SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | June 29, 2023

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Dining & Entertainment

Section Inside

From the Editor

Freedom rings this weekend as we celebrate the first Fourth of July since the “official” end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fireworks displays will be larger than ever before, and families will gather up and down the coast while music is played, ribbons are cut, and ice cream drips down the sticky hands of happy children.

With each summer holiday, we look forward to watching the beaches flood with happy families decked out in their red, white, and blue. Restaurants fill to capacity, popcorn overflows, and we enjoy the sweet smell of a midsummer night at the Jersey Shore in celebration of America’s birthday. As the sun sets, we enjoy the palpable sensation of summertime bliss in the air as Ferris Wheels spin and rollercoasters roar. Whether you order “Jimmies” or “sprinkles''

Let freedom ring

doesn't really matter.

For shore town businesses, the Fourth of July is one of the year's busiest weekends. n early every town in South Jersey offers a remarkable schedule of events to commemorate this wonderful weekend. This week, we are thrilled to witness several new business openings, including Spiegelworld theater and dining complex “The Hook” and Island Waterpark in Atlantic City. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Ocean Casino Resort have a lot to celebrate, each marking their five-year anniversary on June 28. events and happenings are abundant in every local town. We’ve got it all covered in our new entertainment section, Wahoo! Don’t miss Whitney’s Picks for a highlight of what’s going on each week online and in print. Check out Ocean City Pops' free outdoor concert on July 3-4, as well as a full list of other events in our weekly “What’s Happening in Ocean City” listing.

The celebrations culminate in

Established 2016

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 Nicole Lee. Coastal edition cover photo by Tim Hawk. Ocean City edition by Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. or

fireworks displays across the area from the shore to the mainland. Two of my favorite places to lay out the blanket are Kennedy Park in Somers Point and Faunce Landing in Absecon. These locations offer different vantage points of multiple shows in the sky at the same time. Wherever you choose to enjoy, please do so responsibly.

This issue of Shore Local is packed with features about the people, places, and events that make the Jersey Shore such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. As we celebrate this incredible weekend, don’t forget that freedom isn’t free. We are forever indebted to those who have served so that we may enjoy this weekend however our heart's desire.

Thanks for sharing your summer with us.

Look for us every Thursday on newsstands and online at shorelocalnews.com. We would love to hear from you. email shorelocalnews@ gmail.com or call 609 705 5323 with your opinions, events, questions, or story ideas. Shore Local is made possible by our loyal advertisers, local merchants, and service providers, who make up the fabric of our community. Please make sure to check out their ads and support local businesses.

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

Peace & Love, Cindy

The

Fourth of July Happenings

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Margate July 4 Fireworks

Extravaganza

▶9 p.m.

Huntington Avenue Beach

Margate’s annual July 4 Fireworks Show, from the Margate Mothers Association, will once again take place on the beach at Huntington Avenue. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and kids. The fireworks will light up the sky at approximately 9 p.m. For more information, please call (609) 823 – 9144.

Northfield July 4 Parade

▶10 a.m.

Shore Rd. to Burton Ave. Fire Station via Mill Rd.

Come join the celebration as the City of n orthfield holds its Fourth of July Parade. Parade lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. at Jackson Ave. and Broad St. Parade route is Shore Rd. to Burton Ave. Fire Station, via Mill Rd. Calling all kids on bikes to join the parade. For more information, visit cityofnorthfield.org.

Ocean City North End Bike Parade

▶10 a.m.

Ocean City – Longport Bridge

n ewcastle Rd.

Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association. Registration begin at 9

a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot. The parade begins at 10 a.m.. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Ocean City South End Bike Parade

▶10 a.m.

40th Street & Asbury Avenue

Sponsored by the South Ocean City Improvement Association, City of Ocean City and the Chamber of Commerce. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at 40th & Asbury. The parade begins at 10 a.m.. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Ocean City Riviera Neighborhood Bike Parade

▶12 p.m.

Rosemar Lane Park Rosemar Ln.

Sponsored by the Riviera n eighborhood. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Rosemar Lane Park. The parade begins at 12 p.m.. For more information, visit oceancityvacation. com.

Ocean City Fourth of July

Celebration

▶7 – 9:30 p.m.

9th Street Beach

The City will host a kite flying competition at 7 p.m., followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier. A spectacular boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening

at 9 p.m. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Smithville Fourth of July Parade

▶9 a.m.

Smithville Blvd. to Moss Mill Rd. to Village Greene

Join Galloway Township and Smithville for new Jersey’s Largest and Greatest July 4th Parade. This annual event honors our nation’s veterans and active military personnel, serving both home and abroad. The parade will start at the Smithville Square Shopping Center on Smithville Blvd. to Moss Mill Rd., past Historic Smithville to the Village Green. Spectators and celebrators are asked to sit away from the road. Arrive early for a good spot. For more information, visit july4galloway.com.

Somers Point Fourth of July Beach Concert

7 p.m.

William Morrow Beach

The Somers Point Beach Concert Series presents a special Fourth of July beach concert. See the fireworks from the beach as the Jersey Shore’s very own Rock and Soul guitar hero Billy Walton performs with legendary east Coast saxophone star Michael “Tunes” Antunes as a special guest from The Beaver Brown Band. View the entire schedule at somerspointbeachconcerts.com.

Tropicana Atlantic City

Fireworks

▶10pm

Tropicana 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Take in the Tropicana fireworks show visible along the beach and boardwalk in addition to the July 4th weekend boardwalk fireworks dis -

play. Tropicana Hotel & Casino lights off fireworks every Saturday night in the summer.

Upper Township Fourth of July Celebration

▶4 p.m.

Amanda’s Field 1091 Route 50, Petersburg u pper Township will hold its annual Fourth of July Celebration. The gates will open at 4 p.m. and will run until the skies light up with their annual Fireworks display. The Food Truck Alley will host several local establishments serving up summer treats, along with vendors selling local crafts and kids toys, along with community organizations. The Kids Zone will return with entertainment for all ages. Plus, enjoy live music throughout the evening.

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ISLAND Waterpark makes a $100 million splash

By Tim Hawk

In early 2022, surrounded by the cold January air, developer Bart Blatstein announced to a large crowd gathered under an enclosed heated tent that by the summer of 2023 people would be frolicking in a new $100 million waterpark.

ISLA n D Waterpark would be built on the vacant lot alongside The Showboat Resort where Blatstein

and media for a sneak peek into the “largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world” during a preview celebration last Thursday night.

“Some thought this would never happen, some wondered why it should happen,” said Blatstein during a short speech before cutting the tied-together braids of two mermaids — an island twist on the standard overdone red ribbon cutting.

A few snips later, a mad rush of people entered the 120,000-squarefoot playground which is scheduled to open June 30.

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stood with Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and other local dignitaries during the groundbreaking ceremony for the non-casino attraction.

Fast forward 17 months later Blatstein, CeO of Tower Investments, Inc. and owner of Showboat, made true on his promise and welcomed VIPs

Once inside, guests were greeted with mermaids floating along a 6,500-square-foot Island Drift Lazy River, body-painted models, dancers on most every platform, and an opportunity to wander around the park that contains 317,000 gallons of water.

ISLA n D Waterpark features 11 slides, a 30-foot-tall indoor tree house, a pool used for various water

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

sports, waterfalls, and a Kids Cove designed for the younger visitors.

A popular stop for guests sipping on the beverage of their choice was watching surfers attempt to ride the 1,000-square-foot Wild Wave Flow-

Rider surf simulator — some were successful while others were swept off their boards.

Surfing tournaments and lessons will also be held at the simulator.

The park will have attractions for

adults including six bars serving craft beers, curated wines and signature cocktails, a 10,000-square-foot space appropriately named Paradise Adult Island that faces the Boardwalk and ocean and features a swim-up bar.

For those looking for something different as the moon sparkles off the ocean, the park will transform into an adults-only nightlife venue.

A Coconut Zero-Gravity Coaster that takes guests on a ride high above the waterpark and 300-footlong RipTide Zip Line round out the experience.

Summer admission rates start at $89 for daytime general admission, and twilight admission, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., starts at $69. All-Access VIP admission starts at $119.

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.

Photo byTim Hawk

Photo by Donald B Kravitz

Photo by Donald B Kravitz

Photo by Donald B Kravitz

Photo byTim Hawk

Atlantic County Commissioners call for comment extension on offshore wind project

and down the east Coast to slow things down, the commissioners decided that more time is needed.

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners is calling on the Bureau Ocean energy Management (BOeM) to extend the comment period on the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Atlantic Shores South offshore wind farm.

In a move that falls in line with requests by local shore communities, the board voted June 20 to ask BOeM to extend the deadline for public comment on the 6,200-page eIS for the 200 turbine project.

The official deadline for comment is July 3. But in light of a recently initiated uS General Accountability Office investigation of offshore wind, and calls by shore communities up

The resolution initially stated that there should be an indefinite moratorium on offshore wind development. After several amendments suggested Commissioner Richard Dase, it was revised to show support of the GAO investigation and seek a comment period extension of between 90 and 135 days.

In February 2023 the commissioners voted to support Rep. Jeff Van Drew and state Sen. Vince Polistina in the request for a 90-day moratorium on offshore wind development activity, joining the growing chorus of communities and officials concerned that offshore wind development activities contributed to the recent spike in marine mammal deaths.

During the discussion, Dase stated that the commissioners never heard feedback from BO eM. In the case of the June 20 resolution, the federal agency was copied directly to Jessica

Stromberg from BO eM.

Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick, noting all of the federal agencies that have looked into the whale deaths. She said people hold out until they hear what they want to hear.

“It just seems like when people aren’t getting the answers that they want they keep asking, so we have three big organizations doing investigations now (BO eM, n OAH, and GAO). I'm not going to support it.”

Fitzpatrick noted that offshore wind, which was initiated in 2010 by

then Governor Chris Christie, will bring billions of economic activity into the state, jobs, and has already fostered new job training programs at Atlantic Cape Community College and Rowan university.

She also said the possibility is growing that if offshore wind is not developed then offshore oil will. She said the choice could end up being between offshore wind 15 miles out or oil rigs 3 miles out

“Which should be very important to the people in this room. The other choice will continue the destruction of our environment while those corporations are laughing all the way to the bank.” She was the lone no vote on the resolution.

Chairman John Risley, who cosponsored the resolution with Dase, expressed concern that offshore wind does not make economic sense and could pose a threat to the well-being of the community. He said he looked at the numbers and they don’t add up.

“Quite frankly I'm not convinced that these windmills are in our best interest,” he said, stating that he questions the economics of it.

He has other questions including “whether or not our economy, our oceans, our fishing industries are going to be damaged in some way.

“That’s very important to us here,” he said. “We have to focus on the fishing industry and all the things that go with it so for that reason I'm very skeptical about wind power and I'm looking forward to what I hope is a nonpartisan (GAO) viewpoint.”

Vice Chairman Andrew Parker noted that the county environment and parks committee came out in support of offshore wind. They said in a statement that there is no proof whale deaths were caused by offshore wind. They also said that whales would benefit from converting to clean energy.

The meeting concluded with a hearing. Afterwards, Parker said with the resolution, the commissioners are doing everything in their power to address the issue. now it’s time to wait for answers from the experts.

Copy

editor and Contributing

Writer

James FitzPatrick

has been a community journalist in Atlantic and Cape May counties for more than 30 years, including 20 years as editor of The Current Newspapers. He lives in Hammonton.

Sharing the road with a golf cart:

Are they safe?

Low-speed vehicles gaining popularly in shore towns

By Krystle J Bailey

Jersey Shore locals and vacationers alike have been switching to LSVs (low-speed vehicles) as a means of easy, eco-friendly, local transportation. The golf-cart style vehicles are designed to operate at 25 miles per hour or less and offer drivers a scenic, open-air travel experience along the coast. This increasingly popular transportation method has raised safety concerns in many local towns, including Somers Point, where LSVs are currently banned. Community members share mixed thoughts on the topic, many claiming that they enjoy the ability to leisurely meander their favorite shore town while others plead for the banning of LSVs altogether.

According to the n ew Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, “An LSV is a

four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved surface. It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards.”

The law indicates that LSVs are only permitted on public roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Additionally, lowspeed vehicles must comply with a list of safety requirements, including child restraint standards, proper lighting, functioning seat belts, mirrors, and turn signals.

While LSVs are legal in new Jersey, the law allows municipalities to impose a ban on all roadways within their jurisdiction.

One of the main draws to lowspeed vehicles is that they are

eco-friendly and produce a smaller carbon footprint than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. In coastal areas, such as South Jersey, environmental conservation is a top priority for many. Additionally, LSVs provide a convenient and fun way for operators to immerse themselves in the coastal experience. Many LSV rental companies offer pick-up and drop-off services, giving vacationers a unique way to save on miles while exploring their beach town of choice. Alternatively, LSVs are viewed by many as extremely unsafe. Though few LSV deaths have been reported, the foresight from many local

residents is that an abundance of LSVs on the road would result in a chaotic and dangerous driving experience during the summer. Lack of sidewalks, intoxicated drivers, and minimal safety protection on LSVs are just a few of the pleas from concerned citizens.

In towns such as Ocean City and Wildwood, LSVs are legal and offered by several local rental companies. It’s worth noting that laws regarding LSVs are subject to change on a state-wide and municipal level at any time. Residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local laws, roads, and safety concerns before hitting the town in a low-speed vehicle.

u p-to-date state information and regulations regarding LSVs can be found on the n ew Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website under their section dedicated to low-speed vehicles.

Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, author and poet.

Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5

Events and Happenings

Friday, June 30

Pleasantville Art Music & Wellness Day

▶11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

City Hall 18 n . First St.

Join the City of Pleasantville for an afternoon of art, music, and wellness. Shore Local’s Raymond Tyler will be spinning the tunes all afternoon, along with live music by Tony Day and Across the Globe. enjoy murals in the art district, food trucks, crafts, activities and outdoor games for the kids. This is a free event and open to the entire community. More information is available at www. pleasantville-nj.org.

North Beach Fireworks

Celebration

▶9:30 p.m.

Atlantic City Beach

n orth Beach Atlantic City will host its 3rd annual summer kickoff premiere ocean-front firework spectacular this Friday. This event is free and open to the public featuring several viewing locations throughout the boardwalk, including Steel Pier, Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Showboat, and Ocean Casino Resort. Visit atlanticcitynorthbeach.com for more information.

Saturday, July 1

Ventnor Ocean Breeze Art & Fine Craft Show

▶9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ventnor Cultural Art Center 6500 Atlantic Ave.

Come out and support local artists with original, handmade work. Artists will have paintings, photography, poetry, fabrics and clothing, jewelry, mosaics, and more.

Weymouth Township & Estell

Manor Fireworks

▶7 p.m.

45 South Jersey Ave. Dorothy

Music starts at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Snack concessions will be available.

Tropicana Atlantic City Fireworks

▶10 p.m.

Beachfront 2831 Boardwalk

Tropicana Atlantic City lights up the sky every Saturday through September 2, including Fourth of July. Fireworks are launched from the beachfront and can be viewed along the boardwalk.

Monday, July 3

Beach Exercise: Yoga

▶8 a.m.

6 Street Beach, Ocean City

Yoga on 6 Street Beach Volleyball

Courts. Free. Bring a towel and a friend.

Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398 – 6900.

EHT Monday

Morning Madness

▶11 a.m.

Robert J. Lincoln

Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

Shows will begin at 11 a.m. This week, enjoy the magic of Bill Kerwood. Visit eHT Parks & Recreation on Facebook for updates.

Ventnor Independence Celebration

▶6 – 10 p.m.

n ewport Avenue Beach

The event begins at 5 p.m. with crafters and food vendors, 6 p.m. registration for the Ventnor Mile and live music, 7 p.m. race start and concert, and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. to cap off a wonderful night.

Ocean City Pops Free Outdoor Concert

▶7:30 p.m.

Carey Stadium

The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at Carey Stadium. This legendary orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.

Tuesday, July 4

Ocean City Beach Walks

▶Tuesdays at 9 a.m. & Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

59 St. & Central Ave. at the entrance to Corson’s Inlet

For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Funtastic Tuesdays

▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Avenue, Ocean City

enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors while strolling Asbury Avenue. For more information, visit oceancityvacation. com.

The American Mile

▶6:30 p.m.

Atlantic Ave. from 11th – 29th and Pelham, Longport

The Longport Fire Department will host their annual American Mile 1 Mile Run this Fourth of July. Registration is open online until Midnight on Sunday. Race Day Registration will be at the Longport Fire House at 2305

Atlantic Ave. from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, or to sign up, visit longportnj.gov.

Mummers Night

▶7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk

The Mummers strut up and down the Ocean City Boardwalk between 6th – 14th Streets. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Ocean City Pops Free Outdoor Concert

▶7:30 p.m.

Carey Stadium

The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at Carey Stadium. This legendary orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the beaches.

Wednesday, July 5

Beach Exercise: Pilates

▶8 a.m.

6 Street Beach, Ocean City

Pilates on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. Free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398 – 6900. Ocean City Farmers Market

▶9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds

Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th Streets

The Ocean City Farmers Market is back. See dozens of vendors, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. For more information, call 1 –800 – B e ACH – nJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.

Wacky Wednesday in Ocean City: Pie Eating Contest

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Celebrate America with a good old – fashion apple and cherry pie eating contest. n o hands allowed. Open to

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Photo by Steffen Klenk

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all ages. Limited to 150 participants. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Wacky Wednesdays at Absecon

Lighthouse

▶11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City

Join Absecon Lighthouse for a day of crafts, activities, movies and coloring. Included with regular admission; themes change weekly. For more information, visit abseconlighthouse. org.

Thursday, July 6

Sand Sculpting Contest

▶9 a.m.

6th Street Beach, Ocean City

Open to kids, teens, adults, and families. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at 6th Street Beach. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Market Days

▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Avenue, Ocean City

enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors while strolling Asbury Avenue. For more information, visit oceancityvacation. com.

Thrilling Thursdays Sunset Cinema

▶6:30 p.m.

On the Beach Between Granville and Huntington Ave. Margate

Join Margate for movies on the beach between the bulkhead and dunes. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a prescreening free fun activity. Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Rain dates are Fridays. This week, enjoy a screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru, along with Duck – A – Palooza games by the Margate Business Association, and giveaways from Margate Dairy Bar & Burger. Check out the complete schedule at margatehasmore.com.

Family Nights

▶7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk

enjoy live entertainment on the boardwalk between 6th – 14th Street. For more information, visit oceancityvacation.com.

Friday, July 7

Beach Exercise: Low Impact

▶8 a.m.

6th Street Beach, Ocean City

Low Impact exercise on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. Free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398 – 6900.

Saturday, July 8

43 Annual T. John Carey Master’s Swim

▶10 a.m.

34th Street Beach, Ocean City

Registration opens at 8 a.m. The race starts at 10 a.m. at the beach patrol station at 34th Street and the beach. Registration is $25 until July 7 or $35 on race day. Sign up at www. raceforum.com/johncarey.

Sunday, July 9

CSCNJ Dragon Boat Festival 2023

▶9 a.m.

The Festival will be a day of Dragon Boat races, a flower ceremony for loved ones touched by cancer, live entertainment, fantastic local food, vendors, and fun for the whole family. The Dragon Boat Festival benefits Cancer Support Community n ew Jersey at Gilda’s Club’s free programs for men, women, teens, and children impacted by cancer. For more information, visit cscnj.org/dragon – boat – festival or call Jessica at (609) 926 – 2699.

Monday, July 10

Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off Music Festival

▶3 – 11 p.m.

Somers Point celebrates Mardi

Gras in July with the inaugural Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off. enjoy free live music from James Andrews, aka Satchmo of the Ghetto, from HBO’s Treme and the Trombone Shorty Family. Plus, live music from Joe Krown, world renowned n ew Orleans pianist tribute, Billy Walton & the BMW’s, The Tony Mart Allstars, and The Ocean Avenue Stompers. The Gumbo Cook Off will present many of South Jersey’s best chefs, including Chef Robert Levenson of Resorts, Chef David Goldstein, Gregory’s, PJ Buckets, and Chef niko Karamanis. The Gumbo Tasting will take place from 3 – 6 p.m. with Judging at 7 p.m.

Ongoing Events

Open Mic at Ventnor Coffee

▶Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 n . Dorset Ave. Ventnor

Ventnor Coffee hosts Open Mic every Thursday. Come early to sign up. Bring your songs, poetry, and jokes. Singer songwriter Pete Glaze will perform from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30 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) 4083619 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 1:05pm. $90 per person includes bus, 300 level ticket, a $12 voucher good for anything in the stadium, assorted beverages, and driver gratuity. Pick up locations in Brigantine and Absecon. Contact John Walters at (609) 703-5418 for more details.

Health and Wellness

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, July 5, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information. NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, July 10, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

606 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into

others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. nAMI ACM is a non-profit 501C(3) corporation. Meetings for Family Members of Individuals Affected by Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder

▶Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

Daytime meetings are 10:30 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, evening meetings are the third Thursday at 7pm. Offered by the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County through the Intensive Family Support Services program. Call (609) 517-8614

Mental Health Support and Discussion Groups

Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women, men, LGBTQIA+, individuals aged 18-30. Boomers, anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and many others. Groups are also provided to individuals with a family member who lives with a mental health challenge. To receive a full list and to register, call (609) 6523800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj. org.

Recovery Groups

More than a dozen groups for individuals living with substance use disorder are offered online.

Topics range from mental health/ wellness to employment, faith, and more. Groups are provided 7 days a week. Interested participants can register for groups through unitedbywellness@mhanj.org or by calling the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County at (609) 652-3800.

Wellness Groups

A wide variety of online groups are offered to enhance wellness and introduce interested participants to ways they can improve their day-to-day mental health including meditation, art, music, journaling, eating healthy, exercise, spirituality, adult coloring, gratitude, and more. To register and receive links by email, call (609) 652-3800 or unitedbywellness@ mhanj.org.

Senior Aging Experts

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

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

Ventnor residents plan to restore 100-year-old fountain

By Steffen Klenk

The City of Ventnor is steeped in a rich and vibrant history. Since its incorporation on March 17, 1903, the seaside resort has not only seen its fair share of guests, but plenty of stories to go along with it. now, one group of area residents are joining together in a collective effort to restore one of the town’s iconic landmarks.

Municipal Works building. Adorning the front entrance is a revival concrete fountain dating back to 1923. A nod to the Ventnor Public Water Works, the fountain was built by Joseph L. Sweigard & Co. Based out of Philadelphia, a group that designed and consulted artesian waterworks throughout the region.

Over a period of five years, community members have come together with the idea of reviving this beautifully crafted structure. One of those residents is Dawn Burke Sena, president of Ventnor Fountain Friends (VFF), a grassroots 501c3 organization tasked with raising the necessary funding to rebuild this piece of art. “It’s a beautiful piece,” Sena says, “but it has been neglected over the last fifty to sixty years and has not been kept in working condition.”

In its initial phase, the group met with city leaders to discuss their ideas. Then, the project was put on the backburner during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this hiatus that Sena continued to spread the citement about the idea. “I don’t stop

talking about it; it’s a passion for me.” now, three years later, with a sense of renewed excitement throughout the city, the Ventnor Fountain Friends have revived their efforts to make this project a reality. VFF has recently entered into a partnership with the city to raise necessary funding to rebuild the fountain. The organization is also partnering with local sculptor Jim Dessicino to rebuild and refabricate the monument.

The project has received interest from SOSH Architects, who have created an official rendering of what the fountain would look like upon completion. And while this is thrilling news for the neighborhood and its residents, Sena stresses that it is a significant undertaking and that the rebuilding will take some time as tweaks are made. “One hundred years later, we’re dealing with new materials, but we’re still dealing with the same location at the same scale.”

With over a century of history and plenty of stories to tell, the Ventnor Fountain Friends are passionate about this. Its core group consists of Vice President Tina LoBiondo, Treasurer Barbara Sullivan, and Secretary Dave Rumsey. Collectively, the Fabulous Fountain Four are also working to bring the property back to its glory.

The plans also call for improved lighting, landscaping, and ADA compliant access. One of the most important aspects of this undertaking is to preserve the fountain, and surrounding green space, for future generations to enjoy. “It will, once again, be spectacular and a centerpiece.”

The Ventnor Fountain Friends will make several appearances at various community events, including the Ventnor City Farmers Market on Friday, July 14, and Aug. 11, providing residents and visitors with information. Fundraising events are also slated to begin in the coming months. Those interested in learning about the cause, making a donation, or volunteering, may visit ventnorfountainfriends.org.

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.

Sitting along the Intracoastal Wa terway, at the corner of Cornwall and Winchester avenues is the Ventnor

Current view of the fountain in St. Leonard's Tract. Photo courtesy of Ventnor Fountain Friends

Ladies in front of Fountain. Photo courtesy of Ventnor Fountain Friends

Local art prints, candles, incense/ essential oils, clothing, and more!

or behind the building

Downbeach lifeguard numbers doing better than the nation

stands. And why not. You feel safe knowing the lifeguards are sitting atop the chairs, or carrying rescue equipment as they walk the surf.

By William Sokolic

When we go to the beach, we tend to congregate around beach patrol

But on a national scale, beach patrols have faced a shortage of applicants. “Plus, they have to compete with every other industry looking for seasonal employees and summer interns,” says Thomas Gill, vice president, u nited States Lifesaving Association, the trade group for

beach patrols. “We have the best job that will provide the best experience for someone with a future in any industry. We just have to work harder to convince the applicants and provide better incentives than before."

For 2023, Downbeach lifeguard patrols haven’t had to deal with this issue.

Tom Kresz knows about the best jobs in the summer. He’s a beach baby, born and raised in Longport. Sand and surf are in his blood as well as his toes. When he needed work for summers, the beach patrol was where he set his sights.

“It was a no-brainer for me," said Kresz, a veteran of more than 20 summers and now captain of the beach patrol. The majority of beach patrol members in the three Downbeach communities grew up in either Ventnor, Margate or Longport. They’re used to the beach. They couldn’t see a summer somewhere else.

Longport brought on 18 new hires, considered large by past year's figures, said Kresz, a teacher during the other three seasons of the year.

“We had nine last year," he says. "We got lucky this year with a lot of interest. We held a six-day rookie school.”

Margate has 60 members, which includes 13 new additions. “The group is a little on the young side,” said Chief Greg. Smallwood, who was born and raised in Margate, and also a schoolteacher with 34 years on the patrol.

and so much more!

Greg Smallwood, Chief of the Margate City Beach Patrol

A factor that could be affecting staffing goes back to the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 took its toll in 2020 and 2021. We do not have a full picture of the hiring as some staff are still filling their ranks and while applicant numbers may be up, they all must complete the training required before becoming full employees," Gill says.

The minimum age for senior lifeguards is 16, said Smallwood. At full staff, Margate could cover 12 beaches.

Ventnor has 70 lifeguards and six officers. They were able to keep within the 70 to 75 targets, said Chief Stan Bergman. "We're fortunate that we have more people taking tests. Last year for the first time we had trouble with getting people to take the test. "We had more applicants pass the test. We recommend the others take the tests in Margate, Atlantic City, Brigantine and Longport. A lot of kids did that."

Kids who take the junior lifeguard program are primed to be on the beach patrol when they are of age. "A lot of those kids are now on the beach patrol. It's a good feeder system."

Despite the local picture, the national situation is not following suit. "Here in Virginia Beach, VA, we have seen about a 10 percent increase in new hires from last year. But it certainly seems like the 'pool' of applicants is smaller overall,” Gill says. “Thus, lifeguard agencies are in competition with every other industry looking for seasonal employees.”

Gill suggests an increase in pay and more flexibility to find additional employees. with the schedule to accommodate conflicts. “Be ready to hire additional employees that may work limited schedules, but most of all, provide an experience that is positive and rewarding for the guards that put their lives on the line to help others. We just have to work

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.

harder to convince the applicants and provide better incentives than before."

Stacey Price and Matt Spiers push Ventnor rowboat towards the surf. Photo by Ryan Brown.

Margate’s Beachstock is a sunny surprise

By Julia Train

Aday that was supposed to be stormy turned out to be a warm and sunny day.

A plethora of vendors set up between Huntington and Granville avenues in Margate for the 12th year of “The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party.”

In the park and along Huntington Avenue leading to the beach there was art, toys, plants, clothes and food being sold. There was a variety of cuisine to choose from, along with beer gardens.

The thousands of attendees could get hamburgers, fries and ice cream from Margate Dairy Bar and Burger, pizza from Jace’s Place, pulled pork and brisket from South Jersey Smokehouse’s barbecue and Vagabond Kitchen and Taphouse, tacos from TacoCat and sodas served in vintage tin cups by Tin Cup Soda Co.

For dessert there were rum cakes from Goodway Bakery and cannolis from Mannino’s Cannoli express. California Frozen Yogurt

and Shakes was even there with an endless variety of concoctions of smoothies, bowls and frozen yogurt using only the freshest fruit.

On the beach were two stages, the main 100.7 WZXL one and the 95.1 kids stage.

On the main stage, five local music groups performed throughout the day: n o Clue Trio, South Pacific Island Ta -

hitian Drums & Authentic Dancers

Audience Participation, nikki Briar, Mas Tequila Orchestra and Jah People Reggae.

“Thank you to everyone for willing the weather today. It turned out to be a beautiful day,” said Mas Tequila Orchestra’s drummer. “I

↘

Continued on 24

Photo by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics

think we just shouldn’t watch the weather anymore.”

While the music filled the beach, attendees joined in various activities. They played cornhole, shuffleboard and volleyball. There was also a Frozen T-Shirt Contest with 100.7 WZXL, free kite flying lessons and demos with Air Circus Kite Shop, and free lessons with Stacey’s Surf & Paddle. Vendors were lined along the dunes in an “L” shape selling all sorts of art-related materials.

Along the line of small businesses was Play-PKL, a pickleball apparel and accessory company from Long Beach Island. The brand was created during the COVID-19 lockdown after the founder, Heidi Block, learned how to play the sport and couldn’t find any information about how to play

or what was needed. Block’s store offers clothes for men and women, including skorts that feature pockets big enough for pickleballs.

“The brand’s mission is to help other people discover pickleball and love it as much as I do,” said Block. “A lot of what we do is educate people about the sport and send out informational emails with tips and tricks and everything you need to know to play.”

Two tents down was the tiki bar, where those 21 or older could try samples of dif-

ferent drinks or get the full-size version to carry around. On the street, there was a trailer with alcoholic beverages on tap.

next to the tiki bar, Matthew Deibert from Sandcreation spent the day creating the “Finding Beachstock”

sand sculpture, a nod to the film later shown at 6:45 p.m.

“The most important thing about carving a turtle is that you have to feed him every once in a while,” joked Deibert as he scooped sand with a tool and held it to the turtle’s mouth.

Deibert, who makes sand sculptures for major local events such as the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, started working on his creation around 7 a.m. and continued throughout the day.

The 14-hour event concluded at 10 p.m. with a bonfire, South Pacific Island Dancers and Jah People Reggae.

Photos by Tom Briglia/ PhotoGraphics

Farmers Markets

Brigantine Farmers Market

▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.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, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Atlantic Christian School 391 Zion Rd. egg Harbor Township

Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health hosts 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, 4 – 7 p.m.

Historic Smithville Village Greene 615 e . Moss Mill Rd.

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, 4 – 7 p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City

Open every Other Tuesday Starting July 10th. 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 10th. For more information and to apply as a vendor, visit abseconlighthouse.org.

Margate Farmers Market

▶Thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.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 31st. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.

Ocean City Farmers Market

▶Wednesdays, 8a.m. – 1 p.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, 8a.m. 12 p.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, 8:30a.m. – 12 p.m.

St. James Church n ewport & Atlantic Ave.

The Ventnor City Farmers Market is every Friday throughout the summer. 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.

Ocean City's 2023 Miss Night in Venice contestants

By Donald B Kravitz

Pictured left to right are five of the 10 contestants taking part in the Miss night In Venice Contest. The public picks the winner by placing a donation in the contestants’ buckets, which are displayed in local businesses throughout Ocean City. All proceeds from the fundraising go to selected charities.

Contestants and sponsor names are from left: Bria Condella, (Boyar’s

Market); Lyla Ginzberg, (Mama Mia’s Marmora); Mia Buonadonna, (Gabriel Building Group); Lily Beningo, (Johnson’s Popcorn); Marissa Trostle, (Fox Realty).

Contestants and their sponsors not available for the photographKayla edginton, (Kessel’s Korner); Mia Pancoast, (Grace Realty); Samantha Parsons, (Playland’s Castaway Cove & Preps Pizza); Sara Davis, (Shore Local n ewsmagazine); Summer Castro, (Beehive Studio).

Photo by Donald B Kravitz

Iconic sights along the Ocean City Boardwalk

By Steffen Klenk

At two and a half miles long, the Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike. With prime views of the ocean, and plenty of family-friendly amenities, there is something for everyone at America’s Greatest Family Resort. I recently had the opportunity to walk from end-toend in search of the boardwalk’s most famed attractions.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier: Families will instantly notice the bright lights of the Ferris wheel while arriving over Route 52 Causeway. Wonderland is arguably one of the top family attractions on the boardwalk. The concept first came to fruition by David Gillian, who, according to Gillian’s website, probably spent more time on the Boardwalk than any other living individual. Mr. Gillian first played trap drums at C. elwood Carpenter’s Dance Club, at the site of the Moorlyn Theater. Then, in 1917, he was transferred to the Hippodrome, Ocean City’s largest pier at the time, home to amusements, dancing, and vaudeville.

In October 1927, a boardwalk fire

destroyed the Hippodrome and the pier was never rebuilt. It was during this tenure that Gillian decided to open a Fun Deck at Plymouth Place, with top attractions including a Merry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel. In 1965, David’s son, Roy Gillian, decided to open his own amusement pier at 6th Street and the Boardwalk, the former home of Stainton’s Playland. Decades later, the amusement park continues to be a family destination for all.

Ocean City Music Pier: It is an entertainment venue worth talking about. Some of the biggest names in entertainment have performed at this legendary venue in recent years, including The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker, and, most recently, Kristen Chenoweth. It is also home to the annual Miss Ocean City pageant and OC Pops. The Music Pier dates back to 1928 when construction began on a brand-new concert hall for the community. It was formally dedicated on July 4, 1929, delighting entertaining crowds with the sounds of the Municipal orchestra twice a day, seven days a week.

Did you know that there was a lookout tower on top of the Music Pier? It was constructed in 1941,

during the height of World War II, to keep watch for enemy aircraft. The sight was manned 24 hours a day. While that feature of the building has since been dismantled, the Music Pier continues to become one of the city’s most famous and cherished landmarks. Major renovations have been made to upgrade the sound, stage, and lighting, with video projection screens recently added.

Manco & Manco Pizza: n othing says summertime quite like Manco & Manco. It is a name synonymous with Ocean City tradition. even Kelsey Grammer, the star of the hit TV sitcom Frasier, was recently spotted here while on vacation. The first pizza parlor opened at 918 Boardwalk in the summer of 1956. Years later, a second location was added at 7th Street and the Boardwalk, followed by the expansion of a third parlor at 12th Street.

Part of what makes Manco’s tradition is the pizza making process. eyes are dazzled as the dough is twisted, pulled, and turned in the air. And while many customers still prefer a tasty plain slice, new offerings have since been introduced, including buffalo chicken and veggie lovers. You will also find wings, tenders, and fries on their menu at 9th Street. even through all the changes, their dedication to providing customers with the tastiest pizza around continues to make them stand out above the rest.

Kohr Bros: After a long, fun night strolling the boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds, nothing beats that mouth-water soft serve you’ll find at

Kohr Bros. Their frozen custard was first introduced by a Archie Kohr in 1917. The schoolteacher from York, PA purchased an ice cream machine powered entirely by a gas engine. He, along with younger brothers, elton and Lester, wanted to expand the dairy business run from their family’s farm.

After experimenting with their recipe, their uncle, Sylvester Kohr, urged the brother to take their new machine to the shore. In 1919, a small booth opened on the lively Coney Island Boardwalk, and the rest is history.

Playland’s Castaway Cove: This amusement destination has been bringing smiles to families for over 60 years. The park boasts a number of attractions, including the GaleForce Roller Coaster, Double Shot, and Ferris wheel. Take a ride on the classic train car and see all that Playland has to offer. While the park itself has been rebuilding the front boardwalk entrance, the iconic galleon and pi -

Kelsey Grammer spent Father's Day weekend in Ocean City! Photo credit: OC Chamber of Commerce

rate will soon return, along with plans for a brand-new landmark coaster, set to open in 2025.

Flander’s Hotel: While the Flander’s itself sits only a few short steps from the boardwalk, this iconic Ocean City landmark is complete with a history that can’t be beaten. In fact, July 23, 2023, marks Flander’s 100th Anniversary. It was after World War I when city officials prompted the idea of a hotel to drive the city’s potential. The Chamber of Commerce voiced their support for the idea, and that completion of the Ben Franklin Bridge

would drive more visitors to the Jersey Shore.

As a result, business leaders and citizens formed the Ocean Front Hotel Corporation to bring their vision to light. Construction began shortly thereafter, and in 1923, the 232-room hotel opened its doors. To this day, the Flander’s lives up to its name as the Queen of Ocean City Hotels. In celebration of its centennial, Flander’s is hosting monthly high teas, along with a formal celebration later this year.

Johnson’s Popcorn: Since 1940, Johnson’s has been serving the Ocean City community and beyond with the delicious taste of caramel popcorn. It is made in large copper kettles, and the mixing process draws plenty of crowds and hungry guests. They are also one of the few boardwalk businesses open year-round at their 14th Street location. You can also find them further up the boards across from the Music Pier and at 6th Street.

The Beach: n othing completes an Ocean City trip quite like a day at the beach. uSA Today has recently named Ocean City as the Best Beach in the n ortheast. The good news: it is only steps off the boardwalk. Grab your beach chair, boogie board, sunscreen, and plenty of water, and soak up the sunshine. Beach tags are available for purchase at the Music Pier Information Center, City Hall, and the Welcome Centers.

Events Galore: There is so much to see and do along the Ocean City boardwalk all summer long. Tuesday nights are Mummers nights. Watch as your favorite string bands strut from 6th – 14th Streets, or enjoy Family

Fun night on Thursdays, featuring live music and entertainment. The Annual Baby Parade, held in August, is one of the oldest in the country, with children ranging from newborns to school-age, showcasing their creativity and cuteness. And you can ring in the Fourth of July with a dazzling display of fireworks overlooking the ocean.

While you find yourself walking the boards this summer, be sure to check out some of these legendary Ocean City landmarks and you will soon find out why you’re in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Stay tuned next week for part two in this series, as I take you along Asbury Avenue.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

Six words on a Boardwalk bench

solutions” practice, I’m going to use the current situation in Ocean City to bring it home.

From backpacks to beach barriers

By Bill Quain

There are no solutions, just trade-offs.

Wow, talk about taking the pressure off! When I first read the six words above, written by the famous economist Thomas Sowell, I actually breathed a sigh of relief. Like most people, I spend a lot of my time “looking for solutions.” Once I discovered there aren’t any solutions, it made my life a lot easier! Of course, I had to deal with the fact that I am a man. Therefore, I was trained, groomed, and educated to find a solution for everyone and everything. However, once I got past that, I began to take it easy.

So, if you’ve been feeling the pressure and always trying to solve problems – for yourself and everyone else – sit back, pop open a beverage, and enjoy this edition of my column. To help you buy into the “there are no

Last week, I wrote about the uproar that was sweeping social media concerning the ban on backpacks in Ocean City. Our mayor and city council are trying a number of different tactics to take back our beaches and boardwalks. The innovative tactics run the gamut, from the backpack ban to beach barriers, to early curfews and added police patrols. It is the backpack ban that is getting all the attention. everyone wears backpacks, including moms carrying diapers and grandparents who need a handsfree way to carry medicines. When you think about it, backpacks are one of the most useful ways to carry stuff, like all of those necessities for a night on the boardwalk: extra jackets, water bottles, leftover pizza, snacks, etc.

Banning backpacks isn’t a good solution.

So, while the City is trying to figure out how to handle the problem, we hear things like, “Banning backpacks isn’t a good solution.” However, remember my opening statement: There are no solutions, just trade-offs. Once we all realize this, it will be a lot easier to find ways to deal with the problem

Even kids know the “trading” rules.

When I was a kid, I learned to trade. Whether it was baseball cards or a special dessert, I was always on the lookout for a great trade. Well, trading and trade-offs have the same rules. You have to give something to get something. We are now facing a very serious problem in our beach towns, so we have to work together to find a happy medium. We have to give something up in order to take back our beaches and boardwalks. We have to deal with some pain to get some gain!

The beach and Boardwalk tradeoff list

OK, you know what you want. You want a safe and quiet beach and boardwalk experience in Ocean City. Well, Mayor Jay Gillian and the City Council, along with the Ocean City Police, have come up with a few ideas, and I think they’re pretty good. Yes, it will hurt a little bit, but it will hurt a whole lot less than sheer mayhem, which is what we had for the past two summers. Mayhem also erupted on Memorial Day weekend. Here are a few things to trade:

1. Backpacks

Yeah, this can be a tough one! It isn’t bad for the people who don’t use backpacks. If you are that family with a bunch of kids down for the day, and your whole life is in that backpack, it is a big ask. That’s why we need the exemptions that have already been put in place.

2. Beach closings

OK, this is tough! The beaches are now closed at 8 p.m. Think about it: If the beaches weren’t closed at 8 p.m., you probably couldn’t go down there anyway because of the rowdy teenage crowds that had been inhabiting the beaches since the ban on police interactions with kids! Plus, Mayor Gillian just announced that the beach will be

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK

BENCH by Bill Quain

open until 10 p.m. on July 4, so you can go down and watch the fireworks.

3. An 11 p.m. curfew for those under 18

OK, for me, this is a no-pain-tradeoff. I’m 70. no one is going to ask for my ID. However, if you are in that age group that is always being “carded,” this might be a bit of a nuisance. As my favorite nun, Sister Mary nicotine of the Holy Smokes, used to say, “Offer it up for the poor souls in Purgatory,” and just take one for the team! We all appreciate it.

I’ll trade you. What ya got?

How about you? Want to trade sixword stories? Shoot me an email with your “trade-off” thoughts. Don’t worry about keeping them to six words. I’ll edit them and share them in this column. Just write to bill@quain.com and put “Six words on a Boardwalk bench” in the subject line. 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.

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

Fourth of July Events in Ocean City

Fireworks will cap off Ocean City’s Fourth of July festivities at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. The display will highlight a holiday weekend filled with family fun.

The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the ocean near the Music Pier and will be best viewed between Fifth Street and 14th Street. A musical simulcast will be broadcast over the boardwalk PA system and available to stream online at www. ocnj.us. The beach curfew in Ocean City has been extended to 10 p.m. for

July 4 to allow families to enjoy the display from the beach, as well as the Boardwalk.

The fun starts on Wednesday (June 28) with the opening of the weekly Wacky Wednesday contests and the Farmer’s Market.

WeD neSDAY, J une 28

Ocean City’s “Wacky But n ot Tacky” series of Wacky Wednesdays starts at 10:30 a.m. June 28 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event invites families and individuals to participate in various activities and contests. The season opener will

feature salt water taffy sculpting. no advance registration is required for this free family event, but it will be limited to the first 250 participants.

The popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (between Fifth Street and Sixth Street along Asbury Avenue) is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 13. The market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.

MO

n DAY, J u LY 3

The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. July 3 at Carey Stadium (behind Ocean City High School on the beach block of Fifth Street and Sixth Street). Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. The Carey Stadium concert will give people of all ages a chance to hear what a true local resource we have here in town. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.

TueSDAY,

J u LY 4

The South Ocean City Bike Parade encourages riders to dress themselves and their bicycles in the spirit of the holiday. The event is free and no advance registration is required. It will start at 10 a.m.

Tuesday with registration starting at 9 a.m. in the Our Lady of Good Counsel parking lot at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue. This parade ends at the playground at 52nd Street and Haven Avenue with refreshments for participants.

Registration for the Gardens Civic Association Bike Parade starts at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 in the parking lot at the foot of the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge. The route makes its way to east Atlantic Boulevard with a finish near Beach Road. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with refreshments at the finish.

A kite-flying competition will take place at 7 p.m. on the beach near the Music Pier. Participation in the event is free with registration at the Music Pier. A yo-yo demonstration outside the Music Pier will follow the kite contest. For more information, call 609-399-6111.

The Ocean City Pops will perform a second free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. July 4 at Carey Stadium. Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating

available in the bleachers. The concert will conclude as the fireworks begin, so families will be in a great spot to enjoy the show.

The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.

WeD neSDAY, J u LY 5

Ocean City’s “Wacky But n ot Tacky” series of Wacky Wednesdays continues at 10:30 a.m. July 5 at the Ocean City Music Pier with an old-fashioned pie-eating contest. no advance registration is required for this free family event.

The popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 13. The market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.

Ocean City’s annual Freckle Contest returns to the Music Pier at 6 p.m. July 5. Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m.

TH u RSDAY, J u LY 6

A Sand Sculpting Contest will be open to kids, teens, adults and families. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street Beach.

The weekly Family n ights will bring a variety of bands and entertainers to the Ocean City Boardwalk from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays through the season.

Five ways to level up your OC vacation

By Danielle Davies

If you’re like basically every person who vacations in Ocean City, there are certain things you’re very likely going to have on your bucket list: go to the beach, go to the boardwalk, and eat Manco & Manco’s pizza. While we’re hardly ones to knock vacation plans of any sort — especially not these, which are some of our favorites — we have some ideas that can take your vacation from fine to fabulous.

1. Go fly a kite. n o really. This isn’t our way of saying to go take a hike either — kite flying isn’t just for kids. Head down to Air Circus Kite Shop, home to fidget toys, magic tricks, pirate paraphernalia and kites galore, and treat yourself to a stunning rainbow strip Fly-Hi. Then go enjoy a leveled-up day at the beach. Between harnessing the wind and watching that beauty take flight, it’ll be a day

you won’t soon forget. Air Circus Kite Shop is located at 1114 Boardwalk, Ocean City. See Air Circus Kite Shop on Facebook.

2. Go sail a boat. If you’ve secretly harbored a dream to feel the wind blowing in your hair as you maneuvered your own sailboat along the bay, this is your chance. Head to Ocean City Sailing Foundation to get

THE FUN STORE AT THE SHORE

the low-down on the thrilling sport of sailing. With private lessons and small group classes available to everyone from absolute beginners to experienced sailors who want to develop their skills, to potential racers who want to learn the basic elements of sailing competitions, Ocean City Sailing Foundation has you covered. Available for students ages 8 to 80, this is one activity the whole family can enjoy. Ocean City Sailing Foundation is located at 520 Bay Ave., Ocean City. See OCnJSailingFoundation.org for more information.

3. Or just ride on one. If your idea of boating involves someone else cruising you around the waterways of Ocean City, you’ll want to visit Shore Thing Charters, which offers private boat charters for up to 6 people. Whether you’re interested in 3-, 4-, or 5-hour pleasure cruises, fishing charters — with 4-hour bay and coastal trips and 6- and 8-hour wreck and offshore trips — or a tubing or water skiing session, there are options for you at Shore Thing Charters. Trips depart from 550 Launch Ave., Somers Point. Visit ShoreThingOceanCity. com for more information.

4. Learn to surf. Surfing is very much a part of Ocean City’s culture, so why not take a lesson while you’re

here on vacation? At 7th Street Surf Shop, they’ve been giving lessons to the public for over 25 years, right from their location on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Offering private and group classes as well as camps, 7th Street provides surf instruction to anyone who can swim, from ages six and up. 7th Street Surf Shop is located at 634 Boardwalk, Ocean City. For more information, visit 7thStreetSurfShop.com.

5. Tour the back bays. Whether you opt to sit in a kayak or stand (or, OK, kneel) on a stand-up paddleboard (Su P), Daks Kayaks, Paddleboards & eco-Shop is your one-stop shop. In addition to daily and weekly rentals, Daks leads kayak and Su P tours including the eco Tour, led by trained naturalists who know the local ecosystem and wildlife, and Sunset Tours with spectacular views. Tandem and single seats are available for kayaks and Su PS. Daks Kayaks, Paddleboards & eco-Shop is located at 1101 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. Visit DaksKayaks.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.

Fiber Art featured at the Ocean City Arts Center

The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center heats up this summer with a fiber art exhibit titled, “ u nraveled, One Thread at a Time”. The exhibit features an eclectic array of fiber art by over 15 artists and opens July 5 and runs through July 30. A “Meet the Artists’ reception will be held on Friday, July 14 from 7pm to 8:30pm. The Gallery is in the Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Ocean City, nJ.

Among the participating artists are Ylvia Asal, Penelope Cake, Jo-

Ann Carroll, Linda epps, Hope Gaines, Lena Grey, Anna Keenan, Jane Medio, Ruthann Meyers and Katie Strano. Also participating are members of the South Jersey Guild of Spinners and Handweavers: Karen Blisnuk, Karen Borga, n ekell Byron, Laura Chandler, Alice Garbarino, Holly Loza, Susan Makuka, Dianne Snodgrass, Lora Stout, nancy Turner and Rachel Turner. Visit oceancityartscenter.org for more information on the artists and the featured work.

Fiber art represented in the exhibit will be embroidery, felting,

weaving, macramé, cross stitch and needlepoint. Fiber artists face the same dilemma as all artists; determining "what is art?" More so with fiber arts and other media associated with handicraft, because they have long been associated with domestic or utilitarian production. There will be some beautiful wearable works in this exhibit, however, seventy percent of the work has strictly aesthetic value.

The show runs from July 5-30. The Ocean City Arts Center is located on the second floor in the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, n ew Jersey 08226. The hours of operation are

9am to 9pm, Monday through Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday. The Arts Center is closed on Sunday. For further information, call (609) 3997628. Check out the Ocean City Arts Center on Facebook and Instagram.

This program is made possible in part by the n ew Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the national endowment for the Arts.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” –

Maya Angelou

“Owl” by Ruthann Meyer, Felting

“The Color Wheel” by Lena Grey, Macramé

Ocean City Beach Patrol firsts

Flanders Hotel

1924 —Gordon Sheppard and Lloyd Sheppard rowed in the first South Jersey Lifeguard Championship

1926 —First time the OCBP won the South Jersey Lifeguard Swim Meet

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

1898 —First city-paid lifeguards go on duty

1898 —First captain of the lifeguards was Joseph P. Krauss

1926 —The OCBP received its first new ambulance—a Studebaker equip with the latest rescue equipment

1929 —Huge swimming pool complex opens at the Flanders Hotel and the lifeguard’s gigantic water show began

1901 —Captain Krauss designed a rescue can that could hold six victims

1901 —First Baby Parade held and the lifeguards led the parade

1907 —Lifeguards Alread R. Smith and Dan Krauss rowed their boat in the first night in Venice boat parade

1919 —Six Ocean City lifeguards competed in the first South Jersey Lifeguard Swim in the Hygeia Pool in Atlantic City.

1920 —First year Jack G. Jernee was captain of the lifeguards

1920 —First year the lifeguards were called Ocean City Beach Patrol. Prior to 1920 they were called Ocean City Lifeguards.

1921 —Lifeguard W. Ward Beam organized and led Ocean City’s first beach exercise class

1922 —First time the lifeguards went on strike

1924 —First time OCBP water show were held in the pool at the

Kristin Chenoweth dazzles Ocean City with performance at Music Pier

sold-out audiences across the world, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall. Her performance in Ocean City concluded with an extended standing ovation.

Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performed to a sold-out crowd at the Ocean City Music Pier Sunday, June 25. Chenoweth has performed to

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

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

Rascals fans reminisce and sing-along

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

The Rascals performed in concert at the Ocean City Music Pier tonight, June 27. Bringing the audience those sounds from the past that everyone on the pier seemed to know and love provided a great night of entertainment.

Originally known as The Young Rascals, the Rascals are an American rock band, formed in Garfield, n ew Jersey in 1965. They reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 with nine singles, including the #1s "Good Lovin'" (1966), "Groovin'" (1967), and "People Got to Be Free" (1968).

The Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

ES A T

E A S B U R Y

By the owners of Staintons Beautifully remodeled at the former

Paddles up for a good cause

Desatnick Foundation 'Around the Cape Paddle' and Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation 'Paddle for a Cause'

the 14-foot Su P Division, completing the course in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 1 second, well inside the four-hour cutoff.

Just being on a board again should be considered a victory.

By David Weinberg

Chad DeSatnick was back on a board last weekend. The Cape May native was among the 80-plus participants in the ninth DeSatnick Foundation Around the Cape Paddle, a 15-mile trip around the island that starts and finishes at the Fisherman's Memorial at the base of the Cape May Harbor.

"Let's just say I entered the race," DeSatnick said with a laugh. "I wouldn't call what I did racing. I just got into the event and did my own thing. I finished without getting pulled out and I was pretty happy with that."

DeSatnick was being modest. The 46-year-old placed 11th out of 21 in

Twenty-two years ago, on September 30, 2001, he was injured while surfing at Cape May's Poverty Beach during Hurricane Humberto. DeSatnick shattered the C6 and C7 vertebrae in his neck and underwent an 11-hour operation at Atlantic City Medical Center.

Soon after, he created the DeSatnick Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those with spinal cord injuries.

Last Sunday was the first time he had competed in its signature event.

"I had been involved with this race for eight years, so I was happy to finally get the chance to be in it," he said. "It allowed me to get a different perspective for the event and even more respect for the people who have been doing this for years."

Playa Bowls

One of the veterans in the race was his older brother, Todd, who is recognized as one of the best Su P racers on the e ast Coast along with locals such as Ocean City's Jason Chew and Brigantine's Sven Peltonen.

Todd, 50, placed fifth overall and won the Masters division in 14-foot Su P category.

"The conditions were really good for the event," Todd said. "The only challenge was in the canal. The last four miles were against the wind and the tide and it was also super hot. It was nice to do well, but more importantly it was another successful event for the foundation. It's a collaboration among lots of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and competitors."

In addition to the Su P category, the event also featured Asay and Van Duyne boats, C1X Coastal Rowers, OC1 and OC2 divisions, Surf Skis and three divisions of prone paddleboard.

Former Cape May lifeguard Sean Brennan, is the perfect example of someone who puts his ego aside for the good of a greater cause. Brennan was the first to complete the race, using a surfski to place first overall in 1:58.39. As such, he was due to receive a trophy.

"He told me, 'Do not spend one dime on a plaque for me,'" Chad said. "'Give that money to someone who really needs it.'"

That community spirit was also prevalent in a event earlier this month.

On June 10, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation held its annual Paddle for a Cause. It's a 22.5-mile race around Absecon Island to sup -

↘Continued on 42

DRCF Paddle for a Cause Sponsor Todd DeSatnick ready to conquer the 22.5 mile paddle

SURF SURF

port those fighting cancer. That group includes Randazzo, a former elite surfer who has been battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

That event started in 2008 when Mike May talked six of his surfing buddies into making the trek in support of Randazzo, who is a member of the n ew Jersey and east Coast Halls of Fame. Todd DeSatnick was one of the original seven, along with May, former Atlantic City resident Tom Forkin, Linwood's Chris Maher, new York's Gavin O'Donnell, Ventnor's Mike Tkacz and Atlantic City's Frankie Walsh, who was just inducted into the n .J. Surfing Hall.

DeSatnick, Forkin and O'Donnell were back in the race this year, but decided to paddle as a group instead of competing.

"We all love to race, but we pushed our egos aside in a show of comraderie for the people who are fighting much tougher battles than what we are facing," Todd said. "That why Mike started it years ago and that's what we wanted to do again this year."

Coe excels in women’s golf major

Former local golf standout Joanna Coe turned in a solid performance in last weekend’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol Country Club’s Lower Course in Springfield.

Coe, an Oakcrest High School graduate, missed the cut after shoot-

ing a combined 9-over-par in the first two rounds. But Coe, the PGA Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania, tied for the best score among the eight PGA Professionals in the field.

It marked Coe’s fifth straight appearance in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Hills ends impressive uSFL season

Wildwood’s Wes Hills rushed for 30 yards on seven carries (4.3 yards per carry) for the new Orleans Breakers in a 48-22 loss to the Birmingham Stallions in the uSFL playoffs.

Hills, a Wildwood High School grad, led the uSFL in rushing during the regular season with 679 rushing yards.

David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.

Dean Randazzo throwing a "Shaka" with the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation President Jon Baker

Jersey Shore Women's Networking Group to gather July 6

By Krystle J Bailey

The monthly Jersey Shore Women’s n etworking Group, led by Cindy Ferstch and Lisa evans, has been buzzing with excitement. The inaugural meeting in May 2023 brought over 50 local women together in a comfortable atmosphere where they were invited to network, mingle, and enjoy a delicious lunch served by Josie Kelly’s Public House.

The monthly luncheon offers a break from the monotony of the workweek and an opportunity to build healthy working relationships with other women in the community. Attendees are greeted with smiling faces at the door as they choose from a list of mouth-watering lunch options. upon entering, women are invited to explore the free vendor stations, enjoy a specialty-crafted mocktail, and get to know one another.

e ach month, a guest speaker graces the stage with a message for

women in business as guests savor their meals. Before the guest speaker begins, the microphone is passed around as every person in the room briefly introduces themselves and what they do.

“It’s been so exciting to gather with such powerful women in our community each month,” shares group co-founder Cindy Fertsch. “We are looking forward to a great turnout in July!”

July guest speaker Jennifer Lynn Robinson is a professional speaker

and the CeO of Purposeful n etworking. Her expertise is in strategic networking, communications, leadership, resilience, and workplace relations. Jennifer gave a T eDx talk in June 2020. She is a media contributor who has been featured both locally and nationally, including The Huffington Post, FOX, Forbes, n BC, Chicago Tribune, and more. She will be discussing gender smart networking and how men network differently than women as well as how women can network smarter.

Jersey Shore Women’s n etworking Group was created by women for women. It is a special invitation for women in business to take a break, gather, and connect in a safe and encouraging space. There are no commitment fees or dues. Guests are asked to purchase a ticket either in advance or at the door that includes their choice of lunch.

“The synergy, enthusiasm, gifts, and talents of each and every woman who attended and shared were outstanding,” shared elisa e . on Facebook.

“Thank you, Cindy and Lisa, for making this all come together,” expressed another Facebook user. “I have enjoyed both luncheons so far and look forward to future ones! The food is always delicious.”

The next networking event and luncheon will be held on July 6, 11:30 a.m.1:30 a.m., at Josie Kelly’s Public House. Connect with this group on Facebook at Jersey Shore Women’s n etworking Group or call (609)425-9271.

Golfing nine at Hamilton Trails Golf Course

By Sean Fawcett

Golfing 9 holes at Hamilton Trails Golf Club is a convenient way to have a great time in no time.

Located off Ocean Heights Avenue on the border of Mays Landing and egg Harbor Township, Hamilton Trails is the only regulation length 9-hole golf course in South Jersey. Measuring 2,700 yards from the front tees and 3,115 yards from the middle, 9 holes at Hamilton Trails can be played in 2 hours or less and provides a challenging test of golf for every golfer of any ability.

Built on an old blueberry farm surrounded by woods, the course features picturesque ponds and a series of streams that act as challenging obstacles to manage. The newly renovated clubhouse offers a full bar as well as a pro shop stocked with all of the essentials. The course is very walkable, but if you do choose to ride, the new carts are unlike any I have used before and have built-in ball/club washers and coolers for your beverage of choice.

The fun at Hamilton Trails tees off with a unique and sharp, dogleg left. Hole 1 is a challenging par-4 measuring just under 400 yards from the

middle tees. Golfers are faced with the choice of “going for it” and driving over the trees to the left, or aiming a well-positioned tee shot about 150 yards dead ahead giving them a clear shot at the green in regulation.

The two par-5s really highlight

your day at Hamilton Trails. Holes 3 and 8 can be reached in two swings by some long hitters and can be reached in three shots, assuming you manage obstacles like the streams and sand traps, by most others.

Both holes are great opportunities to roll in for either birdie or par. I have to say my favorite of the two is the 3rd hole. Playing straight away, players need to carry, or avoid, the stream with their drive. This will set up an approach or layup in the third section

GOLF MADE EASIER

of the fairway. unprotected by traps in the front, players have a chance to run up a second or third shot to have a putt for eagle or birdie.

Two other favorites of mine are the fantastic par-3s. Hole 5 is a challenging 150-yard par-3 that plays over water to a slightly elevated green. Accuracy is key to conquering this scenic par-3, which golfers typically shoot at with a short iron or hybrid depending on which tee they are playing.

The second par-3 is different than almost any other hole in the area.

Hole 9 measures close to 200 yards from the middle and back tees and about 150 from the front tees. With the newly renovated clubhouse to the right, and a small pond short and left, a well-hit long iron, hybrid, or fairway wood is the shot to play if birdie or par is to be had on this intriguing final hole.

With its new owners, modernized clubhouse, full bar, new carts, 250-yard driving range and excellent course, Hamilton Trails golf course is a must play for golfers of all experience levels.

The Summer of '65

'Waiting on the Angels' - an ongoing series

By Bill Kelly

While the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City were much like it is today, ninth Street was radically different from what it was in 1965. Coming into town across the causeway from Somers Point the ninth Street strip has been totally revamped. Gone are the big old, clapboard hotels – the Lincoln, Strand and Biscayne, that were once nice hotels where tourists could stay for a reasonable rate. By 1965 those hotels had deteriorated into shabby joints that were taken over by college students who could get a room for a few dollars a night or cheaper by the week. These discounts appealed to what the mayor called the “transient population,” mostly college kids who didn't spend much time in their rooms anyway.

Before Lauderdale and Cancun there was Ocean City - “Where the Boys Are” was the scene and where

the college kids came from Philadelphia, Delaware, Pittsburgh, Ohio and West Virginia to line the beaches, wall to wall - beach blanket bingo. While the families still populated most of the island, the college kids ruled ninth Street, the n inth Street beach and the Fourteenth Street surfer’s beach where most of the action took place.

To put things into a proper perspective, especially for those who weren't born yet, in the summer of '65, LBJ was president, young men were eligible for the draft, the war in Vietnam was quietly raging and Richard J. Hughes was governor of n ew Jersey, and the governor would come into play before the summer was out. The songs on the transistor radios on the beach blankets and the juke boxes at the Chatterbox, College and Bob's Grill were by the Supremes, Four Tops, Sony and Cher, the Byrds and Beach Boys as well as a slew of British Invasion bands – the Beatles, Hermans Hermits and the Rolling Stones, who would play the Steel Pier in Atlantic City and make a cameo appearance in the story.

The Byrds' cover of Dylan's “Mr. Tambourine Man” and the Stones' “(I Can't Get n o) Satisfaction” were popular in the hippie camp, while “I'm Henry VII, I Am,” Sonny & Cher's “I Got You Babe,” and the Shangri-Las' “Leader of the Pack” were played by the surfers at Fourteenth Street. There was a clear social divide among the college kids of the day, with the long haired hippies commandeering the ninth Street beach and pavilion and the crew cut straight jocks and surfers taking up most of the Fourteenth Street beach. The hippies generally congregated at Shriver's Pavilion in front of the candy store, which was next to where Roger Monroe had his book store.

Walking south on the boardwalk, there was the bath house next to Mack & Manco’s, Joe Del's cheese steak and sub shop, Preps Pizza, the arcades and Flanders Hotel, which retained its first class status, all still there, as well as the Copper Kettle

Pro Shop Now Open Daily Also loc ated inside

609-399-1889

Fudge building on the corner at 11th Street. until he was murdered Harry Anglemehyer lived above his boardwalk fudge shop in the second floor apartment overlooking the beach and ocean. That's where the immoral act that got him arrested allegedly occurred.

The corner building stretches on for half a block and is of the Spanish Revival design in the same style as the Flanders Hotel, the Music Pier, the Chatterbox and the John B. Kelly's family home at Twenty-Seventh Street and Wesley Avenue, all designed by the same young architect Vivian Smith.

The two things the hippies and the straights had in common were the routine and music. Both camps listened to portable transistor radios, played the jukebox, strummed guitars, sang songs and were into the routine – the Groundhog Day recurring ritual that inevitably ended at the Point.

Two blocks further along Fourteenth Street was the surfer's beach and the most popular place for the high school and college kids to hang out, making Bob's Grill and the College Grill-Varsity Inn the hippest hangouts in the Happy Days-American Graffiti tradition. Though the Varsity Inn moved to 8th Street in the 1970s, Bob's Grill is still there and if Bob Harbough is still around he can verify everything said here is true.

There were no beach tags or beach fees at the time, and most people rented an umbrella, beach chair and raft from either Bert’s Beach service or Surf & Sand, who had contracts with the city. At day's end you paid a dollar for a shower at a boardwalk bath house before hitting the Point. At least that was the routine for the shoebees, as they were called - day trippers who came down by train with shoe box lunches and didn’t spend any money except what they had to.

Besides the hippies and the straights, there was another social divide among the college kids - between the weekend warriors and those who were down for the entire summer. If you were a weekend warrior you stayed with friends, got a hotel room or slept on the beach and were gone by Sunday afternoon, but if you were in for the duration you had a job as a waiter, waitress, bus boy, grill cook or retail clerk, lived with your family, a group rental or rooming house and were in a strict daily routine.

You worked six to eight hours a day and then you went to the beach for an hour and joined friends who were already there. Then you went back to your room for a quick shower and change of clothes and hit the Point between eight and ten, and you didn't just go to the point - you hit the Point with a vengeance. First you went to one of the shot and beer bars –Gregory's, Charlie's, Sullivan's or the Anchorage, tanked up on a few cheep draft beers and then go to Tony Marts or Bay Shores, where ever your favorite bands played. Sometimes between sets, you'd walk across the street to see certain bands that rotated on two stages so there was always live music constantly going on. When the music shut down at two in the morning, you went to the diner for something to eat and then to one of the after hour joints and carried on until the sun came up. Then you went to the beach and fell asleep and when you woke up you went for a dip in the ocean and then went to work. Then repeat the process.

As Peter Pan put it: “This has all happened before and it will happen again.”

Johnny Caswell and the Chrystal Mansion - At the Shore School is out Come on, let's go Come on, baby

Let's hit that road

(CHORuS)

We're going down to the shore

Just like we did once before Cause there's no school anymore So, baby, meet me at the shore

Hey, there'll be lots of fun

Yeah, lying in the sun

On the boardwalk, holding hands Beach parties in the sand everybody's gonna be there The hippies, the conservatives And even the squares

Dancing til’ we can't no more Come on and meet me at the shore

We're gonna swing every single night everything's gonna be alright

Business tide is rising in Brigantine

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

“Brigantine is on fire and I’m not just referring to the brick oven at the new LaScala Restaurant.

“ n ew businesses are cropping up and filling in the gaps that were needed to make Brigantine the place to visit and spend time at the Shore,” said Maria Sacco Handle, president of the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce. “We also have several services and startups on the island such as a beach chair (business), garbage removal services, and golf cart rentals for the weekly visitors. See BrigantineChamber.com for a full list of businesses.”

A dream is becoming reality for Christina and Jimmy Perry, a husband-and-wife team who are opening a new, innovative fitness center. They

Where Fashion Meets The Beach

were in the mortgage business and the corporate world. But for many reasons they chose to create a business that allows them to spend more time with their children and create a positive community environment.

They opened Ola Kai Functional Fitness. The 5,000-square-foot studio offers a variety of classes including CrossFit, circuit training, Pilates, Piloxing, yoga, master classes and kids agility.

Their goal is to have something for everybody and to encourage fitness and community for everyone who walks through the door. See Ola Kai of Facebook or olakaifunctionalfitness.com.

Jennifer Poe and Bryan Myers are the new owners of the beautiful Rittenhouse Home Design Center, located at 4228 Harbor Beach Blvd., Brigantine.

“Our team is devoted to providing world class service, flawless craftsmanship and uncompromising quality in every project, renovation, or custom build. Our extensive quality control measures and meticulous attention to detail sets us apart from other design build firms,” said Jennifer and Bryan.

Their Design-Build-Dwell ap -

proach was created to give the client the experience and finish outcome they need to make their dream a reality. They want the customer to feel connected and an important part of their process.

u tilizing their 3-D platforms, they are able to give the customer visual renderings at each stage from conception to completion. They take pride in setting the standard for

Bahama

quality home renovations and builds. Their clients’ relationships and referrals have made them a leader in the industry.

Their vendor list includes more than 300 brands of furniture, appliances, tile, plumbing, hardwood, hard surfaces, countertops, carpet, cabinetry, wall coverings, lighting, and sought-after home decor and accessories.

The building located at 3218 Brigantine Blvd. has been a landmark for years – known for its sea of beach chairs and summer gear surrounding the building. Real estate investors Michael Snyder and Jeff Tunis recognized the potential value of the mixed use commercial/residential site and purchased it in the spring of this year.

Within months, the weathered, dated building has been brought back to life with the improvements they have made.

The once-cluttered beach store on the corner has been transformed into a bright, inviting shop that sells clothing, decor and seashore necessities.

Angela Reynolds, owner of the new store, Coastal Soul, has a clear vision for her store.

“As a long-time Realtor on the island, and past president of the Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had years of communicating with our visitors and homeowners regarding exactly what they’d like to see in town, and my goal is to deliver that,” said Reynolds.

She went on to say that she has heard time and time again that her store creates a feeling of peace - like the way you feel as you drive over the bridge into town. She hopes to capture that same feeling when guests stroll into her store.

You can learn more on their Facebook page.

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

Firecracker wines for Independence Day

By David Setley

Next week we celebrate Independence Day, the most American of all holidays, and the 247th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Did you know that wine is produced in all 50 states? While I won’t attempt to make recommendations from all 50, allow me to offer suggestions “from sea to shining sea” so that you may enjoy a few American wines over the holiday weekend.

Let’s start on the east coast in Long Island, n ew York with a perfectly named wine for the season: Summer in a Bottle Long Island Rosé 2022 from Wolfer estates. The nY wine is more copper colored than the popular Provence-style rosés with fruit notes of ripe pear and apple on the nose. The mouthfeel is rich with fine, smooth tannins. This rosé is comprised of grapes that

are 48% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.5% Chardonnay, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Riesling, 4% Petit Meunier, 4% Cayuga, and 4% Syrah. Impressive, right? There is acidity that adds the crisp freshness we look for in a good rosé, and I am a big fan of the minerality, light salinity, and long finish of this particular dry wine. It pairs perfectly with soft cheese, shellfish, chicken, pork, and grilled vegetable dishes. Additionally, Summer in a Bottle is perfect with spicy foods. It may be the perfect firecracker wine!

Also, on the east coast (and close to home for readers), southern n ew Jersey has a number of successful wineries that produce enjoyable wines. Kennedy Cellars Winery of Hammonton offers a Bordeaux-style Red Blend that is equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It is a rich, smooth, medium-bodied, dry red wine with the flavors of ripe cherries and black currents. It would pair well with any-

thing from grilled steaks and burgers to lamb. It is a good one to try if you’d like to celebrate with a local wine this weekend.

Beginning our trek west, let’s visit Hillick and Hobbs Winery on Seneca Lake, n ew York. Owned by Paul Hobbs, the international wine visionary called “The Steve Jobs of Wine” by Forbes Magazine, Hillick and Hobbs Winery is named in honor of his parents, who met at Cornell university and raised him on a farm in upstate n Y. Only one varietal is grown and produced at the winery: Riesling. Hobbs believes that the terroir of the Finger Lakes region is perfect for Rieslings, and I must say that the Hillick and Hobbs 2021 Dry Riesling perfectly demonstrates his belief. The grapes are hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, and 100% fermented and aged in stainless steel. The result is a floral aroma with flavors of pear and citrus, and the minerality of crushed rock. The long finish is extended by crisp acidity. Many of Hobbs’ wines can be expensive, but this one is quite reasonably priced. If you haven’t enjoyed the work of this outstanding winemaker, start with this Dry Riesling.

As we head much further west, I’d like to recommend a wine from a state that you may not expect. My wife, Gwen, was in search of a sparkling wine for her entry to one of Passion Vines’ monthly Open that Bottle night events awhile back. In browsing the shelves, we found a Gruet sparkling wine that was made in the Methode Champenois, the traditional double fermentation process utilized in Champagne, France. The Gruet Blanc de Blanc has earned high praise from Wine Spectator, among other wine sources, and is a brut sparkling wine made from Chardonnay grapes. I was amazed at the yeasty brioche aroma and crisp tropical flavors of this wine. Where was it from, you ask? n ew

Mexico, where my wife grew up (which cinched her decision in choosing it for the event). everyone at the event thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are looking for a sparkling wine to toast our nation’s birthday, consider this offering from n ew Mexico. You won’t be disappointed.

The Pacific n orthwest is our next stop.

The Willamette Valley of Oregon has become famous, and rightly so, for excellent Pinot noirs. My favorite Oregon winery is Montinore estates, and their 2019 Montinore estate Reserve Pinot n oir is why. The winemaker selects the best Pinot noir grapes from each of the estate vineyards and blends them in this wine to represent the best of the best from that year. The 2019 vintage has well-structured tannins and the lovely acidity that this varietal is known for. The aroma highlights cedar wood and forest floor while the pallet is ripe cherries and baking spices. In my opinion, this is the best Pinot noir produced in the uS.

California is our final stop on this all-American wine tour. You are likely familiar with great Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Chardonnays, and Zinfandels produced in the state, but have you tried a Petite Sirah? I would argue that California does Petite Sirah better than any other location. The terroir of the Paso Robles region is ideal, and the 2020 J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah is one of the best examples. This wine is hand-harvested and barrel-aged in French oak for 18 months before bottling. It is the perfect wine for grilling season and pairs well with any grilled vegetables or meats. The tannins are rich, but smooth. The bold flavors are blackberries, plum, and cranberry with notes of leather, chocolate, and a touch of oak. In my opinion, this may be the perfect summer red.

Celebrate our nation with one or more of these reds or whites; I promise you won’t be blue. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the store. until next time, happy birthday, America! And Happy Wining!

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

Feral felines call Atlantic City Boardwalk home; get free care

By William Sokolic

Mikey, along with almost two dozen of his closest friends, lives in a beachfront property in the literal sense. The area around the Atlantic City Boardwalk is his to dine, explore, and sleep.

Mikey is one of a decreasing number of feral cats who call the Atlantic City Boardwalk home. However, prior to 2000, several hundred lived in the area of the famed wooden way. Volunteers fed them and brought them water. When they could, they also got the cats vaccinated, neutered and returned — or found them adopted homes.

unfortunately, the neutering part was not successful enough to stem the birth rate. Veterinary services

for community cats, including spaying and neutering, were hard to come by in those days. The caregivers were seeking help and finding little. More often than not, a call to animal control led to cats being trapped and killed. n ewborns were left to perish.

That changed when the Alley Cat Allies entered the picture. Dubbing it the Boardwalk Cats Project, the Allies had a far more successful approach, cutting the birth rate of feral cats to zero. “The Trap- neuter-Return (Tn R) model we use prevents the community cats on the Boardwalk from being trapped, removed from their outdoor home, and killed,” Coryn Julien, the communications director of Alley Cat Allies, says.

The organization’s first objective was to mobilize the community to end the killing. “After a successful meeting with the city’s health department director, Ron Cash, we formed the Cat Action Team (C.A.T.) with the director and his staff, the Humane

Society of Atlantic County, and the caregivers and advocates,” the Alley Cat website says.

In Atlantic City, grassroots organizing proved instrumental in adopting a new policy that banned animal control from rounding up and impounding the cats.

The result? The cat population got expert care and grew old without making new kitties. Alley Cat Allies monitor the cats daily, ensuring they have food, water, shelter, and veterinary care when needed.

The team worked with the Department of Public Works, which helped “develop the high standards we wanted for the cats. We educated the public about the benefits of Tn R and the facts about community cats who live and thrive outdoors.”

Many of the cats have lived into their 20s. They pass away from natural causes, which has reduced the population to 24.

For the Alley Cat Allies, Atlantic City offered an international showcase for success, the website says.

"The cats who call the boardwalk their outdoor home are little celebrities in their community who are enjoying healthy lives and aging gracefully,” Julien says. “Cats are beloved by visitors and Atlantic City residents alike. They stand as a symbol of the effectiveness of humane, nonlethal management of community cats who live outdoors."

“The cats have also been ear tipped on their left ear: the universal

sign that a cat has been through a TnR program,” Julien explains.

If you think that the Alley Cat Allies are putting themselves out of business, well, they are. And they couldn’t be happier.

“Tn R is the only humane, effective approach to community cats,” Julien says. It addresses the population of cats who live outdoors, reduces shelter intake and killing, and reduces calls to animal services, all saving taxpayer dollars.

n o kittens have been born on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in years, and the remaining cats are living long lives where they belong: in their outdoor homes. A third were adopted.

Atlantic City is not alone in its use of the Tn R approach. “Thousands of communities in the u.S. conduct Tn R programs, either through official policies or local, grassroots, volunteer-led efforts. Community cats live throughout n ew Jersey, the u.S. and the world over, in big cities and rural towns, and every conceivable environment,” Julien says.

This is what the project has envisioned since the beginning. “The cats have been allowed to live out their lives naturally, and the program has proven to work as a means of managing this population of cats. It

became a model for other cities who may have considered lethal or other inhumane methods.”

The Boardwalk Cats Project illustrates why every community should have its own Tn R program.

The Boardwalk Cats are beloved members of the Atlantic City community. They delight residents and tourists alike and even make regular visits to local businesses, Julien says.

“Many other shore towns utilize Tn R for community cat population control as it’s the only effective strategy readily available that is proven to be successful at reducing and eliminating community cat populations over time,” says Sandra Obi, T n R Director for the Animal Protection

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League of n ew Jersey’s Community Cat network. “The network connects feral cat caregivers all across n ew Jersey. If you are in any way involved in Trap- n euter-and-Return, join our program to obtain help, connect with others in your area.”

Consider the borough of Sea Bright in Monmouth County for one example. Monmouth County SPCA also got involved, Obi says.

APL n J’s Community Cat network connects feral cat caregivers all across n ew Jersey. If you are in any way involved in Trap- n euter-and-Return (Tn R), join our program to obtain help, connect with others in your area, find out about free cat food opportunities, be eligible for spay/neuter subsidy and more, she says.

Many other shore towns do utilize Tn R for community cat population control as it’s the only effective strategy readily available that is proven to be successful at reducing and eliminating community cat populations over time. There are so many variations depending on available resources that are still wonderfully successful programs. If you are just focusing on specifically shore colonies, you could chat with Monmouth County SPCA as they cover many

shore towns.

In the event that kittens are born to a colony cat, the caregiver shall take reasonable steps likely to result in the removal of the kittens from the colony after they have been weaned and the placement of the kittens in homes or foster homes for subsequent permanent placement.

Because of TNR:

● Many of the cats are living long lives. The oldest is 20 years old.

● no kittens have been born on the Boardwalk in years.

● The cats are relaxed, are in excellent health, and the population is much smaller.

● The cats receive the food, shelter, and medical care they need.

● People in the nearby Atlantic City neighborhoods live happily alongside the community cats.

● Without the Boardwalk Cats Project, many of these beloved cats would have been caught, brought to animal shelters, and killed.

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.

Four Fourth of July Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Go Boom

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

It’s almost the biggest day of the year. Thousands of tourists flood the beach, boardwalk and ocean. Families gather for barbeques, friends lounge by the pool and neighborhood kids ride bikes between water balloon fights. everyone looks forward to the Fourth of July. There’s so much nostalgia nestled between memories of funnel cake, carousels and fireworks. However you celebrate this year, make sure that the food on your plate is memorable and delicious. Here are four Independence Day recipes that taste wonderful:

Crab Cake Sliders

Ingredients:

● 1 pound of lump crab meat, freshly-caught

● ½ cup of mayonnaise

● 1 large egg

● 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

● 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning

● 2 teaspoons of yellow mustard

● 1 tablespoon of dill

● 1 lemon, zested and juiced

● 2 tablespoons of melted butter

● Salt and pepper

● Pickles

● 18 mini potato buns

● 1 cup of Ranch

● ½ cup of Cocktail sauce

Combine crab meat, egg, mayo, mustard, dill, Old Bay, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Form the cakes into balls with a 2-inch diameter onto a nonstick sheet pan. Press the balls gently and brush with melted butter. Bake crab cakes for 25 minutes until brown and crispy.

Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cocktail sauce, and ranch. Spoon sauce onto the bottom bun.

Let the crabcakes cool after cooking, for 5 minutes. Place a crab cake on the bun over the sauce, place a pickle above it and top with the other bun. enjoy!

Red White and Blue Layered Cake

Ingredients:

● 3 cups of all-purpose flour

● 2 cups of white sugar

● 2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened

● 1 teaspoon of salt

● 1 teaspoon of baking soda

● 1 teaspoon of baking powder

● 1 cup of blueberries

● 1 cup of strawberries, chopped

● 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

● 1 package of cream cheese

● 1 cup of powdered sugar

● 1 lemon, juiced and zested use a stand mixer to combine wet ingredients (sugar, butter, and vanilla)

on medium speed.

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt).

Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing on low speed.

Place strawberries and ½ cup of water in a saucepan and heat on the stove over medium heat until the berries are softened, forming a sauce. Do the same with the blueberries. Let each mixture cool for at least ten minutes.

Separate the cake batter evenly into three bowls. In one bowl, add strawberries and stir into the batter, turning it red. Do the same with the blueberries, turning that battered blue. Leave one bowl white.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Pour each batter into a nonstick circle cake pan and bake for 30 minutes. Once again using the stand mixer, whip up the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon zest, and juice. Mix on medium speed until a frosting forms.

Let cakes cool completely. Layer the cakes with frosting between each colored cake. Your patriotic dessert is ready!

Peach Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

● 8 ounces of burrata

● 2 medium peaches, pitted and cut into wedges

● 2 large heirloom tomatoes (preferably from the garden)

● 1 cup of julienned basil leaves

● ⅛ cup of flaky salt

● 2 cups of arugula

● 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze

● ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

On two large plates, arrange salad in this way: add arugula as a base, tear burrata into smaller pieces, place slices of tomato, add peach wedges, and top with basil leaves. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly and sprinkle salt on top. So refreshing!

Frozen Lemonade

Ingredients:

● 12 ripe lemons, juiced

● 1 cup of white sugar

● 1 cup of water

● 1 cup of ice

● A sprinkle of salt

Blend ingredients until icy and smooth. Pour into glasses and top with a straw and mini umbrella.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney's Weekly Picks

Website: SteelPier.com

There are some really fun happenings coming up. 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: Steel Pier 125th Anniversary

Where: Steel Pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk

When: Celebrations All Summer Long

Located on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk in n orth Beach Atlantic City, just steps from casino resorts and n ew Jersey’s beautiful miles of beach, the Steel Pier is shore to excite you. Whether you are skyrocketing to the stars over the ocean, or gathering for an event with the best view in town, the Steel Pier offers some kind of fun for everyone. Whatever you choose, brace yourself for great action! The history of the Steel Pier has changed like the tides in the ocean below it since it was founded in 1898.

Who: Kevin Hart: Reality Check

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Atlantic City

When: Friday, June 30

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: hardrockhotelatlanticcity.

com/event-calendar/kevin-hart

One of the most iconic comedians of all time will take the stage this Friday at Hard Rock as part of his Reality Check Tour. FYI use of phones, smart watches and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. They will give you a Yonder pouch to store everything in, and you keep it with you, but don’t be trying to sneak any video because you’ll be escorted out.

What: north Beach Atlantic City Fireworks Celebration

Where: north Beach Atlantic City

When: Friday, June 30 Time: 9:30 p.m.

Website: atlanticcitynorthbeach.com

The third annual summer kick-off premiere ocean-front firework spectacular will take place on the north end of the Boardwalk which includes Steel Pier, Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Showboat and Ocean Casino Resort.

Who: Joe Satriani earth Tour 2023

Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Music Box

When: Friday, June 30

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com

For over three decades, this guitar virtuoso has sold more than 10 million copies of his studio and live record -

ings. Two have gone platinum, four others went gold, and there are 15 Grammy nominations between them.

What: 80s Prom at Boogie nights

Where: Tropicana Casino Resort

When: Friday, June 30

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.caesars.com/ tropicana-ac/things-to-do/nightlife/ boogie-nights

Come dressed in your best 80s prom gear for a chance to win some totally awesome prizes. Then a prom King and Queen will be crowned at midnight.

Who: Michael Jackson Lives Forever

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City

When: Friday, June 30, Saturday, July 1 two shows.

Website: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/ michael-lives-forever

Times: 8 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday Michael Jackson impersonator Ro -

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

drigo Teaser brings his one-of-a-kind tribute show to the u.S. for the first time this summer.

Who: The Hook

Where: Caesars Atlantic City

When: Fridays, June 30 - Dec. 31

Wednesday - Sunday various times.

Tickets: $60+

Website: https://spiegelworld.com/ thehook

Spiegelworld brings its newest edgeof-your-seat live entertainment sensation, The Hook, to Caesars Atlantic City during various times Wednesday - Sunday. Dates and times can be found in the “Reserve Ticket” link.

Who: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Where: Hard Rock Casino Hotel in Atlantic City

When: Saturday, July 1

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons take the stage to perform all of their greatest hits. From the infectious doo-wop harmonies to the unfor-

gettable falsetto of Frankie Valli, this is a show you won't want to miss.

Who: Chris Lake

Where: HQ2 Beachclub at Ocean Casino Resort

When: Saturday, July 1

Website: hq2ac.com/beachclub/chris-lake

Billboard chart topper and Grammy nominated DJ and Producer Chris Lake will kick off July 4th weekend at HQ2 Beachclub.

What: Independence Country Music Festival

Where: Renault Winery and Resort

When: Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2

Time: Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Website: www.renaultwinery.com/independence-festival Join Renault Winery and Resort for a spectacular weekend of music, festivities and celebration.

What: The Golden Girls Murder Mystery

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel When: Saturday, July 1 (and every Saturday in July)

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.resortsac.com

Your favorite ladies from the 90s are at it again. Blanche is hosting her annual Hunka Hunka Burnin Love unauthorized elvis Fan Club convention and things turn deadly. It’s up to you to help solve this mystery!

Who: Steve Aoki

Where: HQ2 Beachclub Ocean Casino Resort

When: Sunday, July 2

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

Website: hq2ac.com/beachclub/ steve-aoki

Two-time Grammy-nominated DJ and producer, Steve Aoki will bring the heat to HQ2 Beachclub on July 4th weekend.

Who: DJ Pauly D - Premiere nightclub

Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

When: Sunday, July 2

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: premierborgata.mgmresorts.com/events

DJ Pauly D’s official birthday celebration takes place at Premiere nightclub.

What: Boogie Daze Pool Party

Where: Tropicana Casino Resort

When: Sunday, July 2

Tickets: $10

Website: boogienightsusa.com/atlantic-city/events

Get down to the best of the retro mixes while the sun is up with the Boogie nights crew.

O n GOI n G eVenTS:

What: Live Music Thursday - Saturday

Where: Gin Rickey’s Tropicana

When: Thursday, June 22 - Saturday, June 24

Time: 8-11 p.m. plus a DJ Friday’s and Saturdays

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!

What: Ventnor Summer Beach Jam

Where: n ewport Avenue Beach

When: every Saturday until Sept. 2

Time: 5 - 9 p.m.

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.

Who: Magical Mystery Doors at Ocean Casino

Where: Ocean Casino Resort

When: every Sunday until Sept. 3.

Time: 4 p.m.

Website: www.theoceanac. com/entertainment/5th-birth -

day-event-headliners/magical-mystery-doors

Winner of u SA 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

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.

P ARTY LOCA L THIS SUM M ER !

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 4th. They are launched from the beach front and can be viewed along the Boardwalk. Oh and 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.

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, June 30

Joe Satriani

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Kevin Hart: Reality Check

▶9 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

The Australian Pink Floyd Show: Darkside 50

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Saturday, July 1

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Sunday, July 2

Bryson Tiller

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Friday, July 7

Anthony Jeselnik

▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Bill Burr Live

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Ice Cube

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Rumours: a Fleetwood Mac

Tribute

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Pettybreakers

▶9 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, July 8

Bill Burr Live

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Straight No Chaser: The Yacht

Rock Tour

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Kathleen Madigan

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

The Grass Roots

▶9 p.m.

Golden nugget Atlantic City

Friday, July 14

Jeff Dunham

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Steel Panther

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, July 15

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

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Shane Gillis Live

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Sunday, July 16

Peter Frampton

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

↘Continued on 62

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

Friday, July 21

Kool & The Gang and The Commodores

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

I Love the 90s feat. Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc, Young MC & C+C Music Factory

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

The Brian McKnight 4

▶9 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

The Doo Wop Project

▶9 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Saturday, July 22

Dirty Heads w/ Lupe Fiasco, G.

Love & Special Sauce, Bikini Trill

▶7 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Eric D’Alessandro

▶7 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Gov’t Mule’s Dark Side of the Mule

w/ Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin

Experience

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess

Arena

Counting Crows w/ Dashboard

Confessional

▶8 p.m.

Borgata event Center

Counting Crows

Dirty Heads w/ Lupe Fiasco, G.

Love & Special Sauce, Bikini Trill

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Sinatra: A Man and His Music

▶9 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Sunday, July 23

Theo Von

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Thursday, July 27

Alabama

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Friday, July 28

Santana: 1001 Rainbows

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Happy Together Tour w/ The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett and More

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Abbaxadabra

▶8:30 p.m.

Counting Crows

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Jabbawockeez

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, July 29

Santana: 1001 Rainbows

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Andrew Schulz

▶7 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Jabbawockeez

▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Jack Whitehall

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Herman’s Hermits

▶9 p.m.

Golden nugget Atlantic City

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute

Experience 8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Sunday, July 30

Donny Osmond

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Jabbawockeez

▶4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Friday, August 4

Dan + Shay w/ Jonathan

Hutcherson

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at etess Arena

Air Supply

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

moe.

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, August 5

Volbeat w/ Halestorm

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Ambrosia

▶9 p.m.

Golden nugget Atlantic City

moe.

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

On-Sale This Week

Steve-O: Bucket List Tour

▶Saturday, September 2 at 8pm

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

On-Sale n ow

Trey Kennedy: Grow Up

▶Saturday, november 18 at 8pm

Tropicana Showroom

On-Sale Friday at 10 a.m.

Hard Rock and Ocean celebrate Fifth Anniversary in AC

By Chuck Darrow

June 28 marked a particularly significant milestone in Atlantic City’s legal-gaming era. That’s the day both Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino-Resort celebrate their fifth anniversaries.

That two casinos would arrive at such an important date simultaneously is certainly noteworthy. But their back stories and current positions in the local gambling realm make the shared birthdays all the more significant, for both properties rose from the wreckage of failed operations.

Hard Rock, of course, spent its first 26 years as Trump Taj Mahal Casino-Resort which, when it opened in April 1990, was the world’s largest, most glittering casino-hotel complex. But the junk-bond financing former President Donald Trump used to get it built all but guaranteed it could never be profitable: At one point, it was reported that the Taj’s debt service was $1.10 for every dollar borrowed.

Its October, 2016 demise under the aegis of billionaire investor Carl Ichan was caused by a combination of factors, including intense competition from Pennsylvania for regional gamblers’ business, and Ichan’s clear disinterest in trying to make the gaming hall a viable enterprise (the latter was also apparent at his other Boardwalk holding, Tropicana Atlantic City, which is now part of the Caesars entertainment conglomerate).

But at least the Taj was, for much of its existence, a top-tier property— both in gross revenue and, especially, when it came to entertainment and special events—and an industry pacesetter for years.

However, five blocks away, where Ocean now stands, an entirely different tragedy played out.

When it debuted in April, 2012, what was then called Revel was

hyped as the herald of a new epoch for Atlantic City’s lifeblood industry. Built for $2.4 billion—and opened two years late because of the 2008 recession—the vast (2.6 million square feet of public space), architecturally stunning pleasure dome was a horror-show of miscalculation and perplexing strategies from the day its (inconvenient-to-access-from-the-Boardwalk) doors opened to the public.

For starters, Revel came with price points significantly above anything that had come before it in Atlan -

tic City. And its target audience was comprised primarily of affluent n ew Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 54 who presumably would relish the chance to gambol and gamble in such opulence. One slight problem: That market apparently didn’t exist—or if it did, its disinterest in Revel was extreme.

Adding to Revel’s miseries were financing issues that, like Taj Mahal’s, made it nearly impossible for it to make money, and a series of operational missteps that puzzled those within and outside the industry, among them:

↘Continued on 66

Ocean Casino Resort

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

*The absence of a players’ lounge and buffet (pre-pandemic, the latter was an absolute necessity for any gambling den; the former still is).

*A single-tier rewards-card program. This meant that a customer wagering $500 a hand at the blackjack or baccarat tables was comped at the same rate as one betting $5 per hand.

*A building-wide no-smoking policy.

As one long-time industry observer put it, “It was as if they used a manual to open Revel, and its title was, ‘How not to Open an Atlantic City Casino.’” Thus, its shuttering after just 29 months of operation surprised absolutely no one.

But that was then and this is now. As they celebrate their fifth birthdays, both Hard Rock and Ocean are thriving. Hard Rock was led from its opening until August of last year by Joe Lupo, who for years had been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the status of the city’s “gold-standard” property claimed by Borgata Hotel Spa & Casino, where he was senior vice-president (today, he is running the show at Las Vegas’ landmark Mirage Hotel & Casino as it undergoes its transformation into a Hard Rock facility). Hard Rock also has an established powerhouse brand and long-successful marketing game plan based, of course, on its all-encompassing pop-music theme.

Hard Rock also had behind it from the jump the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns The Rock’s corporate parent, Hard Rock International, and strong local involvement: The parent company’s board chairman is Atlantic City native Jim Allen, and local businessmen Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris have ownership stakes. All three have made it known that because of their local ties, Hard Rock Atlantic City is more than just another business investment, but one that is important to them on a personal level.

As such, the casino-hotel has always been guaranteed whatever financial support is required, whether for the complete pre-opening renovation of literally every square inch of the property (to the tune of more than $500 million) to the $30 million Hard Rock President George Goldhoff says is being spent on entertainment bookings in 2023.

The return on investment has obviously materialized: Hard Rock consistently trails only Borgata in monthly gross revenues, and arguably has surpassed it as the leading local show-business venue in terms of both the quantity of shows and prestige of those performing.

Supportive ownership is also a key to the success in which Ocean is

currently (pardon the pun) reveling, according to its general manager, Bill Callahan.

Ocean, which in 2023’s first quarter led the pack in the all-important metric of net profits, has had several proprietors since its 2018 debut. It’s currently owned equally by n ew York hedge fund Luxor Capital Group and Detroit’s Ilitch Holdings Inc., whose other properties include Little Caesars Pizza, Motor City Casino-Hotel and the Detroit Red Wings hockey team and Tigers baseball team.

“We said, ‘Look, these are the things we need to make this property successful and profitable,’ and they took a chance on us,” Callahan told BettorsInsider.com, a website that

focuses on sports-betting analysis and advice.

“ n ow they see the vision. At first they, said, ‘We'll give you this much to start out with, and we'll see where we go.’ We started with the Cove [a high-end slots parlor]… and we started moving around the building and they started to see the immediate success.”

More to the point, he added, the owners saw that they “didn’t have to write checks; it's all [being paid for] by our operating profits.”

Both casinos are marking their anniversaries in a myriad of ways, from giveaways and promotions, to the opening of new bars and retail outlets, to the June 30 north Beach fireworks display, which both are co-sponsoring along with several other entities including neighboring Resorts Casino-Hotel (for details, go to www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity. com and www.theoceanac.com). And if there is anything resembling a sure bet in Atlantic City, it’s that both properties have a lot to celebrate.

Chuck Darrow is a veteran entertainment reporter who has been covering Atlantic City's casino scene as long as there has been an Atlantic City casino scene.

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

Original Team Members of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino AC gather in a “High 5” shape to commemorate the resort’s Fifth Anniversary

At Le Diner en Blanc, it’s BYO everything

So let’s talk a little history and what to expect for next year’s event.

By Whitney Ullman

When one thinks of a traditional picnic, maybe a small basket of delicious fare comes to mind, or perhaps an oversized blanket or sheet to sit on, and of course a drink of your choice. Throw in the backdrop of a beach, along with a beautiful sunset, and all of a sudden it becomes a romantic experience.

To spice things up, add to the mix a dress code of all white and invite a couple thousand friends and now you’ve elevated the excitement by 100 percent.

THURSDAY - JUNE 29

Jeni & Joe Duo (Scream Band) 4pm-8pm

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey!8pm-12am

FRIDAY - JUNE 30

99 Reasons 8pm - 12am

SATURDAY - JULY 1

The Notion 4pm-8pm Big Bleu Band 8:30pm - 12:30am

SUNDAY - JULY 2

Big Foot Band 4pm - 8pm

TUESDAY - JULY 4

Coastal Envy Reggae Band 7pm - 11pm

Back in 1988 a Parisian man with a vision, François Pasquier, invited a group of friends to an elegant outdoor dinner and told them to dress in white so they could find each other. His son, Aymeric Pasquier, loved the idea so much that he introduced it to friends in Canada, and eventually hosted the first American Diner en Blanc in n ew York City in 2011.

François’ brainchild became so popular that it grew worldwide, with events spanning six continents. Today more than 120 cities in 40 countries have joined the ever-growing international network.

We have seen coverage of this in numerous cities including Philly, which is the closest major city to our area. But never did we think this would grace the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk. until it did.

Philadelphia’s co-hosts n atanya DiBona and Kayli Moran debuted Le Diner en Blanc to Atlantic City on June 25, 2022, along with their 12-person planning team and close to 100 volunteers. The event was so successful, thanks to the Philly PR Girl team, and a partnership with Bart Blatstein and Showboat Resort, that it was attended by more than 2,500 people in the north Beach area of the Boardwalk.

And this year, thanks to Mayor Marty Small Sr. and the City of Atlantic City, the event, held June 24, was just as fabulous.

“The City of Atlantic City has been so welcoming to us, and we were particularly excited to bring the event back when we found this location,” said natanya DiBona, co-host of Le Diner en Blanc Atlantic City.

She called the views “absolutely spectacular,” and a pleasant surprise to many of the out-of-town guests.

“We loved that the event space was framed by a view of the water on one side and the Absecon Lighthouse and

the familiar casino skyline on the other,” she said. “This year’s Le Diner en Blanc Atlantic City radiated joy, celebrated the community, and showed off everything we love about the city.”

Tickets for next year's event will be on a first come first serve and will sell out. You will receive an email invitation a few weeks before the event to let you know the date. But don’t forget; they will not tell you the specific location until the day of the event.

All attendees must be 21 or older. Participants are responsible for bringing their own table (28 to 32 inches square) and chairs. You also must bring your own food, china, glassware, cutlery, napery and beverages.

The fee is $96 per table of two plus sales tax and service fees. Plus there is a Diner en Blanc International membership fee of $14 per person applied to your order, but it guarantees you a Phase 1 priority invitation to next year's event. If you couldn't make it this year, but want to retain your membership, you can register as an absent member while the registration remains open.

For more information see www. atlanticcity.Dinerenblanc.com. If you have questions, email atlanticcity@ Dinerenblanc.com.

Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!

Outdoor Deck Now Open!

Your New Place For

The annual Le Diner en Blanc (Dinner in White) just wrapped up another successful year in Atlantic City.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Absecon Concerts in the Park

▶Sundays, 7 p.m.

Heritage Park 699 Blenheim Ave.

The City of Absecon presents Concerts in the Park. This week, enjoy live music from the Matrix Band, playing classic blues country. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket. Fun, friends, food, and free admission.

Brigantine Summer Concert Series

▶Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Brigantine Community Center

Lawn 265 42nd St.

enjoy live music featuring the Friends Classic Rock 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.

Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Concerts

▶Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The 23rd Annual Jazz on the Beach free concert series returns to the Kennedy Plaza Stage every Thursday, June 29 through September 7. This Thursday, enjoy live music by the Lao Tizer Quartet, with local jazz artist ella Gahnt & eG Trio starting at 7 p.m. Visit chickenbonebeach.org to learn more.

EHT Rhythm in the Park Concert Series

▶Fridays, 7 p.m.

Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

eHT Recreation hosts its Rhythm in the Park Concert Series Fridays at Tony Canale Park. This week, enjoy live music by the RCSJ – Cumberland Bands. Mardi Gras AC

▶Wednesdays, 7 – 10 p.m.

Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Mardi Gras AC returns to the Atlantic City Boardwalk for world –class free concerts this summer. This week, enjoy live music by Buckwheat

Zydeco Jr. & Ils Sont Partis Band, the living legacy of Louisiana Zydeco R&B, with support from Sugaray Rayford’s n eo Soul and R&B. Free concerts, cheap parking, and beverage garden adjacent. For more information, visit tonymart.com.

Somers Point Beach Concert Series

▶Fridays, 7p.m.

William Morrow Beach

The Somers Point Beach Concert Series welcomes the lead guitarist and co – founder of Jethro Tull, Martin Barre, as he brings his “History of Jethro Tull Tour” to an intimate evening with an international rockstar on the beach. Starting the party will be Somers Point’s own SSP’s. View the

entire schedule at somerspointbeachconcerts.com.

Tony Mart Rocks The Point

▶Thursdays, 6 – 10 p.m.

The Point 998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Tony Mart Rocks The Point every Thursday night from June 22 through August 31. Jersey Shore rock ‘n roll guitar hero, Billy Walton, will perform with his full band featuring Destinee Monroe on vocals. For more information, visit tonymart.com.

Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam

▶Saturdays, 6 p.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 live music by the Jersey Tenors, playing opera, rock, and a tribute to The Four Seasons. Live music begins at 6 p.m., with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5 p.m. Ventnor City Sunsets at Ski Beach

▶Wednesdays, 6 p.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 the Legacy band, playing top 40 party hits. Live music begins at 6 p.m. with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5 p.m.

Hard Rock AC celebrates

5th

Anniversary

With $100,000 donation to five community organizations

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City used its five year anniversary celebration to reinforce its ongoing commitment to its guests, team members and the Greater Atlantic City community.

Community leaders, elected officials and Hard Rock executives came together to commemorate the Fifth Anniversary of the grand opening of the casino resort. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. read a proclamation from the City Council of Atlantic City, which proclaimed June 28, 2023 as Hard Rock Day in Atlantic City.

“From the outset, the power of the Hard Rock brand combined with the hard work of our 3,600 team members propelled Hard Rock Atlantic City to become the most successful casino on Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic

City. “Together with our owners, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and our partners, Jack Morris and Joe Jingoli and Michael Jingoli, we are celebrating our hugely successful first five years by saying ‘thank you’ to our guests, our team members

and the Greater Atlantic City community.”

A $500 million renovation prior to the grand opening was the first of many capital investments in the casino resort, which sits on 17 acres along the Boardwalk at Tennessee

Avenue and offers more than 2,000 guestrooms and suites. Goldhoff said Hard Rock suites were recently enhanced as part of a $45 million capital improvement program, which also included an expansion of the number of slot machines to more than 2,300, as

George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Mike Sampson, General Manager (left) and George Goldhoff, President (right) of Hard Rock, present a $20,000 guitar-shaped check to Dan Brown, President of Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

well as improvements to its 150,000 square feet of meeting space, plus additional investments in its food and beverage facilities.

Hard Rock Atlantic City is also spending another $30 million to attract top entertainment as part of this summer’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration, in order to cement its position as the leading entertainment venue in Atlantic City. Hard Rock’s summer entertainment lineup includes Kevin Hart, Keith urban, Dan + Shay, Santana, Bill Burr, Sting, Machine Gun Kelly and many more top names coming to Hard Rock Live, a 5,500-seat performance hall. In Au gust, Hard Rock is bringing the hit musical, Grease, for a limited time, to Sound Waves.

Hard Rock Atlantic City is also investing heavily in Fifth Anniver sary casino promotions, which are open to all casino guests. A $25,000 Sweepstakes and daily BMW 5 Se ries giveaway run from June 28 through July 2, when a $500,000 Summer Sweepstakes kicks off and continues through the months of July and August. In addition, Hard Rock is partnering with north Beach to present a world-class fireworks display by Grucci on Friday night, June 30.

In addition to its capital and entertainment investments, over the course of its first five years, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has donated a total of more than $1 million to dozens of community organizations in Greater Atlantic City. As part of the Fifth Anniversary Celebration, the casino resort today announced contributions totaling another $100,000 donated to five community organizations.

“While music is a part of Hard Rock’s D nA, philanthropy is a part of our soul,” said President Goldhoff. “Since opening in 2018, Hard Rock Atlantic City has made intentional efforts to keep our charitable giv ing local, ensuring the residents of Atlantic City are our number one

beneficiary. Today, we are thrilled to announce yet another effort that will have an impact on our community. We will continue our commitment to addressing food insecurity by donating $100,000. That’s $20,000 to each of five deserving charities who provide resources to some of the most vulnerable and underserved members of our local community.”

e ach of the five organizations received a check for $20,000 and included the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Atlantic City Leaders in Training (LIT), Hope exists Foundation, Jewish Family Services (JFS), and Veterans

Las Vegas style 'permanent circus' opens at redeveloped theater on the AC boardwalk

It’s also the name of the builtfrom-scratch production show the venue will permanently host.

By Chuck Darrow

Atlantic City is about to get The Hook.

For anyone who has not yet heard of The Hook, that’s the name of the state-of-the art entertainment-and-dining complex that debuts June 30 at Caesars Atlantic City.

Both the theater and its resident extravaganza represent Atlantic City firsts and, if things go the way those behind The Hook hope they do, they could conceivably kickstart a new era in Atlantic City entertainment.

That The Hook--which will operate at a 422-seat capacity and incorporates the historic façade of the Warner Theater, a 1920s movie palace--is the first local casino showroom built to exclusively house a specific presentation is unprecedented in itself. But it’s when that presentation can be seen that is the

real envelope-pusher.

Atlantic City’s casinos have long offered entertainment residencies, but the overwhelming majority of them have run for specific amounts of time (e.g. “ euphoria,” the just-opened variety show at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, is scheduled to end its every-Sunday-afternoon presentations nov. 19).

It’s true there have, in the past, been some year-round, multi-day production shows, but they were generally low-budget affairs, primarily designed as attractions for casino customers who were already at a property and needed something to do other than eat, sleep and gamble. What makes “The Hook” unique is that it’s Atlantic City’s first multi-day (Wednesday through Sunday), resident production created as a draw in and of itself, in the manner of so many Las Vegas presentations. The cost to get it off the ground is also a local first: While no exact numbers have been released, the tab is believed to be well into eight figures.

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“The Hook” is from Spiegelworld, the Vegas-based show-business factory whose 12-year-old “Absinthe,” a marvelous mashup of side-splitting adult comedy and mind-boggling circus acts, continues to be a “mustsee” for those heading out there.

Spiegelworld’s founder-guiding light is Ross Mollison, a Melbourne, Australia native whose first iteration of “Absinthe” in 2006 was a relatively modest affair staged in a tent on an east River pier in Lower Manhattan. Today, he stands astride a burgeoning entertainment empire that includes several other Vegas shows, an inthe-works project at Harrah’s n ew Orleans and the recent purchase of an abandoned town in the California desert that will one day serve as his company’s home base.

According to the affable Aussie (who actually spent nine months attending high school in the n orth Jersey burg of Metuchen), this week’s premiere represents the end of a long campaign on the part of Caesars AC to get him involved on the Boardwalk.

“We've been going there 15 years, since shortly after we opened ‘Absinthe,’ offered Mollison during a recent chat. “Caesars would say, ‘Well, come over, have a look.’ It started off, ‘Could you could come over and do a few nights or a week,’ or ‘Why don’t you do the summer?’ And I was always, ‘Ah, it’s so much work to put it all up and then pull it all down.’

Mollison’s mind was finally changed when he met with executives of Reno,

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n ev.-based eldorado Resorts which, in 2019, purchased Caesars entertainment Inc. for $17 billion.

“I ended up having lunch with the guys who bought Caesars and they said, ‘We really wanna get into entertainment in a big way, and we wanna do it with you guys.’ So they mentioned where they were interested in doing it, and I said, ‘Let's get going. So that's how it came about, just because of the new ownership there; they're motivated to improve all their properties nationally.”

As for what visitors will see on The Hook’s stage, the otherwise loquacious Mollison had little to say when pressed for details. However, as Shore Local’s Scott Cronick reported, press releases have trumpeted the show as the home of “Spiegelworld’s signature blitz of the ridiculous, the funny, the jaw-dropping and the superhuman.” And we know it’s being overseen by Cal McCrystal, who has won acclaim as one of Great Britain’s masters of comedy direction, and, according to Spiegelworld, that the international cast includes an aerial “straps act” a “daredevil illusionist,” acrobats and a hoop-diving specialst.

But wait—as they say on TV infomercials—there’s more. The Hook complex also boasts four—count ‘em four—cocktail bars and Superfrico, which is described as a “psychedelic” Italian restaurant (a culinary category that is apparently a favorite of Molli -

son’s; he name-checked a number of local Italian eateries during the interview).

It all adds up, he suggested, to an evening out the likes of which Atlantic City has never seen.

“I think it's just a breath of fresh air,” he insisted, “not only for Atlantic City, but for the whole east Coast, because there's nothing like this, not even in n ew York.

“I think there's an enormous demand for the idea of a night out where see an incredible show where you laugh, you cry, you're amazed; where you see all sorts of crazy characters. And then you walk next door into this delicious restaurant, all while you're sipping on an elegantly made cocktail or drinking a fantastic red wine or whatever it is you love.

“ everything's totally integrated. The theater and the restaurant have been built together. It’s really just so relaxing to go to a show knowing that the producer of the show also runs the restaurant and they’re gonna hold that table for you; they're not gonna let you sit there in that restaurant and start the show without you. And if you haven't finished dessert, well, we'll do dessert after the show.

“A [producer] friend of mine in Australia used to use this expression, which I love. He used to say to the audience, ‘You're with us now. Forget all your troubles. Come and enjoy yourself inside the circus.

“I say, ‘Come and enjoy yourself inside The Hook!’”

Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, June 29

Caroline’s by the Bay

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

8 p.m.-12am

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse

Beth Tinnon 6 -9 p.m.

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

LaScala’s Beach House

Cheezy and the Crackers

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

The Deck at Golden Nugget

B Street Band

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Sidestory

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point

Billy Walton Band

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Tuckahoe Inn

Danny eyer

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Harbor Rd. Beesley’s Point

Ventnor Coffee

Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze

6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 n . Dorset Ave. Ventnor City

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –

The Yard

Atley Moon & The Say Somethings

6-9:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Friday, June 30

Anchor Rock Club

Mellow Fever 70’s Soft-Rock/AM

Gold Tribute. 8:30 p.m.

247 S. new York Ave. Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts Casino

Frank Sinatra Lookalike Tribute

5 – 8 p.m.

DJ Ahmed

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Caroline’s by the Bay

99 Reasons

8 p.m.-12am

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse

Phil Stocker. 6 -9 p.m.

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

LaScala’s Beach House

Fat Mezz

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

night Anthem

7:50 p.m.

James Kennedy

11 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Ryfe. Bruce Klauber Celebrates

Frank Sinatra and Friends

7 p.m.

4101 Atlantic Ave. Atlantic City

Sweetwater Riverdeck Cat 5

7 – 11 p.m.

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Mersey

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

The Rockets

5 – 9 p.m.

Coast 2 Coast

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point

Brian McConnell

4 – 7 p.m.

The e xceptions

7 – 11 p.m.

DJ SL

10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

The Pub at St. George’s One Hot Mess

7 – 11 p.m.

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Brigantine

The Yard at Bally’s Lost in Paris

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Ventura’s Greenhouse

Steve Moore & The MIA Band

6:30-10 p.m.

106 S. Benson Ave. Margate

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Black Car Gina Trio

6 p.m.

The Benderz

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

n ever Too Late Duo

8:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –

The Yard Lost Sailors

5 – 9 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Saturday, July 1

Anchor Rock Club

emo night hosted by David Warl

9 p.m.

247 S. new York Ave. Atlantic City

Atlantic City Country Club

Beth Tinnon. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Leo Frazer Dr. northfield

Bar One at Resorts Casino

Shaun LaBoy

5 – 8 p.m.

DJ Gary

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Caroline’s by the Bay

The notion

4 – 8 p.m.

Big Bleu Band

8:30 – 12:30 a.m.

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse

Phil Stocker. 6 -9 p.m.

650 n ew Rd. Somers Point

Hard Rock Cafe

Dueling Pianos. 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

LaScala’s Beach House

The Whitewalls

1 – 5 p.m.

3AM Tokyo

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Band of Make Believe

7 p.m.

Shake Shake Shake

11 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Nucky’s Kitchen & Speakeasy

Ricky Stevens. 6 – 9 p.m.

5211 Ventnor Ave. Ventnor

Renault Winery

Cheers

12 – 4 p.m.

72 n . Bremen Ave. Atlantic City

Sweetwater Riverdeck

Good Delivery

1 – 5 p.m.

Don’t Call Me Francis

7 – 11 p.m.

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

ultraviolet. 5 – 8 p.m.

Duck and Cover. 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Crash the Party

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The Business

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

TBA.

1 – 4 p.m. TBA 5:30 – 9 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point

DJ Perry Angelozzi

– 7 p.m.

DJ nyse

10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Vito G

5 – 9 p.m.

The Gab Cinque Band

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Adam Holcombe Trio

6 p.m.

Flight Risk

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Keep the Change

8:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –The Yard

Class of ’84 – 80’s Party

6 – 9:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Sunday, July 2

Anchor Rock Club

Rain Dawgz w/ Close Drive, Tea Head

7:30 p.m.

247 S. new York Ave. Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts Casino

DJ Chaz

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Caroline’s by the Bay Big Foot Band

4 – 8 p.m.

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Deauville Inn – The Sandbar

DJ. 3 – 6 p.m.

201 Willard Rd. Strathmere

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

1 – 5 p.m.

Goodman Fiske

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

The Bergen Boys

7 p.m.

Cherry Crush

11 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Renault Winery

Let’s Ride

12 – 4 p.m.

72 n . Bremen Ave. Atlantic City

Sweetwater Riverdeck

Gina and Steve

12 – 3 p.m.

Juicy Trio

5 – 9 p.m.

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Sidearm. 8 – 11 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The e xceptions

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Don’t Call Me Francis

8:30 p.m. -12:30 a.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

↘Continued on 78

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock BMW+. 4 – 7:30 p.m. The n eptunes 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point Coastal envy.

– 6 p.m. The Verdict

– 11 p.m. DJ Vito G

p.m. – 2 a.m. 998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

The Pub at St. George’s Chris Yoder Trio

7 – 11 p.m.

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Brigantine

The Yard at Bally’s Yani Duo

2 – 6 p.m.

High Five Swan Dive 6 – 10 p.m.

1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City

Vagabond

DJ eddie Tully. 5 – 9 p.m.

672 n . Trenton Ave. Atlantic City

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

element K Trio. 6 p.m.

Hometown Radio. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern –

The Yard escape Plan

5 – 9 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Marmora

Monday, July 3

Bar One at Resorts Casino

DJ Clinton

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

1 – 5 p.m.

Dirty Dance Band

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Reese

6 – 9 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Red

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

TBA

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point

Big Daddy

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

The Pub at St. George’s Indelible Groove

7 – 11 p.m.

4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Brigantine

Tuesday, July 4

Bar One at Resorts Casino

DJ Frohawk

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

LaScala’s Beach House

The Amish Outlaws

1 – 5 p.m.

Originaire

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Sweetwater Riverdeck

SuperGalactic Fun Party

2 – 6 p.m.

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Chelsea Rae and the Rescue

6 – 9 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

m80. 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

TBA. 7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

The Point

Petty Cash. 7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Shaun LaBoy Duo

6:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Wednesday, July 5

Bar One at Resorts Casino

DJ Gary

8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Caroline’s by the Bay

Open Mic Hosted by Blue eagle

8 p.m.-12am

450 Bay Ave. Somers Point

LaScala’s Beach House

nine Deez nite

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine

Sweetwater Riverdeck

Hotlanta

6 – 9 p.m.

2780 7th Ave. Sweetwater

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Hawkins Road

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City

The Point

James Howell

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Kenny Curcio Trio

6:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Events subject to change.

“

Tears For Fears Bring Their Hits to Hard Rock's Etess Arena

By Doug Deutsch

Never underestimate the power and passion of the music we grew up on, and its impact on us to this day. Such is the case with Tears for Fears, the longtime english poprock group who made an appearance at the Mark etess Arena in Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino last weekend before a capacity crowd.

For this being the first show of their Summer Tour, the group -- fronted by longtime co-founders Roland Orzabal (lead vocals, guitar) and Curt Smith (bass and vocals) –sounded incredibly tight, mixing their very familiar, sing-along hits (“Shout,”

e verybody Wants

To Rule The World,”

“Woman In Chains,”

“Head Over Heels,” “Mad World,” “Sowing

The Seeds Of Love” and more – with selections from their most recent album release, 2022’s The Tipping Point. Tears For Fears formed in 1981, and with the brief exception of a two-year breakup in 1991-1992 (primarily due to their previous manager, Paul King, being convicted of fraud and declaring bankruptcy), have remained together since that time (Orzabal even released a single, “Laid

Do Low (Tears Roll Down”) in 1992).

Childhood friends Orzabal and Smith clearly still have a blast performing live, and it resonated during the band’s hour-plus long performance, which included a long encore and left their fans very satisfied.

Opening act Cold War Kids, hailing from Long Beach, Calif., put on a credible set consisting of pop-flavored songs, but clearly did

Presented

not remind this reviewer of a band that would be from that particular city (having lived in SoCal for the past thirty-three years before moving back east, I speak from experience). At one point, vocalist nathan Willet actually sounded a lot like u2 singer, Bono. nice stage presence, and with a few breakout hits, perhaps we may see this group in larger arenas as a headliner someday.

Australian Pink Floyd Show coming to Ocean Casino Resort this Friday

that wanted to jam Pink Floyd. It started small, and then expanded beyond our wildest dreams.”

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

There are a multitude of live music choices this July 4 weekend throughout Absecon Island and the Jersey Shore Mainland; one of the more interesting ones comes to Atlantic City all the way from Down u nder: The Australian Pink Floyd Show, who take the stage at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall this Friday, June 30 at 9 p.m.

They’ll perform the Dark Side 50 Tour, the entire iconic “Dark Side of the Moon” album.

“The (Australian Pink Floyd Show) formed in 1988 in Adelaide, Australia,” lead guitarist David Fowler said in a recent email interview. “Lee Smith placed an advertisement in a local music shop looking for musicians

Asked if the real Pink Floyd members have heard their band, Fowler replied, “We played for David Gilmour’s 50th birthday, so David, n ick (Mason), and Rick (late Pink Floyd co-founder Richard William Wright) have seen us. David and Rick got up at the end to play some songs. It was delightful.”

Which Pink Floyd songs that they perform get the biggest crowd response, Fowler was asked?

“It really depends on where you are in the world,” he replied. “In the u K older Floyd material goes down really well. ‘See emily Play’ has been a big favorite. In the uS people tend to like things they have heard on the radio. Pink Floyd released many more

songs as singles in America, whereas in the u K they didn’t bother with singles.”

What can those attending the concert in Atlantic City this Friday night expect?

“Lasers, lights, inflatables, and a sensory overload that should leave you wanting to come back and see us again,” he replied.

Tickets/info: https://www. theoceanac.com/entertainment/5th-birthday-event-headliners/australian-pink-floyd-show.

n ews ‘ n ’ n otes: Caught sets by two terrific home-grown Jersey bands last week at Anchor Rock Club, Reckless Randy (heckuva guitar player) and Gutterdrunk (mosh pit went wild during their set).

Don’t let anyone tell you there’s not some really good local original bands of ALL genres here at the Jersey Shore, there definitely is…also in the Orange Loop, on Saturday, July 1, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall presents Duck And Cover, another Jersey-grown group featuring a fine guitarist, Artie Goldfarb, brother of n ear Dark entertainment head honcho, Jason Goldfarb.

Music goes from 9 p.m.to midnight. Also this weekend at TABH: Sidearm (July 2, 8-11 p.m.; specialize in 90s music, particularly grunge); Chelsea Rae and The Rescue (July 4, 6-9 p.m., featuring vocalist Chelsea Rae, who perform everything from music of the 50s till today. More at www.tennesseeavenuebeerhall. com...possibly one of the best free shows you’ll ever see takes place

on the AC Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza on Wednesday, July 5: A double-header featuring Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr. (following in the footsteps of his father), and his Ils Sont Partis Band, along with blues/soul vocalist extraordinaire and multiple Blues Music Awards winner, Sugaray Rayford, part of the Mardi Gras AC Concert Series presented by Tony Marts. Music starts at 7 p.m. Info: www.tonymarts.com...last but hardly least, catch area favorites the Billy Walton Band along with Michael “Tunes” Antunes, legendary saxophonist and star of iconic movie “ eddie and The Cruisers,” Tuesday, July 4 starting at 7 p.m.

As always, these concerts are free, as well. For up-to-the-minute info on the Somers Point Concerts on the Beach shows, visit www.Facebook.com/SomersPoint.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, joyful Fourth of July weekend and we’ll see you out there.

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.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show comes to Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall this Friday, June 30 at 9 p.m.

Views from the Shore

By Brian Cahill

As a former casino marketer, I still find the AC gaming industry to be a fascinating one, specifically from a marketing standpoint. n o matter in which casino my office was, it was always a challenge to try

Ocean’s 5th Birthday – a celebration of community

and come up with something different so we would stand out among the others.

When I saw the approach Ocean Casino Resort was taking for their 5th birthday celebration, I could not help but admire what they are doing, and I tip my cap to their creativity, sincerity, and sense of community.

What Ocean is doing for their 5th birthday is to make it a celebration of the AC Arts, business and local

JUNE 30-JULY 2

Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show

JULY 4

Independence Day Parade, Patriotic Pooch Parade, FREE Dance Party & Concert, and Fireworks Spectacular

JULY 6 & 20 | AUG 3

Anglesea Night Markets & Food Truck Festivals

JULY 7

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

JULY 14-16

NJ Jeep Beach Invasion

JULY 14-16

NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival

JULY 22

Christmas in July Festivals & Golf Cart Parade

JULY 26

Wildwoods Baby Parade

JULY 29

Jus Nice Sneaker Convention

JULY 29

Crest 5K Beach Run

JULY 29-30

Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament

AUG 11-12

Latin Music Beach Festival

AUG 11-13

Tattoo Beach Bash

AUG 11-13 & 18-20

Baseball on the Beach

WILDWOODS ISLAND SHUTTLE - LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US Jitney Service from Diamond Beach to Olde NJ Ave...and everywhere in between!

~ Download the Free Jitney Surfer App ~

community. Their new Birthday Bar Pop-up e xperience debuts on Friday, June 30, featuring whimsical décor and creative cocktails along with a few very special celebrity appearances throughout the summer. The property’s brand-new wine and spirits outlet, Bottled, will double as a pop-up retail shop presenting bespoke merchandise from local partners Jetty Ink and Candier By Ryan Porter as well as offering homegrown favorites like Sea Isle Spiked Iced Tea and Little Water Distillery.

Ocean has also partnered with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation to create a mural depicting Ocean’s 5th Birthday that includes elements from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and native sea life that inhabit the area. The three-paneled casino-themed mural will be located at Tennessee Ave Beer Hall.

“Ocean’s success helps smaller businesses like ours thrive, and their commitment to showcasing Tennessee Avenue’s offeringswhile also contributing to the arts community - shows their selfless and collaborative nature,” said Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Co-Owner Scott Cronick.

Along with Tennessee Ave Beer Hall, Ocean is partnering with the following local businesses and organizations throughout the summer: The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Hank Sauce, Rhythm & Spirits, Bar

In addition, Ocean has commissioned MudGirls Studios to create customized one-of-kind hand-made clay art pieces that will be displayed throughout the property including Ocean hotel rooms. MudGirls Studios is a non-profit clay studio that empowers and employs at-risk, homeless and formerly incarcerated women to create ceramic artwork in studio space in the heart of Atlantic City. MudGirls Studios helps women transition onto a pathway towards self-sufficiency and out of poverty using clay as our vehicle to change lives through their own creations and sales of functional art and architectural tiles.

Ocean is also presenting fireworks every Friday in July, starting on July 7 with a spectacular Fireworks and Drone Show. Starting the weekends in July with Fireworks is the perfect way to bring the local community and summer visitors together. Kudos to Ocean for making that investment, and for everything they are doing to make their 5th Birthday a true community celebration.

32, Little Water Distillery, and Tony Boloney’s.

Brian Cahill is a former marketing director in the Atlantic City casino industry. He is on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

IT ’ S ALWAYS MORE FUN TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER.

Tips for bringing kids to the beach: part two

By Krystle J Bailey

In last week’s edition of Shore

Local, I shared seven tips for family beach days, including how to create a sand-free space and mom-hacks for removing sand from in between baby toes as well as lunchbox hacks and why you should always pack a spare diaper.

no matter how you cut it, “beaching it” with kids can be a day of exhaustion. Planning ahead with a few parenting tricks can save everyone a lot of stress and hassle. Here are eight more tips for your family beach adventures this weekend.

1. Repurpose bath toys

n othing is worse than trying to get out of the house to go to the beach only to realize you don’t have any beach toys for the little ones. In a pinch, rinse off some bath toys and throw them in the beach bag. They’ll do the trick! If you plan to buy toys, however, stop by a local shop to support one of our many South Jersey small businesses.

2. Tackle boxes are for more than bait

Create the perfect snack packs with unused tackle boxes for beach kids of all ages. Fill them with

homemade Lunchables, charcuterie boards, fruit trays, and more. Get creative! They stack easily in the beach bag and provide a simple solution for the mid-day beach munchies.

3. Keep popsicles cold

Grab that one insulated water bottle that keeps ice frozen for days for this beach day trick. Those bottles make the perfect addition to the beach day snack bag, but not just for water. Put some frozen popsicles inside and fill the bottle with ice for a mini popsicle cooler on those hot days.

4. Unpop clogged ears

Post-beach clogged ears make for cranky kids. Keep a pack of balloons in the car and encourage children old enough to blow up the balloon with a big breath to un-pop their ears. Be sure to discard the balloons properly and not in our beautiful ocean so as not to endanger sea life.

5. Keep kids’ skin cool and sunburn free

The night before your beach trip, stick the bottles of sunblock and aloe in the fridge or freezer for a perfect way to protect young skin while providing an opportunity for them to lower their body temperature after a long day in the sun. Keep them in the cooler throughout the day. As the aloe begins to melt, it will become the perfect balm for sunkissed skin.

6. Leave the medicine, pack the cup

The tiny medicine shot glass that comes with liquid medicine can be used as an easy way to rinse out sandy eyes. It’s almost inevitable that at least one kid will get sand in their eyes at the beach. Fill the medicine cup with fresh water, press up to the affected eye, and rinse gently. It’s the little things that make for a peaceful family beach trip.

7. Sun break activities

Giving the kids a break from the sun is always a smart idea during the dog days of summer. Getting them to sit still is the challenge. Pack a few “sun break” activities for the day, such as simple paints for seashell painting or age-appropriate books about the beach.

Happy 4th of July weekend! enjoy a beautiful weekend at the Jersey Shore.

5 reasons to experience AC’s Gandhi Eternal Peace Center and Museum

active and just begging to be touched and experienced. So here are five (of many) reasons to visit the Gandhi Peace Center and Museum. I am sure you will find more than five of your own.

By Raymond Tyler

Last week, Shalini Basu invited me to an open house

5. A Museum Near You The Gandhi Peace Center’s Atlantic City location makes it the perfect place for a fun and educational

Admission to the Gandhi Museum is “complimentary,” but I encourage you to leave a reasonable donation. The public has access to the Gandhi Museum seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. So with money not demanded and access available before work, after work or your day off, your excuse is

remembered as one whose “force” was nonviolence and helping his brothers and sisters.

One of the most amazing exhibits is an interactive map that shows the mang the places Gandhi visited and where there are other schools, buildings, and museums erected in his honor and are still teaching “peace and goodwill.”

1. You Can Make Two Trips in One

I stated earlier that Martin Luther King is featured as part of the Gandhi Museum. I suggest that if you live in AC or are just visiting, that you take the time to also walk over to the African American Heritage Museum.

Please note that the African Amer-

ican Heritage Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and Wednesday through Saturday. It’s closed Monday and Tuesday. Both museums offer free access and wonderful exhibits that bring history and culture to life.

The eternal Gandhi Peace Center is located at 109 Arkansas Ave. in Atlantic City. It’s open from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Learn more at https:// gandhiinatlanticcity.org/ or look for them on Facebook.

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

The museum includes a monitor that you slide with your hands showing pictures of Gandhi. From his birth until his death, and all the great things he accomplished during his lifetime, fighting for peace

By Lela McAferty

Often, I am asked this question: what should I be eating? In my experience, it can be somewhat of a loaded question! Food is a feature of so many facets of our lives. Food is cultural and social. It involves all of our senses and reacts with our hormones. ultimately, how we view food may play a major role in how we feel about ourselves. We eat out and order in. We eat with our families, by ourselves, and with our friends. We even eat in the dark at the movies!

So, really, what should we be eating? When thinking about food intake, like most other areas of our lives, we must have balance. A healthy human body is made to love a variety of macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. every food in the whole world falls into one of these categories, or some foods may fall

into two categories. For example, salmon is protein and fat, containing heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It is well worth your time to prioritize learning what these food categories or macronutrients involve. It is something you can benefit from for your entire lifespan and pass along to friends and family, kids and grandkids. After all, as Garfield says, “We are what we eat.” What we choose to consume plays a direct role in our future health, whether that be tomorrow morning or 20 years from now.

How is food intake balance achieved on one’s plate? Include food groups from each of these macronutrient categories for a balanced meal. An easy way to remember this is to taste the rainbow! My sister has been a children’s educator for many years. One of the greatest things she teaches her kids is to make a rainbow with their food. By varying the colors on your plate, you will vary the nutrient content as well. Plus, it’s fun to make a rainbow! As vegetables grow and ripen, their colors change. Different colored vegetables have different vitamins and minerals within them.

An example of this would be the color orange in carrots, mangos and pumpkins. These contain vitamin A, which is vital for improving our immune system function and supporting vision. The color green includes spinach, kale, lettuces and all the leafy greens. These wonderful foods have folate which helps build healthy cells. The color brown includes whole grains and legumes; these contain fiber, which is essential in adding bulk to our waste for a smooth bathroom experience every day.

Back to the question at hand: what should we be eating? For any meal first, think of your three major food groups: protein, carbohydrates and

fats. Include them as you are preparing the meal or choosing what goes on your plate. Second, vary your food colors. Shrimp stir-fry would be a great example. White shrimp, red and orange bell peppers, green broccoli, and yellow or purple onion over brown whole wheat rice or quinoa. Hold on, you say, I don’t like bell peppers, broccoli or onions. I would love to remind you that our taste buds change as we grow older, and hopefully our openness to foods grows as well. One polite bite never hurts, right? I hope this article has provided you with a few tips and tricks to add to your health toolbox. At the very least, now you know what is for dinner tonight. Remember to taste the rainbow!

Lela McAferty holds a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition. She is a Nutrition and CrossFit coach at CrossFit OTG and owner of Armor Nutrition. She is a Coastie wife and mother of 2. Connect with Lela on Instagram @armornutrition or email lelamcaferty@gmail.com.

For Miss NJ Victoria Mozitis, her pageant journey starts with a COVID moment

By Julia Train

Last weekend 22-year-old Victoria Mozitis from northfield was crowned Miss new Jersey.

Her journey started two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic when her dad’s coworker, a local pageant director who knew that Mozitis sings, asked him if she would be interested in entering a competition.

“He came home and was like, ‘I think I just signed you up for a pageant’,” Mozitis said. “It was during COVID so I was just itching to sing somewhere.” She had been doing musical theater since fourth grade (professionally since eighth grade) and missed performing.

The pageant process was interesting to her because Mozitis grew up watching the Miss America pageants with her grandmother, and her father was part of the opening performance for the competition when he was her age.

So Mozitis wound up competing. She finished second runner-up to Augostina Mallous, who was Miss n ew

Jersey 2022. After that first pageant, she decided that she wanted to continue pursuing it.

Although glamorous, there’s a substantial amount of work required to compete.

There’s paperwork, such as an

interview fact sheet and an essay that needs to be written about the contestant’s community service initiative (CSI). Mozitis had to prepare her talent, which is singing, and make sure that it fits within the allotted 1 minute and 30 seconds.

“I basically performed surgery on my vocal tracks to try to fit into that short space,” she said.

A key aspect of the Miss America Organization is community service, so each contestant needs to work toward their community service initiative and complete volunteer appearances.

Mozitis’ community service initiative is Le AP, which stands for Literacy, enhancement, Artistry, and Performance.

When she was younger, she would visit the library once a week with her dad, which fostered her love of storytelling and imagination, and led her to major in musical theater in college.

“I also acknowledged that it’s a huge privilege to have dreams like that. There are kids out there who are in low-income areas who are illiterate, don’t have that drive or don't know how to shoot for the stars like that,” she said. “ even something as simple as reading aloud to children allows them to express themselves creatively in a way that they're not able to.”

When coming up with her CSI, she talked to Dad, who is a special

education teacher, about how theater can help in education.

After their conversation and research, they came to the conclusion that since both are centered around storytelling, involvement in theater allows children to use a hands-on approach and visual elements to read more fluently.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rider u niversity in 2023 with a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater, and a minor in arts and entertainment industries management. When she was at Rider, she would read to children at schools around Lawrenceville, organized a book drive and started a library in uganda.

Although helping others and the title of Miss new Jersey are extremely rewarding, Mozitis said there is a fear of losing yourself that isn’t talked about enough. After her win, several past Miss n ew Jerseys reached out to her to make sure she was alright.

“You are a servant to your community and all you do is give and give,” said Mozitis. “[I’m] trying to find the balance between that and pouring into my own cup and checking in on myself.”

She thinks it’s an important part of the opportunity that should be talked about, but she mentioned how her friends and family make sure that she’s still herself and doing what she loves.

She was crowned June 17 at Resorts Hotel Casino in Atlantic City.

Her next stop is the Miss America Competition next year (location and

date have not yet been announced) and countless options for afterward. Mozitis would like to either be on Broadway, become a casting director, or even work for the Miss America Organization behind the scenes with marketing or production.

She would also love to expand her community service initiative into a non-profit organization.

Although she’s excited about accomplishing her goals, she’s focused on enjoying the leg of her journey she’s on right now.

“There are girls who do this for years and years and work towards it and in a way I feel like just my life experiences have prepared me for this,” Mozitis said. “I've only been directly a part of this organization for two years and so that’s something that I’m really, really thankful for.”

New roads to success Ideal Institute of Technology holds graduation ceremony

“That's the only way to break the cycle, that's the only way to change the way people look at us.”

By Tim Hawk

The Ideal Institute of Technology (IIT n J) held its iAchieved Success Celebration last Friday, where 168 students, family, friends and political leaders gathered on the grounds of its new entrepreneurship and Technology Hub in Pleasantville.

IIT n J, which opened in 2016, offers career and technical skills training for students who are looking for a more challenging career in the technical industry.

Many of the graduates, dressed in blue caps and gowns, are considered at risk individuals and have overcome different struggles in their lives.

Founder and Director Ren Parikh began the graduation by asking the Ideal team to come up on stage, and explained to the hundreds in atten -

dance that those standing before them are responsible for making Ideal the first of its kind career college that pays students to come to school.

“Seventy percent of our team members that you see were Ideal students and Ideal graduates.”

It’s their dream, he said, that nobody should worry about going to college because of debt or lack of student loan accessibility. “You come to college, we're gonna pay you because you're working.”

Imported European Grocery

Euro Shoppe

Parikh then went on to say that education is our fundamental right.

“If you are from a low income, marginalized community,

As state Sen. Vincent Polistina addressed the Class of 2023, he first congratulated Parikh and his team for developing different pathways for people to have opportunities before offering the graduates some last bit of advice.

“All of us at our level will tell you, find something you're going to love to do for your entire life. It makes things

and you have a lot of different types of labels that people give you, getting an education is your job, getting an education is your duty,” he explained.

so much better if you enjoy what you're doing.”

One graduate who is following his advice is Taryn Thompson of Atlantic City.

Prior to joining the Ideal family Thompson, 27, was incarcerated for possession of a firearm in 2017 at the age of 21. He explained that the gun wasn’t his but was in the car he was operating.

“Gotta watch your friends,” he said. “So that was the lesson learned there.”

Photos by Tim Hawk

While in prison he had aspirations of owning a landscaping business and after he was released in 2020 he came to Ideal through the n ew Jersey Locally empowered, Accountable, and Determined (nJLeAD), a program with the n ew Jersey Department of Corrections (nJDOC).

nJLe AD supports the growth of reentry programs across the state, helping reentry organizations develop services for individuals exiting the state correctional system.

Thompson eventually settled on the entrepreneurship Program focusing on owning and operating a

food truck.

During the graduation ceremony Parikh announced that Thompson, along with his brother David, also a graduate of the program, are now part-owners of the We are AC Food Truck located at the Tanger Outlets and will have the opportunity to own it outright.

“At Ideal we believe in earning not giving,” said Parikh.

After the brothers received a large ceremonial key, Dr. Darcella Sessomes, chief of the Division of Programs and Reintegration Services spoke about the nJL e AD program.

“I know the Department of Corrections is probably the least likely guest at a

graduation like this,” she began.

Sessomes then explained that the nJDOC does more than confine. “People may be in our custody, but they're also in our care.”

Taryn said he is excited to be in business with his brother, who has been a cook for 15 years, and is thankful for the opportunity given to him.

“Having a record, it's hard to get

a job,” he said. “So they gave me the opportunity to show that I was rehabilitated, and I'm not going to let anybody down.”

Other graduating classes during the iAchieved Success Celebration included the School of Construction, the School of Film & Media Broadcasting, the School of First Step Career, the School of Business and the School of Hospitality.

Photos by Tim Hawk

Make a crisis plan for your dog

By Heidi Clayton

Having a plan in place in the event of a veterinary emergency will save valuable time during the crisis that could save your life and prevent a great deal of stress and panic. While Google and smartphones can make finding a vet that takes emergency appointments easier, you may face a situation where you will need to just get your dog into the car. You may not be able to focus on driving safely and finding an open vet office when in crisis mode.

I frequently get calls from clients who are on the fence as to whether or not their dog is having an actual emergency. I tell people if they are worried and won’t stop worrying about the issue until they can see their regular vet, it’s an emergency. It may turn out not to be an emergency once you get to the eR, but only you can decide what is best for your dog. emergencies can include severe diarrhea or vomiting for extended periods of time, vomiting of undigested food, dehydration, broken bones, non-weight-bearing on limbs, severe bleeding from an orifice where blood should not be coming from, wounds that will need sutures to stop bleeding, and anything you suspect is a seizure.

If you live in the area, the first thing to do during normal business hours is to call your regular vet. Most practices have time set aside for emergency appointments or will accommodate a client with whom they have a relationship. They may refer you to a 24-hour emergency room if they feel that your issue will require hospitalization. Some practices only have surgery teams on hand on specific days. They may not have supplies like blood on hand if needed for a transfusion or have orthopedic tools such as rods or plates handy to get the job done. If you feel your dog won’t make it to the hospital, you can always visit an emergency clinic to

get them stable before making the trip. Last n ovember, my 12-year-old dog suddenly collapsed. I rushed him to Linwood Animal Hospital. Once there, it was determined that he had a rupturing splenic tumor. He might need a blood transfusion that they would at the time be unable to do. The eR doctor stabilized him and contacted the surgeon at Mt. Laurel Animal Hospital and apprised them of the situation, saving me valuable time in getting him treatment.

There is a difference between 24-hour vet care and 24-hour nursing care. An emergency hospital such as Mt. Laurel staffs veterinarians on a 24-hour basis. To the best of my knowledge and research, the vet practices in our area that offer emergency care close at midnight. However, they do offer 24-hour vet tech/nursing services should your

dog require hospitalization and will have a vet on call should it be needed. It is a good idea to ask your regular vet where they refer their clients after hours and keep that number handy.

The most important part of any emergency with your dog is to remain calm and focus on getting your dog to the nearest preselected vet clinic. Having a plan in mind before a crisis happens could save your dog's life.

If you have any questions, 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

Catawba, catalpa,

Sales Associate

By Tammy Thornton

Have you ever driven around our South Jersey area and thought you spied a giant green bean tree? Since we know that green beans do not grow on trees, chances are, you saw a Catawba or catalpa tree. These fast-growing trees, which reach heights of 40 to 80 feet tall, can be grown as shade trees and produce showy, orchid-like white flowers. After flowering, catalpas form long, slender seed pods filled with winged seeds. These “beans”, which give the tree its distinctive appearance, grow 8 to 20 inches long. They start out green, turn brown in the fall, then drop to the ground, though some of the seed pods can hang on the tree all winter.

In the spring, the long, dried seed pods will split in half and disperse seeds. Then new heart-shaped leaves will form on this deciduous tree, and

the panicle flowers will bloom between May and June. These unique flowers will attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Catalpa trees grow best in full sun or part shade. Their extensive root system can aid in preventing soil erosion.

Catalpa trees are also known to be the only host plant for the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar. Although

these caterpillars feed exclusively on catalpa tree leaves and can severely defoliate its host, healthy catalpa trees can recover. Commonly called “catalpa worms” by fishermen, these caterpillars are prized bait for catching catfish and large-mouthed bass, as well as other fish. More commonly in the south, avid anglers will plant catalpa trees as “bait trees” for the

Catalpa (or Catawba) tree flowers are fragrant and resemble orchids.

sole purpose of attracting these worms. Besides fishermen, various wasps and fly parasitoids are predators of these caterpillars. If you see a catalpa caterpillar covered in something that looks like white rice, start saying your goodbyes. These white objects are parasitoid wasps that have eaten their way out of the caterpillars and spun cocoons while hanging out on their victim. Yikes! nature has just taken an ugly, dark turn. Let's refocus and look at some

of the uses for catalpa wood. First cultivated in 1754, catalpas were valued as quick growing trees that produced rot-resistant wood. Catalpa wood has been used for fence posts, railroad ties, and fuel wood. It’s also been used for telephone poles, interior trim, and to make furniture. Though it’s durable, it’s a softer wood that woodworkers love to use for carving or turning. One unusual use of catalpa wood is in the making of guitars.The lightweight wood adds an interesting grain pattern and is considered a rare but good tonewood and top wood for guitars and ukuleles. n ow that you know a little more about these unique trees, you will probably spot them around our mainland or wooded areas. Look for the pretty white flowers or the long, bean-like seed pods. We would love to hear what our readers think. Send your questions, comments, and photos to: shorelocalgardenee@gmail.com.

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

Long “bean” seed pods start out green, but turn dry and brown before dispersing seeds.

Fourth of July Recipes to Cool You Down and Light Up the Night

By Sarah Fertsch

Holidays are special for many reasons, but for foodies like me, refreshments matter. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or beach day, here are four recipes to spice up your Independence Day:

inch rectangle on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for seven minutes until golden. Let the base cool down for 30 minutes before adding toppings. After 30 minutes, spread a thin layer of vanilla frosting over the base. Wash and cut strawberries in half (so they lay flat). Wash blueberries. Decorate your flag pizza with rows of alternating strawberries and whipped cream, and place blueberries in a square in the top left corner. Place in the refrigerator before serving. enjoy!

Red, White and Blue Sangria

Ingredients:

● 1 cup of berry-flavored vodka

● ½ cup of simple syrup

● 1 cup of chopped strawberries

Flag Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

● One roll of Pilsbury Sugar Cookie

Dough

● One pint of Blueberries

● One pint of Strawberries

● One container of Vanilla Frosting

● One container of Whipped Cream

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Roll the cookie dough into a 8 by 12

● 1 cup of blueberries

● ½ cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice

● 1 bottle of white wine

● ½ liter of tonic water Wash berries and chop as needed. Combine white wine, vodka, lemon juice and tonic water. Stir in simple syrup. Add berries and serve over ice. So refreshing!

Independence Day Cheese Board

Ingredients:

● 1 round of soft cheese, like brie

● 1 block of hard cheese, like cheddar or manchego

● 1 log of cured meat, such as salami

● 1 block of blue cheese

● 1 container of crackers of your choice

● Homemade or store-bought bruschetta

● 1 container of blueberries

● 1 bag of red grapes Wash berries and grapes. Cut cheese and meat to your preference, and place ingredients on board. Serve chilled.

Parmesan Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

● 3 pounds of corn, shucked

● ½ cup of feta

● ½ cup of shredded parmesan

● 2 teaspoons of garlic powder

● 2 teaspoons of salt

● 1 teaspoon of pepper

● Chopped parsley or cilantro

● 1 cup of melted butter

Prep grill and shuck corn as needed. Place corn on the grill and rotate every 5 minutes. Remove corn after 20 minutes. Combine spices and chop herbs. Once corn is removed from the grill, pour butter evenly over the cob, then sprinkle spices, herbs, and cheese.

Serve immediately. Delicious!

Is feeling good actually good for your investments?

ly. Add in the fact that suddenly savings accounts were actually paying decent interest for a short while, and it made the feel good of cash seem even better.

By Eric Reich

One of my often-repeated phrases to clients is “if it feels good, it probably isn’t good for you”. The ultimate “feel good” for clients is having money sitting in a savings account. When it comes up in a meeting, they are always quick to say, “I know I shouldn’t have this much cash doing nothing for me but…”. The reality is they do it because it feels good. They like to see a large balance when they check it, and a common reason for having it during a volatile time is that “at least I’m not losing any money”. The truth is in 2022 you actually were losing money. Inflation was running over 9% at the time so your purchasing power was being eroded quickly. But not seeing losses on a statement made them feel good and it certainly seemed better than watching the markets and their 401(k) drop steadi -

Like anything else in life, things that feel good don’t usually last too long. Inflation is falling rapidly and that has lifted markets dramatically so far in 2023. Investors, however, have been reluctant to get back into the markets because they are still feeling the sting of 2022. So now, what doesn’t feel good probably is good for you (think dieting or exercise). The discomfort of being back in a volatile market has rewarded investors so far. While I expect continued volatility for a few more months, I expect that markets overall will continue to rise over the next 12 months.

So that brings us to the age-old question, is now a good time to invest in the market? For the record 99% of the time the answer is yes. Market timing consistently is impossible so don’t think you’re going to be the first investor to figure it out. Right now, we have what is known as an inverted yield curve. This means short term bonds are yielding more than long term bonds. This is what has helped boost savings account interest lately.

The problem is while we know it feels good to leave it there, inverted yield curves do not last, and when they revert back to normal, they typically do it very quickly. This means that it will be very easy to miss a rise in the stock market as well as medium term bonds (7-10 years). This could result in what feels good today (sitting in cash) becoming bad for you in the long run.

While I do expect a recession around year end, I believe it will be a short and shallow recession. I see the risk of a recession as much lower than the risk of missing out on the normalization of the yield curve and potential rise in the stock market that could follow.

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.

9.

13.

DOWN

1 urban haze

2 Drosselmeyer's title

3 *Pond organism

4 Ransack or plunder

5 Coping mechanism

6 "And ____ we go!"

7 *Low density state of matter

8 Kick out of school

9 "For ____ the Bell Tolls"

10 *60 miles/hour, e.g.

11 So be it

12 Trapper's bounty

15 Israeli money

20 "____-____-la" refrain

22 Lake in Provence 24 Dissenting clique 25 *Galilei: "And yet it ____" 26 At less then 90 degrees 27 Forty-niner, e.g. 29 *m in F = ma

31 Way to seal an envelope

32 Poacher's ware 33 Bird of prey nest

*Highest

THEME: SCIENCE 101 See

in

seaweed

Buying and selling in the summer season

Think Logistics

It’s easier to be charmed by a home in the summertime, when it is at its lightest and brightest. You will no doubt imagine long days on the deck, grilling outside with friends, and plenty of backyard playtime for the kids.

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

Summer is a time to enjoy some well deserved relaxation, but it is also a great time to look for a new home. These tips will have you ready to house hunt and to sell your home simultaneously.

In most markets, the spring season usually is the most important time of the year for buying and or selling a home. Both buyers and sellers are taking a close look at their options.

We have had a very active late spring and now an early summer market is expected to develop, allowing hopeful buyers and sellers to fulfill their 2023 real estate goals.

How should you plan for this summer market? Here are the best tips for both buyers and sellers for an effective summer real estate season.

FOR BUYERS

Look for Bargains

While a large amount of days on market might usually have a negative connotation, remember that many homes sitting without offers may have listed early in the selling cycle.

They may be perfectly nice, movein ready homes that simply hit the market at the wrong time.

At the same time, due to economic conditions, many homeowners may be moving to find a new job or to get out from under their current debt load now while they can. This may make them highly motivated and looking for a quick sale.

In either case, sometimes you may be able to negotiate more than you normally would even in this hot market. Ask your real estate professional to research for you and to provide and discuss with you the most current comparable homes listed and sold in the surrounding neighborhood of the homes that you are most interested in.

Remember, however, that fall will turn to winter, and those indoor spaces will once again become the most important parts of the home.

Make sure that the home's interior works for you the way that your family lives now. Do you all spend time gathered together in the family room or do you like your own individual space? Do you and your husband both work from home now? Do you each need a home office, preferably far away from each other? Is there enough space for everyone to get their work done?

Thinking through the way you and your family live each day is an important part of making sure that you are all comfortable and productive.

Consider Upkeep

An elaborate garden, manicured shrubbery, and other impressive landscaping may give a home tremendous appeal. However, if you are not an experienced gardener, will you be able to maintain that look? How much will it cost to hire a professional to do so?

Consider the home you are looking at from every angle, including upkeep, maintenance, and utility costs throughout the year. Those lush green trees will drop a lot of leaves in the fall. Those high ceilings may present a heating challenge come winter. Think through the pros and cons of every season when you are evaluating your new home’s appeal.

↘Continued on 106

FOR SELLERS Inventory is Low

You may have been on the fence about selling your home this year. However, low inventory makes this a great time to sell, and you may even find yourself fielding multiple offers on your home.

At the same time you and your real estate professional will want to talk through ways to only bring qualified buyers through your home and to include upgraded professional photography, drone and videography for a more impressive presentation and vamped up online marketing of your home.

Accentuate Outdoors

During the summer, outdoor spaces become one of the home's most effective selling points. Take a look at your existing outdoor spaces. Do they look as good as they could?

The grass may be perfect, but how do the hardscapes look? Consider pressure washing paths, patios, and driveways to make your outdoor spaces look their best.

Want to spruce up your outdoor spaces even more? A new patio umbrella, newly painted porch furniture, or some easy-care plants may take your porch or deck from good to great. These affordable updates can really improve your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Lighten Up

Before photography, video tours, or in-person showings, open every curtain and blind, turn on all of the lamps, and flood your home with light. Replace heavy draperies with light and gauzy linen. This is the time

to open up the window coverings and let the sun shine in.

If you have overgrown trees or shrubbery, consider having them strategically trimmed to let in even more light and enhance your home's exterior spaces.

Summertime Staging

Brightening up your home's interior doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Consider the following staging strategies:

● Replace dark throws and cushions with light, bright, summery colors that pop.

● Focus on decluttering to make your space feel as light as possible.

● Replace heavy, dark rugs with bare floors or natural fiber rugs.

● Replace dark, formal artwork with light, bright, unframed canvases.

● Consider the air quality in your home. Run air purifiers or open windows wide for a breath of fresh air.

● Don't limit yourself to visual cues. Consider summertime scents of citrus or greenery in candles or fragrance diffusers.

For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

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