SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | September 21, 2023

Can new AC Pier Become Hollywood East?

Linwood's Art in the Garden

The Flanders Hotel Hits a Hundred Years

Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench

There's no place like home

to call home is spectacular. Where else can you put your toes in the sand on your lunch break or take a parasailing adventure after work? Life is a vacation at the shore.

From the Editor

I’ve been doing quite a bit of domestic travel in recent months, exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer from sunsets and lobsters to sailboats and hiking trails. regular travel is relatively new for bob and me. We have faced circumstances that changed the course of our lives forever. With a new reverence for the phrase “life is short,” b ob and I have made an intentional effort to travel more, try new adventures, and spend as much quality time together as possible.

In the winter months, we love spending time in the Sunshine State, where we’ve spent lazy days on boats and beaches, eating fresh seafood and enjoying the warmth of the Florida sun.

We just returned from the pine tree State of m aine, where the population is just a little over 1.3

million (only 10% of New Jersey’s population), and smoothly contoured mountains pepper the coastlines with views that take your breath away. We hiked, ate, explored, and relaxed. the sun rises were spectacular, and the lobster was abundant.

the bay State of m assachusetts offered us a slowed-down weekend in martha’s Vineyard, where we sailed, explored, shopped, and swam along the coast, making memories we will keep for a lifetime.

As we look forward to our next trip to another state surrounded by water, I find myself incredibly thankful to call the Garden State home. every time I return from a vacation, I find

Established

myself in awe that I return to a place where we live in perpetual vacation mode. Of course, work and responsibilities require our attention, so it’s not really vacationing all of the time, but how amazing is it that we have coastal waters to swim in right here in our backyard on any given weekend?

We have sailboats available to us with one phone call, fresh lobster cooked on demand at the dozens of highly regarded restaurants in our area, historic lighthouses waiting to be climbed, incredible small businesses to explore, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises to enjoy, and so much more.

South Jersey truly has it all. this place that so many of us are fortunate

As you flip through the next 80 pages, slow down and read the stories about the amazing organizations and individuals doing great things in our community. Look for new restaurants, grand openings, happy hours, dinner specials, coupons, and everything else packed into this week’s publication.

As we look forward to another weekend, I encourage you to make it a staycation! After soccer practice on Saturday, do something you’d normally do on a trip to Florida or California.

After church on Sunday, visit a new restaurant you haven’t explored yet or hike a trail in a park you’ve been meaning to visit. there is so much to be explored in South Jersey, and you will find it all in Shore Local Newsmagazine. Follow us on social media and tag us in your local fun.

Wishing you a healthy, happy, beautiful week. thank you for reading this edition of Shore Local Newsmagazine. Peace

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

Digital Marketing Director - Marc Berman Web Designer - Holly Martin

Contributors – Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, 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, Whitney Ullman, Raymond Tyler, John Loreaux, Danielle Davies, Bill Quain

Cover photo by Charles Eberson. See his photos at charles-eberson.pixels.com

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

We are grateful for your hospitality, the support of the community and your patience as the ride comes through your neighborhood. Please come out and cheer!

JOIN US TO RIDE OR VOLUNTEER!

Production studio aims to turn Playground Pier into Hollywood East

in January that spending on in-state filmmaking exceeded $650 million in 2022. this beat the $500 million record set in 2021, in large part due to the New Jersey Film and Digital m edia tax Credit program reestablished in 2018 and expanded in 2021.

Th e Light with Raymond Tyler

The 550,000-square-foot building that juts out into the ocean and crosses over the boardwalk connecting to Caesars, is well-known for its breathtaking views of the ocean and the beach in Atlantic City. However, nearly all of the restaurants and businesses inside the playground pier have sat vacant for years.

ACX1 plans to transform the pier into a live entertainment and stateof-the-art production studio, including 150 t V and media sets.

On thursday Sept. 14, the ACX1 Studios hosted a ribbon-cutting event on the Atlantic City boardwalk in front of the pier across from Caesars Casino. Chief Operating Officer, Dom Franklin and his team are offer-

ing a wealth of experience, and vision as well as money to make the ACX Studios a success.

According to Franklin, by 2024, the pier/ ACX1 Studios will include spaces for everyone from professional t V and filmmakers, to concert spaces and media classrooms.

Franklin said the unique concept will include a mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, and educational

space for the music and film industries. It will also offer event rental space.

the ribbon cutting was followed by an evening of performances from artists including comedian J. Anthony brown and pretty poison.

One of the top tenants will be the Laff House Atlantic City, owned and operated by roderick “ mr. rod” millwood, who helped launch the careers of comedians such as Kevin Hart, m ike epps and J. b . Smoove. Comedian J. Anthony brown was on hand to lend his support.

Gov. phil murphy and the New Jersey m otion picture and television Commission announced

roy Koriakin, the executive vice president of Film production for ACX1 Studios, said he expects Atlantic City to become a major player in the industry.

“We know that we’re going to

bring film here,” Koriakin said. “We know that Atlantic City is going to become the next Hollywood. We’re just going to change the game here. they’re not just going to think of Atlantic City as a gambling spot.”

For decades the property was known as the million Dollar pier, but it caught fire in 1981. two years later the property was redeveloped into the Shops at Ocean One.

m ost locals called it the Ocean One m all and all throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, teens and tourists alike frequented the mall daily for everything from shopping to stress release in the arcade.

In 2003, the pier, with its stunning ocean views, was transformed into the pier at Caesars, featuring high end shops. In 2015, it became the playground.

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

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small welcomes ACX1, and also hints at other new businesses coming to AC and The Boardwalk.

ACX1 Chief Operating Officer, Dom Franklin discusses the vision for the production company.

ACX1 Studios is expected to help Atlantic City become a major player in the TV and film production industries.

Get out there and enjoy pumpkin patch season

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

With the arrival of autumn on Saturday, Sept. 23, we welcome what many consider to be the best time of the year.

Fall ushers in mild, cooler weather. Days may be shorter, but the breezes are breezier. the climate is crisp and temperate, and the scenery around us is bathed in a brilliant, afternoon light that you don’t see the rest of the year.

With shorter days and the kids back in school, family time becomes more precious. that’s where our autumn family traditions come in. From football to Halloween, apple picking or just sitting around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, fall is full of fun stuff to do.

One of the most popular fall activities, which has become a cus-

tom for many families, is visiting a pumpkin patch to choose our Halloween pumpkins. there’s nothing like piling on to a cart full of hay behind a tractor and taking a ride out into the field to pick your very own pumpkin. the sense of excitement, especially for the little ones, is a moment to be treasured forever.

Fortunately for us, we have five-star rated farms close by to make sure that we don’t miss out. As we are about to begin the opening days of pumpkin patch season, here is some information about two popular pumpkin patch attractions, along with some info that you might not know about these popular gourds.

Sahl's Father Son Farm in Galloway is open Saturdays only and Columbus Day, Sept. 30 to Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sahl’s has corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, and various farm animals which you can pet. there are pig races, lots of kid's activities, outdoor picnic facilities, an indoor party

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

6:30 PM

ADRIAN PHILLIPS THEATER

room, pony rides and a snack stand. Admission is $14 per person 3 and older. All activities are included in the admission fee (except for the pony rides for children: $3 each). pumpkins are priced by size from $2 to $12. It’s located at 420 West pestalozzi St. in Galloway. Call 609-965-9300 or see https://www.fathersonfarm.com/ r and J Farm Corn maze and Hayride is a family owned farm located at 723 W. Herschel St. in Galloway.

Guests will enjoy a corn maze with stroller-friendly trails and hayrides. take a scenic hayride to the pumpkin patch with a complimentary pumpkin included. there is a snack shack, and assistance is available if needed. they have a large jumping pillow for energetic fun. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and starting Sept. 25, m ondays-Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. Columbus Day (Oct. 9): 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. then it’s open every day Sept. 25 - Oct 30. Corn maze is $8. Hayride (includes one pumpkin) is $8. Call 609593-6180 or see randjcornmaze@ comcast.net

In Cape may County we found one option. try Leslie C. rea Farms at 4th Avenue and bayshore road in West Cape may. make sure to call ahead at 609-884-4522.

Not too far away there are other options that might be worth the drive, including:

Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church road, m edford. Call 609-

$25.00 Tickets available at the door, on our website at www.boardwalkorgans.org or by calling 609-402-9584 ext. 700

654-8643 or see johnsonsfarm.com. popes’ Gardens, 1146 Old White Horse pike, Waterford. Call 856-7673343 or see popesgardens.com.

r usso’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm 299 Flyatt road, tabernacle. Call 609-268-0239 or see russosfruitandveg.com.

to help you get warmed up for your upcoming pumpkin patch outing here’s a couple of pumpkin facts that you might not know:

the hashtag #pumpkinpatch has 4.3 million posts on Instagram.

If you really want to show your pumpkin enthusiasm you can do it on Oct. 26, which has been designated National pumpkin Day, although there origin of the day is uncertain.

According to rutgers University, New Jersey is estimated to be in the top 15 of pumpkin-producing states, contributing about 5 percent of the nationwide total pumpkin output. the state produces pumpkins on about 2,500 acres with an average yield of 11 tons per acre. pumpkin production in New Jersey costs approximately $3,000 per acre. All pumpkins grown in New Jersey are dedicated to the fresh market, with none processed.

If you get bored with the typical

jack-o’-lantern or pumpkin painting activities, you can always try pumpkin chunkin events. this is an activity in which pumpkins are launched by cannon, or by using a trebuchet to see who can send them the farthest distance or create the most spectacular splatter. Find the nearest event at https://www.punkinchunkin.com/

If you would rather be low-key about your pumpkin celebrating, there are plenty of pumpkin patch alternatives out there. pumpkins are available at most garden centers, supermarkets and even big box stores.

If you try a pumpkin patch, call ahead to make sure there are slots available, and all of your bases are covered.

A very important final thought: before you go, make sure your phone is fully charged. You don’t want to miss a moment. You will make memories that last a lifetime.

Somers Point Chiropractic

Built with Love: How a small stuffed animal started a big movement

By Krystle J Bailey

Twelve years ago, Andrea and Dominic pugliese of egg Harbor township felt the tug in their hearts to give back in a unique way. the journey began with one lovingly stuffed buildA- b ear and a young boy living with leukemia who was comforted by the simplicity of a stuffed animal during the fight of his life.

One bear turned into ten and before long, Andrea and Dominic were delivering twenty then thirty bears to children in the region facing physical or emotional traumas.

b y the third year, after seeing the joy on each child’s face as they received their special bear, the puglieses created built with Love, a 501(c) (3). With the outpouring of help and

support from friends, family, and acquaintances, they soon found their basement overflowing with hundreds of build-A- bears for kids in need of an extra dose of comfort. With this help, Andrea and Dominic were able to put a smile on kids’ faces at ronald m cDonald House, CHO p in philadelphia and egg Harbor township, Shriner’s Hospital, the Gift of Life, and more over the last several years.

Originally, the mission was to deliver bears during the Christmas season, though in recent years, the built with Love organization has extended their services to include year-round build-A- bear love along with community service, blessing bags, and more. During the COVID-19 lockdown, they rented a private bus and movie theater for kids undergoing treatments and at higher risk for illness to enjoy an outing.

“When our two-and-a-half-yearold daughter Aubree suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in the hospital, it was the darkest and saddest time of our lives,” shared erica Settle of egg Harbor township. “Andrea and her husband Dominic, who

live in our neighborhood, found out about what happened. they gave our five-year-old son Shane a build-A- bear. He said right away that the bear's name would be Aubree, after his sister. Shane has slept with that bear ever since he got it and has taken the bear to show-and-tell at school and sleepovers at his grandparents' houses. Aubree the bear is very special to him, and I’m sure he will keep it forever. We will never forget what the pugliese family did for us.”

On one trip to philadelphia Andrea and Dominic were struck by the homeless individuals enduring the cold weather, and before the day ended, Dominic and his friends went home to gather pillows, blankets, food, and hot chocolate to deliver to those in need, which is where b lessing bags were born. In the subsequent buildA- bear delivery trips, the built With

Love team added a few blessing bags for homeless men and women in the area.

b eginning with simple things such as socks, water bottles, and granola bars, the blessing bags have grown exponentially. One Sunday each month, Andrea, Dominic, and their team deliver bags and a homecooked meal for individuals in Atlantic City. the blessing bags now include ponchos, flashlights, playing cards, coloring books, deodorant, waterless toothbrushes, sunscreen, bug spray, and other special requests or seasonal items.

In addition to the services provided by b uilt with Love, the pulgiese family also manages b ags Against b ullies, an anti-bullying campaign that brings empathy education into classrooms to combat bullying at the core.

Andrea and Dominic p ugliese reside in egg Harbor township with their three sons. Learn more and connect at builtwithlove.com or contribute to the cause at tinyurl.com/ builtwithlove.

Dominic Pugliese and son Noah

Old surfers never die… they just photograph younger surfers

By Charles P. Eberson Se nior Moments

As an old surfer who has hung up his surfboards, I have not hung up the anticipation; the expectation of an epic surf break in the morning. “ b ack in the day” as they say, we didn’t have “surf cams, ” where one can pull up the site while still in bed and see if our expectations have been realized. We became amateur meteorologists, following storms as they cross the Atlantic, while monitoring wind direction and checking tide charts.

Once it was evident something big was on the way by the increasing swells marching in from the horizon, I remember being gripped with nervous

excitement. At the time, I was riding a ten-foot Hobie longboard that paddled like a dream but turned like an aircraft carrier. there were also no leashes that attached us to the board which was a good thing. One big wipeout with that heavy board and it would probably wash up on the beach with my left leg still on the leash.

r ecently, Hurricane Lee was predicted to brush the east Coast creating epic surf conditions. I started

monitoring the various surf cams until I saw the lines of swells, one behind each other uniformly rolling towards my Ventnor beach. I grabbed my cameras and felt the same anticipation and expectation at the prospect of making some memorable photos as I did when I was surfing the waves myself except for the fact that I didn’t have to worry about losing a leg via a lost board. Upon my arrival to the beach, I realized that the surf cams did not do mother Ocean justice. the waves were big, hollow and the offshore winds were blowing the spray back over the waves in an effect called spindrift.

Surfers were lined up in the water like black buoys as far as I could see towards Longport and At-

bang a turn off the lip and certainly can see when a surfer takes off on a

their way towards the swells jockeying for the best takeoff position.

was a surfer that day. t his scenario repeated itself for two more days.

Surfers grew accustomed to seeing me on the pier. We exchanged some pleasantries as they looked up from the ocean and I looked down from the pier. Some of them posed for me while riding the waves or looked up to see if I caught their ride. m y work was far from finished, though. I had to go through a workflow of hundreds of images to find the keepers. t hese were posted on social media and the response I received from the surfers and their families was gratifying. If I brought them some memories while only costing me a few hours and some Ibuprofen, I look forward to the next sessions with anticipa -

Events and Happenings

Multi-Day Events

Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay

▶Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Amherst Ave. between Coolidge and Decatur

m argate’s free Fall Funfest by the bay celebrates the beauty of the bay area and the promenade along the water. this year’s event features over 110 booths and amusements comprised of mouthwatering foods, unique fine arts and crafts, margate’s retailers, sponsors, nonprofits, margate City municipal departments, kids’ activities, live bands, a kids’ stage, wetlands wonderland, and two days of parades featuring miss New Jersey. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.

Atlantic City Latino Festival

▶Sat. & Sun. 12 – 9 p.m.

Showboat Hotel 801 boardwalk

Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Latino culture. t his music-filled festival will feature fun activities for the entire family, as well as a children’s entertainment area and authentic Hispanic food and vendors. the festival will take place at Showboat’s new outdoor event center located on the boardwalk and New Jersey Ave. entry for the event

is free; parking is $10. Attendees are asked to register at the festival’s website, www.aclatinofest.com.

U.S. Open Pool Championship

▶mon. Sep. 25 – Sat. Sep 30

Harrah’s Atlantic City 777 Harrah’s blvd.

the best pool players are taking on the toughest tournament in pool where only one can be crowned the winner. Day tickets and season passes are available at matchroompool. com/event-tickets/.

Free Yoga for Kids

▶tue. & thu., 5 p.m.

Somers point Youth Center 599 marks rd.

Somers point pAL and Worthy beyond purpose host Free Yoga for Kids ages 4-7 years old on tuesdays and ages 8-12 on thursdays. Certified instructor Kira evans will provide sessions with a focus on breathing and calming down. For more information or to register, go to visitsomerspoint. com and click on events.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week

▶Oct. 1 – 6

Fall for Atlantic City restaurant Week. enjoy three-course, pre-fixe meals at restaurants in and around the city. meals consist of an appetizer, entrée, desserts from restaurants

hosting a variety of cuisine, from Asian to American, Italian to Latin and everything in between. Visit atlanticcitynj.com/ restaurant-week/.

Thursday, September 21

Funfest Weekend Kickoff

▶6 – 9 p.m.

Steve & Cookie’s 9700 Amherst Ave. margate

Kick off Funfest Weekend at the Outdoor bar of Steve & Cookie’s. enjoy $5 subs from Florida Cold Cuts, $10 drinks from American Harvest, and live music by m ike D’Arc. proceeds benefit the Steve & Cookie’s Dog Show on Sunday.

Open Mic at Ventnor Coffee

▶6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset Ave. Ventnor

Ventnor Coffee hosts Open m ic every thursday. Come early to sign up. b ring your songs, poetry, and jokes. Singer-songwriter pete Glaze will perform from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunset Beach Yoga

▶7 p.m.

William m orrow b each, Somers point

Untie all the knots in your mind and body after a long day and enjoy 60 minutes of gentle yoga on the Somers point beach. What you will need: comfortable yoga attire, a beach towel, water bottle and an open mind. Donation based. to sign up, visit https:// strengtheningsouls.square.site.

Friday, September 22

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 e m oss

Featuring handmade gifts & artwork, a broad line of top quality bird seeds & suets, feeders, birdhouses and garden accents galore

Gifts & Garden Accents

40+ Local crafter/ artists under one roof: Stop in, browse and truly "Shop Local"

3002 ROUTE 9, SEAVILLE 609-408-7355

(CORNER OF RTS 9 & 50) LOOK FOR THE WHITE PICKET FENCE WWW.FEATHEREDNESTSEAVILLE.COM

mill rd.

Car cruises are held on the second and fourth Friday of the month. Just drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge; you will see orange cones set up. move a cone and park your car. For more information, visit www.historicsmithville.com.

Community Night in Absecon

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Shop rite 616 White Horse pike

Shop rite of Absecon will host it’s inaugural Community Night. enjoy an evening of face painting, washable tattoos, food, music, police and fire demonstrations, raffles, and entertainment. All proceeds benefit our local food bank. Free admission and family fun.

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Photo by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics

End of Locals Summer Party

▶5 – 8 p.m.

the Seed 807 baltic Ave. Atlantic City

the 2023 end of Locals Summer party takes place this Friday. Food by Greens and Grains, cooking demonstrations by Atlantic City Food project, merch by tony’s baltimore Grill, and Skate AC Demo. All food and merch proceeds go to the Atlantic City Food project and Skate AC.

Ghost Mart

▶9 p.m.

Anchor rock Club 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City

enjoy a goth-style dance party and an alternative pop-up night market featuring dark music and art. Shop for odd, obscure, eclectic gifts from local vendors and artists while having drinks and dancing the night away to bands and local DJs. this event is 21+. Learn more at anchorrockclub.com.

Saturday, September 23

Charity League Yard Sale

▶8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

118 pleasant Ave. Somers point

t he Charity League of Atlantic County invites everyone to the yard sale, featuring a wide array of items and something for everyone. All proceeds benefit our agencies. Cash only.

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

▶9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Central Square 199 New rd.

Join C. r .O. p.S. for the first day of fall. enjoy live music by mitchell Faber, b racelet m aking with Liz tran, and plant your own Fall container Garden. plus, local vendors, tasty food, and much more.

Smithville Italian Festival

▶10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 e moss mill rd.

Italian Festival has quickly become one of Historic Smithville’s favorite events, with Italian live music provided by Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All Star band feat. tony DeLuca, delicious Italian food and delectable desserts, wine tasting vendors, American and Italian beer on tap, Italian folk dancing, vendor market with handcrafted items and imported Italian specialties, super 50/50 and free bocce ball. For more information, visit www.historicsmithville.com. rain date: Sun. Sept. 24

Tuckahoe Transportation Heritage Festival

▶10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

tuckahoe train Station 31 mill rd. this free event will feature classic trains, classic cars, train rides, motor car rides, garden railway, music, food, and more. Cape may Seashore Lines will be operating short excursion train rides. the former Central railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) blue Comet obser-

vation car tempel will be on display. A motor Car ‘train’ will be operating short trips, and the tuckahoe rail Station will be open to the public. Learn more at http://seashorelines.org/ passenger/ tuckahoe.

Ocean City Jeep Invasion

▶12 – 5 p.m.

Ocean City boardwalk

Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk between 5th – 14th Street. For more information, visit www.NJJeepInvasion.com or email njjeepinvasion@gmail.com.

Dear Summer, Thanks for the Memories

▶12 – 8 p.m.

Orange Loop Amphitheater 120 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City

Norstep productions presents a day of music, art, food, vendors, and games. enjoy live music by Supreem and the New e xperience, Sunblaze Hane, Isn’t it Always?, Cheezy and the Crackers and more. tickets are $25 general admission. this event is 21+.

tickets are available for purchase via eventbrite.

Funfest After Dark

▶7:30 – 10 p.m.

Amherst & Washington Ave. by the bay

Funfest After Dark is a special adults-only event with adult beverage sampling, finger foods, live music and dancing by the NJ b ritish Invasion. tickets include admission to the decorated Washington Ave. pier for the wine and spirits tasting. tickets are $20 preadmission and $25 at the door. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.

Sunday, September 24

OCNJ Half Marathon, 5k & 10 Mile Non-Competitive Walk/Run

▶8:30 a.m.

Ocean City m usic pier m oorlyn terrace & boardwalk

Choose your distance and partici -

↘Continued on 18

AUTUMN EXHIBITPAINTING CREATIVELY

pate in one of New Jersey’s best Half events. Advance registration is required for the Half marathon and 10 mile Walk and run. In- person registration open at the Aquatic & Fitness Center Friday 4 – 6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday registration for the 5k run and Walk open at the m usic pier Sunday 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.ocnj.us/race-events.

Steve & Cookie’s 26th Annual Dog Show

▶1 p.m.

9700 Amherst Ave. margate

Steve & Cookie’s annual Dog Show will take place this Sunday during Funfest Weekend. All dogs must be

registered by 12:34, online and in person. proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals. For more information or to register, visit www.facebook.com/ annualdogshow.

Autumn Exhibit – Painting

Creatively

▶4 – 6 p.m.

Great bay Gallery 829 bay Ave. Somers point

Great bay Art Gallery invites the public to a m eet & Greet reception for its autumn exhibit, p ainting Creatively, a collection of work by 13 artists. Opening September 20 –October 14. For more information, visit www.greatbayartgallery.com.

Fall Classes for Creative Students!

Dance

Children’s Dance Division- Classes for the little ballerina!

Tuesday, September 26

Somers Point Dance Society

▶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) 408-3619 for information. See you on the dance floor.

Wednesday, September 27

Boardwalk Hall Silent Film Series – “Speedy”

▶6:30 p.m.

2301 boardwalk, Atlantic City

Speedy is a fantastic comedy with one of the kings of silent film, Harold Lloyd. In one slower-paced, old-fashioned corner of New York City, pop Dillon owns and operates the city’s last horse-drawn streetcar. His granddaughter Jane Dillon is in love with Harold “Speedy” Swift, who does everything he can, with hilarious effect, to save a soon-to-be bygone era. purchase tickets online via ticketmaster or the boardwalk Hall box office.

Health and Wellness

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

▶thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

Offered by the m ental Health Association of Atlantic County through the Intensive Family Support Services program. Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m. 6009 paul and thelma Lane, mays Landing

Visual Arts

Pastels, Watercolor Mixed-Media & One-of a kind art projects!

Explore and create ! All supplies included.

Sept 2023-June 2024 36 Weeks / 4 Quarters -9 weeks each

Drawing I: Ages 8yrs-12yrs Beginner. • Mon 4:30 PM-5:30pm

Drawing and Painting II: Ages 9yrs-12yr Intermediate • Mon 5:45 -7:15pm

Drawing I: Ages: 6yrs-11yrs Beginner• Thur 5:00-6:00pm

Drawing I Ages 9yrs-Teens • Thur 6:05-7:05pm

Drawing II Ages 11yrs- Teens • Thur 7:10 PM-8:10pm

Music Private Music & Vocal Lessons- Private lessons are year round.

Students ages 5-100yrs will learn and perform at individual pace. Vocals, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Ukelele and Mandolin. Lessons are taught for all levels and experience. All lessons are by appointment. Call to Schedule a lesson.

Cygnus String Ensemble Classes are held on Thursdays beginning September 28, Time: 6:00-8:30pm. Performances throughout the area during the holiday season. Please call for additional information.

Art for the Young At Heart *** - Classes in the Arts for Senior residents 65+ in Atlantic County. Class size is limited. Registration is required. 1(one) Art class only Start Feb. 3-Nov. 30. 2023

Registration Open, visit: CygnusArts.org Or call 609.272.1199 or stop by

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 4026966 for more information.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶monday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore rd. Somers point

For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. NAm I ACm is a non-profit nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Mental Health Support and Discussion Groups

Online groups are offered daily for a variety of topics, including women, men, LG btQIA+, individuals aged 1830. b oomers, anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and many others. Call (609) 652-3800 or unitedbywellness@mhanj.org.

Recovery Groups

Interested participants can register for groups through unitedbywellness@mhanj.org or by calling the (609) 652-3800.

Do you have an upcoming event?

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

Postcards From The Past

Quality classes with highly educated faculty and professional artists!

Motorists wait on the ninth street bridge as they leave Ocean City, circa 1950.

Boardwalk Hall Silent Film Series

Atlantic City Restaurant Week kicks off with ‘First Serve’ dinner to honor first responders

The New Jersey Casino reinvestment Development Authority (CrDA) hosted a “First Serve to Our First responders” Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Cuba Libre restaurant & rum bar, located at tropicana Atlantic City, to kick off 2023 Atlantic City restaurant Week.

During the annual event, 23 Atlantic City first responders, including firefighters, police officers, para -

medics, em S, emts, dispatchers, and beach patrol members, were recognized for their valiant service to the local community.

Along with the brave men and women who were honored, CrDA Deputy e xecutive Director m aisha m oore, Atlantic County Commissioner ernest D. Coursey, Atlantic City Director of emergency m anagement Scott evans, and Atlantic City police Department Chief James

& Jersey Corn!

A. Sarkos were among the notable attendees at the event.

During the event, each first responder received a commemorative certificate for their service as well as an overnight stay at Caesars entertainment Atlantic City resorts, two Atlantic City restaurant Week dinner gift cards, and more items of appreciation.

The first responders honored included:

● Atlantic City Fire Department

(ACFD): Deputy Chief Duane b rock II, Captain m ark A. Cheatham, Captain Gregory DeSantis, Firefighter mauro Sandoval, and Firefighter Quashawn Williams

● e xceptional em S: emt Crew Chief thomas Fedorczyk, emt Allisha Lecuyer, emt Ashley maydan and emt michaela Sless

● Atlantic City police Department

(ACpD): Officers John bell, Chris Dodson, eric evans and Jamira Norwood

● Atlantic City b each p atrol

(ACbp): Lifeguards brendan Santangelo and Kevin Wallace

● Atlantic City police Communications: pSt Veronica rosado and pSt Shardeija Warner- brockenbrough

● AtlantiCare p aramedics: em S emt Sean Desmond, emS m edcom emt maggie Geisenhoffer, em S paramedic erica Hartman,

and emS m ICN michael Smith

● Atlantic City public Works: Jeffrey Callway and eric Forbey

Now in its 15th year, Atlantic City restaurant Week runs from Oct. 1-6, 2023, with more than 50 restaurants throughout the Atlantic City region participating, offering specially priced, multi-course lunch ($20.23) and dinner ($40.23) meals. to see a list of participating restaurants, view menus, and make reservations, visit ACrestaurantWeek.com.

Come get your Crisp Apples, Fresh Peaches

Local artists showcase their work at “Art in the Garden” show

By Tammy Thornton

Once again, the sun smiled upon Langs Garden of Linwood, allowing them a picture-perfect day for

twelve local artists showcased their unique styles using a variety of mediums including mixed media. Anne thomas, of Anne made Designs, starts her botanical embroideries by hand-drawing flowers directly onto fabric, then stitches them to add color and dimension. Somehow, she makes even the roots of her flowers look fascinating. Like many of the exhibitors, b etsy Naumchik, a veteran participant of the art show, uses her own garden as her muse. Her watercolors capture things often

their third annual “Art in the Garden” show, held Sunday, Sept. 17. Guests wandered among the beautiful flowers as music filled the air and artists displayed their garden-inspired artwork.

overlooked in nature, such as seed pods or the oft forgotten garden of winter. Candace m enno uses both

↘Continued on 22

Let It Grow

Twist Pretzels and Ice Cream provided refreshments for art show. Pictured: Twist owners Jessica Sykes, Ellery Sykes, and Lynn Sykes.

Erin Daniels, co-organizer of art show stands with her amazing artwork.

↘Continued from 21

acrylics and watercolor paints for her artwork. Living near the ocean, m enno draws inspiration from the water and things that live in the water. She also loves to paint things like flowers and landscapes and finds inspiration from her faith. b ible verses often find their way into her artwork. Her miniature, glass frames offer a unique “canvas” for subject matter ranging from foliage to cowgirl boots.

Attendees looking for a bite to eat could head over to the table hosted by twist pretzels and Ice Cream. this new local business offered cinnamon

sugar pretzel nuggets, pretzel sandwiches, and drinks to quench your thirst. Owners Jessica Sykes and Lynn Sykes gave service with a smile with their helper ellery Sykes.

All the while, guests were entertained by the vocals of pianist and songwriter, tyler Anthony. A talented senior at mainland regional High School, Anthony is part of the high school band, the tri- m Jazz band, and the school’s wind ensemble. He is also a member of the m usic Honor Society.

Stephanie Duff, co-owner of Langs Garden with her husband Joe,

organized the event with painter and designer erin Daniels, another artist that draws inspiration from her own garden. Daniels displayed her

amazing botanical watercolors with paintings, cards, and linen pillows. Duff, clearly pleased with another

Artist, Betsy Naumchik, with her beautiful watercolors.

Music and vocals for the art show performed by Mainland Regional High School senior, Tyler Anthony.

Candace Messo, standing with her paintings and artwork.

successful art show said, “ thanks to the talented artists, delicious food provided by twist, music by tyler, and gorgeous weather, the third annual Art in the Garden was a huge success. We love bringing nature-inspired art to South Jersey, and we look forward to the continued growth of the event. Save the date, next year’s Art in the Garden will be Sunday, September 15, 2024!”

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

Anne Thomas of Anne Made Designs, displaying her botanical embroidery art.

The story behind Hangover Pretzel Company

but moments later the neighbor confessed he made the hangover thing up but loved the pretzels.

By Bill Sokolic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many businesses. For John LeVicchi, it meant turning a part-time hobby making pretzels for parties and other events into a fulltime venture, including the recent opening of a retail store in Absecon.

"I did this part time until I was laid off in 2020. It is now my full-time obsession," LeVicchi said. the idea of leaving his job as a sales manager on the road occurred to him, but it took the pandemic to go from idea to reality for the Hangover pretzel Company.

No misprint. Hangover p retzel Company. Funny story about the name, LeVicchi said.

“A neighbor called after one of the parties and complained to my wife, Lois, that our pretzels gave him the worst hangover." Couldn't be, thought Lois. Who has a hangover on pretzels?

" the rumor spread throughout the development and soon everyone was joking that our pretzels caused everyone's hangover and not the booze," LeVicchi said. "I heard, `We're having a bbQ, can you bring the pretzels? We're hitting the beach. Can you bring the pretzels?' When it came time to name the company of course we went with the Hangover pretzel Company.”

the recipe originally came from an old friend. "I modified it to make it retail worthy," he said of the Zesty Lemon pepper, still its biggest seller. LeVicchi built his home in Freehold in 1999. He hosted parties, serving the pretzels, and attracting a following. In 2009, the company landed its first account in park Slope, brooklyn. Hangover pretzels also attracted bon Appetit comments: “ blissfully crunchy… deeply saturated with flavor… absolutely addicting… best pretzels ever.”

A maplewood, N.J. native, LeVicchi graduated richard Stockton University in Galloway township, so he has familiarity with South Jersey. b ut opening a retail outlet in Absecon is about money. "It's strictly a cost measure. Absecon rent is a third of

Freehold," LeVicchi said.

Hangover pretzels makes the following flavors:

brown Sugar Cinnamon

Caysabi-(spicy)

Sweet Heet

Original Zesty Lemon pepper

Ched ‘a ranch

Naked pretzel, just a regular sourdough variety.

LeVicchi scoffs at comparing his Auntie Anne's or philly pretzel Factory.

“

t hey are not our competition. both Auntie Anne's and pretzel Factory offer soft pretzels that go stale within a few hours. Our pretzels are crunchy sourdoughs as opposed to soft. Ours has a shelf life of four months.”

the company is doing something right. "Since 2020 our business has grown 600 percent. I’m not surprised,

but I wish it had happened sooner!"

Hangover p retzels has expanded offerings by adding trail mix, organic dog biscuits in the shape of pretzels and granola. In addition to expanding the product line, the plan is to expand along the eastern Coast.

Find them in Smithville with the Smithville pickle Company, the Ocean City pickle Co. in Ocean City and Cold Spring b rewing in Cape m ay. that's just South Jersey. Find the pretzels in Lambertville, Long b ranch, Hackettstown, Chester and more, at farmers markets, breweries, and distilleries.

LeVicchi has words of advice for promising retailers: be persistent, he says. "Never hesitate to ask for help. reach out to others in the business for advice and keep pushing yourself!"

Visit the Hangover pretzel Company at 152 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. Visit https://thpcs.com/.

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.

PET HOTEL

GROOMING 7 DAYS A WEEK

Air show wows crowds in Ocean City

The

exited an aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk. brilliant white and multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics were then ignited

SATURDAY

Open 7 Days A Week

Mon-Fri 6am-6pm Sat & Sun 6am-5pm

as the parachuters flew in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground. the jump ended with a landing on the Seventh Street b each and was viewable along the entire boardwalk. Spectators lined the boardwalk to view the sensational sights.

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

parachute p yrotechnic Show was held Saturday, Sept. 16 in Ocean City. team Fastrax parachuters

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

Lots to see on the ground and sky at airport event

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

Ocean City had its Annual Airport Show and Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, featuring a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from warbirds to helicopters. the event featured a parachute jump from team Fastrax, “America’s Skydiving team.” It also included food, music, classic cars and kids’ activities. the large crowds in attendance got to see and touch many different aircraft and watched the Fastrax Sky Diving teams parachute into the airport with a giant American flag. everyone seemed to be having fun and enjoying the special event.

S PADAFORA’S

Remembering the 1948 OCBP Competitors

Fred m anley. t he top three in the 1000-foot singles rowing race were: 1. bob Harbaugh, 2. Sam mcDowell, 3. Lou Woyce.

the highlight of the OCbp competition season came on Aug. 30,

Street beach. the trophy winners in the mile doubles rowing race were: 1. Jim macallister and Frank Schiesser, 2. b ob Harbaugh and Dave Lupton, 3. John taylor and Joe myers. placing in the half-mile swim were: 1. paul Geithner, 2. Joe Sweeney, 3.

from left, sitting—Dave Lupton, mayor Clyde W. Struble, Captain thomas A. Williams, bruce parker; standing--Les taylor, Jim Haines, George b eitzel, Lou Woyce, John taylor, Joe myers, Jim m acallister, Frank Schiesser, George Weissberg, bob Harbaugh.

its 100th Anniversary

The Ocean City regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to hold a ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sept. 20, 2023 honoring the Flanders Hotel’s 100th Anniversary.

the Flanders Hotel, the “Jewel of the Southern Jersey Shores”, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in business in Ocean City, NJ. they will be having a gala to celebrate on Nov. 18 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. tickets are

Councilman Jody Levchuk, Councilman Terry Crowley, Flanders Staff members, Peter Voudouris, Arlene Voudouris, John Loeper, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Mayor Jay Gillian, Cricket Frank, County Commissioner Bobby Barr, Melanie Collette, Community Engagement Director for Legislative District 1, Councilwoman Karen Bergman, Karen Mahar, and Council President Peter Madden.

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Mayor Jay Gillian congratulate Pete Voudouris, President of The Flanders. Photo by Steffen Klenk

Fall Block

Tuition – Don’t pay the sticker price

By Bill Quain

Hello readers, this column is the second in my series on the rising costs of going to college. In this week’s column, I’ll let you in on insider secret #2 – tuition prices are like car prices. Intrigued? Let’s take a look.

Lending tree’s Senior Writer and College tuition expert Andrew pentis says, “ the cost of college has steeply and steadily risen faster than any other consumer expenditure for decades now.” And tuition is only one cost. Dormitories, meal plans, books, and activity fees are all additional. they all add to the sticker price of attending the school. Does anybody pay the sticker price?

When you walk onto a car dealership’s lot, you’ll see the price listed on the sticker. but no one plans on paying that price! It all comes down to negotiations with the car dealer. So off you go to the salesperson’s desk to have “the talk.” but the car dealer doesn’t actually talk price, does he? No, he talks about your monthly loan payment. the salesman wants you to stop thinking about the actual price, and instead concentrate on just how affordable the deal will be. Sure, you’ll still get a discount on the actual price, but the big hurdle is always that “affordability” question. Forget the huge number, and focus on the low monthly payments. Do you want even lower payments? Fine, let’s just tack on a few years…

by Bill Quain

When you make that college visit, the salesperson (I mean, the admissions counselor) will discuss a financial aid package. If you are one of the students that the college really wants, your financial aid package will probably include some actual scholarships. In most cases, it will also contain loan information. It’s all called “financial aid.” If you are marginally qualified to enter that college, your financial aid package will contain mostly loans with maybe a few federal or state grants thrown in if your family isn’t wealthy. In any case, the school, like the car dealer, is trying to take your eye off the enormous sticker price. Colleges don’t want you thinking about the actual cost, any more than car dealers do. Here is just a short alert about the “scholarships” offered by the school. In many cases, they aren’t actually cash money. For example, let’s say the tuition at your dream school is $50,000/year, and you get a presidential Leadership Scholarship for $10,000, reducing your tuition to just $40,000. there isn’t a trust fund somewhere that is giving the school that $10,000 on your behalf. No, all the school is doing is giving you a discount! You see, most colleges set their tuition sticker prices high enough, so they can give discounts to the students they really want and charge the other students the full

price. they don’t envision getting $50,000 every year from every student. As College

Admissions Coach Joe Corabi puts it, at many private colleges the expectation is that the average student will pay about 50% of the sticker price!

Cars or college: Real costs unknown

When you buy something with a loan, it is difficult to appreciate the real cost. With a car, you at least get a warranty! plus, car loans are paid off in six years or so. If you borrow money for college, you’ll likely be paying off the loans for at least ten years, but the average payoff is closer to twenty years. that’s a long time.

So, don’t pay the sticker price.

Here are five things you can do to reduce the costs of college:

1. Pay the community college sticker price.

Want a real bargain? Go to your local community college for an associate degree, and transfer to a four-year college later.

2. Negotiate with your college before saying “yes.”

It never hurts to ask for more discounts. remember, “the first offer is the worst offer.” they aren’t going to take anything away from you just because you asked for more. Give them a reason to give you more discounts. Don’t let them be the only salesperson in the room!

3. Use the “secret solution” for taking community college courses while you are in a four-year college.

Did you know that almost every college

will allow you to transfer low-cost community college courses even while you are attending your favorite four-year school? It’s true. take some community college courses each summer, transfer them, and save big bucks.

4. Graduate in 3 ½ years!

Get out early, and the sticker price for senior year is cut in half!

5. Always take the maximum number of credits each semester and graduate early. many colleges allow you to take extra credits at the same price as a smaller credit load. Use it!

You wouldn’t pay the sticker price for your car, would you? So don’t even think about paying the sticker price for college! Have a question? Send an email. As always, I’d love to hear from you. tell me about your negotiations with colleges! You can send an email to bill@quain.com, and I’ll answer every one.

As I always say, 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.

What's happening in Ocean City?

Jeep Invasion and OCNJ Half Marathon set for weekend

Jeeps will be displayed on the b oardwalk on Saturday, and runners will take over on Sunday for two traditional events: the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the OCNJ Half marathon.

About 400 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Sept. 23 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. the Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. the event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City music pier. the show started in Ocean City in 2013. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.

Organizers of the OCNJ Half m arathon are expecting a strong turnout for three races on Sunday, Sept. 24, and registration is still open. In addition to the 13.1-mile Half mar-

the public is encouraged to come out and cheer for runners. Volunteer groups man "peppy" water stations and are judged for their themes. Contact Lisa rumer at lrumer@ocnj.us if your group would like to volunteer.

Lights

athon, the event includes a 10-mile non-competitive walk/run and a 5-kilometer race.

Online registration for the races continues through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20. In-person registration will be available with packet pickup 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Sept. 22) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 23) at the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center (1735 Simpson Avenue). there will be race-day registration for the 5K starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City m usic pier. there will be no race-day registration for the Half m arathon and 10-mile event.

For complete information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/raceevents. t he increasingly popular event showcases Ocean City's boardwalk, downtown and neighborhoods with ocean views along a fast, flat course.

t he OCNJ Half m arathon and 10- miler start at 8:30 a.m. the event will include some brief road closings, including the closing of the Ocean City-Longport bridge from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on race day. Drivers on other streets and boardwalk pedestrians/ bicyclists should anticipate delays as the field of runners passes by. the 5K will start at 8:40 a.m.

COMING UP SOON

boardwalk and Downtown table

Sales (Sept. 30-Oct. 1): m erchants offer special deals – Sixth Street to 14th Street along Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk.

mS City to Shore ride (Sept. 30Oct. 1): About 7,000 cyclists raise millions of dollars through a two-day charity ride from the philadelphia area to Ocean City and back. For more information, call 1-800-445- b IKe or

visit www.mscycling.org.

Fall b lock party and Fireworks Spectacular (Oct. 7): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Fifth Street to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street. boardwalk and Downtown table Sales (Oct. 7, 8, 9): m erchants offer special deals – Sixth Street to 14th Street along Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk.

m aking Strides b reast Cancer Walk (Oct. 8): the American Cancer Society’s “ m aking Strides” is a fundraising 5K walk honoring more than 250 survivors in Ocean City. the event is run from the practice field at Sixth street and the boardwalk. Check-in at 8:30 a.m. Stage program at 9 a.m. Survivor runway Lap at 9:50 a.m. Walk starts at 10 a.m. participants can register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ

Rocktoberfest rolls in to Somers Point

Photos by John Loreaux

Carmen m arotta hosted a packed house at the VFW post in Somers p oint where there was plenty of German food, beers and wine available. Local musicians provided the music including Danny eyer, rich Kurtz, Guy m erollo, and Jimmy Glenn along with Destinee monroe and billy Walton. the band played fan favorites including rolling Stones and beatles tunes, along with a tribute to Jimmy buffett. there was plenty of dancing and lots of fun was had by all. tony m arts presents and Shore Local Newsmagazine sponsored rocktoberfest 2023.

Airshow takes flight over Ocean City

Photos by Donald B Kravitz

All eyes were on the sky for the Ocean City Airshow. Observers lined the boardwalk and beach to watch on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. the Fastrax Sky Diving team delivered the American flag as a show opener, followed by precision flying planes diving and looping, along with a demonstration performed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Toys, Pirate Gear, Kites and Flags

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Great S elec tion of Flags for Fall

Between 11th & 12th Street on the Ocean City Boardwalk

The Fun Store At The Shore

Summer of ’65, Episode 15

Plato under the Boardwalk; music banned

By Bill Kelly

Ocean City High School teacher b ill Hamilton was a bit of a rebel who was popular with the students, but not so much with the administration. He taught english and coached soccer when nobody considered it a talent threat to the football, baseball or basketball teams.

Hamilton owned the rock Garden

off Ninth Street, and hired some of his students to run it. He also taught one summer school class in classic literature which Katie, one of the mayor’s daughters, attended twice a week. this was the next to last class, and it being such a nice day, instead of having the class in a classroom at the high school at Sixth Street, Hamilton had all six of his students meet him under the b oardwalk at the m usic pier, where they moved under Shriv-

sept. 22-24

Irish Fall Festival

sept 22-23

Boardwalk Classic Car show

sept 23

seafarer’s Festival

sept 29-30

Olde time Italian Festival

sept 29 - OCt 1

Monster truck Beach Races

OCt 8

Wildwood Food & Music Festival

OCt 13 - 14

‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Weekend & Concert

OCt 20

Drinks & Drag Queen Halloween show

OCt 20 - 22

Fall Indoor RV Show

N O v 24

Holiday shopping village Byrne plaza

N O v 24

Holiday Beach Bonfire North Wildwood

N O v 24-26

Christmas in N. Wildwood

D e C 1-3

Christmas in the plaza Downtown Byrne plaza

D e C 2

Holiday Drag Queen Bingo Convention Center

For this particular class, Hamilton had his students read Aristotle, Socrates, and plato, especially plato’s “ republic.”

As they sat around in a circle under the boardwalk, where it was in the shade and cooler, Hamilton had Katie read a portion of the book which she found most interesting. She opened it to where she had it marked and began reading: “....Any musical innovation is full of danger to the whole State, and ought to be prohibited. When modes of music change, the fundamental laws of the State always change with them.”

Continuing to read from plato she said: “ this is the point to which, above all, the attention of our rules should be directed – that music and gymnastics be preserved in their original form, and no innovation made. they must do their utmost to maintain them intact. And when anyone says that mankind must regard the newest song which the singers have, they will be afraid that he may be praising, not new songs, but a new kind of song; and this ought not to be praised, or conceived to be the meaning of the poet; for any musical innovation is full of danger to the whole State, and ought to be prohibited. When modes of music change, the fundamental laws of the State always change with them. then I said our guardians must lay the foundations of their fortress in music...”

After a pause she began again: “Our youth should be trained from the first in a stricter system, for if amusements become lawless, the youth themselves become lawless, and they never grow up into well-conducted and virtuous citizens.”

Hamilton then noted as peter pan said, “ this has all happened before

and it will all happen again,” or as Yogi berra put it, “It’s Déjà vu all over again.”

After a fervent and vibrant discussion and debate, the hour was up. the students kept looking at their wrist watches, and looking around at all the people lying in the sun and having fun. Some of the students wore their bathing suits and were just going to join the fun.

“For next week, the last assignment for this class,” Hamilton said, “I want you to read Constantine Cavafy’s, ‘Awaiting the barbarians’.” of ancient times, and discuss its relevance today; class dismissed.”

Hamilton then walked down to the beach to Silvio, the Italian law student kicking the soccer ball about, and talked to him for a while, asking him if he would give a demonstration to the co-ed soccer team they had put together. b ecause they didn’t have enough to field a team of either

City Hall

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gender, they had a co-ed team, and Hamilton wanted Silvio to show them a few of his tricks.

that evening at the Ocean City Commission meeting, the chambers were crowded, but they refused to let the KYW news team in to film the proceedings.

the mayor opened the floor to any citizen who had something to say, and there were quite a few comments before they got down to business.

One of the commissioners who had introduced a resolution banning live music on the beach and boardwalk

a few months ago, now called for its final reading and a vote on the matter. the last citizen to make a comment was Kate, who read the paragraphs from plato’s “ republic” on the threat new music posed to the State and how it should be banned, but instead of the reaction she expected, one of the commissioners said that plato was right and that the music was bad for everybody, including those who played it.

After the resolution was brought to a vote, the mayor spoke first, saying that he thought the measure went

too far and was an infringement on free speech.

“ t his isn’t about free speech,” one of the commissioners barked back. “It’s about noise, and the noise pollution these kids are bringing into our lives.”

After a vibrant debate, the city attorney was asked to rule on the matter. mr. bell, an elderly gentleman who had to be shaken awake because he had dozed off, said it wasn’t a matter of music, but the level of the noise that should be restricted.

And so the resolution was amend -

ed to ban the level of music by the decibel level. the level was set so low that almost any type of music or noise would be considered illegal. A $50 fine was approved and a few hundred dollars was appropriated from the budget to purchase a dozen handheld decibel meters, which were to be distributed to all of the policemen who patrolled the boardwalk, with the law taking effect the following Friday at noon.

Next Up: A Slice In time

Comment on this series by emailing billkelly3@gmail.com.

Shriver's Pavilioin Under the Boardwalk

Ocean City activated four new electric-vehicle charging stations in the parking lot at Ninth Street and Haven Avenue this week.

t he stations include Level 3 fast-chargers that can charge an electric vehicle in about 45 minutes. the stations are open to the public, and information is available through Chargepoint, plugShare, ChargeHub and other eV services apps. the new chargers were made possible in part through a $150,000 grant from the N.J. board of public Utilities.

“I’m glad we can offer this amenity to our residents and guests, and to see that the new stations are so convenient to our downtown and boardwalk,” mayor Jay Gillian said. Charges are 40 cents per kilowatt-hour for energy with an hour of free parking. to ensure that fully charged vehicles do not occupy spaces, there will be a $15 per hour parking fee after the first hour. Special plugs to accommodate tesla vehicles are expected to be installed within the next month. Until then, tesla owners can use their own adapters.

Eagles make Swift work of Vikings

and once filmed a music video while wearing a Sea Isle City sweatshirt. D'Andre, being a philadelphia native, has almost certainly ventured to the Jersey Shore as a kid and will likely be back now that Jason Kelce has bought a home in Sea Isle.

By David Weinberg

Singer taylor Swift and eagles running back D'Andre Swift have a few things in common besides their surname.

the most important connection revolves around Lincoln Financial Field, however.

taylor delivered a series of terrific concerts at the Linc as part of her " eras" tour in m ay. Last thursday night, D'Andre regaled eagles fans

For starters, taylor Swift has reportedly been hanging out with Kansas City Chiefs tight end travis Kelce. D'Andre Swift spent last thursday with eagles center Jason Kelce, travis' brother. b ut wait, there's more for you "Swifties" out there.

everyone knows taylor spent her childhood summers in Stone Harbor, where her parents owned a home,

with a fantastic performance, rushing for 175 yards and a touchdown in the birds' 34-28 victory over the Vikings.

Jason Kelce and the rest of the offensive line paved the way for D'Andre's success, opening holes as wide as Sea Isle's Landis Avenue against the Vikings.

↘Continued on 40

3RD ANNUAL “FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK/RUN” OVER THE SOMERS POINT/ OCEAN CITY BRIDGE

th Sunday, October 8

Walk/ Run begins at Noon. Registration, rain or shine, 11:00am in the Parking Lot of Circle Liquor. Donation of $15 per person (kids under 10 are f ree) requested for participation, which includes: a 4.4 mile walk/run, an event T-Shirt and water bottle.

Pre-registrations and donations will be accepted at St. Joseph Church following the masses on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1. Register online at . Fees, and https: //www.fopwalk.org/event/2952 donations of cash or check, may be paid at the registration table.

Saturday. Oct. 7th

"

the offensive line was working," Swift said. " they made it a little bit easy. I was just trying to make the most of each opportunity I was given out there."

Swift's 175 yards were a career high and the most by an eagle since former running back LeSean m cCoy dashed through the snow for a franchise-record 217 yards against the Lions in 2013.

Doing it in front of his hometown fans made it even more special for Swift. Although he played the previous seasons in Detroit, Swift grew up in philly and attended St. Joseph's prep.

" everything was amazing," Swift said. "It's a blessing to be back, and have support and love from the people that I grew up around."

It was a stark change from D'Andre's first game with the eagles.

Kenneth Gainwell served as the eagles' primary running back in their 25-20 win at New england, rushing for 54 yards on 14 carries. Swift had just one carry for 3 yards.

He lived up to expectations against the Vikings, however. His speed, elusiveness and power resulted in huge gains, including a 43-yarder during a

fourth-quarter drive that ended with him scoring his first eagles touchdown on a 2-yard run.

"He's like a mighty possum," tackle Jordan maliata told NJ.com after the game. "He's just real fast. He just hits the hole. It's like a flash, a gust of wind

when (Swift) hits it behind you, you feel it."

Swift's effort helped the eagles improve to 2-0 for the second straight season and left them as one of nine unbeaten teams. Curiously, three of the teams - eagles, Cowboys, Commanders - are in the NFC east, which is shaping up to once again be an extremely competitive division.

Incredibly, the b irds are vying to become the first team to win back-to-back NFC east titles since they won four straight in 2001-04.

t he eagles haven't been particularly impressive to date - they haven't looked as good as the Cowboys or 49ers, for example - but you don't get bonus points for looks.

Like taylor Swift says, they just have to "Shake it Off."

"Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play, And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.

baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, I shake it off, I shake it off."

Next up for the birds is a " monday Night Football" contest at tampa against another 2-0 team in the buccaneers.

Although the game is at tampa's raymond James Stadium, there figures to be a nice-sized contingent of eagles fans in the stands.

"I think there is a decent chance of that happening because it feels like it always happens for us on road games," coach Nick Sirianni said. "I've been on the other side of that where you're practicing crowd noise in anticipation of another team coming in. the eagles were always one of those certain teams you practiced crowd noise for when I was with other teams."

It was most noticeable during the 2017 season, when he was serving as the Chargers' wide receivers coach.

t he Chargers had just moved from San Diego and were playing at StubHub Center in Carson, California

while waiting for their current digs to be built.

t he announced sellout crowd of 25,374 consisted of around 75 percent eagles fans. the eagles responded with a 26-24 victory.

"In my nine years in the NFL, I've never seen anything like it," former eagles safty m alcolm Jenkins said after that game. " they took over the stadium."

t he fans in California that day included Atlantic City m ayor m arty Small, who organizes at least one eagles road trip per season.

Curiously, this year's trip is back in California. According to Small, approximately 220 local fans will be traveling to see the eagles play the Los Angeles rams on Oct. 8. maybe " t Swifty" will be there to watch "D Swifty."

Boxing returns to A.C.

Atlantic City's boxing resurgence continues next week with a card at bally's Atlantic City on Sept. 29.

t he card, being promoted by philadelphia's manny rivera of Hard Hitting promotions, is being held in conjunction with the Atlantic City boxing Hall of Fame seventh induction weekend Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

It will be the eighth show on the boardwalk this year, the most since 2018, when there were 10 boxing shows in town.

e leven bouts are scheduled, including a six-round super-welterweight contest pitting mays Landing Isaiah Hart (6-3-1, 4 KOs) against philadelphia's unbeaten elijah Vines (6-0, 6 KOs). In the main event, philadelphia super-lightweight b randen pizarro (18-1-1, 10 KOs) will face esteban Garcia (16-2, 8 KOs), of Crawley, California in a 10-rounder.

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.

D'Andre Swift

Isaiah Hart of Mays Landing

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney's Weekly Picks

When: Sept. 19 - Sept. 24

Time: m ultiple t imes e ach DayCheck Website Website: atlanticcitypickleballopen. com

t he 2023 USA pickleball National Indoor Championship hosted by the Atlantic City pickleball Open will be at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Atlantic City

When: thursday, Sept. 21 - Sunday, Sept. 24

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Don’t miss your chance to see Vinny Guadagnino as he dances with the world-famous Chippendales for six shows at Hard rock Atlantic City.

When: Friday, Sept. 22

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.theoceanac.com

Standup comedian Nate b argatze, known for his clean relatable comedy for all age groups, will make a stop at Ovation Hall.

There are some really fun happenings. 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: USA pickleball Indoor National Championships

Where: Atlantic City Convention Center

Who: Chippendales featuring “Jersey Shore” star Vinny Guadagnino

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino

Who: Nate bargatze

Where: Ocean Casino resort’s Ovation Hall

Who: Killer Queen:

Where: b orgata Hotel Casino and

Spa

When: Friday, Sept. 22

A tribute to Queen

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com

Killer Queen is a tribute to Queen and ready to delight audiences at b orgata’s m usic b ox. Lead singer patrick myers performs as Freddie m ercury.

Who: Sola Una Noche

Where: the pool After Dark

When: Friday, Sept. 22

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: www.thepoolafterdark.com

Come see Sola Una Noche with DJ Nano at Harrah’s the pool After Dark.

Who: Duran Duran: Future past

Where: Ocean Casino resort

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/event-calendar

b ritish music icons, Duran Duran, have sold over 100 million records, so get your tickets to see them take the stage at Ovation Hall.

What: m ichael Franzese’s A m ob

Story: A History of the mafia in AC and philly

Where: Caesars Atlantic City

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

C.O.F.F.I.N returns from Sydney, Australia with a new album via Goner records and headline tour. Check them out at Anchor rock Club.

What: barbie Dream party and Contest

Where: b ally’s Atlantic City | t he Yard

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city

It’s a Free event. You must be 21 or older.

What: Atlantic City Latino Festival

Where: Showboat resort

When: Saturday, Sept. 23 - Sunday, Sept. 24

Time: - Noon-9 p.m.

Website: www.aclatinofest.com

What: OCNJ Half marathon, 5k & 10 mile non-competitive walk/run

Where: Ocean City m usic p ier, m oorlyn terrace & boardwalk

When: Sunday, Sept. 24

Time: Noon-5 p.m.

Website: www.ocnj.us/ race- events Choose your distance and participate in one of New Jersey’s favorite face events.

Who: the Guess Who

Where: Golden Nugget

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city

the Guess Who has released 11 studio albums and charted 14 top 40 hit singles. See them perform their decades of hits at Golden Nugget.

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: caesars.com/caesars-ac/ shows

m ichael Franzese shares his mafia story.

Who: C.O.F.F.I.N.

Where: Anchor rock Club

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

Time: 8 p.m.

Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Latino culture during the 2023 Atlantic City Latino Festival. the event is Free but there is a $10 parking free. Attendees are asked to register at the festival’s website.

What: Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion

Where: Ocean City boardwalk

When: Saturday, Sept. 23

Time: Noon-5 p.m.

Website: www.NJJeepInvasion.com

Jeeps will be displayed on the Ocean City boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street.

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!

10 OZ AMERICAN WAGYU RIB EYE 28 over pumpk in risotto and topped with caramelized mushrooms & onions

PUMPKIN GNOCCHI 19

ser ved in a maple pecan cream sauce and topped with truffle oil

POMEGRANATE GLAZED PORK CHOP 25

ser ved with mashed potatoes and candied in Brussels sprouts

BRAISED SHORT RIB 25

ser ved over mashed potatoes and asparagus with butternut squash cream sauce

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, September 22

Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour

▶9 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean

Killer Queen

▶8 p.m. the m usic box at borgata

Saturday, September 23

Duran Duran: Future Past

▶8 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean

The Guess Who

▶9 p.m. Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Rene Liu

▶10 p.m. Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Sunday, September 24

Disco Inferno

▶8 p.m. resorts Atlantic City

Thursday, September 28

The Spinners

▶3:30 p.m. tropicana Showroom

Friday, September 29

Wu-Tang Clan & Nas

▶8 p.m. Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall

September in the Park

▶9 p.m. tropicana Showroom

Saturday, September 30

Yachtley Crew

▶8 p.m. Harrah’s Atlantic City

DSL: Dire Straits Legacy

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Sunday, October 1

Tiffany Haddish

▶7 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Euphoria Variety Show

▶4 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Friday, October 6

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Night of the Living Drag

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Vic DiBitetto

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Anthony Rodia

▶9 p.m. the m usic box at borgata

Saturday, October 7

Vic DiBitetto

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Travis Tritt

▶8 p.m.

Circus maximus theater at Caesars

Killer Queen

▶7 p.m.

the m usic box at borgata

My Big Gay Italian Wedding

▶8 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean

Sunday, October 8

The Doobie Brothers

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Dogstar

▶8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard rock

Friday, October 13

Tracy Morgan

▶9 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean

APPS

SWEETS APPLE

Frank Stallone & Survivor

▶8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard rock

GiGi D’Alessio

▶9 p.m. bally’s Grand ballroom

Saturday, October 14

Emo Orchestra feat. Hawthorne Heights

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean

Sunday, October 15

GiGi D’Alessio

▶7 p.m. bally’s Grand ballroom

On-Sale This Week

Harlem Globetrotters

▶mon., Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall On-Sale m onday at 10 a.m.

$33 LOBSTER TAIL FRIDAYS 10-12 oz. Lobster tail with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and choice of soup or salad

Five mocktails you have to try to believe

swoon-worthy options. Fortunately, things have come a long way. As the sober-curious movement expands — and the concept of a designated driver continues — so too do the alcohol-free options at liquor stores and bars alike. Here are five mocktails worth trying.

regret-free evening. Queen Jayne’s is located at 264 New road, Somers point. Visit QueenJaynes. com for more information.

By Danielle Davies

For many years, the idea of a faux cocktail was some type of sugary sweet concoction, sparkling cider, or a grocery store O’Douls — not exactly

1. I’m Just Here for the Company!

t he name says it all. t his alcohol-free specialty cocktail from Queen Jayne’s Lounge & r oyal Drinkery is made with Seedlip Grove, cucumber, mint, lime and tonic and is perfect for sipping your way to a

2. Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Mocktail

t his specialty cocktail, created as part of the Hero Campaign — which promotes the use of sober designated drivers — is available at Dougherty’s Steakhouse & raw b ar at r esorts. m ade with blueberries, lavender syrup,

4. Zest & Tang

Chart House at Golden Nugget offers exquisite views, fine dining, and a fantastic cocktail book with a “Free Spirited” section that includes alcohol-free delights like the Zest & tang. m ade with Clean Co. tequila Alternative, m onin Watermelon puree, sour and tajin, this carefully curated mocktail is one for the books. Golden Nugget is located at 600 Huron Ave., Atlantic City. Visit GoldenNugget.com.

5. Naked Donkey

Craving a classic mule?

house-made lemonade and a splash of Sprite, it’s a delicious option for an alcohol-free libation. Dougherty's is located at 1133 boardwalk, Atlantic City. See DoughertysSteak.com.

3. Mango Tango

One of four non-alcoholic blends on the “Alternative rock” section of the Hard rock Café cocktail menu, the mango tango is made with red bull, Finest Call mango puree and orange juice. It’s ideal for kicking back at the legendary restaurant. pair it with some classic nachos or a Southwest chicken flatbread and make it a night full of deliciousness. the Hard rock Café is located at 1000 boardwalk, Atlantic City. See HardrockHotelAtlanticCity.com.

Head to Vagabond for their non-alcoholic version, the Naked Donkey. m ade with muddled mint and limes, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, ginger ale and a splash of cranberry, this toast-worthy beverage is just as good as the alcohol-included original. Vagabond is located at 672 N. trenton Ave., Atlantic City. See VagabondAC. 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.

Hard Rock’s ‘Euphoria’ revives the classic casino variety show

By Chuck Darrow

Once upon a time in Atlantic City, you couldn’t throw a pair of dice without hitting an oldschool-style variety show. t hese were 75-to-90-minute programs that served up a potpourri of entertainers, from singers, comics and dancers to

magicians, acrobats and mimes. A regular on the AyCee scene in the 1990s was the late Denny Dent, the “rock & roll artist” whose astonishing, one-of-a-kind act consisted of him painting portraits of (mostly dead) rock stars using multiple brushes (in both hands) in a most unorthodox manner.

Sometimes, these presentations were headlined by actual big-time stars, as with “Sherman Hemsley &

ORDER

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

Friends,” which had a three-month run in 2001 at the Claridge when it was a casino, and showcased the star of the popular sitcoms “ the Jeffersons” and “Amen.”

b ut by the end of the 2000s, such offerings, while not completely gone, were severely curtailed. that’s because they were staged primarily as lures for the thousands of customers who daily arrived in town on casino-sponsored charter buses from the philadelphia and New York/North Jersey regions. When, beginning in 2006, legalized casinos in pennsylvania introduced those bus riders to “convenience gaming” closer to their homes, both the shows’ audiences and budgets to stage them pretty much evaporated from the Atlantic City show-biz landscape.

b ut the fun and wonder of the variety-show format is back as Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City hosts “ euphoria” in its Sound Waves theater every Sunday evening through Nov. 19.

One of three productions impresario Allen Valentine currently has on the boards (the others are “ the b urlesque Show” at borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and “Disco Inferno” at resorts Casino Hotel), “ euphoria” is a classic variety offering.

In all, a half-dozen acts fill the 75-minute extravaganza, covering a wide range of show-business genres. All six are first-rate, but two are real standouts.

One is m ark Gindrick Simon, a wondrously gifted clown. His turns are “silent” in that he doesn’t speak during them, but there is nonetheless plenty of aural activity in his bits, as when he does a slapstick, lip-sync turn to the strains of “Singin’ In the rain,” that takes silliness to virtuoso-level heights, and the segment in which he morphs into a human bagpipe (you read that correctly!).

Simon deals in the kind of comedy that is seldom seen on television or streaming-services, but which remains—in the hands of gifted folks like him—timeless, and, in this case, alone worth the price of admission.

Another standout attraction is the duo of Yunier & Diana, whose whirling-dervish roller-skating sequences—performed on a small platform—are firmly in the you-gottasee-it-to-believe-it category.

the cast is rounded out by aerialist-contortionist Donna Carnow, the balla brothers, a hand- balancing duo, magician m ichael Grasso and plate-spinner Keith Nelson. All acquit themselves with great aplomb.

Not to take anything away from the above entertainers, but ultimately, the most noteworthy aspect of “ euphoria” may very well be the impressively versatile eight-piece, onstage band that provides the program’s soundtrack. the unit’s presence goes against the decades-long tradition of having cast member in these kinds of presentations go through their paces to the sounds of “canned” (e.g. pre-recorded) musical tracks. What having live musicians— especially the caliber of those in this band—adds to the proceedings can’t be adequately conveyed by the written word. Suffice it to say that Valentine has forever sonically spoiled this audience member.

And as is always the case with Valentine’s productions, “ euphoria” is solidly aided and abetted behind the scenes by choreographer Jillian reed’s slick dance schemes and the visually arresting costumes designed by the producer’s wife, Kristine.

Finally, it should be noted that while “ euphoria” is not necessarily unique, as both “ the b urlesque Show” and “ the Hook” at Caesars Atlantic City feature acts that are similar in nature to those herein. However, unlike those productions, “ euphoria” is family-friendly.

For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Stargazing opportunity at Ocean

In case you missed it, a small army of A-plus-listers are due in AyCee for a charity bash at Ocean Casino resort.

t he New York post’s page Six column was first to report that on Sept. 30, hip-hop overlord Jay-Z is hosting what promises to be one of the most star-studded gatherings of mega-celbs Our town has seen in quite some time.

According to page Six, guests will pay a $100,000 buy-in fee to participate in a blackjack tournament (those who merely wish to lurk will pay a $50,000 cover charge) and will get to rub elbows with the likes of beyonce (a.k.a. m rs. Jay-Z), Kim Kardashian and tom brady. the festivities will be emceed by Kevin Hart.

t he bash is being staged in support of the reform Alliance, a non-profit, social-justice advocacy organization whose board of directors include, in addition to Jay-Z, such heavy hitters as rap giant meek mill, billionaire entrepreneur michael rubin (founder of the Fanatics athletic-apparel brand) and New england patriots owner robert Kraft.

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

Purchase tickets today for The Right Notes - South Jersey’s Fight Against MS

The ninth production of t he right Notes - South Jersey’s Fight Against mS, presented by the Donovan Financial Group of U b S Financial Services, will be held on thursday, Oct. 5 at Greate bay Country Club in Somers point. t he National m S Society and passion Vines Wine and Spirit Company are looking forward to collaborating once again on raising money for multiple sclerosis (mS)!

Inspired by the many personal connections the committee has to multiple sclerosis, the right Notes’ mission is to help find a cure to m S. the committee is dedicated to making an impact right here in our local community of South Jersey, providing those families and individuals with the resources, information, and connections they need. All the dollars raised at this event go to funding cutting-edge research, drive

change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide services designed to help people with m S move their lives forward. t he right Notes has raised an astounding $620,000 to support the National mS Society. In 2022, tr N hosted their most successful event to date with over 300 attendees and over $117,00 raised!

tr N consistently delivers a fulfilling night of wine, music, and philanthropy, and it remains the only fundraising event of its kind in South Jersey. the evening’s main event is a large-scale wine tasting, featuring more than 100 top-scoring wines from around the world. In addition to the impressive wine offerings, they will also feature a prominent selection from acclaimed brewers and distillers.

The Right Notes

Date: thursday, October 5, 2023

Time: VI p entry 6 p.m. with access to VI p Only Wines; General Admission 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Greate bay Country Club

Cost: $179 VI p tickets; $119 General Admission tickets

Attire: A touch of Orange tickets on sale through October 1

founder michael bray, was diagnosed with m S in 1990, and finding a cure has been the charitable focus of passion Vines since the store’s inception. this debilitating, neurological disease moved Jayne from a cane, to a walker, and ultimately to a wheelchair. b e -

*NOMUSIC10/20. BUTTHEROOSTISSTILLOPEN

to make a donation, purchase tickets, donate to the auction or for more information visit nationalm Ssociety.org/therightnotes or contact Stephanie marakowski, manager of Leadership events at stephanie. marakowski@nmss.org or (267) 7655113.

About the right Notes – South Jersey’s Fight Against mS the right Notes was inspired by the many ways in which multiple sclerosis has impacted our lives. Jayne b ray, the mother of passion Vines’

cause of Jayne, the right Notes was born. And because of Jayne, passion Vines and michael will continue their mission in making a difference in the lives of those living with mS.

Additionally, tr N committee members pat Counsellor and Ilene Carr live with mS and struggle daily with its challenges and complications. there are 744 individuals in Cape may and Atlantic counties living with mS today.

All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

The Bray Family - Left to Right: Heidi, Ryan, Jayne, Michael, and Kimberly Photography by Nicholas & Partners

Duran Duran coming to Atlantic City

By Tonya Smith

Iwon’t cry for yesterday, because the Future past is jetting us into tomorrow.

the days of lighters punctuating your favorite love song in a

throngs of the ’80s second b ritish Invasion.

Duran Duran has not only survived with a majority of the original lineup intact, but they have consistently made new music that has produced global hits and sold out world tours.

that represent 47 years of music fandom.

From the lights to the stage, the current Duran Duran tour has not diminished its verve to wow the senses. Always steeped in the next digital wave, the stage show does not disappoint. So far, each show has been a love letter to the history of the band. many ’80s hits like “Is there Something I Should Know,” “Save a prayer” and “ reflex”, have made the list. While “Give It All Up” and “Anniversary” are more recent additions to the group’s catalog, but figure

prominently in the show. A few cities have even been teased with their new single, “Danse macabre,” which is due out on Oct. 27, 2023 (Frontman Simon Lebon’s birthday) along with a full album of new material. Always one foot in the future and one in the past, Duran Duran never seems to stop looking forward while remembering who they are.

You can catch this unbelievable show at Ovation Hall in Ocean resort and Casino on Sept. 23, 2023. Don’t skip out on the openers. Show starts at 8 p.m.

packed arena and hysterical screaming over one’s favorite member of the band are all but memories. One band, however, has managed to stick around for the long haul, making new records and touring with the same energy that propelled them in the

“Future past,” the 14th album, has launched the band into an arena tour of the US. Along for the ride is brit pop group bastille (of Instagram and tiktok fame) and disco, funk and soul legend Nile rodgers and Chic. this lineup draws sold out crowds

Music options aplenty the first weekend of fall

just the way we like it. Here’s a couple of curated picks for things to do this weekend involving live music.

Ghost m art/Anchor rock Club takes place 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. tickets are $10 at the door. m ust be 21 or older.

“It has been missing a Goth Night for quite a while now and Anchor rock Club is the perfect venue to revitalize it.”

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

It’s already fall (which begins this Friday), but the entertainment scene here at the South Jersey Shore is still full speed ahead,

It’s always a blast when maribeth and crew take over ArC for events, and this first-ever Ghost mart (dance party/alternative pop-up night market) will be no exception.

“ this new event is a piece of my contribution to Atlantic City's local music and art scene,” says maribeth.

In addition to some of the coolest arts/ crafts/clothing/lifestyle vendors, there’s also a live performance by the russian White, a dark, electronic and death wave band from pennsylvania who take elements of post-punk, synth wave, witch house, and other underground genres to create a soundtrack reminiscent of an 80s stalker movie.

For extra good measure, one of our favorites, WLFr ’s Jonny Fones, will be deejaying that evening. Info at www.anchorrockclub.com.

the Funky monk Fish & music Fest will take place 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at Golden Nugget Casino Hotel. tickets are $75. the seventh annual music and food gala benefits the Scott e . m onk Scholarship, providing assistance to those pursuing a career in medicine. enjoy live music by the longtime b ruce Springsteen tribute b Street band. presented by AtlantiCare. tickets/info: www.funkymonk. net.

Hazy Cosmic Jive/Josie Kelly’s public House 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Admission is free. If you’re a David bowie fan, HCJ is for you! Fronted by vocalist/keyboardist Zeek m itchell, this philly-based group (pictured above) first rose to prominence after headlining philly Loves bowie Week in 2020.

We saw them live in July, both at Somers point venue Josie Kelly’s (where they’ll perform again Saturday) and the next day at tara triboletti Scioli’s way cool tiki party the day after. If you like David bowie (who doesn’t?), you’ll dig this group. www. josiekellys.com; www.hazycosmicjive. com.

Dear Summer, t hanks For the m emories/OLA noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. t ickets are $25 in advance, $40 at the door. Stephen Weiss and Norstep p roductions present their second cannabis ‘n’ music festival at the Orange Loop Amphitheater at 120 S. New York Ave. in Atlantic City, with live music (including a set by noted area reggae band Cheesy and the Crackers), while deejay Samwas gets the party started at high noon.

Other acts include stoner/grunge rock group High Leaf, rockers Sunblaze Lane, and punk/hip-hop troupe

Supreem and the New e xperience. rapper Jerzy Devil also performs, and there will be food vendors as well as a wide array of 4/20 lifestyle vendors.

C.O.F.F.I.N./Anchor rock Club 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. m ust be 18 or older. An acronym for “Children of Finland Fighting in Norway,” C.O.F.F.I.N. are a four-piece, hard rock band from Sydney, Australia whose lead vocalist is the group’s drummer.

Formed in 2005 by schoolmates influenced by their mutual love for music and skateboarding, they’re now touring the States with a new album on Goner records.

regarding C.O.F.F.I.N. musically, think the Saints, AC/DC, rose tattoo, radio birdman. Also on the bill: Zorn, reckless randy (rr is a tune In turn On favorite), and real people. tickets/info: www.anchorrockclub. com.

In Review: top Led Zeppelin tribute Get the Led Out put on a terrific 90-minute, 16-song set of LZ classics at Hard rock Casino’s Soundwaves theater last weekend, leading with a rousing rendition of “ rock And roll,” and concluding with “Whole Lotta Love.” Vocalist paul Sinclair and company clearly showed why they’re one of the most in-demand Led Zeppelin tributes around.

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.

Hazy Cosmic Jive will play Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Poimt 9 p.m. Saturday. (photo by Doug Deutsch)

Second Location

Live & Local Music Calendar

a.m.

1900 pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Adam Holcombe Duo

6 p.m. brandon Ireland band

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Brigantine

The Pub at St. George bailey phillips

6:30 p.m.

4282 Harbor beach blvd.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Chris Yoder Duo

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Margate

Bocca

Gina Cat

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

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

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

Shoobie Shake® milkshakes are shaking up the game! A milkshake topped with a big slice of cheesecake? A magical cloud of cotton candy? Oreos, M&M’s, or Nerds pressed into the side of the glass? Yes, indeed. Our Shoobie Shake® milkshakes are truly works of art, and you probably need one.

(609)453-7200

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Andrew m oorer

8:30 p.m.

The Yard

twisted Livin

location in Philly Coming Soon!

Second

5 – 9 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd.

Northfield

Atlantic City Country Club

Doug Jennings

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Leo Frazer Dr.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay the Company band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse

phil Stocker

6 – 9 p.m.

650 New rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Ain’t Nothin’ but a party band

10:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Saturday, September 23 Atlantic City Anchor Rock

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

↘Continued from 54

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Kicking Sunrise

7 p.m. radio Stranger

11 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Isn’t it Always?

5 – 9 p.m. party Wave

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

tom Angello and the rock’N blues band with budesa brothers

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Crash the party

5 – 8:30 p.m. the boss project

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

The Royce Flight risk

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

2801 pacific Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Joat

5 – 9 p.m.

barbie Dream party & Contest

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1900 pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

the Coconutz trio

6 p.m. radio Stranger

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Brigantine

The Pub at St. George

Vicki Austine m r. D

7:30 p.m.

4282 Harbor beach blvd.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

John King

12 – 4 p.m.

Last 3 & m e

6 – 10 p.m.

72 N. bremen Ave.

Margate Bocca

petty Cash

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Margate Fall Funfest

teddi

Petty Cash Band

5:30

Sunday,

↘Continued from 56 Red

Monday, September 25

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget red

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Amanda & teddy

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Tuesday, September 26

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

patty & bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dane Anthony band

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, September 27

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Fat m ezz

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Margate Bocca

Jazz with bob & the bocca boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Open mic Hosted by blue eagle

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 bay Ave.

Gregory’s Jazz Night

7 p.m. 900 Shore rd. Events subject to change.

Remembering When Have a heaping helping of mealtime memories

By Chuck Darrow

It’s probably safe to say that other than gambling, the most popular public activity in any gambling den of Atlantic City’s legal-gaming era has been dining. Annually, the local gambling industry can be counted on to give birth to multiple eateries, from burger joints and taquerias to ultra-luxe (and ultra-pricey) dining salons.

In 2023, the likes of Superfrico at the Hook complex inside Caesars Atlantic City, La Strada At the Shore (Harrah’s resort Atlantic City) and b prime Steakhouse (borgata Hotel Casino & Spa), among others, have debuted.

Which has us thinking about some of the town’s casino eateries that no longer exist (for that matter, some of the properties that housed them are likewise extinct). Some had long, successful runs, others, not so much. but each was memorable in its own right. Here are a few of the more notable establishments:

Bacchanal

Located inside what was then

called Caesars boardwalk regency, bacchanal opened in 1984. the concept was a communal experience that offered a family-friendly version of decadent roman empire dining. However, for various reasons, its original iteration lasted just two years. but in 1995, it was revived.

t he prix fixe, four-course meal was hardly m ichelin-star fare, but the draw wasn’t the food. Instead, it was the fun of eating while magicians, instrumentalists and the like entertained as female servers poured endless goblets of wine (for those of legal age) and gave each guest a brief neck-and-shoulder rub.

bacchanal closed in 2009.

Planet Hollywood

today, the theme-restaurant format is generally seen as kind of tired and dated, but in the mid-‘90s, the worldwide planet Hollywood chain had a stranglehold on popular culture. that was due in large part to its front-people being some of show business’ reigning stars of the era, including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and b ruce Willis. borrowing a page from the playbook

of the still-thriving Hard rock Café, planet Hollywood, which was located on the second level of Caesars, served show business memorabilia along with burgers, wings and the like. Scores of movie and television artifacts—costumes, props, stills, etc.–filled the restaurant’s walls and display areas, among them Jim Carrey’s “ the m ask” costume and several items used/worn by Stallone in various “ rocky” installments.

t he grand opening VI p bash remains one of the most memorable casino-era events of its kind: Schwarzenegger and Stallone shmoozed the invited guests while Willis’ blues band, the Accelerators, jammed on the boardwalk in front of Caesars.

planet Hollywood’s decade-long run ended in 2005 when, despite its continuing popularity, Caesars bought out the lease in order to redevelop the space as a dance club.

Official All Star Café

t he success of p lanet Hollywood inspired the chain’s corporate overlords to duplicate the meals-and-memorabilia blueprint with a sports motif. Instead of Sly, Ah-nold and Willis, such super-jocks as tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal and Wayne Gretzky lent their names to the chain whose locations included trump taj mahal Casino- resort (now Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City).

t he taj outlet opened in the late-‘90s and lasted just a few years; for whatever reasons, it just never caught on with the public as did planet Hollywood.

Epic Buffet

As noted, themed restaurants reached their apogee in the mid- and late-1990s. In 1995, the since-torndown Sands Hotel & Casino dove into that pool with the epic buffet.

While the movie-souvenir idea was hardly novel, the twist here was that all of the items on display were limited to those from “epic” motion pictures like “ t he ten Commandments,” “ ben Hur” and “Cleopatra.”

A cool gimmick was that such flicks were continuously screened on video monitors placed throughout the space. When one of the props on display appeared in a scene, it was illuminated to call patrons’ attention to it.

the epic b uffet was intended to be the first step in the Sands’ transition to the “Hollywood” brand (now used by the penn entertainment

company for some of its properties), but that never happened.

Red Square

t he brainchild of Las Vegas nightlife titan Jeffrey Chodorow, red Square was an original tenant at the Quarter, the Havana-themed retail-dining-entertainment complex that opened at tropicana Atlantic City in late 2004.

While I always found the place, with its giant statue of Vladimir Lenin and emphasis on vodka and caviar, expensive and too focused on being hip and trendy, it did have a successful eight-year run and a loyal clientele.

Ivana’s

I always include Ivana’s in any discussion of AC restaurants of the past because to this moment, it stands as my all-time, least-favorite casino restaurant.

Located inside trump plaza Hotel-Casino and named for Donald trump’s late first wife, Ivana’s reflected the couple’s obsession with what they perceived to be “class.” but what they saw as “elegant” was actually a suffocating pretentiousness that was stuffy to the point of being comical. Add to that a kitchen whose super-pricey “continental” fare was average at best and a condescending maitre d’ who was a German-accented caricature of a haughty, imperious head waiter, and you had the makings of a truly miserable dining experience.

Scheherazade

When he opened the taj m ahal in April 1990, trump was obviously intent on outdoing Ivana’s. thus was born Scheherazade.

Located in an elevated space overlooking the casino floor, it was supposed to take exclusive fine dining to new heights. Its hook was that there was no menu. Instead, patrons could—at least in theory–request whatever they desired, be it a corned beef sandwich or a five-pound lobster stuffed with king crab and caviar. the food, as I recall, was superb and though the atmosphere was a bit too upper-crusty (but not painfully so) for my somewhat plebian tastes, I nevertheless enjoyed my visits there. Alas, the concept never gained traction with taj customers, and Scheherazade disappeared within a year or so of its inception, and was replaced by a high-limit table games salon.

Remembering When is a monthly column that looks at Atlantic City’s often-wild, always-fascinating history.

Cybersecurity: How are you staying safe?

there are several different social engineering methods that cybercriminals may use to trick you. Here are three common methods and examples of each one:

By Eric Reich

Di d you know that cybersecurity statistics indicate that there are 2,200 cyber attacks per day, with a cyber attack happening every 39 seconds on average? many cybercriminals are using social engineering to access computer systems, gather information, or make money. Social engineering is when someone tries to manipulate you into performing an action or sharing confidential information, and unfortunately, most successful attacks are caused by human error. If you educate yourself about some common social engineering methods, you may be able to recognize them and stay safe from an attempted attack.

1. Malicious Links - Cybercriminals may use malicious links to trick you into downloading dangerous software or opening an unsafe webpage. You may receive a phishing email, which is an email that may try to convince you to share sensitive information, click an unsafe link, or even download a malicious attachment. For example, you might receive an email with a link to access tracking information for a shipment. If the email appears legitimate, you may be tempted to click the link, which could download malicious software that allows the cybercriminal to control your computer.

2. Fake Web Pages - Cybercriminals may create fake web pages to trick you into logging into the website or entering sensitive information. For example, you may receive a phishing email containing a link to LinkedIn. If you click on the link and enter your login credentials, the

cybercriminal now has those credentials and can log into your actual LinkedIn account. Now they can view you personal information and change your password, preventing you from further accessing your account. Another very common example, are phishing emails containing links to DocuSign.

3. Impersonation - Cybercriminals may impersonate a celebrity or even someone you know to try and trick you into revealing sensitive information, clicking an unsafe link, or downloading a malicious attachment. For example, you could receive a phone call from a cybercriminal posing as your internet provider. they could tell you your payment is overdue and mention your account number and date of birth, which may lead you to provide your payment information. these types of impersonation attacks can also occur over email, text message or social media.

So how do you stay safe from social engineering? Here are some tips you can use to help protect yourself:

● b efore clicking on a link, hover your mouse over the link to make sure that the link is secure and matches the website you’re looking for.

● Instead of clicking a link or a button in an email to go to a website, visit the website directly by entering the U rL into your address bar.

● b efore sharing any sensitive information such as your date of birth or banking information, you should always verify the source you’re sharing the information with is legitimate.

● If someone you know messages you to ask questions about your organization or sends you a link, you should contact that person directly make sure the request

is legitimate. If a message or call seems suspicious, it is likely suspicious.

by taking a few minutes to exercise caution before clicking on links or providing sensitive information, etc, you may be able to prevent a cyber attack from occurring.

*Source: https://www.getastra. com/blog/security-audit/cyber-security-statistics/

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

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

The value of a funeral to celebrate a life lived

By Andrew Hoffman

When it comes to funerals, there are three points of view that come into play. perhaps different perspectives is a better way to put it. Why? because in my lifetime I have been fortunate or unfortunate enough to experience all three and I am in a unique position to tell you what it is like to go thought these life moments but with a death care professionals’ eye.

I have been the mourner, coming to a funeral to offer my condolences to the survivors of a friend and pay my respects to the deceased themselves. I have been a family member who has lost another close family member and been on the other end or receiving condolences. Lastly, I have been (and am) a funeral director who has served thousands of families in a career that

spans 26 years. I have seen and experienced so much with each of those services. this will be a more intimate look at the funeral and its value from strictly my point of view based on my life thus far. So I will be stating a lot of my opinions in this article that some others would disagree with or debate. You are free to do so but I wanted to give a disclaimer in advance, so be warned.

So, let’s start off with my point of view as a mourner or someone who is coming to the funeral to pay their respects. many would argue that in today’s world as fast paced as it is, there is little to no time to stop what we are doing and come to a viewing, visitation or service for a deceased acquaintance. Another excuse (in my opinion) is that some of us try to avoid any experience with death. We as a people try to limit any pain in our life both mentally (going to a funeral) or physically (going to the gym), even though it is a good thing to do.

there is great personal value in the action of coming to someone’s viewing, visitation, memorial or funeral service. I have attended two funerals as a mourner, one was

a close friend and the other was a coworker/friend (which was just recently) and hence the reason for this article. When I went to the funeral of my coworker/friend, I saw other people that I knew who were mutual acquaintances. As I waited in line to be seen by the family, I talked with them, and we shared stories we of the deceased. Some of them I knew about and others I had never heard before, but there was great comfort in hearing them. I looked at the pictures and video that were done up for him. As I continued to wait and the line moved, I thought about my coworker/friend and what my life was going to be like moving on without him. It made me stop and reflect on

myself and what I had done with him while he was alive and the experiences I would miss now because he was gone. this was both sad and yet it gave meaning to the here and now.

reflecting on the recent experience with my late co-worker, it was also humbling. I say humbling because we move through life and not really living our lives. things are just done on automatic and with no real thought as to what we are doing or why are we doing them. but a funeral can act like a life speed bump. It makes us slow down. If we are going too fast, we will hit the bump and we will go flying and more than likely break something.

I’ll continue with my perspective on the value of the funeral for the mourner, the family and the funeral director next week. I hope you found the first part of my article informative and thought provoking.

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

By David Setley

When it comes to good wine, I love freely and openly across wine regions and the countless number of varietals. However, this week, I’d like to focus on a single wine region, rioja, that produces excellent wines worthy of aging. rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain, is located northeast of madrid and is comprised of three subregions: rioja Alta, rioja Alavesa, and rioja. Allow me to share a brief history of the region, discuss the oak-barrel aging process that makes the wines age-worthy, and offer some suggestions of reasonably-priced rioja wines for you to try.

the wine history of La rioja goes back to the 11th century b .C. when the phoenicians brought grape vines to the region. However, it was the romans who significantly expanded

wine production in the area. When phylloxera, a louse that lives in North American soil, was accidentally brought to e urope in the latter half of the 1800s, it nearly destroyed the wine industry throughout much of europe. Although American wine grape vines are largely immune to the pest, it was deadly to europe’s wine grape vine, vitis vinifera. However, wine historians consider this epidemic to be a net positive for the rioja wine industry in the long run. When a remedy was discovered, Spain was able to rebound quickly, resulting in a competitive advantage for rioja wines in the post- phylloxera era. Later, WWI and WWII created major challenges for the Spanish wine industry, as vineyards were uprooted to grow food to feed the nation’s population. It wasn’t until the 1960s that many of the vineyards were replanted with grapes. the 1970 vintage in rioja was particularly successful and returned Spanish wine to international prominence. As of 2022, Spain is number three in global wine

production (behind Italy and France), and a very close second to Italy in global wine exports.

the dominant grape produced in the rioja wine region is tempranillo, but you will see four distinct designations for rioja wines: rioja tempranillo, Crianza, rioja reserva, and rioja Gran reserva. the difference in each designation is how long the wine is aged. traditionally, rioja wines are aged in American Oak barrels and therefore have a more notable “wood” character than wines aged in French oak. rioja tempranillo wines are the “freshest” (least-aged) wines that are aged in oak barrels for a few months prior to bottling and sale. rioja Crianza wines must be aged a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels

and then an additional 6 months in the bottle before sale. rioja reserva wines must be aged for a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels, followed by a minimum of two years in the bottle before being made available for purchase. Finally, the Gran reserva wines must be aged a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels and three years in the bottle before release into the market. most winemakers also utilize their best grapes for the reserva and Gran reserva wines.

the science behind the aging of wine is complicated but, in general, the longer the wine is aged, the smoother the taste will be. As the wine ages, the tannins settle and blend with the residual sugar to reduce the bitterness and astringency (drying effect) that can be more evident in fresher wines. Although most American consumers do not cellar wines, rioja wines are in fact age-worthy. the rioja tempranillo and Crianza wines can be cellared for up to five years beyond the vintage date. the rioja reserva can, if done

properly, be held for as long as 15 to 20 years, while the Gran reserva wines may be held for as long as 20 to 30 years.

rioja uses a unique, color-coded labeling system to designate each of the variations discussed above. take a look at the back of a rioja DOC wine bottle. At the bottom, you will see a label with the word rioja; the label will be green if it is a tempranillo, red if it is Crianza, maroon for reserva, and blue for Gran reserva. to my knowledge, this is the only wine region in the world with color-coded labeling to designate its regionally certified wines. It certainly makes it easy to spot the differences in age! rioja wines are dry, flavorful, and smooth. they pair well with a range of foods from beef, veal, and lamb, to poultry and fish like salmon and tuna, and, as with most Spanish wines, are

very reasonably priced. tempranillo wines are medium to full-bodied with a dark ruby-red color. t he aroma is a beautiful balance of oak with red raspberry and cherry fruit, while the flavors are dark red fruit with notes of forest floor. A great example of what rioja can produce is the Larchago wines from the bodegas Familia Chavarri. these wines are available in a 2021 rioja tempranillo, a 2019 Crianza, and a 2016 reserva. t he quality-to-price ratio of these wines is remarkable! Definitely a “must try” and even better if you host a wine tasting for the ages using each. If you would like to try a Gran reserva, try the 2016 Cune rioja Gran reserva.

Cheers to the great wines of the rioja and the impact of aging. As always, feel free to contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com. Until next time, happy wining!

Meet the Popular French Bulldog

By Heidi Clayton

Since 1991, the most popular dog in the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been the Labrador retriever. In 2022 the French bulldog unseated Labs for the top spot. French bulldogs originate from the Nottingham District of england where toysized bulldogs became a popular dog among those working in the lace-making industry. As lace making spread to paris, the toy-sized bulldogs became increasingly popular and were given the name bouleDogue Francais. m ost likely the pug and some type of terrier were mixed in to develop the breed's signature bat-style ears. In 1897, the breed made its way to America, and the French b ulldog Club of America (Fb DCA) was formed.

Since 1897, the Fb DCA has been championing the health and welfare

of Frenchies. they have developed breed and health standards for serious breeders to follow to ensure the health of their beloved little dogs. With the surge in popularity, the Fb DCA has seen a sharp rise in Frenchie rescues. the majority of those dogs are from “backyard breeders” or puppy mills, neither of which do any health testing before breeding. Here is a quick list of things to look for when looking for a Frenchie puppy.

When looking for a purebred dog, the AKC maintains a list of national clubs that maintain a list of reputable breeders. the Fb DCA has existed for 126 years. the club requires their members to health test their French bulldogs. Getting a puppy from one of their breeders should greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of genetic health issues. b reeders who belong to the Fb DCA report all of their health testing findings to an organization called the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) which keeps detailed records of test results. A good breeder will provide you with those results.

Frenchies are a dwarf breed and shouldn’t be any bigger than 28

pounds. their physical structure is important to overall health and their ability to actually move. b reeders should have tested parents for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and elbow dysplasia. the Frenchie has a very broad chest and needs their elbows to not slip around from poor structure in order to walk.

t he muzzle of the Frenchie is shorter than other dogs so the palate is pushed further back into the throat. too flat of a face can lead to breathing problems. that is why the head and neck structures in the parents are so important. Find a breeder who shows and has done some winning with their dogs, so you know that their dogs meet the AKC standard. Judges will have recognized that their Frenchies’ faces meet that standard and that breathing issues due to having an incorrect short muzzle don’t exist. You should also ensure that they have had their dogs tested for tracheal Hypoplasia and had a respiratory Function Grading test with the results registered with OFA.

Color in Frenchies has only been changed 5 times since 1897. they are white, cream, or fawn with markings such as brindle, piebald,

or black and white markings. Solid black, black and tan, black and white, and white with black, blue, merle, fawn, or liver are colors often associated with known health issues. those colors have never occurred in the breed, which means that another breed was used to create them to get the “fad” color. For example, anyone claiming to have a Frenchie with blue eyes and a blue merle coat is not breeding a purebred Frenchie but a mix of something to get the fad color.

If you’ve caught the Frenchie bug, visit frenchbulldog.org to find a reputable breeder.

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

Bark in the Park has tails wagging

by providing financial assistance for lifesaving care.

By Julia Train

What’s better than a fall block party? A fall block party with your b FF (best furry friend)!

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Laddie’s Legacy, a 501(c)(3) that aims to save pets’ lives, and Absecon Veterinary Hospital hosted their third annual bark in the park at Atlantic County’s 4-H fairgrounds to raise funds.

Named after a beloved maine coon kitten that was surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital because his owner couldn’t afford the increasing medical fees, Laddie’s Legacy aims to prevent that from happening to other animals

there were dogs as far as the eye could see. they were everywhere. Dogs were lying down, going through obstacle courses, playing, painting and eating pie.

t he fairgrounds were filled with dog-related small and local businesses next to each other, selling treats, accessories, harnesses, leashes, bow ties and

even grooming services.

One of these businesses was High Spirits Studio, created by 18-year-old Isabella Hedrich, who digitally draws custom pet portraits and sells them on shirts or as prints.

“I love art. And I love animals. And I can't decide which one I want to do. So I decided to put the two together,” she said.

Hedrich hopes to use her profit to fulfill her dream of building an animal sanctuary. Although she doesn’t have an etsy store, those interested in purchasing a digital portrait of their furry friends can reach out to her on Instagram.

Other featured businesses include mays Landing’s pets plus, which was handing out free treats, and b ully bows, which was selling bows, harnesses and leashes. Nails to tails was also there, completing on-site grooming.

there were also “normal fall block party” vendors and activities there too. bark in the park had food trucks, fall decor, face painting, a petting zoo, handmade goods, lawn games, clothing vendors, and a beer garden.

In addition to activities like musical sit, there was a dog show that allowed owners to show off their pups and let them compete for different titles, such as “most adorable adult,” “celebrity look alike,” “most unique” or “most obedient.”

the event showcased a handful of breeds that were at the park that day. there were doodles, Frenchies, dachshunds, huskies and more, all with different life stories.

Some were just part of the family, while others also spent time helping people.

mandy Lowe and rob Luke were attending with their Dalmatian Allie, who was lying on the ground,

exhausted from such a stimulating day.

the couple brought the two-year-old pup in order to socialize her because they’re in the midst of training her to become a therapy dog for nursing homes, a road they’ve been on since purchasing her from a breeder.

“We did all of the different training that they had [at petSmart] and then we worked up to therapy dog training and then she [passed] the ‘Canine Good Citizen test,’” said Lowe. “We have friends that have therapy dogs, so we just kind of joined the group with them. We kind of joked about it because Dalmatians are very hyper but her temperament is so nice. She's really calm for a Dalmatian.”

Although visibly spent, Allie never turned down scratches from strangers, which seemed to be a common theme for most pups that day.

For more information on Laddie’s Legacy, visit www.laddieslegacy.org.

For more information on the Absecon Veterinary Hospital, visit www. abseconvet.com.

Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies. At school, she writes and copy edits for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates. She’ll be graduating in the spring. Connect with her on Instagram @ juliatrain

Groundbreaking takes place for Lakes Bay Redevelopment Area and Pleasantville Waterfront Park

The City of p leasantville hosted a special groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, September 15, 2023

as construction began on the Lakes bay redevelopment Area and on the adjacent pleasantville Waterfront

park, along with the simultaneous start of dredging at the city’s Lakes bay marina.

Numerous local dignitaries will join pleasantville mayor Judy m . Ward and City Council president ricky Cistrunk in ceremoniously digging shovels into

the earth to mark the long-awaited start of construction on the adjacent projects situated along pleasantville’s Lakes bay waterfront.

pleasantville’s Lakes bay redevelopment Area is dominated by the site of the city’s old high school, which was demolished in 2006. Development plans for the area between bayview Avenue, Franklin boulevard and Hampden Court include six buildings with 180 one- and two-bedroom rental units priced at market rate including a pool, clubhouse, and gym. there are also plans to add restaurants in the area.

Development of a new pleasantville Waterfront park will begin

construction thanks to a recent $1.2 million grant from the Green Acres program to fund the renovation project on the waterfront land, commonly called Joker’s Field, which once was the home of the city’s youth football team, the pleasantville Jokers. Additional funds come from the Urban enterprise Zone program and the City of pleasantville. the redevelopment of this Waterfront park will have a broad citywide benefit and will be accessible to all residents.

Simultaneously, the City will begin its dredging project at the pleasantville Lakes b ay m arina supported with over $500,000 in Green Acres funds.

Pleasantville Mayor Judy Ward

How to upgrade to a smart home

Wi-Fi network, including laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and smartphones. If your connection is slow and you add smart devices, your Wi-Fi network could suffer. Here are a few things you can do to boost your connectivity in preparation for adding smart devices:

planning to add smart devices throughout your home, it may be beneficial to choose a virtual assistant to streamline all of your devices.

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

Controlling your home from the palm of your hand was once thought of as science fiction, but now it’s part of everyday life for many people. today it feels like we’re living in what the utopian future cartoon show, “ the Jetsons,” envisioned back in the 1960s.

technology has paved the way for smart homes, allowing you to control everything from the front door to the sprinkler system from the comfort of your couch or while you are away at work.

Adding smart devices to your home can help to simplify your life, but it can be confusing to know where to start. Here are some tips on how you can give your home and living space a smart upgrade.

Check Your Internet Connection

You will need a strong wireless connection to power your smart home. You may already have many devices on your

● Check your plan. Do you know how fast your internet connection is? there is a chance you may be overpaying for a slower connection speed.

● Upgrade your router and modem. m ultiple devices can spread your bandwidth thin, but routers and modems with faster download speeds can handle increased use without sacrificing bandwidth.

● move your router and modem. make sure your devices are not in an enclosed space. placing them out in the open will keep your Wi-Fi signal strength strong and your modem and router well ventilated to prevent overheating.

● Add a Wi-Fi booster to amplify the reach of your signal so you will have strong access from all areas of your home.

Choose a Virtual Assistant

If you plan to get only a few smart home additions, you may be able to control these devices through apps on your smartphone. However, if you are

A smart speaker automatically comes with a virtual assistant, which can answer questions and commands when prompted by your voice or through the assistant app on your smartphone.

there are several virtual assistants to choose from, the most popular ones being Amazon’s Alexa, Apple's Siri and Google Assistant.

the virtual assistant and smart speaker you select will determine the smart devices you can buy, since not all devices are compatible with all assistants. Always check if the device is compatible with your setup before you purchase.

Choose Your Gadgets

t here are smart devices available for every room in your home. Here are a few popular additions to integrate your existing home appliances and gadgets into your smart system.

Smart Plugs

Add smart plugs to convert your small appliances or electronics into devices you can control remotely or via your virtual assistant. You will love the convenience of making coffee before getting out of bed in the morning or starting your slow cooker from the office so dinner is waiting for you when you get home.

A smart plug fits into a standard electrical outlet, making it an affordable way to transition into smart-home living without buying a plethora of new devices,

Smart Light Bulbs

Smart bulbs look like standard light bulbs and come in a variety of styles. Just install normally, and you will be able to turn the lights on and off with voice commands or using your phone.

Smart bulbs use less energy than normal light bulbs and can be a good security addition because they can be controlled while you are away. remember the “Clapper?” (Clap on... Clap off…) Gee, we sure have come along way with technology!

Smart Doorbells

most smart doorbells come equipped with cameras for added home security. Some varieties send you an alert of any movement when you are not at home, and you can tune in to see a live or recorded feed of who is at your door. Additionally, smart doorbells can save these recordings for later access, which is a good option for simple and effective home security.

Smart Locks

Forgetting your keys will be a thing of the past with a smart lock. Some smart locks allow you to lock your doors from your phone, and others can be unlocked by scanning your fingerprint or by entering a numerical code.

You can even let guests in remotely or give babysitters their own unique code that you can turn on and off. this type of technology works well with investment and rental properties, too.

Smart Thermostats

Adding a smart thermostat can not only improve the comfort of your home, but also lower your energy costs. Smart thermostats can detect when you are at home, allowing the HVAC system to only operate when needed.

Some smart thermostats allow you to adjust your heating and cooling based on the time of day or when you arrive home from work. Additionally, some models use sensors around your home to adjust the temperature in multiple rooms.

Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A smart smoke detector can sound an alarm while you are at home and also send an alert to your phone if it detects danger, giving you peace of mind while you are away.

Security Tips

Smart devices are connected to the internet, so it is important to keep your information protected from cyber criminals. Follow these tips to protect your devices:

● Switch your Wi-Fi router’s name to something unique, but do not use your name or address.

● Change the default username and password for your smart devices.

● enable multifactor authentication, which requires multiple pieces of evidence to prove your identity.

● Create a strong password for your devices and apps, and avoid passwords containing data like your birthday.

● Disable device features that you do not use.

● Keep devices up to date with the latest software updates to keep them running efficiently.

Upgrading your house into a smart home can take some time. However, once you find the technology that works best for you and your desired lifestyle, you will quickly realize that adding and enjoying the conveniences of smart devices was a brilliant idea, making your home more efficient and convenient for you and also more valuable to prospective buyers of your home now or in the future.

For real estate information and advice, contact elisa Jo eagan, the “ real estate Godmother,” at 609-703-0432. Learn more at www.therealestateGodmother.com. 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

Lost in Egg Harbor Township

BARGA NTOWN

ENGLISHCREEK

MCKEECITY CARDIFF

FARMINGTON SCULLVILLE

IDLEWOOD

SEAVIEWHARBOR

ANCHORAGEPOINTE DOGBEACH

STEELMANVILLE

JEFFERSLANDING

RAINBOWISLANDS

e gg Harbor got its name from Dutch sea explorer Cornelius Jacobsen m ey in 1614. t he meadows were so covered with shorebird eggs that he called it " eieren Haven" (egg Harbor).

Great egg Harbor township once encompassed all of present-day Atlantic County. ten municipalities have separated from the original egg Harbor township, including Atlantic City (1854), Absecon (1872), South Atlantic City/ m argate (1885), Somers point (1886), pleasantville (1888), Linwood (1889), Longport (1898), b rigantine (1903), Ventnor City (1903) and Northfield (1905)

SHORE FUNNY EVER WONDER?

Why do you park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?

Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

Why are they called " stands"....when they are made for sitting?

Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?

Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" .... Mean the same thing?

How come “abbreviated” is such a long word?

Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?

Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

609-645-0500

THEME: THE 1960s

ACROSS

1. *Kennedy and ruby

6. Credit card acr.

9. Just in case

13. Yemeni's neighbor

14. Scheduled to arrive

15. *First full-disk image of it was taken in 1966

16. Alleviated

17. Wildfire remains

18. One born to Japanese immigrants

19. *"Catch-22" author

21. *Oscar-winning leading lady of " mary poppins"

23. Green or black beverage

24. piercing woodwind

25. m om in U. K.

28. ____ and drab

30. Good-for-nothing

35. * t V's batman, ____ West

37. Figure skater's jump

39. make happy

40. Hitchhiker's quest

41. *"Wilt the ____" of pro basketball

43. Femur, e.g.

44. Cut it out

46. Away from port

47. Largest organ of human body

48. Like anti-cruelty society

50. Same as #42 Down

52. even, to a poet

53. roaster's spot

55. *It's the loneliest number

57. *Sam Walton's company

61. *Haircut popularized by the beatles

64. relating to axis

65. pC brain

67. *Sting ray and m ustang, e.g.

69. threshing hand tool

70. *"On ____ majesty's Secret Service"

71. Dostoyevsky's novel, with the 72. Seaside bird 73. tibetan ox

Condemn

DOWN

1. *Hasbro's G. I.

2. Same as ayah

3. Four six-packs

4. Genuflected

5. Sashayed

6. m onth of purim

7. Abscess contents

8. repair

9. bear's den

10. Gaelic tongue

11. m eat and potato dish

12. Not that

15. take to one's heart

20. ____ Grey and James ____ Jones

22. Noggin or dome

24. #24 Across players

25. *____ on Washington

26. Farewell in paris

27. Address to a woman

29. Just a little

31. Young socialites, for short

32. Call forth

33. *barbara eden starred as one

34. *First American astronaut to orbit the earth

36. table in Spanish

38. type of bargain

42. best not mentioned 45. Ultimate goal

49. Slightly pointed on a Hobbit 51. pro bono

54. Scratchy's nemesis

56. Chopin piece

57. Drift

58. rod for a hot rod

59. One with pants on fire?

60. Street in Anytown, USA

61. Darkness or gloom

62. relating to ear

63. poverty-stricken

66. Cause of princess' downfall

68. pig's home

See Solution on Page 78

The mother of all ACHS High School reunions is back

Iam glad to announce that one of my favorite “Summer’s Not Over” events is finally coming back to Atlantic City, better than ever. the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s ACHS Class reunion. the sister and brother team of Nynel Lea Langford and terry Lea are bringing back their annual party the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s ACHS reunion.

the multi-generational and decades reunion started about six years ago. Since then, the reunion has been a way to bring Atlantic City and South Jersey together for a great social interaction anthropologists call a party.

Decades ago people from all over Atlantic City, South Jersey, philadelphia, New York and all parts of the country would come to Atlantic City to socialize in Night Clubs every weekend.

people came to gamble by day and at night came for the nightlife off the boardwalk. You could find people dancing at places like the Yacht Club, the Wonder Gardens, the Club Harlem, Fridaze, Linda’s room, and many more places. each of these hot night

spots welcomed African-American clientele and showcased the music from Jazz, to Disco to Hip-Hop. these clubs and bars brought to the stage great world wide performers and also showcased local talent.

One of the things I enjoyed best about these times was that every night spot had its own personality. I enjoyed sitting upstairs in the loft at the Wonder Gardens, feeling the cool breezes of a moonlit evening on the outside deck and hearing live jazz at the Yacht Club. Saturday Night's Fridaze on New York Avenue (where the Cardinal is now) hosted parties and concerts that brought the top of 1990’s urban entertainment like Keith Sweat and Kid Kapri. Crowds from all over Jersey, New York and philadelphia would party at Fridaze.

Th e Light with Raymond Tyler

The 70’s, 80, 90’s ACHS Class Reunion

Saturday September 23, 8pm to 1am the All Wars m emorial building 1510 Adriatic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ tickets $35

For some reason, opportunities for successful people of color to socialize with good music in Atlantic City on a weekly basis, ended about the year 2000 or so.

I still miss the weekly scene of music and meeting new people from my culture so when Nynel and terry started the annual party, then called the 70’s, and 80’s ACHS reunion, I have supported them ever since.

the last event held was back in 2019 at the All Wars m emorial and it did not disappoint.

I saw some people I had not seen since highschool and everyone was in great spirits.

t his year Nynel and terry are bringing back host bowlegged Lou from the r&b group Full Force. Full Force is the production team/band that produced the pop/dance hits I Wonder If I take You Home and All Cried Out for recording artist Lisa Lisa.

they have expanded this year’s

reunion to welcome classes/students from the 90’s. Nynel also explained to me that people from all area Highschools are welcome to come.

the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s reunion will again have “Sonny’s b arber Shop” on the second floor, recreating the legendary barber shop that Nynel and terry’s father, Sonny Lea ran till his passing. the barber shop will have barbers (many trained by Sonny) cutting hair, as well as posters from the original shop and other surprises. Also coming back will be the theater. New this year will be the Linda’s room V.I. p lounge and a skating experience (so bring your skates.)

Saturday Night will be a great time to enjoy Atlantic City, no matter what school or what class you graduated from. It will be a night to celebrate the people you grew up with and shared school experiences with. Do not, however, miss out on the chance to make new friends and enjoy brand new experiences.

For tickets please call Nynel Lea Langford at 609-432-9649, terry Lea at 609-892-5286 or you can pay at the door.

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

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