or a father-to-be, don’t sweat the small stuff. Just show up and enjoy your little people, because they grow up in the blink of an eye.

If you are looking for something fun to do with your dad this Father’s

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

Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch

Staff Writer - Sarah Fertsch Digital Marketing Director - Marc Berman Web Designer - Holly Martin

Contributors –Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Dan Skeldon, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Steffen Klenk, Donald B. Kravitz, 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 photo by Maxine Davis. Coastal edition cover photo by David Turne or

Day, check out the listicals on page 12 and 56.

Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local. Look for us every Thursday on newsstands and online at shorelocalnews. com.

Shore Local is made possible by our loyal advertisers, local merchants, and service providers, which make up the fabric of our community. Please make sure to check out their ads and support local businesses.

– A Song for Dad by Keith urban “The older I get The more I can see How much he loved my mother and my brother and me

And he did the best that he could And I only hope when I have my own family

That everyday I see A little more of my father in me."

Peace & Love, Cindy

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

after that. While imperceptible for a while, I always found it just a wee bit depressing that the days start growing shorter the second summer begins.

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

It was “unofficial” as of Memorial Day weekend.

But Wednesday, June 21st, we’ll make it official. Summer begins in South Jersey, and the rest of the northern Hemisphere for that matter, at 10:57 am on June 21, the summer solstice. And for the next 94 days, it’s all about fun in the South Jersey sun. As the sun rises on the favorite season of so many here at the shore, here are some summer snippets to put you in the sun-soaked, steamy spirit:

Longest day of the year: Yes, the first day of summer, the solstice, is the longest day of the year in terms of the amount of daylight. Specifically, we’ll have 14 hours, 56 minutes, and 48 seconds of daylight to enjoy on June 21. The next day, we’ll lose two seconds. Then another five seconds the following day, and nine more seconds the day

But the latest sunsets continue a bit longer: We all treasure the extra evening daylight and those latest sunsets of the year. And even though the days start growing shorter on June 22, the latest sunsets are with us for about a two week stretch, from June 22 - July 3. The sun will set on the western horizon at 8:28pm throughout that stretch, before ticking a few minutes back each week through mid-July. But don’t worry because you’ll have the sun setting after 8 p.m. all the way through August 9.

The smoke and haze are gone… at least for now: After that historic bout with choking Canadian wildfire smoke and hazardous air quality the first week of June, the smoke has cleared, at least as of this writing. A repeat episode, while highly unlikely, can’t entirely be ruled out as long as wildfires burn across n orth America, but that event was due to a perfect yellow storm of conditions not likely to be immediately replicated. Meanwhile, we haven’t had any early season bouts of the more traditional hazy skies that come with the high heat and humidity

of summer, as the 90-degree heat has largely steered clear from South Jersey so far this spring, with none in the immediate future through the middle of June. In fact, it’s a slightly cooler and wetter than average pattern that looks to hold through the third week of June.

Meanwhile in the Pacific…: While it’s officially summer, something else recently became official too. We’re officially in an el n ino, a large-scale warming of the waters of the equatorial Pacific Ocean between Asia and South America. In fact, the warming is quite pronounced, and we could be on the way to a “Super” el nino, or in other words, an especially strong one. As my previous column on the Atlantic hurricane outlook discussed, an el nino often leads to less hurricanes in the Atlantic, as it increases winds in the tropics and tropical systems have more difficulty organizing. Of course, it can also lead to warmer temperatures across an already warming planet. So hotter than average days may soon be on the horizon…

And then in the Atlantic…: While a strong el n ino is likely in the cards, so too is an incredibly warm Atlantic Ocean, also discussed in my hurricane outlook several columns back. Warmer than average ocean water, and in some cases much warmer than average water, covers much of the Atlantic basin, including the popular breeding grounds where tropical systems normally form. It could be an interesting battle this year as to what influences the hurricane season more, the strengthening el nino or the warm bath water through much of the Atlantic? While the warm water doesn’t currently extend to the water right off South Jersey, you’d have to imagine that the right winds

could send some of it our way at some point this summer. Visits by 80-degree ocean water to our shores is becoming more common in this changing climate as well. Keep in mind that late August and early September is usually when the warmest ocean water reaches our shores. But it can certainly occur earlier, with plenty of ups and downs along the way as the winds shift back and forth.

A quiet severe storm season so far: Given the lack of heat and humidity through much of the spring, not to mention the lack of cold fronts and storm systems that would spark the threat of severe thunderstorms, it’s been a fairly quiet start to the severe storm season here in n ew Jersey. Granted, there was a rare February tornado and we had that April 1 tornado outbreak too. But besides that, it’s been eerily quiet ever since. That’s not a bad thing of course, but we’re coming up on what is normally the peak of severe thunderstorm season, and we’ll see if the lack of storms persists or not as summer unfolds.

And if summer’s not your cup of tea…: Winter begins on Thursday, December 21 at 10:27 p.m. this year, just six short months away.

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.

Farmers Markets

Brigantine Farmers Market

▶Saturdays from 8a.m.-12p.m.

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.

EHT Community Farmers Market

▶Saturdays from 9a.m.-12p.m.

Atlantic Christian School 391 Zion Rd. egg Harbor Township

Open Saturdays beginning July 1. Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health host a Community Farmers Market on Saturdays in July and August, featuring a variety of local pesticide- free farmers, food vendors, artists and crafters. Come enjoy Corn Hole, live music , yoga and more.

For more information, visit thehoneytree.net or e-mail wellness@ thehoneytree.net.

Galloway Green Market

▶Thursdays from 4-7p.m.

Historic Smithville Village Greene 615 e . Moss Mill Rd.

Open Thursdays starting June 29. Go Green Galloway hosts their weekly Green Market, Thursdays through September 7, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates.

Live Well AC Farmers Market

▶Tuesdays from 4-7p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City

Open every Other Tuesday Starting July 10. Absecon Lighthouse will host the Live Well AC Farmers Markets. enjoy Free Yoga at 6pm sponsored by The Leadership Studio, along with Vendors and Veggie

Booths. Markets held every other Tuesday in July and August, starting July 10. For more information and to apply as a vendor, visit abseconlighthouse.org.

Margate Farmers Market

▶Thursdays from 8:30-11:30a.m.

Steve and Cookies Parking Lot

9700 Amherst Ave. Margate

The Margate Farmers Market is now open for the season. Markets will be open Thursdays through August 31. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.

Ocean City Farmers Market

▶Wednesdays from 8a.m.-1p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds

Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th Streets

The Ocean City Farmers Market is open for the season. See dozens of vendors, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. For more information, call 1-800-BeACH- nJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.

Somers Point Farmers Market

▶Saturdays from 8a.m.-12p.m.

Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point Farmers Market has returned to Somers Mansion for 2023. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.

Ventnor City Farmers Market ▶Fridays from 8:30a.m.-12p.m. St. James Church n ewport & Atlantic Ave.

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.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Northfield business is on a roll

Del Sol, Bintelli, Denago, Fuji, Gazelle, Giant, Sun Bicycles and much more. In addition, they offer electric bikes by electra, e-Tek, evo and Fitbike and Company. To complement their bike lines, they provide a full range of accessory items and a service repair shop.

The n orthfield location of Tuckahoe Bikes is one of five locations throughout Atlantic and Cape May

If there were any doubt that Beacon Bike Shop left a void in n orthfield for a bike sales and service business, I think Tuckahoe Bike Shop has answered that question.

They started in 2022 at 331 Tilton Road (Tilton Plaza shopping center) with a 1,600-square-foot store. Shortly thereafter they expanded to another 800 square feet. eventually they discovered that the demand was so great that they had to seek a new and even bigger location. The next move and current location is just down the street to a highly visible end cap at London Square. This new location is approximately 5,000 square feet.

The store offers a full line of quality bikes featuring popular product brands including Bikase, Trek, Burley,

counties. The company has stores in Ocean City, Tuckahoe, Sea Isle, and Avalon. You can reach them at 609-628-0101 and learn more at tuckahoebikeshop.com.

Tilton Road, the famous Golden Mile, has welcomed a prominent financial institution. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors moved from n ew Road to a totally renovated Class A

building located at 376 Tilton Road. The building was previously Sun Bank, but you would never know it was a bank. It now looks like a modern office. The building is approximately 10,000 square feet. Morgan Stanley is a full-service, financial advisory company. northfield now has a new business organization offering the opportunity for business people to get together, support each other and network. e stablished earlier this year, it has a great core of founding members who are committed to expanding the organization to as many businesses as possible.

The northfield Business Associa -

tion recently had their first mixer at the Atlantic City Country Club, which was a huge success. They had the Atlantic County economic Alliance and WorkForce Development representatives on hand to educate people on various programs that are available to help their businesses. There are many more events planned.

You can reach northfield Business Association on Facebook (n BA).

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

Ocean City boardwalk electric bike ban tabled after council vote Committee

By Krystle J Bailey

Local community members were at odds last week over the proposed ordinance to ban electric bikes from the Ocean City boardwalk. Many residents argue that e-bikes pose a danger to pedestrians and that the people riding them can cause serious injury, while others made the point that it is the rider, not the bike to blame. Those living with handicaps and physical limitations spoke out, saying they deserve access to this increasingly popular means of transportation.

electric bikes have become popular among all age groups over the last several years. The all-electric or pedal hybrid bikes are easy to operate and a convenient way to ride around the streets and boardwalk.

Citing safety concerns, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian proposed an ordinance on June 6th that would prohibit motorized bikes, electric

formed to look into the issue

scooters, and lowspeed electric bikes on the boardwalk and boardwalk ramps. If agreed upon by the city council, the ordinance would limit motorized transportation devices to the city’s bike paths. The suggested ban comes on the heels of the strict new rules

outlined by Gillian regarding teenage curfews and backpacks on the boardwalk.

At a council meeting on June 8th, many senior citizens and people with disabilities spoke out against the proposed ban.

Several suggested that the changed rules would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, while others simply disagreed with another proposed ordinance this summer. One resident begged the question, “What is the problem with e-bikes?” He followed up with rhetorical questions suggesting that the e-bikes themselves are not the problem but rather irresponsible drivers who should be held accountable for their misconduct.

As it stands, bicycles, including battery-operated bikes, are permitted on the Ocean City boardwalk from 5:00 am - noon daily. For the ordinance to pass, there must be two

approving votes. The first vote introduces the proposed legislation, while the second is the decision-making vote.

In response to the public feedback, council members voted 6-1 to table the ordinance and form a committee to study the issue further. While council members and residents alike agree that e-bikes pose potential harm, there are concerns that banning them would discriminate against those who rely on motorized transportation as a result of physical disabilities. Councilman Bob Barr plans to consult with Police Chief Jay Prettyman to form a reasonable solution for everyone. All cyclists, including those on e-bikes are required to follow the same laws as motor vehicle traffic.

Last June, Prettyman notified the community about the escalating danger of e-bike and regular bike riders riding recklessly through town. He urged young bike riders and their parents to follow the rules of the road.

Details about the recent ordinance are still unfolding. While many council members and residents agree that e-bikes pose potential risks, it is still unclear what rules will be enacted to ease these concerns.

Meet

20 fun things to do with Dad

By Julia Train

Father’s Day is this weekend and let’s face it, it’s easier to plan gifts for Mother’s Day. A simple bouquet of flowers and you are set. Men are notoriously harder to shop for. Rather than a gift this year, an experience is sure to put a smile on Dad's face. Here are 20 ideas for what you can do with dad this weekend.

1. Go to the rides. - At Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, dad rides for free on his special day.

2. Visit Historic Cold Spring Village’s Annual Military Timeline Weekend in Cape May - The annual features encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups depicting various conflicts throughout the centuries.

3. Mini golf - There are a ton of mini golf places along the Ocean City boardwalk including Goofy Golf, Haunted Golf, Congo Falls and more.

4. Visit a local park - Lake Lenape Park has countless activities to choose from. Have a picnic, hike, and kids can play on the playgrounds.

5. Wander around a shopping district such as Smithville or Downtown Ocean City,

6. Go to The Point in Somers Point for Reggae Sunday

7. Go to a local brewery. - There are tons in Atlantic and Cape May counties! There’s Garden State

us from our friends in Kentucky. She had been dumped with a bunch of other dogs and her puppies at that shelter. She is friendly, happy, and active girl that gets along well with other dogs She takes correction from dogs well, so is well suited to multiple dog households

Beer Company in Galloway, Tuckahoe Brewing Company in egg Harbor Township and Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, to name a few.

8. Go to the Zoo. - This is a great idea for families with young children (and it’s free!).

9. If you’d rather stay home and hangout by the pool (if you have one) or on the deck. Make sandwiches, salads and fruit salad (or even grill hamburgers and hot dogs) and spend quality time with dad in the comfort of your backyard

10. See live music. - Ventnor and Somers Point both have free concerts on the beach.

11. Go to Charlie’s in Somers Point.They have dinner specials on the weekend starting at 4 p.m. and they’re well known for their wings and bbt’s (boneless wings)

12. Go for a hike. - Is your dad more of an outdoorsy type? Find a local trail in Mays Landing, estell Manor or egg Harbor Township

13. Go to the beach. - We are lucky to be so close to the beach! That’s a fun all day activity.

14. Get ice cream. You can't go wrong there.

15. Try Axe throwing. - Go to Westecunk Axe Throwing in Atlantic City for a different kind of Father’s day activity. It’s food and drink friendly and BYOB. It’s right near a distillery and micro brewery so you could stop there before or after.

16. Go to the movies. - A plethora of movies were just recently released. Have dinner and a movie with the family.

17. Father's Day Car Show for Pancreatic Cancer at Racks Williamstown. - If you’re up for a little drive, Racks Williamstown and HotRod Garage are teaming up to raise money to support Pancreatic Cancer research. There will be a DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 Ticket Auction and more.

18. Go fishing. - Does your dad like more of a quiet day? Is he a fisherman? Maybe he would enjoy his family joining him (or not). It’ll be a bonding experience, especially if you don’t know how to fish.

19. Spadaforas - If you’d rather enjoy the seafood without the work, check out Spadafora’s and bring it home.

20. Absecon lighthouse - If you’re feeling brave and fit, climb n ew Jersey's tallest lighthouse and get your steps in.

There are so many different activities to do with dad this weekend. Whether you’re planning something for your husband and kids or for just you and your dad, Atlantic and Cape May counties are abundant with different activities for a variety of different familial situations!

n o matter what you plan for dad this weekend, remember all that matters is the quality time spent together.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 15, 2023

Paddles up! The dragon boats are back

What could be better than a beautiful, sunny day at the lake surrounded by family and friends? How about some boat races, food trucks, a beer tent, and other enticing vendors? n ow, how about all of this fun is offered to the public with the goal of raising money for those in the local community impacted by cancer? Cancer Support Community n ew Jersey will be hosting the 7th Annual Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, July 9 at Lake Lenape West in Mays Landing.

The Dragon Boat Festival has become a widely recognized festival not only from the locals who participate and attend, but also by the eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association, drawing participants from Maine to Virginia. While many seasoned paddlers compete, no experience is needed to participate in the races. Dragon Boating is easy to learn, extremely safe, and an activity where men and women compete side-by-side towards the same goal.

The day begins with an eye Dotting Ceremony, where the eyes are

painted onto the boats to awaken the dragons. The races take place throughout the day in a series of heats. At lunchtime there is a break in the racing while a longtime member of CSCnJ reads a heartfelt poem while cancer survivors take to the lake for a Flower Ceremony, honoring those lost to

cancer as well as those still fighting. This brings a moment of reflection to the crowd of well over one thousand people. After the final races in the afternoon, the Awards Ceremony takes place where winners of the day’s races go home with either a gold, silver, or bronze medal from their racing category.

The minimum age to paddle is 12 years old. Teams consist of 21-24 paddlers. All equipment is provided; the boat, paddles, life jackets, and even some advice from the experienced Dragon Boat coaches running the races. This is the perfect activity for friends, family members, a school outing, or corporate team building. A friendly competition tends to build between competing teams representing similar outlets; such as hospitals and casinos.

This festival would not be possible without the financial support of our many sponsors. For the second year in a row now, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has come in as the main sponsor for the annual Dragon Boat Festival. CSCnJ is extremely grateful to the support received through sponsorships, inkin donations, and the community overall.

This event aims to raise $100,000 to benefit the programs currently in place at CSCnJ and to continue to add more support groups to those who need it. For 20 years, CSCnJ has provided their services completely free of charge to all people touched by cancer. For more information on CSCnJ or to find out how to register for the Dragon Boat Festival please visit www.cscnj.org or call 609-926-2699.

BOEM to hold public meetings on Atlantic Shores wind project

By Katie Finnegan Special to Shore Local

The Bureau of Ocean energy Management is hosting several meetings in the region in the next two weeks. Participation in these meetings should be a priority for all residents who have concerns about the Atlantic Shores Wind Projects planned for our coast.

The greatest issue with the timing of the meetings is that the Draft environmental Impact Statement (D eIS) for the Atlantic Shores project—released May 15--is over 6,200 pages long—and the public comment period ends on July 3, 2023.

Mayor Vince Sera of Brigantine requested that the Bureau of Ocean energy Management (BOeM) extend the public comment period for a minimum of 90-135 days for people to be able to fully review the statement and provide valuable comments. Local citizen action non-profits such as Defend Brigantine Beach, Inc. and Save LBI Inc. have also sent letters to BO eM requesting the same, without any acknowledgement.

It is very unfortunate that the limited review period of 45 days

makes meaningful public comment exceedingly difficult. While this short comment period appears to be a prime example of a democratic process that is disingenuous; none -

theless, it is our duty as new Jersey citizens to become educated about the impacts of these wind projects and provide our comments during the public input period.

A brief overview of the D eIS provides multiple examples of the “potential unavoidable adverse impacts of the Proposed Action”. To clarify, the “Proposed Action” is the construction and operation of the Atlantic Shores wind turbine project.

These physical impacts include problems with air quality and water quality in our ocean, caused by emissions from engines associated with vessel traffic, construction activities, equipment operation, and disturbance of the seafloor during construction.

Then there are the biological impacts. Sea turtles, marine mammals, finfish and invertebrates are all documented to be victims of the proposed action. Fish populations may experience displacement, disturbance, and avoidance behavior due to construction-related impacts.

Marine mammals are expected to be at increased risk of injury from pile-driving activities during construction, and they will experience disturbance from underwater noise from pile-driving, vessel traffic, wind turbine generator operation, and dredging

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Table 4 Summary of theoretically visible WTGs by project from historic properties

blade

during construction and operations.

Sea turtles are expected to be at increased risk for individual injury and mortality during vessel strikes during construction and installation of the turbines, during operation and maintenance of the turbines, and decommissioning.

Beyond the impacts on our marine environment, look to the additional impacts expected on the socioeconomic conditions in our nJ coastal communities.

What is expected for our commercial fisheries, and for-hire recreational fishing businesses? The Department of environmental Impact (D eIS) documents that there will be restrictions on this industry as a result of construction of, and then during operations of, the offshore wind facility. There will have to be changes in vessel transit and fishing operation patterns, and there will be changes in the availability of target species because of habitat loss. There are expected to be changes in the risks of gear entanglement, navigational hazards, and space-use conflicts associated with the presence of wind turbine structures.

The D eIS also notes that there will be impacts on demographics, employment, and economics. BOeM anticipates that there will be

disruption of onshore and recreational businesses during onshore and offshore construction and cable installation.

What is most concerning about these economic impacts?

BO eM’s D eIS clearly states that there will be potential changes to the ocean economy sectors due to the long-term presence of the offshore wind facility. These sectors affected are noted as: commercial fishing, tourism, and recreation. Attached to this article is a table that elaborates on all of these phys-

ical, biological, and socioeconomic “potential unavoidable adverse impacts” of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind projects.

A second table from the Atlantic Shores DeIS highlights the numbers of wind turbines one will be able to see from all the historic sites along our coast.

To give one an idea, from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you will see 876 turbines when the wind projects are completed.

From Brigantine Hotel (now Legacy Vacation Club), how does a view

of 722 visible turbines sound?

At the landmark of Lucy the elephant in Margate, expect to see a view of 568 turbines.

The wind developer is essentially warning us that the views off the coast of these historic sites will be that of an industrial power plant. Who wants to see our shore towns evolve from tourist areas to industrial power plant communities?

Are any or all of these potential impacts acceptable to you? If not—then let your voice be heard. everyone who is concerned about the future of our coastline needs to attend or participate in one of these important meetings about the future of our beach community and environment. Please reference the ad from Defend Brigantine Beach, on page 16 that outlines the details of the meetings where the public can comment on the Atlantic Shores D eIS: June 21 at the Manahawkin Holiday Inn, at 5p.m., and more locally, at the Atlantic City Convention Center on June 22 at 5 p.m.

For anyone wishing to provide comment that cannot attend in person, there are 2 virtual public meetings; Monday June 26 at 1 p.m., and Wednesday June 28 at 5:00 p.m.—registration for the virtual sessions is required in advance.

Events and Happenings

Thursday, June 15

Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

▶3-5 p.m.

City Hall Courtyard 1301 Bacharach Blvd. Atlantic City

Join the City of Atlantic City for their 3rd Annual n ational Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony. This year’s keynote speaker will be Tisha Leonardo Santiago, Interim Director of Oureach and Community Directions with the nJ Division on Civil Rights.

Friday, June 16

Move Night in Galloway

▶8:45 p.m.

Galloway Municipal Fields 300 e Jimmie Leeds Rd.

Get ready for a Movie night in the park this Friday. Come out at disk to watch the animated movie The Bad Guys under the stars. It is a free event with free entry, popcorn, and parking. All you need to do is bring your blanket and chairs.

Saturday, June 17

Ocean City Health & Fitness Expo

▶9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Come explore health food and wellness product vendors, various yoga and fitness classes, western line dance and ballroom dance classes, and enjoy a fashion show highlighting the newest styles from local merchants. The event will also feature a Kids Corner. Hosted by the Healthy Living Advisory Council. For more information, visit oceancityvacation. com.

Bike Skills through Life Skills

▶10:30 a.m.

Birch Grove Park, northfield

Geared toward children in grades K-6. Meet local Police Officers and learn safe riding skills. Held at the

Birch Grove Park Patio. For more information, contact Shannon Campbell at 609-641-2832 or email scampbell@cityofnorthfield.org.

Juneteenth in Ocean City

▶1-5 p.m.

Haven Avenue between 7th & 8th Streets

A celebration of African American communities of Ocean City and the surrounding areas will take place this Saturday. The event will include food, live music, comedy, vendors, youth activities, African dance, drums, storytelling and visual arts. Guest speakers will be Kelly Cornish (mental health, drug addiction) and Michelle Washington Wilson (storyteller in education).

Port Republic Community Day

▶4 p.m.

Harry Bowen Memorial Park 141 Main St.

Come out and celebrate Port Day. enjoy a parade, corn hole tournament, music by Poor Mouth Henry, free pony rides, old fashioned games, pie eating contest, face painting, fireworks and more.

Tropicana Atlantic City Fireworks

▶10 p.m.

2831 Boardwalk

Tropicana Atlantic City lights up the night sky every Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, including Fourth of July. Fireworks are launched from the beachfront and can be viewed along the boardwalk.

Monday, June 19 Get the Led Out

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

The concert begins at 7p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at Ticketmaster. Produced by BRe Presents.

Tuesday, June 20

Keb’ Mo’

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Tickets available at Ticketmaster. Produced by BRe Presents.

Wednesday, June 21

Positivity Project: Evening Retreat

▶7 p.m.

Shed the cares of the day and prepare for a restful night. Topics include self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation, and resiliency. RSVP by

June 15. 609-287-8872 or tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

World Above: Poetry Open Mic

▶7 p.m.

n oyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City

The Murphy Writing Center and the n oyes Arts Garage of Stockton u niversity present the return to World Above: Poetry Open Mic. Please invite your friends to this event. Questions about this series can be forwarded to emari DiGiorgio at emari@murphywriting.com.

↘Continued on 20

Thursday, June 22

Coffee Klatch Hosts Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center Presentation

▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom 501 n . Jerome Ave. Margate

Join Gail Rosenthal and Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez of the Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton u niversity as they explore the history of the Holocaust. They will share how one person can make a difference and change the course of history. Q&A following the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by June 19. 609-287-8872 or tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

Surf & Soul Drum Circles in Atlantic City

▶5:30-7:30 p.m.

Caspian Avenue Beach

Join Sea Goddess Healing Arts for their monthly Surf & Soul Drum Circle Series. This is a free jam series open to all ages. n o 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, June 23

Margate Beachstock Pregame Big Screen Baseball

and Wiffleball

Homerun Derby

▶5-10 p.m.

Granville Avenue Beach

Pregame the World’s Biggest Beach Party with Margate. For the first time ever to kick off Beachstock, the Margate Business Association (MBA) will host a Free Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby. The derby will precede the big screen showing of the n ational League Champion Phillies vs. Mets, free of charge. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. All participants in the derby will be divided into age groups (ages 6 and over). Refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information or to registers, visit margatehasmore.com.

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5-8 p.m.

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.

Saturday, June 24

Margate Beachstock: The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party

▶8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Granville Avenue Beach

What’s better than a daylong party on the beach? Admission is Free and no beach badges are required at the event. This year’s event features new food vendors, kid’s activities, live music, free surf and kite lessons and so much more. n ew for 2023 will be the Red Bull Foam Wreckers Soft Board Surf Classic where only soft surf boards, friends and fun are allowed. For more information and a full schedule of activities, visit margatehasmore.com.

Ocean City Antique Auto Show

▶9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds 6th & Asbury Ave.

Over 300 vintage vehicles will be on display, followed by a boardwalk parade after 2pm. For more information, visit jerseycape.aaca.com.

Somers Point Art in the Park

▶10 a.m.-4 p.m.

John F. Kennedy Park 24 Broadway

Art in the Park is an annual event of the Somers Point Arts Commission. It is a one day outdoor festival overlooking the beautiful Great egg Harbor Bay and features an Art exhibit & Sale of fine art painting, photography and sculpture. Awards are given to include a People’s Choice award, there’s Music throughout

the day, a Children’s Clothesline Art e xhibit from students in Somers Point Schools, Art Activities for kids, Food and much more. It is Free and Open to the Public. For more information, visit artintheparksomerspt.weebly.com.

Multi-Day Events

Somers Point Dance Society

▶Tuesdays from 7:30-10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. #1 447 Bethel Rd. Come out to Somers Point Fire Co. #1 every Tuesday for social dancing, line dances, dance mixers, and more. Light snacks included in admission. $10 live musical duo each week. Call Rita Voli at 609-408-3619 for information.

Upcoming Bus Trips

Phillies vs. Angels

▶Wednesday, August 30

See the Phillies as they play against Mike Trout and the Angels. Game time is at 1:05 p.m. $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.

Do you have an upcoming event?

Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

25YEARS!

By Charles P. Eberson Se nior Moments

Sitting on a sparsely populated beach as I did in Ventnor this week, can give one pause for reflection. With Father’s Day on my mind, I thought of my role as a son, father and grandfather.

My father was raised in the early portion of his life in an orphanage. His father passed away in the smallpox epidemic so my father did not have what one would call a role model. In looking back, I can say that he was never lacking in that role. He would take me deep sea fishing at Captain Starns in Atlantic City’s Inlet, bring me to Bader field to watch the banner planes swoop in low, hook the banners and climb practically straight up. We both found it exciting.

He loved motorcycles and one

of his army buddies said my father rode like the wind and he could never keep up with him. My dad bought a motorcycle much to my mother’s chagrin and to make matters worse, he had a seat installed on the back just for me. There I was, going to my 5th grade class at u nion Avenue School in Margate riding on the back of the motorcycle with my metal lunchbox squeezed between my chest and my father’s back.

As a side note, when I was in my twenties and had my own motorcycle, he would come to me and ask if he could borrow it for a short while. I had to tell him to be careful.

While he was in the Army Air Corps, as it was called at the time, he was stationed at Mitchell Field in Farmingdale, Long Island. There, in the Mess Hall, I was introduced to Chicken a la King, military style. n o James Beard Award there. The years rolled by and I was blessed with a son and a daughter. Because of my father, I have strived to create deep

and memorable experiences with them that will be indelibly printed onto their lives. We have traveled, camped, fished, rowed, surfed and most of all laughed. We also cried but I believe all in all, a decent example has been set.

My son is a father to two girls and a boy who is the oldest at 9 years of age. I could see the special bond forming between father and son. But today’s business world is fast paced, highly competitive and demanding for young families. It requires constant attention to advances in technology and the ever changing fluctuations in customers’ needs. Fatherhood requires a degree of vigilance that ebbs

and flows but is forever constant. One cannot overlook the considerable challenge and potentially harmful effect that social media has on young children.

It is my hope that, as my father before me and hopefully as I have done, that my son will set an example of fatherhood for his children; an example that will provide them with memories of substance to carry forward and a roadmap for my grandson should he be fortunate enough to have children of his own.

A happy Fathers’ Day to all dads who put on the armor every day for their children and aspire to give them someone to look up to.

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

Ventnor’s Memory Park

By William Sokolic

The pocket park near nashville and Ventnor Avenues won't reach out and grab you by the lapels and scream "Here I am, look at me, give a darn."

But in its own modest way, the Ventnor Memory Park accomplishes much the same thing, a respite from havoc within its gates. And on the weekend of June 23, the respite takes it up a notch, thanks to William Shakespeare. A cast and crew of 12 local actors perform “Twelfth night” in the round within the 80 by 87 foot tract that comprises Memory Park. The production expects to attract a capacity of some 60 guests for each show.

The Ventnor Memory Park was conceived in 2017 as a privately financed project donated by the DeLuca family. The land lies in the heart

of what has historically been the most densely built section of Ventnor, spilling off into the commercial district. "To underscore our commitment to the Green Acres Program of our firm intent that the space be FOReVeR pervious ground - something coastal towns have too little of,” Paula Hawks-DeLuca says.

Among the other goals sought by the project: open

tive species plantings is that upkeep is accomplished by twice per year maintenance sessions,” Hawks-DeLuca says. “In late spring after sedge grasses and pollinators have shot up seed pods and seedings, respectively, there’s a weeding, heavy mulching and trimming tools session to cut back to 4” height which stays put at stable height for the rest of summer. In Fall, pruning needs are addressed.”

vagrants sleeping on benches, panhandlers, addicts shooting up and leaving needles, accumulating litter and trash, vandals wreaking havoc (of the kind that have found C-Sure Park in need of two major refurbishments since its opening in 2008,”) Hawks-DeLuca says. The promise is bearing fruit.

"The park is gratified to be finding some expressions of interest from organically, forming local groups, asking for regularly assigned slots at the park. It’s not looking to make any kind of money off such groups. We ask that as a group they make a donation of $50 as a park supporter group and the access cards are priced at $15 for the first one and $12 for each additional card,” Hawks-DeLuca says.

But there are situations that have developed.

space preservation, a way to highlight native coastal species of trees and shrubs, and a way to enliven community engagement.

“The beauty of 100 percent na -

The concept and design of the park borrowed from a memory park in Ketchum, Idaho, a pocket park right on the Main Street commercial corridor. "The planning board made it clear that they did not want the park to become a loitering zone for

For any “exclusive use” of the park, a low rent is charged, and the renter is asked to provide a rider policy of insurance per instructions from the insurance broker, equal to the park’s

↘Continued on 24

Yamirah Williams performing an August Wilson monologue in 2022. She portrays Viola in the current Twelfth Night

Image of foliage within the park.

Discover Ocean Outdoor Teak and Poly Outlet

Depleted furniture inventory not a problem here

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

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

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

Poly only needs to be cleaned with some good, old-fashioned soap and water.

Tables, chairs, deep seating sets and pub sets are ready to go to their new home today. Poly pub sets are popular at the shore. Two seat pub sets start at $950 and our fourseat pub sets with a pub table start at $1,400. Pub and bar sets are great because they allow couples and families to see over deck railings so their view is not obsured. These sets have the potential to make Ocean City, Sea Isle, and Margate customers very happy. The popular folding Adirondack Chairs start at $299. They are perfect for fire pits on cool autumn evenings. The Adirondack chairs sit low to the ground and offer a casual, relaxed feel. Alice reports they are selling very well to campers that seek comfort outdoors.

May-Lewes Ferry, Hyatt Penns Landing, Beach Creek Oyster Bar to name of few. Our company has been in the New Jersey shore area for nearly 20 years. Our past stores in Cape May and Somers Point have been combined with one convenient store right in the middle, in Dennis Township. We offer white glove service from LBI to Cape May, Annapolis, Washington DC, and Ocean City Maryland.”

Call (609) 2871767 or check out www.TeakNearMe. com. For up-to-date information, check out their Facebook page, Teak Outlet - Ocean Outdoor Patio. Hurry and get beautiful new outdoor furniture so you can enjoy it this season.

to browse and purchase. “Because the outdoor season is relatively short here in New Jersey, it is important for us to stock enough furniture for our local customers to have immediately,” says store owner Alice DiGiovanni. “We are ready now, with a full selection of colors and designs of both Poly and Teak furniture.”

Teak has always been the gold standard in outdoor tables and chairs but its new rival, Poly lumber furniture is

left outside in the summer and winter without any adverse effects. The plastic is resistant to sun, rain, sleet, snow, wind, saltwater, chlorine and mildew. You can’t say that about furniture made from wood or metal.

Poly furniture is low maintenance and easy to care for; it requires no special coatings, sanding or staining. It does not require hazardous chemical treatments to maintain its durability.

After 15 years in Somers Point, The Teak and Poly Outlet moved to Cape May County. They are located on Route 9 in Ocean View/ Clermont Cape May County. It's a beautiful area two miles south of exit 17 on the Garden State Parkway (Sea Isle exit). “We have a much larger store here and a lot of room to expand, with large outdoor displays, and a large workshop to finish and refinish our teak furniture.” says Alice’s daughter, Allison. “Over the years you may have seen our furniture at the Ocean City Yacht Club, Cape

own insurances for hold, harmless and indemnification reasons and the park does not co-participate in any way in any gross revenue derived. The park is in discussion with a plausible source of docents to provide regular open gate wander-in hours. The park has hosted walk in and enjoy events at no charge to the public.

den shed. It’s believed that some homeless who wander the neighborhood may have availed themselves of the sink in order to take washcloth baths, Hawks-DeLuca says.

None of this will interfere with Willie Shakespeare.

South Jersey Players will present a 60-minute comic version of “Twelfth n ight” with music. The evening includes a Sasscer’s ‘sweet & savory’ pre-show hour – $20 with soft drink $25 with ‘ale’.

Red marking indicates what site looked like before

"We perform four events in a season,” says Marlene May, artistic director of South Jersey Players. “This is our third year performing at the Ventnor Memory Park. The production is inexpensive, and the cost varies depending on the food served. The maximum seating is for 60 patrons.”

The park has had a couple breakin incidents resulting in findings of smashed beer glass bottles, near the splash pad. Also, the garden sink has been found plugged by rags with the faucet left on and flooding out a section of ground behind the gar

"Among the park’s `open to the public' at no charge offerings have been Happy Hump Day dances on Wednesdays with DJ’s, Memorial Day gathering with patriotic song singalong, and again with DJ’s amping up the sound system; a bagpiping concert on weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, and live music when the park was asked to play host as site of the city’s Ventnor Special events,” Hawks-DeLuca says.

The productions are inexpensive to stage and the cost to the public comes down to the food served, May says. “Twelfth n ight” is one of four events the Players perform each year. "The park's configuration is especially conducive to outdoor entertainment. The circular formation of permanent benches and added rental chairs encourages staging in the round. the park setting is more than perfect. Scenes will take place in four playing areas.”

Cast breakdown:

Featuring: Cormac Morrissey as Duke Orsino; Jamie Weinberg as Olivia; Yamirah Williams as Viola; Ahmad Marshall as Sebastian; Parker Smith as Malvolio; Jen Smith as Feste, Joe Chialastri as Sir Toby; Judy Privitera-Parrish as Maria; Debra Share as Sir Andrew; Jim O’Hara as Captain/ Officer/Priest; Joe Casella as Antonio. Shirley Belitsky will narrate, and

Reid Alburger will accompany singers on the guitar. Jayce Parrish will portray Cupid and Jack Parrish will provide the fight choreography. Jim erickson will stage manage with Jolie Parrish assisting. Alana Brogan will create the set design. Spellcaster Pro will provide sound, and Patti Meunier will manage the cocktail hour. Marlene May, producing artistic director of South Jersey Players, will direct the play, assisted by: Scottie Van Duyne, Chikita Wallace and dramaturg, If You Go:

Twelfth night will play June 23-25 at Ventnor Memory Park, nashville and Ventnor avenues.

Time: 7 p.m. on June 23 and 24; 5 p.m. June 25

Includes a ‘sweet & savory’ cocktail hour for $20 with soft drink, $25 with ‘ale’. Reservations: (347) 920 6399.

William Sokolic is a veteran journalist who has written for daily, weekly and monthly publications. He’s covered a wide range of news, features and entertainment stories. Much of his work concerns tourism, Atlantic City, and the gaming industry.

Site after development

Acelebration of the rich history of African Americans in Ocean City will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 17, on Haven Avenue between 7th Street and 8th Street. The local Juneteenth event will be free to attend and will include live music, comedy, vendors, bounce houses, food trucks and more.

The program will include:

● 1 p.m.: event opening and prayers

● 1:10 p.m.: Gospel Special featuring Ocean City native Terri Showers

● 1:30 p.m.: Special guest speakers including Dr. Kelly Cornish (mental health, drug addiction), Gabriel Yaw nigriel, Mayor Jay Gillian and the Cape May County nAACP

● 2:10 p.m.: Ceremony introducing the eric Jones & Richard Grimes Memorial Award

● 2:20 p.m.: Standup comedy show featuring Brian Isley and special guest

● 2:50 p.m.: Live performance by Dynasty Smith from Black Ink Radio

● 3:15 p.m.: Live performance by The Muzik Live, “South Jersey’s no. 1 Party Band”

● 4:30 p.m.: Community Reunion Dance Party with DJ Cozy V

● 5 p.m.: event closing

For more information, visit festivalnj.com.

Ocean City’s Healthy Living Advisory Council will sponsor its annual Health & Wellness expo from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The free event will include health food and wellness product vendors, various classes, and

a fashion show highlighting the newest styles from local merchants.

The event schedule includes:

● 8:15 a.m.: Yoga

● 9:30 a.m.: Fashion Show

● 10 a.m.: Jiu Jitsu

● 11:15 a.m.: Zumba

For more information, email events@ocnj.us.

2023 BOARDWALK CONCERT SERIES OPENS

The 2023 Boardwalk Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier will open with two great shows on back-to-back nights.

Get the Led Out will perform

its tribute to Led Zeppelin at 7 p.m. Monday, June 19. The band has been a staple of the local concert series for many years and has been one of its most popular and enduring acts.

Five-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 20. The legendary guitarist takes his inspiration from the Delta Blues and his moniker from his given name, Kevin Moore.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (Get the Led Out and Keb’ Mo’), and a limited number are available (by cash or check only) at the Music Pier Box Office.

to provide their own tote bags. Cash only.

J une 24 – Antique Auto Show: Over 300 vintage vehicles. Tabernacle grounds, Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with boardwalk parade after 2 p.m. For more information, visit jerseycape.aaca. com.

COMING UP IN JUNE

J une 21 – Farmers Market: The weekly marketplace opens for the season at the Tabernacle Grounds. The Farmers Market returns 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.

J une 23-24 – Book Sale: The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library announce a Summer 2023 Two-Day Book Sale to be held in the atrium of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue on Friday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, go to friendsvolunteersocfpl.com. Attendees are requested

June 25 – Kristin Chenoweth Performing with the Ocean City Pops: The award-winning actress and singer’s career spans film, television and stage, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She highlights the Ocean City Pops’ season-opener at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. In 2009, she received an emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Pushing Daisies.” In 1999, she won a Tony Award for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and she was nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” in 2004. She has been nominated for two emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee,” and she also recently starred in Apple TV’s comedy series “Schmigadoon.” For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/ box-office.

J une 26 – Bruce Hornsby & The noisemakers: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at Ticketmaster, and a limited number are available (by cash or check only) at the Music Pier Box Office.

J une 27 – The Rascals: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at Ticketmaster, and a limited number are available (by cash or check only) at the Music Pier Box Office.

J une 28 – Wacky Wednesday (Taffy Sculpting): use your creativity

to shape and sculpt Shriver’s salt water taffy into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free and

open to the first 250 participants. event starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.

Love, inclusion, and acceptance highlight inaugural OC Pride Fest

By Steffen Klenk

Last Saturday, the local community showed up in Ocean City in collective cause for inclusion and acceptance.

We Belong Cape May County organized the city’s first ever Pride Fest, held on the practice fields at Ocean City High School. Representatives from dozens of local businesses and organizations were in attendance

for a day that was filled with music, art, yoga, giveaways, and resources.

The event was preceded by a Pride Walk on the Boardwalk between 6th and 10th streets. Student nathaniel Ginet performed “The Star Spangled Banner” prior to Saturday’s walk. Ginet, who is also founder of the High School’s PRISM Club, felt happy about the support and turnout.

“It makes me feel really proud that we, as a community, have been able to come together and do something that’s been needed for a long time,” Ginet said.

“We are all here in a collective cause for humanity,” South Jersey meteorologist n or’ e aster n ick Pittman said in a speech moments before the Pride Walk. Pittman has been using his platform to help others and described Saturday’s gathering as enormous for Cape May County. “There should be universal acceptance across the board for our actions, and for what we do to help other people live a better life.”

For residents, and visitors alike, it was an opportunity to lend support to the LGBTQIA+ community. Mem -

bers of the affirmative Holy Trinity episcopal Church, including Micki Merritt of Mays Landing, were in attendance for the day’s festivities.

“It feels great being here,” said Merritt who said she has seen and witnessed too many suicides and was there to support kids and youth.

Many nonprofits were also on hand, including The Peyton Heart Project, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, bullying, and to end the stigma of mental health issues. Free Mom Hugs, a nonprofit dedicated to embracing and empowering the LGBTQ community, provided outreach and resources.

2023 Seasonal Beach Tag Shot Glasses

Photos by Steffen Klenk

S PADAAFORA’S

Reeve Foundation Grant benefits Ocean City Beach Mat Program

Ocean City is proud to announce that it has been awarded $25,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation national Paralysis Resource Center Direct effect Quality of Life Grants Program.

The grant helped add more than 100 mats to create accessible paths across the soft sand on Ocean City beaches.

In the most recent round of funding, 56 grants totaling $1,102,501 were awarded by the Reeve Foundation. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,700 grants totaling over $41 million have been awarded.

“This cycle of Direct effect grant projects offers a robust and impactful addition to our Quality of Life grants program,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program,

Reeve Foundation. “Grant funds are supporting wide-ranging projects, including accessible community areas, adaptive sports and fitness & wellness, consumer education, peer mentoring & support, and transportation. These projects represent the true essence of our Quality of Life grants program by fostering inclusion, involvement and community engagement, and promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis.”

Ocean City’s beach mat program now includes accessible paths through the dunes at 99 beach entrances with extended paths and sitting areas at Surf Road, Waverly Beach, Stenton Place, 14th Street, 34th Street and 58th Street.

“It’s an honor to receive this award and work in partnership with the Reeve Foundation,” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said. I’m proud that Ocean City is able to continue to improve accessibility so everybody can enjoy our beaches.”

Scholarship awards given last week

Performing Art Center, the Ocean City Rowing & Athletic Association directors, Fred Miller and Vince Hink, presented the 8th annual Susan Miller Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to Lauren Tate.

ber 26, 2006 by David nahan for an article for in the Ocean City Sentinel.

By Fred Miller

Monday evening, June 5, 2023, in the Ocean City High School’s Bill and n ancy Hughes

Susan, died on July 15, 2015. She and her husband, Fred, wrote nine books on Ocean City history including Ocean City Beach Patrol. This picture was taken on Septem -

The 22nd annual Lt. Alfred “Bud” McKinley Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each was presented to Paul Tjoumakaris and James nilsen. McKinley, who joined the OCBP in 1959, died on May 11, 2001.

Lt. Bud McKinley

The traffic light covers came off

over the traffic lights! each late spring, the city workers would remove those covers, signaling that the real summer season was just a short time away. Bathing suits smell like mothballs.

By Bill Quain

When I was younger, Ocean City seemed like a ghost town in the winter. The “shoulder seasons” were three weeks in September, maybe easter weekend, and the week before Memorial Day. However, back in the 1960s, there was so little traffic during the winter that they put canvas covers

My sister Diane (Dee) Klotz suggested this title for this week’s column. When Dee and I were growing up, it was a big deal to come to the shore for the grand opening of my grandparents’ cottage on West Avenue. One of the things I remember most about that cottage was the smell. The place must have been built on pilings because when you got there in the spring it smelled like tar – a substance they used to coat the pilings. The house also had no heat or air conditioning. I can remember walking into the cottage, feeling very cold, and smelling the tar. The refrigerator door was wide open to prevent mold from taking over in the winter. We had to test to see if the water and electricity had been turned on. Then we went to the storage chests and took out our “summer stuff.” However, it didn’t smell like summer. It smelled like mothballs! In fact, the first two or three times you wore that stuff, everything smelled like mothballs.

Transporting senses — going down the shore

From those early years to the present day, going down the shore has involved all the senses. As a kid, when we took that drive (or occasionally the train) to Ocean City, all of our senses came alive. I can remember hot Friday nights with all of us packed into our station wagon, driving through the city streets of Philadelphia with the windows down, and the hot, muggy air sticking to everything as we crawled through bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way to the bridge. Crossing the Delaware River was our first hint that life was about to change for the better. Over the years, our route changed from the back roads of n ew Jersey to the Atlantic City e xpressway, (although my brother-in-law Lou still swears by the back roads). Wow, our senses changed with it!

When they first built the A.C. e xpressway, there was a huge fire along the way that burned out all the trees and left them a blackened wreck. However, as we got closer to that magic exit for the Garden State Parkway, we’d start seeing greener landscapes. I even remember seeing the famous “Coppertone” billboard that featured a little girl and her dog on the beach.

The really special moments came when you could suddenly smell the salt air from the marshes. even our family dog got excited. “Yogie” would suddenly stand up, stick his head near the window, and breathe in the scents of the bay. When we drove across that ninth Street Bridge, well… the transport was

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by

Bill Quain

complete! Suddenly, we were in familiar, yet always slightly exotic surroundings. u nlike our suburban neighborhood of north Wales in PA, people were actually walking around on the streets! Plus, we could smell the pizza, cheesesteaks, seafood and occasionally, the heady aroma of Johnson’s Popcorn. even more, everyone was happy and smiling – with the exception of a screaming child or two, who wanted one more ride on the boardwalk.

A getaway should take you away

It is really surprising that a vacation in Ocean City could be so transformative. Remember, all seven kids in my family were there, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Almost everyone was from Philadelphia, with similar family structures and familiar cars. When we were all down the shore we somehow overlooked all that familiarity.

Time to come to your senses!

OK, readers. It’s time for you to come to your senses. How about sharing your memories and perspectives on going down the shore? Hey, it doesn’t need to be about South Jersey. Maybe you took a different kind of vacation? Alternatively, perhaps you’ve been transported by other things, such as a ceremony, event, unexpected move, etc. We’d love to hear your Six-Word Stories of how your senses came alive with the change. Just shoot an email to bill@quain.com and write “Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench” in the subject line. Please give a few sentences of background information in the body of the email. Don’t worry if you can’t create a six-word story. I’ll read through your email, and come up with one for you. I may put it into a future column, so we can all share the fun. As I say each week: 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.

Car show rolling in this weekend

The 68th annual Ocean City Dave Blyler & Herb Godfrey Memorial Antique Automobile and Classic Auto Show and Parade takes place on Saturday, June 24th. Featuring over two hundred antique and classic automobiles at the Ocean City Tabernacle grounds, the show begins at 9am and ends at 2pm with a parade on the boardwalk at it's conclusion. Cars from n ew Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and n ew York all come this massive event. The show is free to the public with voting for favories in different classes. .

One-on-one with acclaimed author and motivational speaker Bill Quain

meeting with Thomas Heist Sr., he was placed in charge of running a hotel and had leased the property for a full summer. “I’ve always been grateful; I still get my insurance from Heist.” Quain says.

By Steffen Klenk

Bill Quain is an extraordinary Ocean City resident. As a former manager in hospitality, he is the author of 27 books, and has spoken to audiences both small and large around the globe.

Having lost his eyesight to macular degeneration at the age of 14, Quain has not only found ways to quickly address problems, but to come up with innovative solutions. I recently had the opportunity to sit in conversation with the fellow Shore Local columnist on his life story, his speaking career, and life at the South Jersey Shore.

Quain’s success story began over fifty years ago. While studying Hospitality Management at Cornell university, at the age of 19, he was hired to work at Watson’s Restaurant. A year later, after

The following year, Quain returned to Ocean City and went into the restaurant business with a longtime friend, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the corner of 34th St. and Central Ave. “We worked so hard that summer.” He recalls the first day of business, being open on a cold, rainy day before a busy Memorial Day weekend. “We sold two cups of coffee to the same guy. It was 16 cents a cup; 15 plus a penny tax.”

After graduating from Cornell, Quain devoted several years of his life to public service. Having applied for the VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program, he was assigned as a management consultant for minority businesses in Cleveland, Ohio, serving multiple clients that included an original McDonald’s. After serving in community development for a year, Quain moved to the napa Valley, where he worked for John Williams, his college roommate, planting grapes for his

Stags’ Leap Winery. “It was really fun,” Quain explains. “ nobody knew that it was going to turn into this huge place.”

From there, he worked his way to the Sierra n evada Mountains, near Lake Tahoe, and was hired as a manager for a restaurant, later taking on additional roles as food and beverage director and executive chef.

Following a short stint on the west coast, Quain moved back east, where

he soon found a passion for teaching at a community college. He would go on to obtain his master’s in science and hospitality from Florida International u niversity, later obtaining his PhD while teaching at u niversity of n ew Orleans. Quain’s teaching career would take him to the u niversity of n evada-Las Vegas, university of Central Florida, and Florida International university, where he served as Professor of Hospitality Management. After moving back to Ocean City in 2007, he took on the title of Professor of Hospitality, Tourism & event Management at Stockton university’s School of Business and has been with the university for 13 years.

For more than thirty years, Quain has written over two dozen books, with many of his early writings dedicated to the hospitality industry and business. His In 1993, he published his international bestselling book “Reclaiming the American Dream: The Keys to Financial Freedom,” which has sold over 150,000 copies. While he was writing books to help people become successful, Quain says he wanted to reach more people with the message that’s inside of them.

In 2018, Bill Quain represented Ocean City as Mr. Mature

“People have dreams within them that they don’t even know, and what they need is for someone to show them a vehicle they can use to change the course of their lives.”

His most recent paperback, titled “Who Will You Be When The Masks Come Off?” provides life lessons and tips on how to survive any disruption in life and come back better than you had before. In this book, Quain teaches people how to ask questions and tell stories about the different transitions of a disruption, both pre, during, and post. One of the chapters in the book includes an introduction on Six-Word Stories, with tips on how to start the writing process. “When you start using these stories, it delineates for you what these three stages are and how to use that knowledge to navigate your way into knowing when you made a transition.”

In 2018, Quain represented the City of Ocean City as the title holder of Mr.

Mature America, dazzling audiences with a rendition of “On the Way to Cape May” on the ukelele, and a sense of humor that could not be beat. When Quain is not writing, you can find him either walking or running on the boardwalk, with his guide dog Trudy, preparing for the Ocean City Half Marathon this September.

At the close of our conversation, Quain offers these simple words of advice. “If you’re always moving forward, you’re going to have some failures; just keep your wits about you and try the next thing. Know who you’re talking to, and give your audience what they want to hear. Don’t compromise your spirit, but find ways to connect with them.”

You can find Bill’s column, Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench, while flipping through the pages of Shore Local, in print and online. For more stories of inspiration, or to pick up a paperback copy of his book, go to www.billquain.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.

By the owners of Staintons Beautifully remodeled at the former Crown Bank

Waiting on the Angels: The Long, Cool, Summer of ’65 Revisited When the Hell's Angels came to America's Greatest Family Resort

Part 1 of a Continuing Series

The summer of ’65 began inauspiciously enough with the soft sounds of shore birds chirping, the waves of boat wakes lapping at the bay shore, and the smell of the salt air brought in by soft bay winds. But the natural sounds of spring were about to be overridden.

What began as a soft hum got steadily louder. The animals sensed it first, darting their heads as the birds went silent and the squirrels and rabbits scattered. The hum steadily increased in volume until it was a constant vibration almost running ripples counter to the tide, building into a thunderous roar of motorcycles that rumbled by in a blur and slowly faded away to a quiet hum. After a few moments the lapping of the tide

could be heard again.

Ocean City Police Patrolman William Warren was sitting in his patrol car in the parking lot of the Circle Liquor Store, which overlooks the bay and the causeway bridge into Ocean City.

Patrolman Warren was eating his lunch when the swarm of motorcycles sped by. While he was technically in Somers Point, the Ocean City Police Department patrolled the causeway, strictly enforcing speeding

laws. Warren put down his sandwich, reached for the radio and called it in; and then the pursuit was on.

The summer ’65 began normally enough; we didn't even know the Hell's Angels came to town. That was a city and state secret and we only found out about it later because the mayor of Ocean City, Tom Waldman, was in the thick of it all.

And while we didn't know it at the time, and as we later discovered, the summer of ’65 really began when those Hell's Angels came to town.

“There were two entirely different and unrelated incidents,” the mayor later explained. “The Hell's Angels did come to town before Memorial Day, but that and the Labor Day events were two different incidents and were not really connected, and that’s a different story.

“There weren't that many of them. Less than a dozen bikers – Hell's Angels. What happened was a Black police officer ordered them to pull over and they ignored him. He was probably the first Black police officer on the Ocean City police force.”

When the bikers ignored him and refused to pull over on the causeway, he radioed ahead. So as they cruised in town down 9th Street, they were met by a police car roadblock at West Avenue where they were corralled into a vacant lot at the end of the

railroad line at what is now McDonald’s.

There, they were just as belligerent.

“They would only talk to the mayor,” said Waldman, who was summoned out of his 8th Street travel agency office, picked up in a squad car and taken over to talk with their leader, as legend would have it, Ralph “Sonny” Barger, the baddest Hell’s Angel.

According to Hunter S. Thompson, “Barger’s word goes unquestioned.” The father of gonzo journalism called him, “the maximum leader,” and described him as “a 6-foot, 170-pound warehouseman from east Oakland, the coolest head in the lot, and a tough, quick-thinking dealer when any action starts. By turn he is a fanatic, a philosopher, a brawler, a shrewd compromiser and final arbitrator.”

The leader of the Hell’s Angels met Mayor Waldman, the suit-and-tie travel agent and “maximum leader” of Ocean City.

The mayor said, “Whenever you have a large transient population like we do, you will have exposure to all types, including these violent motorcycle gangs. But you can’t condone it, and you can’t ignore it.

“We talked, and I introduced them to the Black officer,” he remembered, “but they were racist and weren’t going to take any orders from him.

"I told them he was only doing his job and trying to earn a living for his family. They were very polite, and eventually we all shook hands in the end. But we didn’t go out and have cocktails together.”

Mayor Waldman had Patrolman Warren write a single ticket for speeding to their leader, whose driver’s license identified him as Ralph S. Barger, Golf Lane, Oakland, California. The mayor told him that if he didn’t accept it they would all be issued tickets and be background checked and arrested if there were any outstanding warrants anywhere in the country.

Waldman, the mayor of America’s Greatest Family Resort, and Sonny

Barger, the leader of the Hell's Angels, went eyeball to eyeball and the leader of the pack blinked. He took the speeding ticket and without saying another word, he and his crew all got on their bikes and left the way they came.

And there it should have ended. But it didn't. It just set the tone and style for the rest of the summer, which was one that anyone who was there will never forget.

“The Long Cool Summer of ’65 Revisited” is a novel about events and local history blended with popular myths. After “Three Hundred Years at the Point”and “Birth of the Birdie,” Bill Kelly’s third book is a lighthearted look at the heart of the 1960s, and noteworthy stories that unfolded right here in our corner of the Jersey Shore. It records how Bob Dylan came to meet Levon and the Hawks, solves a legendary murder mystery, and revives the summer when the Hell’s Angels were kicked out of town and threatened to return in force on Labor Day and wreak havoc in “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Bill can be contacted at billkelly3@gmail.com.

Escape the Cape celebrates 10th anniversary

By David Weinberg

Thousands of competitors have stood on the edge of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in the last decade years and taken a leap of faith that has to be experienced to explain.

There's something about sidling to the edge of the boat at the start of the e scape the Cape Triathlon, then making a 12-foot plunge into the murky, chilly Delaware Bay, that's both scary and exciting.

Most people do it once as a bucket-list item. A special group of athletes jumped for the 10th time last Sunday in Lower Township.

eighteen triathletes were honored after the race for their dedication to the unique event, a group that in -

cluded locals edward Gibbons, Mike Mader, Ryan Osmundsen and erik Simonsen.

"I always wanted to do a triathlon and someone told me about this one and that's right in our backyard," said Osmundsen, a Lower Township native. "As soon as I jumped off the boat that first time in 2013, I was hooked."

Race organizer Steve Delmonte, a north Wildwood native who now lives in Wildwood Crest, got the idea to have the event after participating in the escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco.

"That fact that this event has been going on for 10 years is remarkable," Delmonte told The Press last Sunday. "In those 10 years, we've had close to 16,000 or 17,000 people jump off a boat."

The Olympic-distance race begins with a 1-mile swim and is followed by a 23-mile bike through the vineyards and horse farms of Lower Township, then finishes with a brutal, 5-mile run that includes several segments in the sand. The sprint distance consists of a .35-mile swim, 12.5-mile bike and 5K run.

edward Gibbons, who I've known for over 60 years, has done the Olympic race all 10 times. The grandfather turns 64 in a couple weeks, but looks – and swims, bikes and runs – like a 30-year-old.

I both admire him and hate him.

"I had already done a few local triathlons like the one in Stone Harbor," said Gibbons, who now lives in Linwood. "When I saw that this one was happening and that we would

be jumping off the ferry, I was all in."

He's been all in every year since, along with Mader, Osmundsen, Simonsen and the others.

And he'll be back in 2024.

"At first, I thought 10 years would be enough," Gibbons said. "But as long as I'm able to do it, why not keep going?"

Mader, Osmundsen and Simonsen are taking the same approach.

They also have every intention of

keeping their streak going and even including some family members.

Mader, who actually owns a home on the run course, did the swim and bike portions of the sprint race Sunday while his 9-year-old daughter, Amaya, did the 5K run.

Osmundsen was joined Sunday by his sister, Kim, who missed the first e scape in 2015, but has now done nine in a row.

I’m also hoping to keep going.

Sunday marked my seventh time competing in the escape the Cape.

Edward Gibbons finishing the swim

Edward Gibbons and David Weinberg

I watched the first two from the shores of the bay and was riveted by the sight of people jumping into the bay and swimming to shore. I missed the 2020 race due to an eye injury and a shoulder injury prevented me from doing the swim portion of the race Sunday.

But I have every intention of taking that leap again in 2024.

***

Buhai rallies to win ShopRite LPGA Classic

Ashleigh Buhai is starting to live up to the hype.

Lauded as a potential star 15 years ago, she struggled to fulfill those lofty expectations for over a decade. not anymore.

The native of South Africa has won four tournaments in the last two years, including last Sunday's 35th edition of the ShopRite LPGA Classic at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township.

"I was touted to be the next big thing out of South Africa," she said. "But golf is just not like that all the time."

It was last weekend.

Buhai shot a 6-under 65 on Seaview's Bay Course Sunday to fin -

ish the tournament at 14-under, good for a one-shot victory over South Korea's Hyo Joo Kim. Yan Liu was third at 10-under, followed by nanna Koerstz Madsen and Dani Holmqvist at 10-under.

Holmqvist, who led after the second round, shot 1-over 72 Sunday.

At 34 years, 11 months, Buhai became the oldest winner on the LPGA tour this year. She earned $262,500 for Sunday's win.

Buhai was ranked 84th in the world as recently as two years ago, but is starting to find a groove. The ShopRite Classic was her second career LPGA win, following her victory at the AIG Women's Open. She also won the Investec South African Women's Open and the Australian Women's Open.

"Yeah, this is definitely the best golf I've played in my career," Buhai said. "When I put everything together, I know that I can compete and have a chance to win. Obviously, it's difficult to do every week. But I keep trying.

"My goal this year was to win in the u.S., to finally get that monkey off my back. I'm very proud of myself for doing it."

Erik Simonsen and Ryan Osmundsen

Introducing Hydrangea Trail 2.0

By Tammy Thornton

If you have lived in our Shore Local area long enough, you (or your grandma) may remember the famed Hydrangea Trail and Hydrangea Festival that began in the 1940s. This weeklong celebration included a hydrangea ball and the crowning of the Hydrangea Queen. By the 1960s, gardeners in 20 communities from Brigantine to Cape May competed for various awards for their prized hydrangeas in the festival along the Hydrangea Trail. Young women represented local garden clubs from Atlantic and Cape May County to compete for the coveted title of Hydrangea Queen. These annual festivities lasted until about the 1970s.

Fast forward to today, we introduce: “Hydrangea Trail 2.0”. With goals of reestablishing the Hydrangea Trail throughout Atlantic City

and beautifying neighborhoods along the way, a volunteer group called the Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers (IHTV) formed in May of 2022. The talented and motivated group, now in year two of its threeyear plan, has been hard at work revitalizing the city, starting at the Inlet. With over 25 volunteers and growing, the group is led by a diverse and

prestigious board, including: Ralph e . Hunter, Sr., founder of the African American Heritage Museum of South Jersey; Jean Muchanic, e xecutive Director of the Absecon Lighthouse; as well as retired professors, floral designers, and business owners in Atlantic City.

After gathering like-minded people, the Hydrangea Trail 2.0 project

began in spring of 2022, with a restoration of the containers at Gardner's Basin. The enormous pots were cleaned, painted, and planted. Over 100 new hydrangeas were planted around the Atlantic City Aquarium and Amphitheater. 2023 started out with a bang as the non-profit group held their first fundraiser in January. This spring, the Absecon Lighthouse hosted the first annual Mother’s Day Hydrangea Sale as a fundraiser for Hydrangea Trail 2.0. upcoming events in June include participation in the 48 Blocks closing party, coordination of garden tours, and garden field trips. Looking ahead to July and August, the group proposes to hold Leadership in Training (LIT) sessions, that will bring young people and gardening experts together.

u ltimately, Hydrangea Trail 2.0 plans to establish a city-wide restoration of the trail. In its mission statement, the group “endeavors to restore the connection between horticultural appreciation and sustained agricultural tourism for Atlantic City residents and visitors. Promoting the Hydrangea Trail 2.0 encourages knowledge of history and horticulture, conservation of native and introduced plants, and the ways

Hydrangea Trail 2.0 volunteers, Jody Reese, Social Media Moderator (left), and Karen Rosnick, President of the Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers (right), meet at the Carriage House in Gardner’s Basin to work on their project for the upcoming 48 Blocks Closing Party.

flowers reduce stress, create beauty, fuel community pride, and attract visitors as well as residents.”

As part of the restoration of the trail, members of the group would like to honor the history of the original trail. They ask for the public’s help in finding stories and memorabilia of the original Hydrangea Trail. Did you own award-winning hydrangeas? Have you attended the Hydrangea Ball or parade? Karen Rosnick, President of the Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers, would love to hear from you. She can

be reached at gardensofac@gmail. com.

The group always welcomes new volunteers. Help is needed to keep up with the watering of the new hydrangeas, as well as planting around the city and making community connections. Volunteers conduct meetings and work sessions at the renovated Carriage House in Gardner’s Basin. With some luck, you may even meet the new honorary Hydrangea Queen, Ortensia, complete with her tulle skirt and hydrangea hair. You can find more information about Hydrangea Trail 2.0 on their Facebook page: Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers, or their Instagram page: Hydrangeatrail.

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

One of the over 100 newly planted hydrangeas at Gardner’s Basin as part of the reestablished Hydrangea Trail 2.0

Northfield was a magical place to grow up

introduced me and my family to living on the Mainland, and to more than 55 years of my life experiences and memories.

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

As this is the month of June and Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, my thoughts drift to the time when my father

My journey began on May 7, 1967, when my father, mother and I moved “off shore” from Margate to “the Mainland” into our beautiful new home on Henry Drive in the Birch Grove Park section of northfield.

Our actual family Shore Local roots and “house hunting” journey began when my grandparents lived in Linwood from 1954 to 1966.

My father was in the united States

Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and in Okinawa, enewetak, Bikini Atoll Marshall Islands as part of the H Bomb testing before returning from his service to his parents new Linwood home. upon his return, my father secured a position at what was then the naval Air Station, working for Lockheed as an aircraft maintenance technician. In 1958 the air station became the national Aviation Facilities e xperimental Testing Center (nAFeC), known today as the William J. Hughes Technical Center.

My father, William Joseph eagan, lll, was part of the original nAFeC team as a federal government aircraft technician, working in research, development and implementing experimental modifications for the Department of Transportation, and later, the FAA. He wanted to plant roots for himself, my mother, Grace, and I, and to be closer to his work.

In the 1960s there was a building boom. During that time, various local builders were offering new construction homes to veterans and local working families.

Prior to and during the 1960s, most of the areas surrounding Birch Grove Park were woods and trees, horseback riding trails and vast farmland – places of undeveloped nature, adventures and quiet enjoyment.

When I look back on my childhood, growing up in northfield, it was a magical place. My hometown was “The Great American Hometown” – our own real life Mayberry.

Today as you drive, walk, jog, or take a bike ride around town, you appreciate the beautiful strolling bike path, which was originally a railroad track back in the old days, and the meandering trails of the 271-acre Birch Grove Park, which was a lumberyard and brick manufacturing company in days of yore, until northfield obtained it, and made it into a park in the early 1950s.

The park has a lot to offer including fishing, places for family barbecues and picnics. You can bring the entire family to enjoy an evening of music at the gazebo, or cheer on our youth playing soccer, baseball, softball and football games on the northfield Cardinal fields all enriched by community involvement. These activities will always be perpetual favorites, enjoyed now and in the future as they have been for generations.

In n orthfield I have made many memories with family, neighbors and friends; attended schools, church, and activities and made lifelong relationships and friendships throughout the city, especially in Birch Grove Park.

Girl Scouting, Arbor Day tree plantings, The northfield Garden Club, The northfield Library, The Historical Society and Museum, our grand celebration

of our nation’s Bi-Centennial in 1976 with the dedication of the time capsule and the grandstand music gazebo are just a few of the many events that I remember.

northfield is a patriotic community, honoring its hometown heroes and veterans at the American Legion and Veterans Park, most memorably our own hometown Fourth of July Parade and Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations.

northfield honors all of those past, present and future who have lived, served and contributed to the betterment of the quality of life in the city.

As we approach July 4, 2023, the 247th birthday of the united States, I thank my father for choosing to make northfield our family home.

My dad, now in Heaven, William Joseph e agan III, would have been celebrating his 93rd birthday on July 4 (July 4,1930-Dec. 17, 2006), the same birthday as mine. As I approach my own 61st birthday (July 4, 1962-). I am grateful that I was my father’s 32nd birthday present.

My dad and I shared and celebrated every July 4 birthday together for years. We had many moments of festive fireworks, barbecues and most of all, love.

I treasure all of my hometown memories, and the house, home, neighborhood and community that made me. I love northfield, and I love this area of Atlantic County where I live, work, and continue to give back and to serve.

On this Father’s Day, 2023, I honor my father, all of the fathers, grandfathers, and those men who have stepped up as father-figures by fine example. We salute you all and wish you a most wonderful Father’s Day!

William Joseph Eagan III

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Staying hydrated this summer

lubricates joints, regulates body temperature, moistens tissues in the nose, eyes and mouth, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells and helps the liver and kidneys flush out waste. Water is absolutely vital to our wellbeing.

PROMO CODE HELC23

By Lela McAferty

It’s a beautiful summer day, and you are headed out to join a group of friends for a birthday gathering. You’re feeling unusually tired and a bit light-headed. n o one invited dehydration to the party! As spring is coming to a close and 80- and 90-degree weather days approach, we must reexamine our changing routines and our hydration habits. We will be outside enjoying a number of activities and even exercising or walking more outside while the weather is beautiful.

Why does our body need water?

Water makes up about 60% of our body weight and serves several functions throughout the body. It protects organs and tissues,

How much water do we need? This answer varies a bit depending on each specific person. In general, we lose about 8 to 12 cups of water a day or more, depending on factors such as hot weather, high altitude, exercise, sickness, a high-fiber diet, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or caffeine and alcohol consumption. It is imperative we replace our body’s water supply with drinks and foods that contain water. A couple of guidelines concerning replenishing our body’s supply are to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day or to drink about half our body weight of water in ounces. These are basic guidelines. For example, if you are exercising in a hot space or out at the beach for several hours you will need extra water.

Is water my only choice for hydration? n o. Although without a

reimburse the Credit Union for any third party fees paid on your behalf. Rates and terms subject to change at the discretion of the credit union. Contact the credit union for additional details.

doubt, it is the most efficient option. Beverages such as milk, juice, kombucha, coconut water and herbal teas all contribute to your daily water intake. Many foods include a high-water content. Foods such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, zucchini, pineapple, celery, peaches, lettuce, raspberries, grapefruit and tomatoes are all rich in water. Many of these foods may also provide amino acids and vitamins, essential minerals, and natural sugars, all of which can be lost during exercise. A mid-morning protein smoothie is a wonderful, balanced way to replenish hydration, along with important vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.

What are some long-term benefits of water consumption?

As many of the body’s processes depend on water, it is imperative to think about long-term consumption. A few long-term advantages that come into play include: water prevents kidney damage, water helps facilitate nutrients and vitamins to different parts of our body, water helps maintain healthy blood pressure, water may ease allergies and asthma as it lubricates our airways, water increases athletic performance, and water may alleviate constipation, heartburn and

stomach ulcers.

How do I maintain my water intake throughout the day? This looks different for everyone. Do your best to drink before you feel thirsty. We may need to set a reminder to get up, walk around, and drink a glass of water. For others, this may be drinking a glass of water before and after a meal, or drinking a glass of water before our morning coffee or afternoon tea. Keeping our water bottle with us may be just the trick. For others that are not a fan of pure water, this can be remedied by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or mixing a half-gallon container of water to sit in the fridge with lemon, strawberries and basil. A water infusion sounds wonderful on a hot day! I hope these tips on water intake have reminded you of the fun summer days ahead. enjoy!

48 Blocks AC arts celebration returns

“We are excited to be hosting programming in four neighborhoods and to be partnered with several local businesses and organizations. We are looking forward to celebrating art and culture in AC with our community on June 24 & 25th!"

By Krystle J Bailey

Forty eight Blocks Atlantic City, the highly-anticipated city-wide arts celebration, returns this June. The weekend-long event began in 2017 and is the flagship program of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City.

Since 2017, ACAF has provided opportunities for creators and community members to gather in celebration of the local arts. From mural tours and live music to the dozens of hands-on activities being offered throughout the city, there is something for art enthusiasts of all experiences, ages, and backgrounds during 48 Blocks.

each year, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation team curates a 48-hour arts and cultural experience with

48+ installments throughout the 48 blocks that make up Atlantic City, nJ. When life went virtual in 2020, they got creative and delivered a weekend of virtual painting, poetry, how-to classes, virtual tours, and more.

This year, 48 Blocks is back and bigger than ever. The celebration kicked off on Memorial Day weekend at The Garden at Cardinal, Atlantic City’s newest contemporary American restaurant. Festivities will continue June 19-25, including the long-awaited return of “mural week,” when local, regional, and global muralists are invited to install a diverse range of styles and free creative

expression throughout Atlantic City. This year’s muralists are Mikey Whorror, Cara Vaughn, erika Matyok, Gary Lindley, efrain Lemus, and John Morris. The intensity turns up on the weekend of June 24th and 25th when art will fill the city from Brown Park to Gardner’s Basin.

Chef Michael Brennan of Cardinal is hosting a sold-out fundraiser dinner, "From Palette to Plate," inspired by the color palettes of 8 different 2023 mural artists on Tuesday, 6/20, at 5 pm.

Down the street at Anchor Rock Club, “Rock the 48 Blocks” will take place on June 22, featuring DJ Samwas spinning funky hip hop, groovy house, electronic music, and some hard-hitting jam-funk along with Red Meat Conspiracy. Ticket sales, available at anchorrockclub.com, support 48 Blocks AC.

"48 Blocks AC has always been about bringing the community together and celebrating throughout Atlantic City,” shares ACAF Interim e xecutive Director Kate O’Malley.

Jitney mural tours will be offered in four different AC neighborhoods (all free and family-friendly). Weekend attendees will receive a passport that they are encouraged

to get stamped at each of the four 48 Blocks' main locations. Limited edition 48 Blocks AC t-shirts will be offered to those who complete the mission.

Five Atlantic City restaurants are offering “48 Blocks” specials with proceeds supporting ACAF. Visit Little Water Distillery, Cardinal, Good Dog Bar Atlantic City, Hayday Coffee, and Bar 32 to try everything from “The 48” to “The Palette Refresher.” Learn more about 48 Blocks at acartsfoundation.org/celebrate.

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

Cole Moore

&

at the Shore

Whitney's Weekly Picks

When: Thursday, June 15 - Sunday, June, 18

Website: barefootcountrymusicfest. com

This honky-tonk paradise on the beach is a four-day festival featuring Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and more.

What: The Black e xcellence Festival

Who: Buddy Guy - Damn Right Farewell

Where: Ocean Casino Resort

When: Friday, June 16

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.theoceanac. com/entertainment/5th-birthday-event-headliners/buddy-guy

unique once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experience.

There are some really fun happenings this Father’s Day weekend, so make sure to support your local venues and get your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on any fun! Oh and feel free to tag me in your photos and videos.

What: The Barefoot Country Music Fest 2023

Where: 3601 Boardwalk Wildwood

Where: Showboat Resort in Atlantic City

When: Friday, June 16 - Sunday, June 18

Website: www.TheBeFestival.com

It’s more than a festival, it’s an experience. This three-day event will provide tools, information, and resources to navigate and address critical issues within Black communities. It will showcase African American culture and attendees can expect educational seminars, workshops, panel discussions, shopping and entertainment.

One of the most celebrated blues guitarists, singer and eigh-time Grammy winner George “Buddy” Guy performs at Ovation Hall.

Who: Dope Shows Presents: Birthday

Bash Featuring Lil Dirk, Metro Booming, Lola Brooke and Toure

Where: Boardwalk Hall

When: Friday, June 16

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events

Don’t miss Lil Dirk’s birthday bash at Boardwalk Hall, as it will be a fun,

Who: nancy Wilson’s Heart

Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City

When: Friday, June 16

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar

Known as the first rock band fronted by women, Heart’s nancy Wilson will be live at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves.

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

What: AC Pride | De’ja Vu All Over Again

Where: Anchor Rock Club

When: Friday, June 16 Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.anchorrockclub.com

Join AC Pride and friends as they launch Pride Week in Atlantic City. It’s Deja Vu all over gain with this throwback party to the old Deja Vu on new York Avenue with 90s cocktails, 90s club DJ, special guests, contests, prizes and more.

Who: RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2023

Where: Tropicana Atlantic City

When: Saturday, June 17 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac/shows

The Werq The World Tour is an ongoing tour featuring drag queens from season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

What: O fficial Celebrity Boxing War at the Shore

Where: Showboat Resort

When: Saturday, June 17 Time: 6 p.m.

Website: www.officialcelebrityboxing.com

enjoy an unforgettable night of live boxing and music performances all hosted by “Cheaters” host and “Love and Hip Hop” star, Peter Gunz and former Philadelphia eagles defensive tackle Hollis Thomas. Get your tickets today!

Who: The Platters with The Coasters and The Drifters Revue

Where: Golden nugget

When: Saturday, June 17

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city/entertainment

The Platters with The Coasters and The Drifters Revue perform a nostalgic collection of doo-wop and R&B classics.

Time: 4 p.m.

Website: www.theoceanac. com/entertainment/5th-birthday-event-headliners/magical-mystery-doors

Winner of uSA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Casino Show, “Magical Mystery Doors” returns to Ovation Hall this summer. This tribute act blends and layers the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors to create something new and unique for music fans.

What: AC Jokes Comedy Clubs

Where: Kiss Kiss nightclub & Resorts

Casino Hotel Atlantic City

When: every night

Time: Various Times

Website: www.ACJokes.com

Who: Diplo

Where: HQ2AC at Ocean Casino

Resort

When: Saturday, June 17

Time: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Website: hq2ac.com

Conveniently located right next to the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, the 45,000-square-foot HQ2 Beachclub venue features six bungalows with private pools, 12 day beds and more than 30 VIP sections on the lower and upper decks.

What: Live Music Thursday - Saturday

Where: Gin Rickey’s Tropicana

When: Thursday, June 15 - Saturday, June 17

Time: Thursday, Grooveheart Duo 8 p.m., Friday, Flight Risk at 8 p.m. and DJ Dahve 11 p.m., Saturday, 99 Reasons 8 p.m. and DJ Austi Frosty 11 p.m..

Website: ginrickeys.com

Located in the Quarter at Tropicana, and named after the classic cocktail, they are known for live music, 42-ounce martinis, mason jars, infusion bag cocktails to go and so much more. So grab your friends and great ready to drink, laugh, and sing real loud. Let the fun Be Gin!

O n GOI n G eVenTS:

What: Ventnor Summer Beach Jam

Where: n ewport Avenue Beach

When: every Saturday until Sept. 2

Time: 5-9 p.m.

AC Jokes is a hand-picked team of some of the east Coast's best comedians and producers. The team includes Mike Merk, Zach Pickert and Buda the Comedian. Pulled together by 20-year comedy veteran Matt Bridgestone, their combined experience delivers innovative street smarts and a guerrilla marketing style that has made AC Jokes a unique entity in the city.

What: Dueling Pianos

Where: Spirit Bar at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City

When: Fridays and Saturdays in June Time: 7 - 11 p.m.

Website: www.paulpiano.net

Check out the dueling pianos featuring the talented Paul Marturano Wednesdays - Sundays in July and August. See the full schedule at www. paulpiano.net.

What: Tropicana Fireworks

Where: Beachfront Area at Tropicana

When: every Saturday (Including July 4th)

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: www.tropicanaac.com.

Tropicana Atlantic City lights up the sky every Saturday until Labor Day, including Tuesday, July 4. They are launched from the beach front and can be viewed along the boardwalk. It’s FRee!

What: euphoria Variety Show

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

When: every Saturday in June and July

Time: 4 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/euphoria-variety-show

Tropicana Atlantic City lights up the sky every Saturday until Labor Day, including Tuesday, July 4th. Featuring a dynamic cast of talented performers, this show promises to take you on a journey through music, dance, and comedy that will leave you feeling euphoric.

CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE

What: 50th Anniversary Hip Hop Mixtape Tour

Where: Boardwalk Hall

When: Saturday, June 17 Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/50th-anniversary-hiphop

Features 50 artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug e Fresh and 48 supporting acts including Sugar Hill Gang, Stetsasonic, Mr. Cheeks, Crash Crew and Lords of the underground.

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

This Ventnor City Summer Beach

Concert is a FR ee , family friendly, outdoor live music experience which includes food trucks and crafters. It’s also on the beach between the Ventnor Boardwalk and the Ventnor Library which includes a playground.

What: “Magical Mystery Doors” at Ocean Casino Where: Ocean Casino Resort

When: every Sunday until Sept. 3

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, June 16

Buddy Guy 9p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Nancy Wilson’s Heart 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, June 17

50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Mix

Tape Live w/ DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug

E. Fresh, Melle Mel and More 7p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Sunil Grover 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Platters, The Coasters and The Drifters Revue 9p.m. Golden nugget

Friday, June 23

38 Special 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Fifth Dimension 9p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Gladys Knight 8p.m.

Borgata event Center

Tears For Fears w/ Cold War Kids

8p.m. Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Saturday, June 24

Diana Ross 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Lettuce & Steel Pulse w/ Makua

Rothman 7:30p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Friday, June 30

Joe Satriani 9p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Kevin Hart: Reality Check 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

The Australian Pink Floyd Show: Darkside 50 9p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Saturday, July 1

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

7p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Friday, July 7

Anthony Jeselnik 7p.m. & 10p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Bill Burr Live 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Ice Cube 9p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Rumours: a Fleetwood Mac

Tribute 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Pettybreakers 9p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, July 8

Bill Burr Live 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Kathleen Madigan 9p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Straight No Chaser: The Yacht Rock Tour 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Grass Roots 9p.m.

Golden nugget

Friday, July 14

Jeff Dunham 9p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Steel Panther 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, July 15

Back to the 80s featuring A Flock of Seagulls w/ Missing Persons & Stacey Q 8p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Shane Gillis Live 8p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Sunday, July 16

Peter Frampton 7p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

On-Sale This Week

Alabama Thursday, July 27, 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

On-Sale Friday at 10a.m.

The Beach Boys Saturday, September 15, 8p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City

On-Sale Friday, 10a.m.

Dan + Shay Friday, August 4, 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

On-Sale Friday at 10a.m.

Freestyle Free for All feat.

Taylor Dayne, Lisa Lisa, Expose, TKA, George Lamond Saturday, november 11, 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

On-Sale Friday, 10a.m.

I Pooh: Amici X Sempre Usa Tour

Saturday, november 18, 8p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

On-Sale Friday at 10a.m.

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

Photo by Donald B Kravitz

(ENTREES INCLUDE SOUP OR SALAD)

CEDAR PLANK SALMON 25

Lemon dijon glazed cedar grilled salmon with grilled broccoli rabe and garlic mashed potatoes

1/2 RACK OF ST. LOUIS RIBS 22 with sweet corn and baked mac and cheese PAN SEARED SCALLOPS 28 with lump crab, tomatoes and spinach in a beurre blanc sauce

TUESDAYS / PRIME RIB 16 0Z 26

WEDNESDAYS / SIRLOIN 12 OZ 30

FRIDAYS / LOBSTER TAIL 10-12 OZ 33

(ENTREES INCLUDE SOUP OR SALAD)

10 OZ RIB EYE 28

S

APPS AND SWEE T

APPS 6

BALSAMIC GLAZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CAPRESE SALAD, BREADED GREEN BEANS WITH CHIPOTLE SAUCE

SWEETS 6 CHOCOLATE CREME BRULEE, PEACH COBBLER, STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

$33 LOBSTER TAIL FRIDAYS

10-12 oz. Lobster tail with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and choice of soup or salad

over caramelized mushroom and onion risotto with grilled asparagus

GRILLED SALMON 23

over tomato orzo topped with fennel salad

HONEY BBQ PORK CHOP 26

over cheese grits with grilled broccoli rabe

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, June 15th

Bocca Doug Jennings

6-9pm

7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Caroline’s by the Bay

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

8pm-12am

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli & Steakhouse

Beth Tinnon

5-8pm

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

Sweetwater Riverdeck

Goodman Fiske Duo

7:30-10:30pm

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

The Deck at Golden Nugget

B Street Band

7-11pm

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dirty Dance Band

7-11pm

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

Tuckahoe Inn Danny eyer

5:30pm

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –

The Yard

Atley Moon & The Say Somethings

6-9:30pm

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Friday, June 16th

Anchor Rock Club

Deva Vu All Over Again

8pm

247 S. new York Ave. Atlantic City

Atlantic City Country Club

Doug Jennings

5:30-8:30pm

1 Leo Frazer Dr. northfield

Bar One at Resorts Casino

elvis Lookalike Tribute

5-8pm

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Bocca Greg Clark

6:30-9:30pm

7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

Caroline’s by the Bay Loose ends Band

8pm-12am

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli & Steakhouse

Andy Berlin

5-8pm

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Black Car Gina

7pm

Split Decision

11pm

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Renault Winery

Philly Keys

7-11pm

72 n . Bremen Ave. egg Harbor City

Ryfe

Bruce Klauber Celebrates Frank

Sinatra and Friends

7:30pm

4101 Atlantic Ave. Atlantic City

Sweetwater Marina

Screaming Matilda

7-11pm

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Sidearm

9pm-12am

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget no Pressure

7:30pm

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

The Whitewalls

5-9pm

Garden State Radio

10pm

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Pub at St. George’s Bailey Phillips Duo

6:30-10:30pm

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Brigantine

Tuckahoe Inn

Jim Fisher

5:30pm

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Ventura’s Greenhouse

Steve Moore & The MIA Band

6:30-10pm

106 S. Benson Ave. Margate

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Jumper Trio

6pm

Billy Walton Band

10pm

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Wild Wild West at Caesars

Gab Cinque Band

10pm

1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

The Point

Philly Rock & Soul

7-11pm

DJ nick Spinelli

10:30pm

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

The Yard at Bally’s

Kristen and the noise

10pm

1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern

Sean Loosh

8:30pm

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –The Yard

Brandon Ireland Band

5-9pm

Your New Place For

Cheezy and the Crackers

Yesterday’s

Sunday,

Margate Caroline’s by the Bay

The notion Band

4-8pm

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli & Steakhouse

Andy Berlin

5-8pm

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s Public House

Traditional Irish Open Session

1-4pm 908 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Kelsey’s

Tony Day & Across the Globe Band

6:30-9:30pm 1545 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

The Brandon Ireland Band

5 ways to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

By Danielle Davies

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know that just about every day is unofficially ‘kid’s day’. Whether we’re driving them around or cleaning up after them or buying their prom tickets or shipping them off to college, most of parenthood revolves around the kids, even if there isn’t a designated holiday to prove it. So on the few days of the year when the attention shifts from kids to their parents, we need to take full advantage. This Father’s Day, live it up with the dads in your life. Here are five ways to celebrate Dad’s big day.

1. La Mesa Kick things off for your dad with brunch at La Mesa Tequila & Taco Bar. From breakfast tacos and breakfast burritos to specialty dishes like the South of the Border, an eggs benedict with crumbled chorizo, guacamole, sautéed peppers and cilan -

tro with chipotle Hollandaise sauce, or a Tres Leches stuffed French toast, there’s nothing like a big and delicious breakfast to set the tone for the rest of the day. While you’re there, don’t forget to order a Mexican Coffee, made with Patron Reposado, Rumchata and whipped cream — the best way to wake up right. Located at 325 e . Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway. LaMesaGalloway. com

2. The Roost at Harbor Pines The most tee-rific dads may want to spend their special days on the golf course, and when you head somewhere like Harbor Pines Golf Club, who can blame them? With a stunning course that’s open to the public, as well as The Roost, a hip new bar and restaurant, Harbor Pines is the perfect place to celebrate your pop. Warm up with a round of golf, then indulge your dad with The Roost, a cocktail made with Wild Turkey 101, orange bitters and a splash of simple syrup, along with an 8-ounce filet — it will be his best Father’s Day yet. Located

at 500 St. Andrews Drive, egg Harbor Township. HarborPines. com

3. Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House Is your dad better than other dads by a mile? Take him to the Mile Stretch Beer Garden, Vagabond’s outdoor fun-in-thesun venue. Dive into a Mac n Cheese burger (made with crabby mac and cheese so it’s all of your favorites piled onto one delectable sandwich) and a frothy, icecold beer, and toast the one you love while chilling to the tunes of DJ eddie Tully 5 to 9 on Sunday. It doesn’t get much better than this. Located at 672 n . Trenton Ave., Atlantic City. VagabondAC.com

4. Golden Nugget Is yours the kind of dad that really needs a break?

If so, you’re going to want to celebrate him with a Dapper Dad Package at Golden n ugget. With a 50-minute relaxation massage featuring classic Swedish techniques, a gentleman’s haircut, and a complimentary drink coupon to H2O or The Deck, this $160 package will have your dad feeling dapper indeed. The best part? The special is available through the month of June, so spa day can be a repeat event. Located at 600 Huron Ave., Atlantic City. Goldennugget.com

5. VUE Rooftop Bar at Claridge Hotel For a perfectly chilled out Father’s Day experience, head to a oneof-a-kind Grillin’ & Chillin’ celebration at Vue Rooftop Bar at Claridge Hotel. Tickets include a special selection of

sizzling grilled dishes — think grilled salmon, ribeye, organic herb chicken and veggies — stunning panoramic views overlooking the city, and live tunes. Tickets are $52 for adults; $25 for kids, and the party lasts from noon to 5 p.m. Located at 123 South Indiana Ave., Atlantic City. Claridge.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.

North To Shore worth waiting for, especially Low Cut Connie

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

North To Shore, It’s a Wrap: Sure, there will be those lamenting the lack of bigger-profile headliners, but the inaugural north To Shore Festival, which took place June 4-11 throughout Atlantic City, was a lot of fun and definitely brought business and some new visitors to the World’s Playground.

From a killer set by Pure Petty at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, to the multicultural Global Grooves Music & Arts in O’Donnell Park (nice job organizing this, Tina notaro and staff), to AC’s own R&B songstress Angela Burton performing on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, there was a lot to enjoy.

There were three fun nights of music at Anchor Rock Club, and a disco-themed fun night of music by Joe McGinty and the Losers Lounge where even Gov. Phil Murphy made an appearance, partying with the crowd (like him or not, he was friendly to all who approached him that evening).

And who can forget the stellar performance by Philly-based national act, Low Cut Connie, who packed the n ew York Avenue nightspot last Saturday night (LCC front-person, vocalist-pianist Adam Weiner is as good as advertised)!

There were film screenings, dance recitals, art shows –you name it, n orth To Shore had it going

on somewhere in AC, with a nicely assembled n 2S program booklet detailing the entire week’s activities. Here’s hoping the n orth To Shore Festival returns to Atlantic City next year, even bigger and better. northtoshore.com.

Alastair Greene, Bluesman Cometh: West Coast blues-rock guitarist Alastair Greene will make a special appearance at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on June 15.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about this venue from my touring friends,” said Greene via email from the road. Discussing n ew Jersey’s own blues guitar legend Walter Trout, Greene said, “I just got back from a tour of the u K opening (for Trout). I got to see, hear, and jam with him every night. It was far and away one of my all time favorite touring experiences to date.”

Greene’s most recent album, “Alive in the n ew World,” was released in 2022 on Whiskey Bayou Records, the Louisiana-based label belonging to blues guitarist Tab Benoit and Benoit’s manager, Rueben Williams.

Attention Davie Bowie Fans: Two chances this week to catch Hazy Cosmic Jive, well-regarded David Bowie tribute, both in Somers Point: June 16 at Josie Kelly’s (where they’ll perform Bowie’s seminal “Ziggy Stardust”

album in its entirety to commemorate the anniversary of its June 16, 1972 release); and the following night, June 17, at a benefit for Tara’s Happy Boxes and Purses, helping local children in need, at The American Legion (note early 3-7 p.m. time). Find them on Facebook, josiekellys.com and zdarklight.com.

News ‘N’ Notes: One of the oldest living blues guitar greats, Mr. Buddy Guy, plays Ocean Casino’s Ovation Hall June 16. Theoceanac.com for tickets/info…AC’s own DJ Swoosh will spin some sea-worthy party music on the utopia 420 Moonlit Cruise, departing Gardner’s Basin June 21. Find ticket info on eventbrite... Deadheads who aren’t lucky enough to see Dead And Company in Philadelphia this Thursday (where we will be) can catch Dead Reckoning, Shore-based Grateful Dead tribute who do the music of Jerry Garcia and company quite well, June 17 at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.

See Tennesseeavenuebeerhall. com and deadreckoningnj.com…Fakefest (June 19 through 25) at Golden nugget Casino features some of the most popular tribute acts on the east Coast. Check schedule for bands and times here: goldennugget.com..... Beardfest (June 22-25 at Paradise Lakes Campground in Hammonton) features over 30 bands, fire performances, live visual arts, interactive workshops, and more. See Facebook for Beardfest info.

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.

Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie photo by Doug Deutsch.

Gov. Phil Murphy attends North to Shore Kick-off in AC

By Tim Hawk

The north to Shore Festival officially kicked off last Thursday night as the Anchor Rock Club hosted an opening night party with a performance by Joe McGinty & The Loser’s Lounge.

Atlantic City was the first to hold events during the three-city monthlong festival that celebrates music, film, comedy and technology.

McGinty — an Atlantic City native and former Psychedelic Furs keyboardist — backed by his nine member band took the stage shortly after 8 p.m.

“It’s just going to be two sets of, you know, slamming classic disco hits,” McGinty told Shore Local Magazine a week before the band's performance.

And they did not disappoint as the crowd of more than 100 people that included Gov. Phil Murphy and

This week Asbury Park is the focus with events that include Demi Lovato at the Stone Pony Friday night and The B52’s taking the same stage Saturday night. Also on Saturday is a Juneteenth celebration at Springwood Park from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

First Lady Tammy Murphy took to the light-filled dance floor under the customary disco ball.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. made a brief appearance for a few photos before leaving while the Murphy’s mingled with the crowd and posed for plenty of photos in between non-stop dancing for all of the first set.

The city of n ewark is the last to host events from June 20-25. Acts include n ew Jersey’s own Halsey at the n ew Jersey Performing Arts Center, Alanis Morissette with Special Guest Aimee Mann at the Prudential Center, and and Creatives + Filmmakers Happy Hour.

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

Trop spends millions to transform II Verdi into signature restaurant

experience,” Giunta said. “In the bar, it feels more relaxed and comfortable and casual. It’s a great space to start the night off in and to get that small plate, nosh and drink a glass of wine or cocktail. We are going to get the best of both worlds between the dining room and the bar.”

By Scott Cronick

Tropicana Atlantic City had a good problem to solve. Its longtime Italian restaurant Il Verdi was so popular that it simply didn’t have enough seats.

About four years ago, Il Verdi went through a massive transformation and renovation to bring the iconic restaurant into modern times with a sleek look, the addition of a bar and – for the first time – a true entrance that opened to the casino floor.

The idea was to transform the 30-plus-year-old restaurant from being the casino’s – and Atlantic City’s – best-kept secret into a tourist destination.

The plan worked. But it also backfired.

“Il Verdi is one of Atlantic City’s longest standing restaurants,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Giunta. “After the renovations, it didn’t take long to figure out that we needed to showcase the fantastic food and great service to more customers. The restaurant was only 100 seats, so on Fridays and Saturdays, many players and loyal customers couldn’t get in. So, we thought, ‘What a perfect opportunity to expose that fantastic experience to a lot more guests.’ It has always been one of the top restaurants on Open Table in the city, and that kind of demand required more capacity. So, we took the leap.”

And what a leap it was.

The new Il Verdi, which opened last weekend, is a breathtakingly stunning space that overlooks the ocean and boardwalk with a multi-million-dollar investment to secure the Italian restaurant as Tropicana’s signature restaurant.

Il Verdi is located in the space previously occupied by Jose Garces’ Olon, which fell victim to COVID, and before that, it housed the popular seafood destination Fin.

Like its previous incarnation, Il Verdi features its own bar – this one more massive, elegant and modern thanks to a complete renovation of the Olon bar.

“We wanted the bar experience to be different than the dining room

Designer Olivia Jane, who also oversaw the multi-million-dollar makeover of Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, was wise enough to incorporate some of the Olon dining room’s existing elements – particularly its four cabana-like private booths that are raised off the main floor and transforming a former ceviche bar to a charcuterie station – while bringing her own unique and creative elements, colors and textures to the space to make it one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city.

“The ambiance was fantastic already,” Giunta said. “We had an open spot that used to have Spanish tapas with an ocean view, and we just couldn’t pass that up for Il Verdi. It’s a very large space – more than 300 dining seats counting the bar – that is more than double and almost triple what we had in the former Il Verdi, which we knew was a perfect match. It hearkened Italian coastal, and we thought it was a perfect fit. The footprint was the easy part. every single seat in the dining room has a view of the ocean.”

The dining room can be reduced in size with partitions – depending on the reservation load – and it also features a private dining area that can accommodate about 20 people for that mid-size party looking for some intimacy.

Unparalleled view

One question I always get asked is, “What good restaurants have amazing views of the ocean and boardwalk where I can sit outside?”

The sad truth is, there aren’t many. Aside from the beach bars – which don’t have a view of the boardwalk - and some boardwalk-level restaurants – which don’t offer an ocean view because of the dunes - the only restaurant I could ever recommend was Capriccio at Resorts Casino Hotel, which added a stunning terrace option during COVID. now there are two.

One of the major upgrades the new Il Verdi offers is patio seating, which should debut around July 4th weekend. Olon and Fin didn’t previously offer al fresco dining because of

structural barriers, including support pillars on the balcony.

“That was one of those goodnews, bad-news scenarios,” Giunta said. “When we were working on the restaurant, we ran into some challenges with the pillars, and at the end of the day, we decided to take them out. It was very costly to do that, but it now gives us an unbelievable patio space that will offer superb dining in great weather conditions. n ot only will it be great for everyday dining, but it will be great for patio receptions and private parties. It’s now a big, uncluttered space with unlimited opportunities.”

Dining at Il Verdi

Of course, all of those renovations and all of that money wouldn’t matter one bit if the food didn’t match the ambiance.

And trust me when I say it does … big time.

“The beauty of all of this is that we can offer this new experience in a beautiful, new space, but longtime guests will still be waited on by the great servers they know … some who have been with us for decades,” Giunta said. “And those longtime servers – and some newer to our crew – are as excited about the changes as our customers are.”

Giunta and Director of Culinary Operations Demetrios Haronis, along with former Vice President of Food and Beverage Chris Rippy, put Il Verdi in the more-than-capable

↘Continued on 64

Out Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Eddie Bruce Celebrates

of Anthony Newley

hands of Chef Michael Buckley, who was already overseeing Il Verdi in the former location and has helped Tropicana transform many of its restaurants over the years, including Ossu, the Japanese experience located right next to Il Verdi that is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

“We had to not only change the vibe of the restaurant aesthetically, but we also had to do so culinarily,” Giunta said. “We wanted to capitalize on the great reputation of Il Verdi and bring it to the ocean and introduce a coastal feel to it. Let’s bring this brand up to date and into the 2000s. And Michael’s fresh approach to the cuisine really works.”

Longtime Il Verdi fans don’t have to stress: The new Il Verdi menu is much larger than its predecessor and features about 60 percent returning items – or variations of those familiar

dishes – and 40 percent new. All of it will remain authentic, cooked-fromscratch Italian cuisine, including a good portion of the pasta made in house.

Fans will still be able to devour the signature rigatoni Bolognese ($29.99) with house-made beef and pork ragu with whipped ricotta; linguine with littleneck clams ($32.99), white wine butter, garlic, Italian parsley and basil; ricotta-stuffed gnocchi alla vodka ($26.99), light, melt-in-your-mouth pasta pillows stuffed with ricotta cheese with peas in a tomato-vodka cream sauce; steamed littleneck clams or mussels ($21.99) with fennel, garlic, basil and white wine butter with ’ n duja crostini; and fried calamari ($20.99) with hot cherry peppers, San Marzano marinara and Meyer lemon aioli.

Other heartier dishes that have survived the move include a 16-ounce

ribeye ($59.99) with herb gremolata, fried artichokes and roasted garlic butter; wood-grilled filet mignon ($55.99) with truffle parmesan crust and wild mushroom sugo; chicken or veal parmesan ($39.99) with herb breadcrumbs, San Marzano marinara, fresh basil and spaghetti alla chitarra; chicken or veal Bianco ($45.99) with asparagus, jumbo lump crab, fresh basil, fontina cheese and lemon butter; and chicken Scarpelli ($31.99) with sauteed French chicken breast, sweet sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions, broccoli rabe and natural jus.

The aforementioned charcuterie bar, located right near the entrance of the dining room, is worth the visit alone. The menu features a raw bar section with oysters, shrimp, jumbo crab, Maine lobster – all which can be assembled in a seafood tower –along with a gorgeous crudo ($21.99) featuring cucumber and fennel

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.

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agrodolce, Calabrian chile, blood orange, jalapeno and extra virgin olive oil. The “formaggi” section – one for $13.99, three for $25.99 - offers Sicilian whipped ricotta, parmigiano Reggiano, gorgonzola Montagna, Caciocavallo and mozzarella served with semolina baguette and sliced apple. And the “salumi” section, priced the same as the cheese section, features imported meats such as prosciutto di Parma, salami from emilia-Romagna, mortadella from Bologna, soppresata Romana and ’ n duja from Calabria served with grissini, taralli and giardinera.

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.

Second

location in

Fun Food

Other antipasti include mini arancini ($15.99) with pomodoro; wood-grilled octopus ($21.99) with crispy potato, tomato conserva and olive tapenade; beef and pork meatballs ($16.99) with fresh mozzarella and wood-roasted long hots in a pomodoro sauce; and crispy squash blossoms ($16.99) with mozzarella in a bagna cauda sauce.

Pasta creations include frutti di mare ($49.99), a seafood stew served over spaghetti alla chitarra with lobster, shrimp, mussels, littleneck clams, calamari and San Marzano marinara; jumbo shrimp piccata ($36.99) with garlic, heirloom tomatoes, capers, white wine lemon butter and cavatelli pasta; butter-poached lobster ravioli ($39.99) with ricotta, garlic, lemon and a saffron sherry cream sauce; and pesto primavera ($24.99) with cipollini onions, roasted tomatoes, wild mushrooms, baby bell peppers and scialatielli pasta.

There’s also a beautiful, woodfired, 16-ounce double-cut pork chop ($35.99) with cherry balsamic agrodolce and pickled mustard seed that will undoubtedly be one of the most popular menu items.

If you haven’t noticed, Buckley is making good use of the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, something new for Il Verdi. But in addition to the meats, Giunta is most excited about the ov-

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

en-roasted fish section, where diners can choose from whole-roasted fish, salmon, flounder, sea bass, jumbo shrimp and langostines, then choose a sauce – salsa verdi, Romesco and salsa Susanna with jumbo lump crab, lemon butter and tarragon – and then choose a side including herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, spinach and garlic, wood-grilled asparagus, truffled mushrooms, broccoli rabe and garlic and wild mushroom risotto.

“I tend to eat light when I go out, so the grilled fish dishes are what I would order,” Giunta said. “The wood-burning oven is so great for everything from charred octopus to the pork chops to the steaks, but I love what that oven does with the fish. It’s really hot and comes out with a nice char, and when you finish it with those homemade sauces that we will change out every season … they are just dynamite.”

All of the desserts ($11.99) are homemade including pistachio ricotta cheesecake with a cherry sauce; chocolate hazelnut cake with white-chocolate vanilla sauce and candied hazelnuts; crème brulee with whipped nutella ganache and mixed berries; and warm apple crostata with vanilla mascarpone gelato and salted caramel sauce.

Have a cocktail

The cocktail list is equally impressive. Created by e xecutive Director of Fine Dining Patrick Sterr, the standouts include the Tuscan sour ($16.99) with Patron Silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lemon and lime, agave and red wine; the Caffe de Mattio ($14.99) with Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, vodka, vanilla bean and espresso; the n egroni Blanco ($15.99) with Italicus Bergamont Liqueur, Carmano Dry Vermouth and Peach Pallini; and the Fig Cosmo ($15.99) with Figenza Fig Vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and cranberry.

There are also eight beers on draught, including Peroni, another eight in bottles and cans, and a massive wine list that includes more than two dozen by the glass. And the impressive Il Verdi bottle list even expanded.

“Patrick did a wonderful job with the cocktails,” Giunta said. “From old-style n egronis to the fig cosmo, there’s something for everyone, and our diners already have favorites like the espresso martini. And we already had a nice wine list, and we elevated that, too. We added about 100 different selections to an already nice-sized list. We really dug into the Italian wines, adding three or four Barolos, some Super Tuscans, and we also focused on whites that will go great with the coastal fish. I think the wine list is absolutely fantastic.”

Secret no longer

The Tropicana team is happy Il Verdi will no longer be that secret restaurant where you had to know someone to get in on weekends.

After more than 35 years, they are ready for prime time.

“It was almost criminal not to take advantage of what we believe to be one of the top oceanfront locations in Atlantic City,” Giunta said. “ not too many have ocean views like we have, but this is another level because it’s just above the boardwalk level, and you can see right past the boardwalk on to the beach. To watch the waves crashing at sunset while you enjoy an incredible meal is going to be special. The idea is to not only give our longtime customers a new, heightened experience with their favorite servers, but to also introduce Il Verdi to a whole new group of customers. We finally have the capacity and seats to do that, and we think it’s going to be an overwhelming success.

Il Verdi inside the Tropicana Atlantic City is open 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Go to Tropicana.net

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.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Somers Point Beach Concert Series

▶Friday, June 16, 7p.m.

William Morrow Beach

The Somers Point Beach Concert Series presents its 30th season with one of the greatest, multi award winning soul blues artists alive, “The Man Who Taught the Blues to the Blues Brothers,” Curtis Salgado, the artist after whom Cab Calloway’s character “Curtis” is named in the “Blues Brothers.” View the entire schedule at somerspointbeachconcerts.com.

Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam

▶Saturday, June 16, 6p.m.

n ewport Avenue Beach

Listen to live music on the beach. The Summer Beach Jam is held behind the Ventnor Library and Cultural Arts Center. This week, enjoy a special double header event, featuring a Michael Buble Tribute at 6pm, followed by an elvis Tribute at 8pm. Food and crafters ready to serve you at 5pm.

Brigantine Summer Concert Series

▶Wednesday, June 21, 7p.m.

Brigantine Community Center Lawn 265 42nd St.

Brigantine Community education and Recreation will host free outdoor

concerts on the Community Center lawn. This Wednesday, enjoy live music featuring The Lighthouse 8 band. Bring a chair or blanket. All concerts will be held outside, weather permitting. For more information, call the recreation office at 609-264-7350 ext. 1.

EHT Rhythm in the Park Concert Series

▶Friday, June 23, 7p.m.

Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

The Rhythm in the Park Concert Series returns in two weeks. Get ready to enjoy live music by South Jersey’s own B’JAM, playing all of your favorite top 40 hits.

Free Summer Concert at Gardner’s Basin

▶Saturday, June 24, 1-7:30p.m.

800 n n ew Hampshire Ave.

The national R&B Music Society Inc. presents the 2023 Atlantic City FRee Summer Concerts at Gardner’s Basin on June 24th. Artists include GQ, Meli’sa Morgan, First Choice, Jean Carn, Alyson Wilson, Helen Bruner & Terry Jones. Bring your lawn chairs, umbrellas and coolers. Absecon Concerts in the Park

▶Sunday, June 25, 7p.m.

Heritage Park 699 Blenheim Ave.

The City of Absecon presents Concerts in the Park. The first concert of the season starts in two weeks, with live music from Poor Mouth Henry, playing classic rock, country rock and blues. The concert starts at 7pm. Bring your own chair or blanket. Fun, friends, food, and free admission.

Ventnor City Sunsets at Ski Beach

▶Wednesday, June 28, 6p.m.

Ski Beach Dorset & Burk Ave.

Want to watch the sunset and listen to live music by the bay? Join Ventnor City at Ski Beach in Ventnor Heights on Wednesdays. This week, enjoy live music by Don’t Call Me Francis, playing top hits and classics from the 70’s to now. Live music begins at 6pm with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5pm.

Mardi Gras AC

▶Wednesday, June 28, 7-10pm

Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Mardi Gras AC returns to the Atlantic City Boardwalk for world-class free concerts this summer. In may be called Mardi Gras, but it’s more like n OLA Jazzfest at the Jersey Shore. On Wednesday, June 28, enjoy live music by Jethro Tull founding member Martin Barre’s Jethro Tull as he plays the music of their own Progressive British Rock History, with support from hot, young, Jersey Shore rockers, Hot Mezz. Free concerts, cheap parking, and beverage garden adjacent. For more information, visit tonymart.com.

Photo by John Loreaux

The Ayatollah of Minotola

Somers Point Beach Concerts presents a special tribute

Ernie Trionfo was a phenom enal guitarist and friend to so many people. He was a Tony Mart Allstar, an original member of Hawkins Road, and a reg ular performer at Woodstown Cow town Rodeo. ernie was a wonderful man who repaired everyone’s guitars at his shop and was loved by so many.

At the third concert on the beach in Somers Point on June 23, The Tony Mart Allstars and guests will play a three hour tribute to the greatest rock ‘n roll guitar players in history, dedicat ed to “ ernie T” Trionfo. The tribute is in remembrance of ernie's immortal per formances at this venue as well as his precious smile and positive demeanor.

The Allstars will perform an encore tribute featuring the greatest and most famous songs of eric Clapton, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Harrison, John Lennon, Stephen Stills and more.

The audience will actually hear some of ernie’s performances from years past. We ask our friends and family to join us, the producers and performers that create The Somers Point Beach Concerts, to share in our joy and sympathy at the loss of this great human being. e xperience our tears of joy for ernie.

“ everybody loves ernie!”

Nor’Easter Nick will be Brigantine's Night in Venice Grand Marshal

This year’s theme is ‘Brigantine Show us Your Lights’

Nor’ e aster n ick, n ick Pittman, South Jersey's Weatherman, was born and raised in Brigantine. He got his professional start on WMGM-TV n BC40 at just 17 years old. nick has spent over a decade in broadcast meteorology and looks forward to waking up every day and using his expertise to focus on what

matters to you. Whether the weather is rainy or sunshine, n or' easter nick has us covered!

We are honored to have nor’ easter n ick, President and Chief Forecaster n orCast Media Group as our Grand Marshall.

Brigantine's night in Venice is scheduled for the evening of August 12.

every year, thanks to the community's involvement and support, the event grows.

This year we are pleased to announce prize sponsors.

Sponsors for Best Decorated Boats are:

● The Cove Restaurant

● Cordivari’s Restaurant

● Andre's Wine Bar & Grill

● ernest And Son Old-Fashioned Butcher Shoppe

● each sponsoring very generous Gift Certificates

The Sponsors for Best Decorated Home are:

● Ashore Realty Inc

● Cusamano Builders Inc.

● Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore@Michael Riordan, Realtor

● The LePera Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors

We are so happy to have ACM e Markets, a longtime Ocean City event sponsor, supporting Brigantine this year.

Who can participate?

Anyone with a boat or anyone with a house along the bayfront parade route can participate by decorating their boat or home. An online voting link for the boats, homes and condominium complexes will be provided on the day of the event.

How do I participate? You can register your boat or house. Please register your boat here: https:// forms.gle/S4w71ehLWC2TWHC67. Please register your home at this website: https://forms.gle/WFfPuLVMvqtf77ud7.

We need to extend a special thank you to the @uS Coast Guard Auxiliary Brigantine, n ew Jersey u.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City and new Jersey State Police Marine unit, whose support is vital to the event.

Brigantine elks#2428, we appreciate your community support.

Brigantine held its first “ night in Venice” in August 2021. The boat parade is modeled after Ocean City’s widely popular event. Brigantine's First n ight in Venice's theme was “Honoring Our Heroes” to honor frontline workers during the pandemic. Brigantine’s Second Annual “ night in Venice” theme was Honoring the

Branches of our Armed Forces and Veterans.

Homes on the bay are asked to show your support and community spirit. Feel free to decorate and register your homes.

Contact Information: realbrigantine1@gmail.com.

How to become a comedian

By Matt Bridgestone

Being naturally funny is a gift that some people are just born with. Becoming a comedian is a whole different story. Some people are hilarious in everyday life, but if you put them in front of a crowd, they freeze. Other times, someone might be a shy introvert, but give them a microphone and you will see a side of them you never expected. One time I picked up a comedian to do a show, and he was the most soft-spoken person I had ever met. We made small talk over our almost three-hour ride from n ew York to Atlantic City, but it was difficult to get more than some polite smiles and one-word answers to my questions. The comedian I am talking about is Gilbert Gottfried, quite possibly the loudest comedian of all time. You simply never know what type of comedian you will be until you try. That's the hard part. Many people don't know where to get started.

Hopefully, this article helps point some of you in the right direction. If you have always dreamed of doing comedy or think you know someone who should, here are a few little pieces of advice to help you get started. First, go watch some live shows in person. I don't mean comedy on TV. Watching comedy on TV can be a lot of fun, but you are watching skilled professionals in a very controlled environment. Your start in

comedy will be nothing like that. You will likely be starting out on small shows at open mics and in dive bars. You will have distractions like people ordering food and drinks during your set. Hecklers might be in the audience trying to throw you off your game plan. Simply go observe. Take some mental notes. Watch for little things, such as how far to hold the mic from your mouth and how much time you should plan. The other important thing is not to overthink things. Comedy works best when you can feel natural. Before you step on stage, you should have a good plan. So good that you don't need to overthink things once you are up there. You want it to spill out of you like how you are funny with your friends, or at the office. Commit to what you have to say. If you hold back or give a watered-down version, the crowd will sense your fear and tense up right along with you. If you are comfortable, then the crowd will be. It's one of those situations where you need to fake it till you make it, so act confident even if you are shaking in your shoes. If you want more advice, feel free to email me at matt@acjokes.com. I can help tell you about the best open mics in the area to get started and answer any questions on what it takes to jump into the very unpredictable yet exhilarating arena of standup comedy.

You can see Matt Bridgestone regularly in Atlantic City by visiting AcJokes. com.

Wildwood’s Barefoot Country Music Fest brings a star-studded lineup

The n ortheast's largest outdoor country music fest has a star-studded lineup taking place at the Barefoot Country Music Fest, June 15 - 18, 2023.

BCMF 2023 features 40+ of country’s hottest artists across five unique stages on the picturesque shores of Wildwood. Major headliners appearing on the Miller Lite Main Stage include: Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker, and Jon Pardi.

Darius Rucker, headliner of the Barefoot Country Music Fest Saturday night show is a celebrated musician. He gained fame as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish and achieved multi-Platinum status with

their debut album. His transition to country music resulted in four n o. 1 albums, 10 chart-topping singles, and an induction into the Grand Ole Opry. With a Grammy-winning rendition of "Wagon Wheel," Rucker solidified his place in country music history.

HARDY, one of the hottest performers in country music right now, most recently joined the lineup at the Barefoot Country Music Fest. Find out more at www.bcmf.com. For more information on the artists and full lineup, visit: https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/lineup/. For accommodations and area information about Wildwood, nJ, visit: https://wildwoodsnj.com/

Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw in Atlantic City

also the theme song for the series One Tree Hill. He’s shared stages with acts as diverse as Billy Joel, Maroon 5 and Shania Twain.

Grammy Award winner

Colbie Caillat with fellow multi-platinum singer/ songwriter and actor Gavin DeGraw performed together at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Friday, June 9, as part of the state-wide north to Shore Festival.

Colbie Caillat is best known for her hit song “Bubbly,” and Gavin DeGraw for his hit “I Don’t Want to Be.” The artists are no strangers to working together. They co-wrote the Grammy nominated “We Both Know,” featured in the movie Safe Haven.

Caillat has sold millions of albums worldwide and was named one of the top 100 best-selling music artists of the 2000s by Billboard. She’s written with Taylor Swift, toured with John Mayer, and even performed at the nobel Peace Prize Concert.

DeGraw rose to fame with his song “I Don’t Want to Be”, which was

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

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

5 great reasons to check out this weekend’s Black Excellence Festival

801 Boardwalk, this year’s festival boasts seminars on health plus a marketplace of exciting, unique vendors, parties, workshops and forums. There will be a host of memorable experiences for people of all cultures.

The 2023 Black e xcellence Festival is coming back to Atlantic City this weekend for its third-straight year and it promises to be better than ever.

Set for Friday-Sunday, June 1618 at Showboat Resort and Hotel,

now as promised here are five wonderful reasons to check out this year’s Black e xcellence Festival.

5. It’s Juneteenth and Father’s Day Weekend

The Black e xcellence Festival has always coincided with Juneteenth. The culturally African-American holiday commemo -

rates the freedom of American Blacks from the bonds of American slavery.

Coming and supporting all the great programs that the Brooklyn Media Group has invested in AC is a wonderful way to commemorate Juneteenth with the entire family.

Sunday is also Father’s Day. Tickets to the Black e xcellence Festival would make any father happy.

Father’s Day is the perfect day to make memories with the family at Showboat’s Lucky Snake Arcade. even if you enjoyed the new and classic video games and the go-carts last year, come back for brand new attractions like bowling and mini-golf. You absolutely can’t lose.

4. Lights, Camera, Action – The Black Excellence Film Festival

Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, in the Diamond Ballroom, you are invited to relax as Black e xcellence presents its annual film festival

where filmmakers from across the globe will screen new films. Meet tomorrow's star directors and actors today.

3. Praise Fest

Sunday, June 18, Showboat will be having church and the Gospel all through the building. Gospel singers and DJs will be on hand to help you get your praise on. Join other believers for Sunday Service.

2. Parties

There will be parties throughout the weekend. My favorites will be The All White Day Party with DJ Bent Roc on the beach. There will be a party devoted to house music and one to Afro beats. Bent Rock will close out the night with radio station FM 107. Classix out of Philly. This will be the perfect place to dance the night away if you love old school, hip-hop and R&B, especially after the big Hip Hop 50th Anniversary concert at Boardwalk Hall.

1. Black Excellence Fashion Weekend

n ew this year, designers will be bringing new styles to the Black e xcellence Festival. It’s a great opportunity to see supermodels rip the runway with brand new fashion from up and coming designers. For tickets and more information see thebefestival.com.

You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.

Th e Light with Raymond Tyler

Be realistic in your estate plan

By Eric Reich

Clearly the most difficult (and rewarding) part of my job is helping people with their estate plan. As a planner, it’s my job to help guide you

through your financial life including college planning, investments, retirement and lastly estate planning. The challenge of estate planning is unique because it’s the one area that clients don’t get to see through to the end. This is why there is a breakdown in many plans. The ideas that I have in my head don’t always translate well once I’m gone, or they simply aren’t practical in real life. Let’s take a look at a few of the common issues people have when making their estate plans and why they might not always be realistic.

Summer Camps for Creative Students!

Quality classes with highly educated faculty and professional artists!

Dance

Princess Ballet, Hip Hop & Broadway - One Week Sessions

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

weeks of classes for the little ballerina!

S.T.A.R. Dance Division - Summer Through Fall Program

20 weeks of classes run from Jul 12- Nov 15. Recital & costume included.

Theater

Movements of an Actor

Navigate through character development, movement and audition practices.

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

Intro to Screen Acting

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

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

Visual Arts

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

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

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

Wildlife Adventures: Ages: 8-12yrs • Jul 25-29 • 9:30am-12 Noon

Summer Collage: Ages: 8-12yrs • Aug 1-5 • 9:30 am-12 Noon

Music Private Music & Vocal Lessons

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

Registration Open, visit: CygnusArts.org

Or call 609.272.1199 or stop by

1. Your home or vacation home. Almost every client I meet says “I want to make sure my kids get my house/vacation house”, etc. I certainly understand the reasons why. You made countless great memories there over the years and you want your children to do the same. If you have an only child, this plan might actually work. Have 3 or 4 kids? Good luck! Multiple children almost never agree on inheriting this type of property. The kid that wants it thinks they are entitled to a “discount” on the buyout of the other siblings because after all, they’re family. This is clearly not fair to the other siblings. Many times the child that wants the house can’t afford to buy out the others especially if the house is the largest portion of the inheritance. no, they can’t share it either. Yes, I know they shared it when you were alive, but that’s because they had to since you owned it. now that you’re gone, they aren’t going to take turns using it. At least not for long. eventually someone wants the money more, and someone wants the house more. Make sure your plan spells out the process for a buyout, valuation, upkeep, etc. This can save a lot of heartache between siblings later.

2. Your stuff. We all talk about handing down our fine china, jewelry, art, antique cars, etc. First, and I know you’ll disagree with me, but 99% of the time your kids don’t want it. You can only pass down so many sets of china over the generations, which no one ends up using. I have a prized Corvette. It’s a 1963 split window coupe that was purchased new in the family. The problem? I have 3 kids and all of them want it. It would be unrealistic for me to never allow it to be sold or at least set a methodology for one of them buying it from the estate. One way to deal with the distribution of your stuff is to give it away while you’re still alive. This way, there is little left to fight over. I see this most often with jewelry. Give special pieces away now when you can see the joy it brings, and it will likely be worn more by the next generation who may be more active socially anyway.

3. Really think about who you include. I see plans where people want to give away $500 or $1,000 to seemingly everyone they’ve ever met. While I can appreciate the gesture, you are creating a nightmare for the executor of your estate. They have to track down all of these people,

Meats, Cheeses always sliced fresh Polish Kielbasa

Frozen Foods & Ice Cream

Pastries Delivered fresh from Brooklyn

Sweets, Snacks and Treats

Shipping Ser vice to European counties

many of whom might be hard to locate. It can also require the estate to take much longer to wrap up after you’re gone thereby making the process take longer and be far more expensive than it needs to be. I’m sure you appreciate so many people that you’ve crossed paths with, but don’t feel the need to make them a beneficiary.

Take time to really plan out your estate. Seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Discuss your wishes with your CPA and financial advisor for tax and logistical issues. This is one area

of life planning that you do not want to do on your own.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FInRA/SIPC. Investment ad -

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.

AC’s Nutty History

The best of South American wines

makes its way to the American wine market. In this article, allow me to introduce you to a few of the best South American wines.

In 1930, the Planters company opened a peanut shop on the Boardwalk across from the Steel Pier. There were peanut roasters in the window and the aroma of freshly roasted peanuts spread out the door and all along the boardwalk. When you’d smell those roasting nuts coming out of the store, you just had to have a bag.

Outside there was a man dressed up in a peanut costume, who handed out samples of the roasted peanuts, waved to passersby, and greeted visitors to the Planter’s Peanut store.This was Mr. Peanut, who was a Boardwalk tourist attraction until the store closed its doors in 1978.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino now stands where the store used to be.

Credit: Real Brigantine

What comes to mind when you think of the best wines in the world? Many of us immediately think of Western european old-world wine countries, or perhaps even California. However, how often do we consider wines from the Southern Hemisphere? Vitus Vinifera, the species of grape that produces the majority of the world’s wine, grows well between latitudes 30 and 50 in both the Southern and n orthern Hemispheres. In fact, according to agriculture.gov.au, South America holds approximately 14% of the world’s wine market. Much of that wine (approximately 80%) comes from Chile and Argentina. Brazil and u ruguay each produce some wine, but little of it

Vines and wine production arrived in Argentina with the Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. Although the vines were intended to remain in Argentina, many were taken to Chile and Peru as well. Argentines are great wine lovers, having consumed as much as ten times the wine, per capita, that Americans do in the last century. Although that amount has dropped in more recent years, they still consume approximately 10 gallons annually, per person! That’s approximately 4 times what we do, on average. While Chile’s per capita wine consumption is nearly half of Argentina’s, it is still nearly double American consumption. Clearly, South Americans love their wine. The initial focus of Argentine wine production was on domestic consumption, while Chile’s focus was balanced between consumption and export. Since the 1970s, both countries have increased their wine exportation, mostly to the united States.

Chile’s wines, primarily produced

Drink Up with David Setley

in the Central Valley wine region, are significantly influenced by France. The viticultural climate is Mediterranean; perfect for growing grape vines. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the protective Andes Mountains to the east, this microenvironment enjoys warm, dry days and cool, breezy nights. Relatively minimal amounts of white wines (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and viognier) are grown in Chile. Instead, red wines dominate, with cabernet sauvignon reigning over other varietals. Merlot, syrah, and pinot noir are produced in small quantities, whereas more than 33% of the nation’s wine production is cabernet sauvignon. This might surprise you, as many consider Carménère to be the signature red wine of Chile and for good reason. It’s delicious!

Chono Single Vineyard Carménère 2020, a well-structured and balanced wine, is a very reasonably priced and good-quality representation of the varietal. It has a deep ruby-red color, with intense aromas of red and black fruits, black spices, and vanilla. The tannins are soft and mature. I highly recommend it if you like red wine and have yet to try a Chilean Carménère. Alternatively, for a great offering of Chile’s most prolific varietal, try the cucao cabernet sauvignon gran reserva 2020. It has aromas of red fruit like cherry, blackberry, and blueberry as well as notes of nuts, clove, and nutmeg. This wine is smooth but intense, with rich tannins and a good integration of the fruit flavors and oak. The long finish makes this wine memorable.

The uS and global markets became more aware of Argentine wines in the 1990s. Mendoza, the country’s largest wine region, is home to the varietal that put Argentina on the world wine map: malbec. Here’s a fun fact for you: a French agronomist named Michel Pouget was hired by the Argentine government to improve wine farming in Mendoza in a project named Quinta Agronomica de Mendoza. This project was approved on April 17, 1853. Pouget imported three of the classic red Bordeaux varietals: malbec, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. All three grew, but malbec proved to be the game-changer for Argentina. In honor of this, April 17 is now recognized as World Malbec Day. Malbec brought Argentine wine to the world market. There are so many great examples of this varietal. My favorite is the el e steco Don David Reserve Malbec, and it’s not just because of the name! This wine is 100% Malbec grapes, is well-balanced, and features black plum, pipe tobacco, and toasty vanilla aromas. On the palate, you will be treated to tastes of spicy dark fruits, chocolate, almonds, and a long, satisfying finish. It’s a classic Argentine

malbec. The Don David pairs perfectly with grilled meat, especially lamb, or grilled or roasted vegetables.

Varietals other than Malbec grow well in Argentina as well and are certainly worth a taste. el e steco Don David has an excellent cabernet sauvignon reserve that has earned a 92-point score from James Suckling and demonstrates how well this varietal has been developed in Argentina. Paul Hobbs, one of the world’s leading winemakers, has partnered with an Argentine vineyard in Mendoza and has released the Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte Red Blend. This is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 14% malbec, 8% cabernet franc, and 2% petit verdot. It is my top recommendation from Argentina. If you are a fan of Bordeaux red blends, please give this wine a try.

Perhaps now you will consider a South American wine – they won’t disappoint. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the store. until next time, happy wining!

Horseshoe crab rescue

By Ann Zalokoski-Monroe

We are not a family with many traditions and those we have are subject to change at a moment's notice. One of our longest lasting traditions though began over a decade ago and, like some of life's most meaningful events, it began accidentally.

I'm not sure why we decided to go to Fortescue that Father's Day, but we found ourselves there walking along the narrow beach. We were saddened to see hundreds of horseshoe crabs wedged into the crevices of the rock breakwater or upside-down on the beach. unmoving, they lay, presumably dead, baking in the sun. I don't remember who first discovered that they were alive. Was some lion-hearted horseshoe crab still trying to maneuver his tail to get enough purchase in the sand to right himself or did one of us nudge one with our foot? I don't know, but the discovery that they were alive turned a casual amble down the beach into a full-on rescue mission. We spent several hours flipping horseshoe crabs

right-side up and digging through the rocks to pull out those that were impinged.

My daughter, too young at the time to dig around in the rocks with the rusted metal rods sticking up at odd angles, would run each rescued horseshoe crab to the water's edge to save them the tiring journey across the beach and so that they would im -

mediately feel the water and know that they had a second chance. each rescued horseshoe crab was exhilarating and we felt like small gods. It was hard to stop knowing that there were still many in need of help, but our movements became clumsier as we grew tired and the threat of a moved boulder smashing a thoughtlessly placed hand or foot was real.

even with the knowledge that we didn't save everyone, we still felt triumphant. We had done a lot. That feeling brought us back year after year on Father's Day. We didn't keep track of how many we rescued and we didn't know that anyone else was doing it, that rescuing horseshoe crabs was "a thing".

During a trip to the Wetlands Institute, my daughter and I found a flyer for reT u R n the Favor (http://returnthefavornj. org), a n ew Jersey organization dedicated to rescuing horseshoe crabs, educating the public, and collecting data. Participating in their walks, which last from May until July 14th, has greatly added to what we've learned over the years. We’ll go back to doing the walks on our own, but now that we know what data to collect and to send it to reTu Rn the Favor, a new dimension has been added to our rescue missions. I encourage you to visit the reTu Rn the Favor website and participate in one of their listed walks, some of which allow you to walk beaches that are otherwise closed. You might even decide to make it a tradition.

Home-cooked Dog Food Diet

By Heidi Clayton

Agrowing trend in dog food is the lightly cooked diet that is either pre-made and sold commercially or prepared from scratch at home. The general perception of dog owners who feed their canine companions fresh, lightly-cooked dog food is that it’s a better quality of food that may also seem more appealing to dogs versus a dry, bland kibble. According to canine nutritionist Linda Case, these foods are highly digestible and outperform extruded foods such as kibble because they are processed at a much lower heat level than kibble. The lower heating process also means they also have a reduced loss of nutrients.

The downside of feeding this diet for most people is the inconvenience and the cost. Fresh-cooked foods are not readily available in most pet

supply stores, so picking them up locally might not be an option, or there may be limited brands or flavors to choose from. Several subscription service-type companies such as The Farmer's Dog, Ollie Fresh, Raised Right Fresh Dog Food, and Open Farm will deliver these foods right to your front door. However, the downside is the cost of shipping and how many rolls of food you are able to store at once in your freezer. You also must remember to actually remove the food from the freezer to come down to room temperature so that you can feed your dog. Feeding the raw diet, I have on occasion forgotten to remove food for the day from the freezer. now I have a note on my to-do board as a reminder.

I know several breeders who lightly cook their own dog food. For a homemade diet to be complete and balanced, you need to follow a few rules. First, at least half of the portion

should be meat protein such as beef, pork, or chicken. You will also need to add organ meats such as liver or kidney. One of the most important aspects most people forget is calcium. There are calcium supplements made specifically to add to dog food with the correct dosage information on the package. You can also grind eggshells if you’re industrious. n ever add cooked bone as a source of calcium to the diet because cooked bone can splinter when digested. Adding steamed veggies, grains such as brown rice or oatmeal, and dairies such as yogurt or kefir will round out the cooked meal. everyone I know who makes their own dog food devotes an entire day to cooking the meal and then bagging it for freezing. If doing this, add any supplements or dairy products at the time of feeding because neither will survive the freezing process.

If you’re feeding your dogs commercially-produced cooked food,

then you should follow the feeding amounts on the package. When making homemade dog food, it can seem daunting to figure out how much of this food to give your dog. A general rule is that dogs need to eat about 2 percent of their body weight daily. However, this can vary based on your dog's activity level and body type. If you want to feed your dog a homecooked diet, TheWholeDogJournal. com has a wealth of information to help you get started. You can also check out dogfoodadvisor.com for their list of the best fresh dog food services available today.

If you have any questions about feeding your dogs a home-cooked diet, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.

Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

John McDermott: America’s forgotten hero

Local golfer won first US Open

By William Kelly

When the 123rd u S

Open golf tournament is held this weekend at the Los Angeles Country Club, one name you probably won’t hear is that of John McDermott, America’s forgotten hero.

The uS Open is America’s national golf tournament. Though open to all, from the time of the first uS Open held in n ew York in 1895 until 1911, all 16 champions were British and Scottish golf professionals until 1911 when Johnny McDermott, a young, spunky teenage hotshot from Philadelphia, became the first native-born American champion. Then 19 years old, he is still the youngest to have ever won it.

McDermott first came to the public’s attention the year before at the 1910 uS Open at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, when he seemingly came out of nowhere to tie Scottish

brothers Macdonald and Alex Smith and lost in a three-way playoff, surprising his father who read about it in the newspaper the next morning.

The former caddy took his first job as the Merchantville, (n .J.) Golf Club pro where today there is an historic marker in his honor at the front gate.

McDermott was hired as the professional at the prestigious Atlantic City Country Club in northfield where he took the trolley to attend Mass every morning before he practiced, made balls and clubs, and gave lessons. They said after work McDermott would spread out newspaper pages over an area as a target to shoot at, and then narrow it down until he could hit a small area at will.

McDermott was confident of victory at the 1911 Open at the Chicago Golf Club. When he left the pro shop he said, “You are looking at the next uS Open champion.” Then he went out and did it.

And he won again in 1912 in Buffalo, n .Y., defending his title with back-to-back victories. As golfing great Walter Hagen put it, it is the sign of a true champion. Hagen witnessed McDermott win at Buffalo, which inspired him to quit his job as an assistant pro at the Country Club of Rochester, n .Y. and become the first independent touring pro.

McDermott became the first American to finish in the top ranks of the British Open, but really made his mark at the at Shawnee Open a few weeks before the 1913 uS Open when he played against Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, two of the greatest golfers ever.

They didn’t play in the two u S Opens won by McDermott, so there was the nagging question as to whether McDermott could actually beat the best of Britain. That question was answered when McDermott

won the tournament outright by eight strokes, and soundly defeated Vardon and Ray.

One sports writer, Grantland Rice, said McDermott was the best golfer ever, with no weaknesses in his play. It wasn’t just the way McDermott won, or by how much, but afterwards, in the locker room full of reporters, McDermott made a speech in which he promised that the uS Open trophy would not be taken back across the pond. McDermott was quoted extensively in the British press, and that speech took golf off the sports pages and onto the front pages of every major newspaper in America and the British empire.

Although McDermott was criticized, reprimanded by the u SGA, and apologized, the media frenzy following McDermott’s nationalistic speech created much anticipation for the 1913 uS Open at the Country Club at Brookline, Mass.

When McDermott fell behind, it was left to Francis Ouimet, an equally young 20-year-old caddy and dedicated amateur, to keep McDermott’s promise. The tournament ended in a three-way tie and before the playoff McDermott advised Ouimet, “Pay no attention to Vardon and Ray and play your own game,” which Ouimet did in what was later called “The Greatest Game.”

The movie “The Greatest Game,” inaccurately portrays McDermott as tall and bumbling, with red hair and a mustache and promotes Ouimet, when it was McDermott who generated the international interest in the match.

John McDermott was 19 when he became the first American to win the US Open in 1911. He is still the youngest and he will always be the first.

THEME: FATHER'S DAY

ACROSS

1. use elbow grease

6. Goody bag stuff

10. "_e_ _ect," song

13. Singer Lenya

14. Band's work-related trip

15. Capt.'s prediction

16. Assumed name

17. Debate side

18. Schumer or McConnell, abbr.

19. *Founding father with no biological children

21. Runs, as on TV

22. Last letter

23. *Dad's mom

25. Ready for confrontation

29. *This before becoming father?

31. Lakes in Scotland

32. Opposite of post-

33. Henry VI had 6

37. not in port

38. Have a bug

39. ____ of faith

40. *Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's dad

42. Layer

43. Ouzo flavor

44. Like farm-to-table

46. Made 50-50

47. Phony

50. "Wheel of Fortune" vowel request

51. Parts of play

52. *Dad to Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack

59. However, poetically

60. Coconut fiber

61. Dostoyevsky novel, with "The"

62. Once around

63. Japanese zither

64. It can be firma or incognita

65. Ill temper

66. Place at an angle

67. Ten of these before a first down

DOWN

1. BBQ side

2. Fizzy drink

3. "The Dock of the Bay" singer

4. Four Corners state

5. Turns large into medium

6. "All the world's a ____"

7. Refuses to

8. Grand theft target

9. Disparaging term for foreigners in Mexico

10. Pine product

11. Harsh

12. Popular annual flower

20. *Dad to Rod and Todd on "The Simpsons"

21. *Christopher Robin's father

24. Column's counterpart

25. Boring

26. Santa ____, CA

27. Tennis serving whiz

28. *Prince William's dad

29. *Dad's favorite cooking device?

30. Bank on

32. *The biggest bear

34. Tube in a body

35. Convenience

36. Hightailed it

41. ____Tube

43. eagerness

45. Painful body spasms

46. Between ne and e

47. *What patriot and patriarch have in common

48. Autumn color

49. Ben Franklin invention 50. Found in a quiver 53. Cozy corner 54. Make a reference

55. Over head light?

56. 100 cents in ethiopia

57. Master of his castle

58. #15 Across, pl.

See Solution on Page 90

McDermott went back to europe, where he missed a train and his British Open tee shot and refused to play in the tournament, even though the British offered to bend the rules for him.

Returning home by steamship, McDermott was in the barber’s chair when his ship was rammed by another ship and sunk. He escaped near death in a lifeboat.

When he finally got home, he learned that his stock market investments had tanked and he was broke. One morning he was found unconscious on the floor of the pro shop, having suffered a nervous breakdown.

McDermott was sent to n orristown Hospital in Philadelphia where the doctors set up a little course over the grounds, and he played a few times with visitors like Walter Hagen. His $7 a day hospital fee was paid by those who attended the first meeting of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) in Philadelphia.

McDermott spent the rest of his life either with his sister or in local institutions. He did get out to play on occasion with his friend Tim DeBaufre at Valley Forge, until his clubs were stolen from his sister’s car. One club survived however.

While playing with a stranger, he borrowed a club from his playing companion, liked it, and he was allowed to keep it. In return, he gave up an old wooden mashie, saying to his incredulous playing partner, “that club helped me win two u S Open championships.”

When the 1971 uS Open was held in Philadelphia at the Merion Country Club, McDermott’s sister left him alone in the clubhouse where a young assistant pro thought he was a shabby old derelict in the way and

ordered him out of the pro shop. But Arnold Palmer recognized him and put his arm around McDermott and welcomed him.

As reported by golf historian John Coyne, “In 1971, Arnold Palmer at Merion Golf Club, noticed a shambling old man being ejected from the lobby. Palmer recognized him as John McDermott who, in 1911, had been the first American to win the uS Open. Tossing out such a man wouldn’t do, decided Palmer, who shooed away club employees and escorted McDermott back inside. They talked golfer to golfer, champion to champion, and Palmer arranged for McDermott to stay at the tournament as his special guest.”

Two months after the 1971 Open at Merion, McDermott died in his sleep at his sister’s home in Philadelphia, near where there is a city historic marker today. And in 2012, 100 years after his final uS Open win, 101 years after being a national hero as the first American to win the Open, McDermott was elected into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. Former Atlantic City County Club owner Jim Fraser accepted the honor in McDermott’s name and loaned one of McDermott’s uS Open gold medals to the uSGA museum in Somerset County.

And now, as they play the 123rd uS Open, few people will recall that John McDermott, the first American and at 19, is still the youngest to win the American national championship. Though someday he will be remembered again when another young, spunky teenage hotshot comes along to beat the pros and become the youngest to ever win the uS Open.

William Kelly is the author of “Birth of the Birdie – A History of Golf at the Atlantic City Country Club.” Email him at billkelly3@gmail.com.

LPGA Tournament wraps up in Galloway

It was another exciting ending to the ShopRite LPGA Classic golf tournament as South African Ashleigh Baha’i won the annual event held at Seaview Resort in Galloway Sunday. The reigning AIG Women’s British Open queen finished with weekend rounds of back-to-back 65s to win her second career LPGA event. It was the 34 year-old's second win in just eleven months.

Baha’i made seven birdies and one bogey in Sunday’s scintillating final round to edge Hyo Joo Kim. She nearly forced a playoff by narrowly missing an eagle chip at the par-5 eighteenth Hole.

“Definitely the best golf I’ve played in my career,” said Bahai. “I think we

have found a good balance….I think everything I’m doing from my putting work, swing coach, and the mental side, when I put them all together, I know that I can compete and have a chance to win.”

n ew Jersey’s Marina Alex played well, as well, taking 12th place at -6, averaging 2-under par rounds of 69.

The victory raises Bahai’s 2023 Rolex World ranking to 16 and moves her into 4th position in the season-long Race to the CM e Globe Points List.

n ext week, Buhai and Alex and the rest of the top players in the LPGA and the World go to Baltusrol Country Club in union County n ew Jersey to compete at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.