SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | November 30, 2023 by Mike Kurov

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SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Holiday Happenings and December Events Mainland Football Wins State Championship Guide to Beach Trees in Ocean City Discover Vintner Wonderland at Renault

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November 30, 2023

Finding humor in holiday decorating disasters

From the Editor

othing makes me laugh more than the holiday classic film “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.” The absurdity of the Griswold’s decorating antics and their unintended consequences capture the fine line between festive enthusiasm and chaos. This year, I crossed that line. Faced with endless mishaps and decorating plans gone awry, the film has felt especially relatable. The morning after Thanksgiving Bob and I climbed into the attic to retrieve our Christmas decorations. He began handing me down box after box. Soon we found ourselves literally boxed in our narrow upstairs hallway so we began hauling the boxes downstairs. Then back up to the attic for more. And more! Maybe it was too many boxes

or maybe it was too much stuffing or pumpkin pie. Halfway through our unloading process, our fold-down attic steps broke. “No problem,” said Bob. “I'll climb up and you hand me the tools. So I did and then took off to the coffee shop for some quick refueling. Unbeknownst to me, Bob's failed attempt at repairing the broken hinge left him trapped in the attic. Luckily my daughter was home and heard him calling for help. She got the door open and together they "worked" on it, until the entire folding-ladder steps fell from the ceiling. They looked like Tarzan and Jane attempting to swing down from the gaping hole. Finally they got another ladder from the shed, screwed the attic shut and started looking for handyman recommendations. Things didn't improve from there. When the boxes opened, chaos ensued. We were horrified to notice small droppings amongst our decorations, evidence a rodent had been rummaging through them. When my tears started rolling, Bob suggested

Issue 260

we scale back this year. So we closed up most of the boxes and stacked them in the garage for now. Later we will try to determine what can be salvaged. With so much difficulty this year, it made me wonder how much is too much? Most of my life, I didn't believe there could be such a thing. I decorated the decorations, threw parties and loved every minute of it. This year my usual holiday decorating was more than I could do. And that's okay, I keep telling myself. The holidays are celebrated in a million different ways and each is perfect in its own way. I suppose the key is

finding what works best for you and your loved ones. And knowing that if it changes some years, that's okay too. Going small with our decorations this year has made me more appreciative of our neighbors and all the people that decorate to the hilt! Some of the light displays and decor I see while driving through the area is stunning! It makes me wonder if it all went smoothly for them or if they too faced tangled lights, unlit bulbs, difficult relatives, and a host of other Griswold-ish problems too. For every Griswald out there we see you and appreciate you! As you embark on your own holiday adventures this year, try to channel your inner Clark Griswold. Embrace the joy of the season with a generous dose of humor. After all, it's the memories we create and the laughter we share that truly make the holidays magical. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, a touch of merriment!

Peace & Love, Cindy

Established 2016

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November 30, 2023

A Very Merry Time in Downtown Ocean City to Kick Off Christmas Season

Photos by Steffen Klenk

he Miracle on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City is held the day after Thanksgiving and is a heartwarming holiday tradition. This enchanting event transforms the bustling Asbury Avenue into a winter wonderland, capturing the magic of the season. As you enter Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Street, you might think you walked straight into a Hallmark Christmas movie set, complete with Santa, Christmas carolers, horse and carriage rides, lights, elves and even a mailbox for Santa’s letters on the corner. The Miracle on Asbury Avenue culminates with a grand lighting ceremony. Santa Claus emerged on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help

of an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa descended and lit both the Christmas Tree and City Hall as crowds cheered. This beloved tradition not only brings joy to residents but also boosts the local economy, as visitors flock to shop and experience the enchantment of Asbury Avenue during the holiday season. The holiday shopping event spanned 6th Street to 14th Street. In the evening, carolers sang on City Hall steps, to name just one of the many activities that built up to the evening’s crescendo.

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Mainland caps off perfect season with state title

By David Weinberg

ainland Regional High School’s football team was perfect this season. The Mustangs capped one of the greatest years ever by a local program last Sunday by winning the State Group 4 Championship with a 56-0 rout of formerly unbeaten Ramapo at Rutgers University. Led by seniors Cohen Cook, Stephen Ordille and Jamie Tyson, Mainland dominated the game with a superb performance. Ordille rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns, Cook gained 136 yards on 11 carries and Tyson caught a TD pass and snared his state-leading 12th interception. “I couldn’t ask for a better performance in the biggest game of the season,” Mainland coach Chuck Smith said. “This core group stuck together

and believed in what the vision was.” With the win, the Mustangs became the first local team to go 14-0 and joined 2022 Group 4 champion Millville as the only public-school programs to win state titles as part of a revised playoff system that was instituted last year. Playoffs were first created in 1974, but the postseason ended at the sectional level as part of an obscure, 100-year clause that was adopted by the state in 1919. In 2018, the playoffs were expanded to include “Super Sections” that were essentially state semifinals. The first public-school state champs were crowned in 2022. The manner in which Mainland won the state title – it scored on its first eight possessions and was never challenged – suggests that the Mustangs can make the argument for being the best public-school team in the state, regardless of enrollment. They entered last Sunday’s game ranked third behind Passaic Tech and Toms River North, who met for the state Group 5 title Monday night. “We made a statement as to why you’re probably the best public school in the state,” Smith told his team after the game. The Mustangs could also make a

claim for being the best local public-school team ever, though that debate would draw interesting arguments from other parts of Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties. To be fair, we’ll limit the contenders to the past 50 years, since the creation of state playoffs. And we won’t include some of the powerhouse non-public programs that won state titles such as the 1988 Holy Spirit team that went 10-0 behind the late Al Mallen, Chris Stoll and Kevin Hallman. Or the 2011 St. Joseph Hammonton squad that went 10-0 behind Kaiwan Lewis and Max Valles while outscoring its opponents 474-19. We’ll start with the 1975 Millville team. The Thunderbolts were the first local team to win a title since the playoffs were created. They

went 11-0 that season behind coach Tony Surace, the late Bubba Green and Calvin Murray and snapped Brick Township’s 47-game winning streak with a 22-12 upset. Green, who passed away in 2019, later played for North Carolina State and the Baltimore Colts as a defensive end. Murray, a running back, starred at Ohio State and played for the Eagles. I also consider the 1988 Buena Regional squad as one of the best in the Cape-Atlantic League. Led by coach Chuck Donahue, linebacker Shawn Smith, quarterback Bill Barrale and others, the Chiefs went 11-0 en route to winning the South Jersey Group title. They outscored their opponents by a combined 417-77 and won their two playoff games by a combined 69-0. A slew of players went on to

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November 30, 2023

Photos courtesy of Rich Baehrle the college level, including Barrale (Northeastern), Smith (Notre Dame, San Diego State), running backs Obie Daids and Damon Nelson (both Toledo) and linebacker George Maxwell (Rutgers). The 1996 Ocean City team definitely merits consideration. The Red Raiders went 11-0 that season under coach Gary Degenhardt, star running back Kevin Sinclair, quarterback Matt LeFever and wide receiver Scott Lipford while winning the South Jersey Group 4. They were considered South Jersey’s top overall team and were ranked No. 8 in East, according to USA Today. Sinclair, who went on to play at Temple, rushed for 1,652 yards and scored 30 touchdowns that season. Mainland has had its share of outstanding teams over the years. In 1980, the “Strang Gang” won the South Jersey Group 3 crown behind Penn State-bound quarterback Doug

Strang and running back Calvin Robinson. Prior to winning the Central Jersey Group 4 title last year, the Mustangs last sectional crown came in 2008 behind quarterback Brent Caprio. Caprio, who later starred at William and Mary, passed for 2,065 yards and 27 TDs and also rushed for 890 yards and 21 TDs as the Mustangs went 12-0 and won the South Jersey Group 4 championship. Aside from a 14-7 win at Hammonton on Sept. 22, this season’s Mustangs weren’t challenged. They rolled over opponents, amassing a 595-99 scoring advantage. Tyson and defensive end Hunter Watson led a defense that registered six shutouts and allowed seven points in four other games. Offensively, sophomore quarterback John Franchiani, Cook and Ordille produced 30 or more points in a dozen games. They were at their best in the playoffs, storming to

convincing victories over Manalapan (56-20), Colts Neck (49-7), Millville (35-13), Winslow (41-7) and Ramapo (56-0). It's tough to compare teams and eras, but this year’s Mainland squad definitely ranks in the top three, if not number one.

Local NFL update

Four former players from Cape-Atlantic League schools saw action in last week’s NFL games. Packers WR Bo Melton (Cedar Creek) made his NFL regular-season debut on special teams during Green Bay’s 29-22 victory at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Melton was signed to the Packers’ active roster after spending most of the season on the practice squad. Cowboys S Markquese Bell (Bridgeton) had four tackles and a

pass defense in a 45-10 win over Washington on Thanksgiving. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (Vineland) rushed for 55 yards and two TDs on 15 carries and also caught five passes for 34 yards in a 35-10 win over the Raiders Sunday. Chargers DT Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep, Galloway Township) had four tackles and a pass defense in a 20-10 loss to the Ravens Sunday. 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.

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November 30, 2023

Il Porcellino fills void for Italian market at the shore

People, including me, are still going to go to Bagliani’s, but maybe we can save them that drive to Hammonton, or maybe we have some things they don’t or things they like at our place that we will become known for. We can both exist and do well. We are both Italian markets, but we are also very different.”

By Scott Cronick

obby Hettmannsperger always needs a new project to work on. Since taking over Essl’s Dugout in West Atlantic City in 2018, Bobby and his wife Carey have been thinking about what that next big project was going to be for them. About two years ago, it hit Bobby that there was a void in the eastern part of Atlantic County. That void was an Italian market. Sure, people could drive 30 to 45 minutes to Hammonton for Bagliani’s, but Hettmannsperger not only had a hunch, but he knew an Italian market at the shore would kill it. Two years later, Il Porcellino Italian Market opened its doors Thanksgiving week in the Cardiff Plaza Shop-

Welcome to Il Porcellino

ping Center in Egg Harbor Township. And, take it from me, this is the Italian market this area deserves. “Our biggest thing is catering, and we outgrew Essl’s,” Bobby Hettmannsperger said of the market, whose name translates to little piggy. “So, we thought we would find something else and open a little Italian place and do catering out

of there and … well, I think we are going to need to find a new place to do catering from soon because let’s just say Il Porcellino has really been welcomed. Our customers have been really happy with what we have been doing so far. I think we are going to outgrow this space very quickly. Bagliani’s is great, but there is a lot of room, certainly room for both of us.

For starters, Il Porcellino is a stunning market. With a modern red color scheme, dark hardwood floors, black metal racks for dry goods and a plethora of refrigerated display cases, including a giant counter area that runs nearly the entire length of the space, Il Porcellino is an inviting and beautiful place to shop. Walk in and customers are greeted by that main counter featuring deli meats sliced to order to your specifications and a case displaying a variety of meats and prepared items. Those meats range from imported Italian delicacies and homemade sausages to American favorites to meats roasted in house. Imported deli meats include two types of mortadella, prosciutto aged anywhere from 14 to 64 months, porchetta, capicola, pepperoni, Genoa salami, Italian hams and more. The meat case features several types of steaks from filet to aged New

York strip to wagyu, which will arrive soon after customers requested it. Take home a pork tomahawk and grill it, grab all four of their homemade sausages – sweet, hot, fennel and broccoli rabe with provolone – experiment with ground beef, veal and pork and make your own meatballs at home with the perfect mixture,

↘Continued on 12 10

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↘Continued from 10 or, better yet, just buy some of Essl’s awesome precooked meatball available by the pound. There’s also chicken, pork and veal cutlets, ground sirloin made from the scraps of the quality steaks - meaning some of the best ground sirloin you will ever have – precooked Italian dishes like braciola and more. Il Porcellino also offers a nice cheese selection and makes its own mozzarella in-house daily. “The cheese selection will keep growing,” Hettmannsperger said. “Right now, all of the imported cheeses we offer are pre-cut, but soon we will be cutting our own cheeses like taleggio, gorgonzola, Reggiano and things like that.” Side dishes and appetizers can also be found in abundance, including 15 different types of olives – look out for that olive bar to debut soon – along with stuffed shooters, stuffed banana peppers and 24 different kinds of prepared salads made with everything from black rice to farro to broccoli rabe and roasted peppers to stuffed artichokes to roasted veggies. There’s even some Essl’s goodies like their famous potato salad and cole slaw. “You really have to come in and see it to truly understand the sheer variety of what we offer,” Hettmannsperger said. “It’s pretty mind-blowing when you see it all.” There’s also homemade pastas, soups, sauces, roasted peppers and pre-made entrees including meat or cheese lasagna and $14.99 specials

that include dinners like domestic lamb chop with potato and asparagus. And, just like Essl’s, you can expect a wide variety of soups including their award-winning New England clam chowder, pasta fagioli, escarole, butternut squash and seasonal flavors. Of course, there is a wide array of imported, quality balsamic vinegars, olive oils, Italian sodas, imported dry pastas, canned and bottled products from Cento and other brands, polentas, Arborio rice, breadcrumbs, homemade crostini and croutons for salads and delicacies from around the

world. There’s even mixers for drinks, including an olive-based one to make Bloody Marys that Hettmannsperger raves about. “One of the most important things when putting all of this together was making sure our distributors were able to supply us with the specific product we wanted from Italy,” Hettmannsperger said “And we have it all figured out for the most part. We get deliveries six days a week, and anything we want at this point is usually no more than two days away.” In the refrigerated section, you will also find some amazing frozen pastas, including a variety of ravioli flavors

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such as cheese, lobster, butternut squash and more. “I am part owner of a pasta company in upstate New York, and that’s where the majority of our pasta comes from,” Hettmannsperger said. “It’s frozen because I don’t really believe in fresh pasta because all pasta is fresh if produced and stored properly. I would buy some string pasta fresh, but the rest of it is better to have frozen because it only has a three-day shelf life, and I would rather the customer have those three days than me, and then you don’t have to cook it that night. Our pasta is awesome. When you cut that lobster ravioli, you see the lobster in there.” Il Porcellino makes it easy to prepare food at home. Grab a dozen rav-

ioli, a quart of their pre-made sauces – choose from Pomodoro, marinara, pesto, a la vodka, alfredo, white clam, fra diavalo and more – and a loaf of bread and you have a meal for four for about 20 bucks. And don’t leave without trying some of Carey’s famous homemade desserts, which are on full display. Fresh cannoli include flavors such as fall harvest, eggnog, Nutella, ricotta and chocolate, plus there’s bread pudding, tiramisu, cheesecake and about 10 flavors of biscotti such as chocolate candy cane, peppermint with white chocolate, chocolate cranberry, anise, lemon with lemon glaze, orange cranberry walnut with orange glaze and more.

↘Continued on 14

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↘Continued from 13 “Carrie is going crazy on biscotti right now,” Hettmannsperger said with a laugh. “Like a lot of the desserts here, we had them first at Essl’s, so why not offer them here, too?” Bread plays a major role at Il Porcellino with a variety of styles arriving daily from Liscio’s Bakery in Philadelphia as well as bakeries from New York. From soft, Italian-style rolls to seeded twists to artisan Italian crustiness, you shouldn’t leave Il Porcellino without a loaf under your arm. “You will never find a stale loaf of bread in our market, ever,” Hettmannsperger said. A market of this stature is a major undertaking to open during a week where you have to cater Thanksgiving meals for 2,800 people, including more than 250 fresh birds. “It was the right time to open,” Hettmannsperger said with a straight face. “We wanted to get it open and knew we had a great product and everything was finally in place. Ninety percent of our product is direct from Italy, so we figured, ‘Let’s do it! Let’s pull off that Band-Aid.’ And it was a crazy week, but a great week. I always thought we needed an Italian market around here with good, quality product. And by the response in the first 10 days, our customers have validated that.”

More than a market

If you haven’t noticed already, Il Porcellino is more than a place to grab some Italian items, it’s like a market inside an Italian restaurant, or vice versa. “That’s because we are a chef-driven place,” Hettmannsperger said. “There are five chefs here who all have about 30 years of experience each. Just like in Italy, it’s all about taste and quality with us. Our chefs all have their different strengths, and together we are really an amazing team. I couldn’t do this without them. When we are selling things in the market, we want our customers to ask questions how to prepare things, so we can help them. We want them to be successful at home so that they come back again and buy more ingredients from us.” That said, aside from the premade items, Il Porcellino makes about a dozen sandwiches to order at their massive counter, all served in 6- or 11-inch sizes on seeded or unseeded Liscio bread, and the portions are impressive while not overdoing it. “I was born and raised 20 minutes outside of Philly – I have been a transplant here for about 30 years now – and I like a good Philly roll,” Hettmannsperger said. “My wife is the opposite; she likes the A.C. roll with the harder crust. But I won this

What’s next?

round.” Each sandwich sounds better than the last one. Highlights include Nonna’s Meatball with a homemade beef, veal and pork blend, imported provolone, marinara and shredded parmesan; my favorite, the Sloppy Giuseppe, with Bolognese sauce and fresh, smoked mozzarella; The Italian that is the most flavorful and most different Italian in the area thanks to its imported ingredients including 14-month-aged prosciutto, mortadella, Genoa salami, capicola, provolone, tomato, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, lettuce and tomato; The Milan with roasted turkey, provolone, Giardiniera (pickled veggies), shredded parm and au jus; chicken parm; chicken Saltimbocca with chicken cutlets, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, mushroom salad and sage; and the signature Il Porcellino with roast Italian pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, roasted long hots and pork au jus.

Like this story began, Hettmannsperger said he always needs a project. So, is he taking the time to sit back and relish this moment of opening an awesome Italian market and sandwich shop after two years of planning? Nope. “But it does validate this belief I had that this market was something this area really needed,” he said. “Seeing our customers come in and the community embracing what we built here means everything to us. Me, my wife, my team, we are all exhausted, but this is our passion. This is not a 9-to-5 job. It’s 24/7, and we would have it no other way. That fire drives you to do better, and we will do better, and we will keep improving and evolving. There are new things on the shelves every day, and new sandwiches and prepared items and desserts we are creating every day. But, yes, I need that next project, and let’s just say I already have some things in the works.” We can’t wait! Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

Postcards From The Past

Margate once was home to an ACME grocery store. It was located at Washington and Atlantic Ave., now a CVS store.

November 30, 2023

REAL BIG TRAINS! REAL BIG FUN! Join us….for the 28th season of the Seashore Lines SANTA EXPRESS!

Ride the Seashore Lines on a comfortable and fun train ride with Santa Claus, as Santa and his helpers visit with children (young and older!) on board The Santa Express! The Santa Express will operate every weekend and select weekday evenings between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Trains depart from conveniently located stations in Richland and Tuckahoe. Come see why so many folks have made the Seashore Lines Santa Express trains part of their Christmas traditions....perhaps you'll start one of your own! For information and to purchase tickets, visit:

Events and Happenings

Multiple Dates

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Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

▶Now – Jan. 6, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

617 E. Moss Mill Rd. Enjoy popular songs of the holiday season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Over 120 Christmas trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge. Holiday Book Sale at Ocean City Library

▶Fri. Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sat. Dec. 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SCOTT F. GOODMAN

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT

609-412-4047

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Library Atrium 1735 Simpson Ave. Genres include fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and puzzles. Cash only. Please bring a tote bag for your purchase. Hosted by Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library. Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights

▶Mon. – Thu. 4 – 8 p.m., Fri. 4 – 9 p.m., Sat. 2 – 9 p.m., Sun. 2 – 8 p.m.

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township

FOOD DRIVE December 4-15

Place a clearly marked bag of canned goods out on your recycling day between December 4 and 15, and ACUA crews will deliver your donations to the Community FoodBank of NJ in Egg Harbor Township.

Absecon

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Brigantine

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Buena Borough

Friday, December 8

Buena Vista Twp.

December 5-8 (same day as recycling)

Corbin City

Thursday, December 7

Egg Harbor City

Wednesday, December 13

Egg Harbor Twp.

December 4-8 (same day as recycling)

Estell Manor

Tuesday, December 12

Folsom

Monday, December 11

Galloway

Drop off Donations at ACUA

Hamilton Twp.

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Hammonton

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Linwood

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Longport

Monday, December 11

Margate

December 11-14 (same day as recycling)

Mullica Twp.

December 11-14 (same day as recycling)

Northﬁeld

December 4-8 (same day as recycling)

Pleasantville

December 4-8 (same day as recycling)

Somers Point

Friday, December 15

Ventnor

December 11-15 (same day as recycling)

Weymouth Twp.

Thursday, December 14

The Christmas Season is underway at Storybook Land. Every night at 5 p.m., Santa makes his grand appearance to light the park in over one million lights. Plus, enjoy a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticket sales and reservations are open online at www.storybookland. com/christmas. Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 5 p.m.

Noyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City Enjoy two days of craft vendors, photos with Santa from noon – 2 p.m., a gingerbread village and contest with cash prizes, live music by pianist Denis Brousse, food and drinks, and crafts. Free admission. The Santa Express

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 11 a.m., 1:25 p.m. & 3:50 p.m.

Join Cape May Seashore Lines and enjoy a train ride with Santa Claus. Excursions will operate every weekend and select weekday evenings until Christmas. Trains depart Saturdays from Tuckahoe Village, Reading Ave. & Railroad Ave. Tuckahoe, and Sundays from Richland Train Station, 1275 Harding Hwy. Richland. Reserve your seat online at www.seashorelines.org. Atlantic County 4-H Holiday Craft Bazaar

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

4-H Fairgrounds 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing Join Atlantic County 4-H for an indoor and outdoor craft show, with vendors, food, photos with Santa, holiday movies, and model train display. More information is available at http://acfairevents.com. Ocean City Train Show

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Most needed items

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, ham, soups, fruit, and vegetables, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, pasta, boxed potatoes, rice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. No glass, cellophane, bottled water, or baby food.

acua.com/fooddrive

Ocean City Music Pier Admission is free. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com. Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 3 p.m.

6th St. & Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com. Photos with Santa in Ocean City

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 12 – 3 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com. Ventnor Holiday Art Show

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ventnor Cultural Art Center 134 S. Newport Ave. This annual holiday sale will feature local artists showing pottery, jewelry, paintings, fibers, woodworking, and more. Holiday Craft Show at the Sheep Farm

▶Sat. Dec. 2 & Sun. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

North Country Knits 551 Hands Mill Rd. Woodbine Join over a dozen artists and crafters, including Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, and kick off the holiday shopping season. The event will be held rain or shine. No pets please. For more information, call (609) 861-0328. Deck the Halls Festival of Trees

▶Dec. 1 – 30

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City The seventh annual Deck the Hall event is free and open to the public, inviting the public to walk through and see beautifully decorated trees in the Boardwalk Hall lobby. This season-long charitable event is intended to generate funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates – CASA for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties. Visit www. boardwalkhall.com to learn more.

Friday, December 1 Mocktails & Cocktails Gala

▶5:30 – 10 p.m.

Linwood Country Club 500 Shore Rd. Linwood The 6th Annual Matthew Bee Memorial Fund’s Mocktails & Cocktails Gala will feature live music by Sidestory, festival fare, auctions, raffles, and much more. Proceeds will benefit individuals and families battling addiction and mental health in our area. Tickets are available at http://matthewbee.com. Atlantic City Tinseltown Experience Kick-Off

▶5:30 – 7 p.m.

The Yard at Bally’s 1901 Pacific Ave. Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, sweets, holiday characters, and more at this free event. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program. Learn more at www.actinseltown.com. Atlantic City Tree Lighting Celebration

▶6 – 8 p.m.

O’Donnell Memorial Park Enjoy a multicultural holiday celebration and tree lighting in Atlantic City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Bring the whole family for a festive performance by Dynesty Alliance and DJ Jose, with free face-painting, photos

November 30, 2023

with Santa, hot beverages, and holiday giveaways. Rain date: Sat. Dec. 2. Northfield Holiday Tree Lighting

▶7 p.m.

Northfield City Hall 1600 Shore Rd. Join the City of Northfield as they kick off the holiday season with their annual tree lighting. Santa will be taking lists and pictures along with free hot chocolate and cookies provided by the City of Northfield Volunteer Company Ladies Auxiliary. Ocean City Christmas Parade

▶6 p.m.

Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th St. Registration information is available at http://ocnj.us/christmas-parade. Somers Point Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

▶6:30 p.m.

This year’s Christmas Parade will start at Dawes Avenue School, proceeding along Shore Road to City Hall. The tree lighting will be held in front of City Hall at the conclusion of the parade, along with a visit from Santa Claus at the Somers Point Historical Society. This year’s Grand Marshall will be Ted Greenberg from NBC 10. Appearances will include the Mainland Marching Band, bands, and floats. For more information, call (609) 774-1482 or go to visitsomerspoint.com. Ventnor Christmas Tree Lighting

▶5:30 p.m.

Ventnor City Hall 6201 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit www. ventnorcity.org or www.facebook. com/ventnorcityspecialevents.

November 30, 2023

Holidays on Main

Hospitality Night at Historic Smithville

▶2 – 6 p.m.

▶6 – 9 p.m.

617 E. Moss Mill Rd. The shoppes at Historic Smithville thank their loyal customers with a night of discounts, refreshments, live entertainment, and raffles. Learn more at www.historicsmithville. com.

Saturday, December 2

Dickens of a Holiday Craft Show

▶10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Downtown Mays Landing Get an early start on your holiday shopping. Vendors are located at the Mays Landing Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6001 Main St., Atlantic County Library, Main St. & Farragut Ave., and Gaskill Memorial Park. For more information, visit www. hamiltonhistorical.org. Pet Pictures with Santa

▶10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Humane Society of Ocean City 1 Shelter Rd. Bring your best friend to the shelter and make a “howliday” memory and pick up a special holiday gift “fur” that special someone on your list. For more details, contact Courtney at (609) 398-9500 x1. Christmas Fair & Market

dors, games, food trucks, Christmas carols, meet and greets with Santa, and tours of the historic Somers Mansion. A tree lighting will be held on the grounds of the Mansion at 5 p.m. Free admission. Rain date: Sun. Dec. 3 Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade

▶12 p.m.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Hosted by the City of Atlantic City, join Grand Marshal Kelsey Grammer and Mayor Marty Small Sr. for a festive and fun holiday celebration. The parade will kick off at Pop Lloyd Stadium on Huron Ave., traveling down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to Baltic Ave., down to Michigan Ave. and Tanger Outlets and north along Atlantic Ave. to City Hall. View the parade route at www.acnj.gov. Rain Date: Sat. Dec. 9

143 Main St. Port Republic The Port Republic Heritage Society is hosting its first fundraiser to restore the City Garage into Heritage Hall. The event will include a Vendor Mart, Dickens Play under the Pavilion, Strolling Carolers, three historic properties on display, and cemetery walk. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite. com/o/port-republic-heritage-society-74263187713. Rain date: Sun. Dec. 3 Egg Harbor City Holiday Tree Lighting

▶6 p.m.

Egg Harbor City Library 134 Philadelphia Ave. Join the city for a holiday celebration as Santa arrives on fire truck with goodie bags for the kids, and holiday music by local groups and a DJ. Egg Harbor Township Holiday Tree Lighting

▶5 p.m.

Egg Harbor Township Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave. Join Mayor Pfrommer and the Township Committee along with the Recreation Department in EHT’s 5th Annual Tree Lighting. A special guest

↘Continued on 18

▶11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point The 3rd Annual Christmas Fair and Market will include live music, ven-

↘Continued from 17 will arrive to help light the tree. Dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.ehtrec.com or call (609) 272-8120. Ventnor Twilight Holiday Parade

▶5 p.m.

Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves. Join Ventnor City for a fun night out with family and friends in celebration of the holiday season, with marching bands, firetrucks, floats, classic cars, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the parade, head to Ventnor Square Theater to visit Santa and enjoy face painting, balloon artist, pony rides, and spin the wheel. Plus, enjoy a Holiday Market and Wood Trucks at Weymouth and Ventnor Avenues beginning 4 p.m. and after the parade. For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org or www.facebook.com/ventnorcityspecialevents. Somers Point Porch Performances

▶6 p.m.

Starting at 37 Somers Ave. to Bay & Delaware Ave. The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club is thrilled to welcome back the Riddlesbrood Players for an original, quirky performance of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol". The event will culminate at Gregory’s Restaurant, where holiday

refreshments will be served. For more information, call (609) 2331820. Upper Township Free Reels on Wheels

▶7 p.m.

Amanda’s Field 1091 Route 50, Petersburg Join Upper Township and Cape Assist for a free movie event, featuring "The Muppets Christmas Carol". Gates open at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend. Register online at www. capeassist.org/events.

Sunday, December 3 Santa at Funny Farm Rescue

▶10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

6908 Railroad Blvd. Mays Landing Join Funny Farm for a magical meet and greet with Santa himself. The cost is a $10 donation per person to support rescue animals in need. The event is first come, first serve, rain or shine. Plus, enjoy their hot chocolate bar, baked holiday treats, and write a letter to Santa. Somers Point Pearl Harbor Day Service

▶1 p.m.

Somers Point Beach Bay and New Jersey Ave. For more information, visit www. somerspointnj.gov. Cape Shore Chorale presents Bells of Christmas

▶3 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 30th & Bay Ave. Ocean City Join artistic director Scott J. Breiner and accompanist Gae Finch for this concert, with guest musicians Reid Shriver on tenor, violinists Emily Nicholi and Vera Bojco, and bassist Wiliam Shea. The concert is free to attend; good will offerings will be accepted. Lite refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, December 6 Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd. All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on Events.

Thursday, December 7 Ventnor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

▶5 p.m.

Ventnor City Hall 6201 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit www. ventnorcity.org or www.facebook. com/ventnorcityspecialevents. Girls Night Out at Historic Smithville

▶6 – 9 p.m.

617 E. Moss Mill Rd. Grab your best friends for an evening of shopping and celebration of the holiday season together. There will be wine and cheese, raffles, discounts, and other benefits. Learn more at www.historicsmithville.com.

Friday, December 8

Brigantine Community Chanukah Candle Lighting

▶4:15 p.m.

Temple Beth Shalom Eternal Garden 4419 W. Brigantine Ave. Brigantine Temple Beth Shalom will light the

second candle and celebrate the miracle of Chanukah. Holiday gift bags will be distributed, and holiday refreshments will be served. For more information about the Chanukah dinner, please call (609) 266-0403. Downbeach Winter Wonderland Toy Drive

▶5:30 – 8 p.m.

Sigmund Rimm Recreation Complex Huntington Ave. Margate Enjoy a festive evening with train rides, food, live music by local students, crafts, photos with Santa, games, and so much more. Help kids in Atlantic County by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Kids Program. Learn more by visiting www.toysforkidsprogram.org.

Saturday, December 9

OC Beach Tree to Honor Whales

▶2 p.m.

9th Street Beach For beach lovers of all ages. Join a festive tree decorating event with hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and treats. Bring a whale, clam shell, or sea life ornament for the tree. Sponsored by Friends of Protect Out Coast NJ. Luminary Light Festival at Absecon Lighthouse

▶5 – 9 p.m.

31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City Decorate a personal luminary bag, and take in an evening of caroling, holiday tunes, specialty wine and cheese tastings, and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. For reservations, call (609) 449-1360.

Sunday, December 10

Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas

▶8 p.m.

Resorts Superstar Theater 1133 Boardwalk

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November 30, 2023

Don’t miss a night of merriment songs of the season, all performed by a lineup of Atlantic City’s Greatest Stars. Performing at the show will be "The Singing Lifeguard" Jim Craine and the Atlantic City Allstar Band, Betsy Daily and the Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow Alumni Dancers, Atlantic City Songstress Suzie Neustadter, TV host and singer Michelle Dawn Mooney and other surprise guests. Admission is free for everyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots.

Health and Wellness Dementia Support Group

▶Wed. Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 4026966 for more information. NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Mon. Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please

November 30, 2023

visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. NAMI ACM is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Meetings for Family Members of Individuals Affected by Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder

▶Thu. Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.

This is a workshop-style meeting among peers with a new topic each month. Meetings include a presentation segment and an open discussion component. Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate. Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

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omers Point is set to embrace the holiday spirit this Saturday, Dec. 2, for the third annual Christmas at the Mansion, held at Somers Mansion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the Patriots for the Somers Mansion have teamed up with area residents Will Boyer and Rob Hopkins, curators of the highly successful Somers Point Farmers Market, to organize a fun-filled day of activities. This open-air market will feature over 30 vendors selling handmade items, artisan crafts, local merchandise, treats and goodies. With just about something for everyone, you are sure to find that special gift for that special someone on your shopping list. Several food trucks will be set up along the Mansion grounds to satisfy every taste bud with a menu of delicious hot food and beverages. Warm your toes by the bonfire while enjoying a stellar lineup of live entertainment, featuring Greg Sykora and The SSP’s. There will also be a special visit from the man in the red suit, Santa Claus, from 12 – 3 p.m.

In addition, Mansion tours will be offered throughout the duration of Saturday’s festivities. Boyer has been hard at work making final preparations ahead of the event. As an avid Christmas aficionado, he is ecstatic to share his enthusiasm for the holiday with all who attend. “I want people that come to have a great experience, to have good things to eat, shop, and leave talking about how great it was.” As for the forecast itself, early projections for Christmas at the Mansion call for sunny skies all the way around. If, by chance, the weather should change at the last minute, the event will be moved to Sunday, Dec. 3. Somers Mansion is located at 1000 Shore Rd. Parking is conveniently located in front of the Mansion entrance at MacArthur Blvd. Visit Patriots for the Somers Mansion on Facebook to receive the latest event information.

November 30, 2023

Lisa Alper-Russo

Oﬃce 609 641 3400

1612 Harbour Cove Somers Point, $1,150,000

Completely renovated & designer decorated! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms Michele Zelig (609)432-3589

Sales Associate

609-289-2384

8 Julie Drive Northﬁeld, $987,000

Art Barrera

Michele L. Jackson

609-287-0923

609-335-8598

Broker Associate

Realtor/Broker

103 Cara Court

1421 E Ocean W Edgewood HeightsAvenue Avenue

Stunningly renovated Su on Woods home! 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Lisa Alper-Russo (609)-289-2384

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21 Berkley Avenue Linwood, $715,000

Unique one of a kind home on 63 acre farm! 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Bathrooms Michele L. Jackson (609)335-8598

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Spectacular rancher on 3.7 acres! 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Michele L. Jackson (609)335-8598

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142 Knights Bridge Way

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Michele Zelig

Greg Neder

609-805-3465

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Mary Steen

Karen Rando Nehmad

609-675-6260

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Franklin Rosales

Scott Fenton Sales Associate

Meredith Punthrangkul

Dominika Narewska

Samantha Tabasso

609-442-4957

609-233-6411

609-271-8032

609-774-8098

Camille Shafer

Edward "EJ" Nistico

Alex Terranova

856-264-2257

609-377-6371

973-615-5061

Sales Associate

609-214-1573

Ireany O’Donnell

Sales Associate

609-457-3578

Deborah Glenn

Sales Associate

Alexys McLean

Sales Associate

Barbara Jolly

Sales Associate

609-703-3432

609-287-7648

609-408-3354

609-335-7553

609-214-6609

Angel DiAntonio Sales Associate

Bryce Zelig

Sales Associate

David Rodriquez

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Karen Oostdyk

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609-741-1021

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Broker Associate

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Harding Run II Condo 1st ﬂoor unit! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms Michele L. Jackson (609)335-8598

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Desirable Oaks Of Weymouth adult community! 2 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms Art Barrera (609)287-0923

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Make fun family memories with your own holiday-themed home Real Estate Matters By Elisa Jo Eagan

right lights, candles in windows, wreaths, and lawn ornaments are the typical components of an exterior holiday decor formula. While the traditionally decorated home is warm and welcoming, you can achieve the same effect while putting a unique spin on your decor. The list below offers a few creative theme ideas for you to consider.

Ready, set, action!

If your household has a favorite holiday film, you can take inspiration from elements of the movie and bring them right to your front yard. People driving by will delight in the nostalgia and humor of your home’s decor.

The films below are full of simple elements you can replicate.

in the movie for a beautiful and fun family experience.

A Christmas Story:

How The Grinch Stole Christmas:

The real “A Christmas Story” house is a 19th-century Victorian located in Cleveland, Ohio, which is now restored to its movie splendor and is open year-round for tours and overnight stays. Take your home through a time machine with these whimsical touches. Purchase a replica of the leg lamp to place in your front window, put a large box with the word “Fragile” on your front porch, and make your own 1940s-inspired wreath with vintage ornaments and bows. Flick with his tongue stuck to the flag pole or Ralphie wearing his pink bunny pajamas are among the many humorous touches from this movie classic which make it a fun family holiday favorite.

Home Alone:

The actual iconic red-brick Georgian-style “Home Alone” home featured in the 1990 movie is a real house located in the affluent treelined suburb of Winnetka, Chicago,

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which has dozens of visitors gazing upon daily. If the classic movie inspires you, you can copy Kevin’s genius contraptions to deter holiday mischief in and around your home. Create a mock “Little Nero’s Pizza” box and sit it on your porch with the label facing out, and fashion your home like the decor

While there is not an actual “Whoville Home” for the Grinch, this year you can visit Universal Studios Orlando and celebrate “Grinchmas 2023,” a holiday-themed extravaganza based on the original 1957 Dr. Seuss book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Whether you take your inspiration from the TV cartoon classic first aired in 1966, or the 2018 full-length film with Jim Carrey, there is lots of material to work with. At your home you may take a clue from the Grinch and steal the show by creating a Whoville-inspired scene. Make a sign that says “Welcome to Whoville” to hang on your front door. Buy a Grinch cutout, connect it to a string of lights on your home so that it looks like he is pulling them down. Hang oversized striped stockings from your porch railing or below your windows. Play the themes and songs and even invite Cindy Lou Who and the children to sing along and have fun.

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November 30, 2023

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If you love plastering your house with as many lights as possible to show your holiday spirit, then there’s no better movie inspiration than “Christmas Vacation.” While you probably won’t be able to outdo Clark Griswold, there are a few touches you could add outside such as a plastic Santa and his reindeer, an old piece of furniture, made to look like a cat caught fire underneath it, or if you really want to go over the top, a full on RV like the one cousin Eddie drove. The holiday theme that you choose to create and decorate your home will surely bring everlasting joy

and memories to share with family, friends, and neighbors for many years to come! For all of your real estate advice and questions, call/text Elisa @ (609) 703-0432 or see TheRealEstateGodmother.com. Remember, there is no place like owning your own home. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

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Family Corner: Holiday recommendations from a retired elf

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have a direct relationship with the big man himself. Santa, that is. When I was a kid, I can remember hearing his jolly chuckle from my bedroom before the magical bearded fellow plowed through my door and swept me into his lap to share my Christmas list. Somehow, I was lucky enough that my grandmother was Santa’s special helper, which meant our little crooked house on Fifth Street in Somers Point got a super special visit each year before Christmas Day. One Christmas, I remember looking down at his familiar watch and thinking, “Wow! Santa and my grandfather wear the same watch. That’s weird. As a matter of fact, they even smell alike! Must be a strange coincidence.” In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More Important To Choose The Right Agent To Represent You! Over 40 Years of Real Estate Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You!

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I was raised as an elf. Christmas magic is in my DNA. While some kids were forced to learn math facts at an early age, I could tell you with great confidence by age ten about The 12 Days of Christmas. By age 14, I was actually dressed as an elf alongside my personal Santa and his super special helper, my grandmother Joy. That year, I spent my December weekends at a local garden center giving out candy canes and taking Polaroid pictures of little ones on Santa’s lap. When I grew up and had kids of my own, the traditions continued in my family for many years. Santa and “Me-Mom” would “ho, ho, ho” their way into our home as the next generation of elves began to understand the inexplicable magic that December brings. Time, life, and circumstances have changed drastically in my family in the last decade, but I am thankful for years of special memories as a family elf. This year, I am so excited to see South Jersey buzzing with holiday excitement to keep the spirit alive! There is so much to do, from pop-up holiday-themed bars and restaurants to the countless tree lightenings, holiday markets, and festivities. For some great opportunities for holiday magic, check out this elf’s top five local suggestions:

Forever Forest

The story of Forever Forest began when Emilio Polito and his three brothers were young boys. Their grandparents told them the story every year of Master Elf Mancini Manchester, who just so happened to be a friend

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm • Sat, Sun 6am-5pm

of the family. Every Christmas Eve, they’d get a knock on the door from Mancini, reminding them of their especially close connection to good ol’ St. Nick. Located on Bremen Avenue in Egg Harbor City, Forever Forest is an enchanted Christmas experience that keeps the magic of Christmas alive in the hearts of self-proclaimed elves, young and old. With such a familiar family story, I have enjoyed taking my kids to Forever Forest over the years and watching the Polito family expand upon the annual pop-up event. The property is filled with indoor and outdoor activities, including photos with Santa, old-fashioned hayrides, Santa’s Arts and Crafts workshop, Christmas tree walking trails, face painting, letters to Santa, and more! Information for Forever Forest can be found at foreverforestnj.com.

Storybook Land

Growing up in South Jersey, the next best thing to a personal Santa visit was seeing Santa light up Storybook Land for the holidays. I’ve spent many childhood evenings in awe of the holiday wonder that I now know Storybook Land has brought to Egg Harbor Township since 1955. Having competed in "The Great Christmas Light Fight" on ABC, Storybook Land is an iconic

Fall for our Treats!

609-703-0432

November 30, 2023

South Jersey landmark - especially when the holiday lights start flashing. The family-owned and operated children’s theme park can be enjoyed for the holidays on select dates. Tickets for the holiday season sell out quickly, so be sure to visit storybookland.com to book an experience to remember.

Tinseltown

Atlantic City is packed with holiday happenings this year, more than ever before! The Tinseltown Holiday Experience kicks off Friday, Dec. 1, with tree lightings, a children’s choir, holiday toy drives, hot cocoa, and so much more. From O’Donnell Park to Steel Pier and everywhere in between, there is a bit of holiday magic for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on Saturday, Dec. 9, when Santa arrives at the Steel Pier. While you’re there, enjoy a ride on The Wheel as it lights up the night sky. Parents' night out? Check out the full list of pop-up bars and adult events at atlanticcitynj.com.

Renault Winery

Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City is offering an array of holiday events this year, all included in their Vinter Wonderland series. Santa arrives on Dec. 2 for a series of memory-making opportunities your kids are sure to remember. Join Santa as he reads a

classic Christmas story while enjoying milk and cookies. Photo opportunities and Santa chats will be available. Multiple dates are available. Join the Renault team every Friday night for their Vinter Wonderland Family Fun Night, where families are invited to enjoy popcorn, ice skating, hot chocolate, holiday movies, games, and more. Visit renaultwinery.com for the full calendar of events.

The Santa Express

Hop aboard the Santa Express for a thrilling 75-minute holiday ride with Santa and his helpers. This unforget-

table experience, offered by Seashore Lines, offers a whimsical journey between Richland and Tuckahoe villages on a historic railroad track. The Santa Express operates every weekend through Christmas. For a train ride reminiscent of "The Polar Express", families are invited to wear their pajamas and enjoy The Santa Starlight Express every weekday evening from Dec. 9 through Dec. 23. Grab tickets and learn more at the-Santa-express.com. There is so much to do in South Jersey this holiday season, and I couldn’t be more excited to see our community fully thriving again! Check out the Wahoo section of Shore Local for a full list of parades and other holiday can’t-miss events. Enjoy, be safe, and don’t forget to spread a little extra kindness wherever you go. Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe's Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@ gmail.com

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The search for the purple chair

By Bill Quain

When I was a kid, I loved to play with “Colorforms.” They came in a box and had a big, laminated picture

with various vinyl stickers on the side. The one I remember the best was of a boy that you could “dress” for the weather. You could choose from raincoats, winter coats, summer T-shirts, etc. It didn’t stop there. There were shoes, boots, sneakers, hats, shorts, trousers, and umbrellas – all kinds of weather gear. Kids could peel off the stickers and dress the boy for any weather-related condition. When you were done, you could peel the stickers off the boy, and carefully put them back into their place on the side,

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ready to use again and again. There was a place for everything. You could always tell if a piece was missing. If a certain sticker wasn’t on the boy, and it wasn’t in the specially designed place on the side, then it was gone! If a piece was missing, you could see the blank shape where it should have been. There was no mystery. Nothing else had its unique shape. Forget vinyl stickers, let’s go magnetic! Let’s move forward to 2023. My sister has a “seashore house” on the south end of Ocean City. She also has a 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter named Nora. As you might imagine, “Nana’s” seashore house is a magical place for family get-togethers. And like many seashore houses, it also has some special toys. In this case, it was a Colorforms-like house game, but instead of vinyl reusable stickers, all of the pieces were magnets! While the house has some pictures already in the four rooms (such as a stove and sink in the kitchen), there were 35 magnetic pieces that Nora could place in the home. These pieces included a dog bed, table, wall decorations, and the

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain piece that became the centerpiece of a great story – a purple chair. On a trip to the shore in September, Nora asked if she could take the magnetic house home with her, and my sister agreed. Well, that was the beginning of the whole problem!

Nana, the purple chair is missing! Somehow, somewhere, the purple chair went missing. It wasn’t at the seashore house or in the car. All of the other pieces were there, but that missing purple chair was the piece that Nora talked about. In fact, she would walk around the house, putting her hands on her head, saying “What is I missing? The purple chair!” Yes, we know that it should be “What am I missing”, but c’mon! The kid’s 2 1/2 – and besides, it makes the story even better! Big problem: Nature hates a vacuum. Now, we aren’t talking about an actual vacuum here. We’re talking about the obvious space left by something that was there but now is not. This is the point of my article, besides talking about a cute kid, a worried grandmother, and an obvious plug for having a summer home in Ocean City. When we discover that something is missing in our lives – especially if it’s something we used to have and enjoy – that item takes on an oversized importance. The first thing we try to do is to fill the vacuum. That’s just what happened with the missing purple chair. The hunt was on!

↘Continued on 28 26

November 30, 2023

↘Continued from 26 Nana’s seashore house and the car were searched and searched, to no avail. My sister then went to the store where she thought she bought the house. No one there could remember it. Finally, after a few weeks of fruitless searching, my sister did the logical thing. She searched for and ordered a new set on Amazon. Within a few days, a brand-new 35-piece magnetic house arrived at my sister’s Philadelphia home. And inside it was the big prize – the purple chair! Some lessons from a purple chair As she looked at the 35 magnets she now had, my sister decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to give Nora the entire brand-new set. Instead, she simply presented her with the purple chair magnet. Nora was delighted. When Nora asked where the purple chair had been found, my sister told her it was at Nana’s seashore house – making Nana’s seashore house even more special, and greatly increasing the odds that Nora, (when she grew up and had children and grandchildren of her own), would want a seashore house of her own — thereby keeping property prices up in Ocean City. My sister now has a reserve of the other pieces, some of which are bound to become lost in the future. They can “magically” be found at Nana’s seashore house, once again

“sealing the deal” for bringing new generations of our family to the shore. Identify the pieces you are missing. Why was Nora able to identify the piece that was missing? Well, there was a picture of the purple chair on the box, just like there was a spot for each Colorforms piece. Nora knew it was supposed to be there. And that’s a great way to look at your life. Always have a clear picture in your mind of what is supposed to be there. You won’t miss a piece if you didn’t know it should have been there in the first place. More importantly, try to never lose a piece you can’t replace. Tell me about your purple chairs! As always, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at bill@quain. com. 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.

November 30, 2023

High school PAL students conduct two-year marine research study

By Krystle J Bailey

team of dedicated, curious, and highly intelligent local high school students has begun a two-year coastal marine research endeavor using EHT PAL’s Genneio Titan Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The Genneio Titan carries a 4K ultra high-definition camera and is capable of capturing images and data from 500 feet below the surface. Under the mentorship of Michelle Riordan and in conjunction with the Rutgers University (RU)/ Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve (JC NERR) and Freedom Boat Club, the study aims to observe the coastal marine system and the effects of dredging firsthand. “I didn’t realize what the dredging was doing to the environment,” shared Egg Harbor Township High School freshman Dylan Brown, who is primarily responsible for piloting the underwater vehicle. The team, comprised of seven local high school students, conducts their research three miles off the

coast of Brigantine, 40-50 feet below the water’s surface. While Dylan carefully drives the ROV to avoid losing it to the currents, other team members, including Celine Thy Tran and Aaron Simpson, help tether the line, take underwater photos, and record data. The data collected will assist local research

to determine how dredging and sand replenishment along the coast affects the local ecosystem. With the help of Captain Rick from Freedom Boat Club, the team has been out on four missions from August through October. While many

missions were scrubbed due to oceanic swells and the water conditions weren’t conducive to clear imaging, the students on the Calypso Team are eager to get back out on the water in the spring to continue their research. In the meantime, they’ve been hard at work creating bathymetric models to measure the ocean’s depth, and several of the students presented their research at the 2023 NERRS/ NERRA Annual Meeting Poster Ses-

sion at Seaview Golf Club. They will be spending time with professors at Rutgers University to compare findings and learn more about coastal marine research. Upon completion of the study, the students will work alongside the Rutgers University/Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve Team to officially publish their work. Then, in March, the students will present their findings at the 2023 Egg Harbor Township PAL STEM Expo. The Calpyso Team is looking for youth members interested in participating in this ongoing underwater research project as student leaders, underwater ROV pilots, co-pilots, data recorders, and social media agents. Training includes boating safety, ROV operation, camera operation, data collection, and analysis. Keep up with the research team’s findings on Instagram at @pal_calpyso_research_nj. Learn more about this and other youth programming at ehtpal.org.

The Godfrey Funeral Homes T

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he holiday’s can be a difϐicult and challenging time if you have lost a loved one. In an effort to help those who have lost loved one’s during the year we offer the “Thoughts for the Holiday’s” booklet. Whether we had the privilege of serving your family or not; we would like to offer this booklet to you free of charge. Stop by any one of our locations to pick up or call and we will send you your free copy.

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OC beach trees spark new traditions and memories By Steffen Klenk

t is no secret that Ocean City goes all-out when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. Whether it’s the splendor of City Hall draped in dazzling lights, to the festive décor at Stainton’s and neighboring Shoppes on Asbury, even the gigantic Ferris wheels illuminate festive colors across the Great Egg Harbor Inlet. The city is a Hallmark movie come to life. In recent years, residents and visitors alike have embraced what has quickly become one of the newest island traditions. Thousands are flocking to Ocean City to see the uniquely decorated Christmas trees on the beach. In a recent edition of Shore Local, we placed a spotlight on North Street Tree and its caretaker, Sue McElwee (known as MotherGypsea on Instagram). She and her family began the tradition in 2019, placing an evergreen tree on the beach and surrounding it with clamshells. What sparked from North Street has grown island-wide. This past Friday, Ocean City resident Dave Darrow and his family planted a huge tree at 11th Street beach, directly down the street from the Flanders. In a tradition that began with Dave and his late wife, Kathy Darrow, the tree honors all individuals, past and present, who have served in our nation’s military.

“She was always about helping others, and the tree reaches out to a lot of people.” Assisting Darrow were his four adult children: sons Dan, Noah, and Jesse, and daughter Grace. Noah is a current member of the National Guard. As you travel down the island, be sure to stop by the tree at 34th Street beach. The tree was placed by the DeChristopher Family as an honor for their mother, Rose Ann. According to signs placed around the tree, beachgoers are invited to decorate a shell in the memory of a loved one. For each shell that is decorated, a donation will be made to the St. Jude memorial fund, RDStrong. There, you will also find a conveniently placed mailbox for children

to drop off their letter to Santa. If you forgot to bring stamps or an envelope, you will find stationary equipment in a bin below the mailbox.

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On the South End of the island at 59th Street, dozens waited for their turn to take a picture with Santa Claus. Among those in line for a photo included Danielle Palatano and Chris Schneekloth, who celebrated their recent engagement, while Rider the Golden Retriever brought smiles all around. This year’s South End tree

was donated by Ponderosa Tree Farm. Because of ongoing beach replenishment projects at 55th Street, this year’s tree can be found just four blocks south. While you are there, be sure to bring nonperishable food items for our local food pantry. You can also place an earth-friendly ornament or create your own decorated shell. On Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m., a special tree decorating and lighting ceremony will be held at 9th Street Beach to honor all whales that have washed ashore over the last year. Hosted by Friends of Protect Our Coast NJ, attendees of all ages are invited to bring their own clam shell, or sea life ornaments. The festivities will include Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and treats. While you are in town, be sure to do a Christmas Tree Tour and visit all the trees in town as you enjoy a wonderful holiday season in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Below is a complete guide of all the Ocean City Beach Trees so far this season: ● North Street Tree ● 11th Street Beach Military Tree ● 34th Street Tree ● South End Tree at 59th Street This list is up to date as of Nov. 29, 2023. If there are any trees we have missed, send an email to shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com with a brief description and approximate location. Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

November 30, 2023

Local artist designs Gnarly Barnacles

By Julia Train

hile strolling along Asbury avenue in Downtown Ocean City, you’ve probably passed Stainton’s, located between 8th and 9th streets. The gallery of shops hosts over 71 local vendors that create one-of-akind clothes, accessories and treats. While the merchandise itself is unique, the owners of these small businesses like Gnarly Barnacles are even more captivating. The nautical-themed company, owned by 25-year-old Billy Tizol, specializes in ‘saltwater’ apparel, with a similar style to brands like O’Neil and Billabong. Tizol started the Gnarly Barnacles when he was 22 years old after his father passed away. He was in the midst of his senior year at Stockton University, where he majored in business. Born and raised in and around Ocean City, Tizol grew up fishing, surfing and going to the beach with his dad, who fell in love with the area when he moved from Philly. At first, his intentions weren’t to start a brand; Tizol used Instagram

as a way to post memories and adventures involving fishing and saltwater activities. “I realized how important memories were and that a lot of mine involved the water and fishing,” he said. In spring 2022, his hobby developed into a business based on what he loves to do. After a successful first block party at Bayfest with a lot of positive feedback,

Tizol decided to participate in Ocean City’s Spring Block Party. Although the momentum was high after his first appearance, the second didn’t turn out as planned due to inclement weather. However, it turned out better when an opportunity presented itself. In the pouring rain, Tizol met Bridget Jacobson, the operations director at Stainton’s. Shortly after,

Join us for the Ocean City Free Public Library & Community Center

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 • 1-3:30 PM Join us for a free holiday celebration featuring: Event kickoff in the Atrium at 1pm Holiday crafts Balloon sculptor Live music Refreshments A visit from Santa (Feel free to bring your letters and lists!)

A visit with Mrs. Claus, a reading by local children’s author, crafts, and shopping at the Ocean City Historical Museum Hand-made pottery, jewelry, paintings and other unique gifts in the Ocean City Arts Center’s gallery and gift shop

he was added to the list of vendors in the Gallery of Shops. “I just think he has an amazing product and an amazing story,” Jacobson said. G na r l y B a r nacle s has T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, crewnecks, and beanies for the colder months. He comes up with playful designs that he either completes himself or creates half and gets another artist that he enjoys to finish it. From there, Tizol has a friend from Stockton that helps him produce the physical clothing with his family business. “It's meant to not be taken too seriously to an extent. All the designs are very different. A lot of them are all supposed to be very playful,” Tizol said. “That's kind of the basis of the whole brand. Just even the name is goofy in itself.” To check out Gnarly Barnacles, visit Stainton’s, www.gnarlybarnacles. com or check out their Instagram: gnarly_barnacles.

The Place to be This Winter From best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone, all season long. Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources. LIBRARY HOURS IN-PERSON Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm

www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434

November 30, 2023

What's happening in Ocean City

Downtown hosts Christmas Parade on Friday Evening

Train Show at the Music Pier on Saturday and Sunday

cean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season, and the parade will bring a variety of bands, floats and other entries to add a little warmth to the winter. The event gives spectators time to shop and dine on downtown Asbury Avenue before and after the 6 p.m. start time. The parade starts at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11th Street. This year’s parade will feature entries including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, the Interboro High School Marching Band (of Prospect Park, Pa.), and the Absegami High School Marching Braves. Characters from “Frozen,” Frosty the Snowman, Buddy the Elf, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be on floats. Coldair balloons – including the Grinch – will be part of the fun. Two string bands, Martin and Mollie Mollusk and

a variety of floats also will participate. As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus provides a finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls from a horse-drawn carriage. Model trains will be on display and for sale at the annual Train Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 2 and 3) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission is free. For more information, call 609-399-6111.

HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST Registration is now open for Ocean City’s annual Holiday House Decorating Contest. The deadline to sign up is at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Judging will take place the evenings of Dec. 14 and 15 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Prizes include gift certificates for shopping in downtown Ocean City and gift baskets

from the city and the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. Pictures of all entries will be posted on social media on Friday, Dec. 15 so that the public can vote for the People's Choice Award. Voting will end Sunday, Dec. 17. Registration, information, online voting and a list of all participating houses will be posted at ocnj.us/ holidayhouse.

SHOPPES AT THE ASBURY Unique, One of a Kind Finds - A Collection of Fine Local Merchants Offering Apparel for Men, Women & Kids • Home Decor • Wood Crafts • Accessories

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November 30, 2023

COMING UP Photos with Santa in Lifeguard Boat (Dec. 2-Dec. 23): Noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visits with Santa in the Downtown (Dec. 2-Dec. 23): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Mark Soifer Park, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue. Holiday Festival (Dec. 3): The Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue) will host its annual Holiday Festival 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. The event takes place in the Ocean City Free Public Library’s

November 30, 2023

atrium with holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, live music, refreshments and a visit from Santa (feel free to bring your letters and lists). Mrs. Claus, a reading by a local children’s author, crafts and shopping will take place at the adjacent Ocean City Historical Museum. Handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings and other unique gifts will be for sale in the adjacent Ocean City Arts Center. Festive Fridays (Dec. 8, 15, 22): Shopping, carolers, and free horseand-carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. along downtown Asbury Avenue.

‘Finding Nemo JR’ (Dec. 8-10): Ocean City Theatre Company students in grades 3 to 8 will present this stage adaptation of Disney’s classic story. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9, and 2 p.m. Dec. 10. More information and online ticket sales are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com. First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family. The 31st anniversary of this Ocean City event will feature traditional favorites

like rides, ice-skating and magicians, along with headline entertainment including the Stevie Nicks tribute band Gypsy and the Motown revue Motor City. For a complete schedule and to purchase all-inclusive admission buttons, please visit firstnightocnj.com. First Day Celebration (Jan. 1, 2024): Activities include a 1 p.m. 5K run on the Boardwalk (pre-register at www.ocnj.us/race-events), a 2 p.m. First Dip polar plunge, and an all-day Shopping Extravaganza. Visit firstnightocnj.com for more information.

Summer of ’65, Episode 24 The Ocean City noise ordinance kicks in

By Bill Kellys

cean City High School teacher Bill Hamilton held the last Classic Philosophy class of the summer school session under Shriver’s Pavilion, with the hippies playing guitars and singing above them, being hassled by the noise police now armed with decibel meters. As the six students, including Kate, the mayor’s daughter, sat on a beach blanket and ate Mack & Manco’s pizza from a cardboard box, they began to discuss the assignment, “Waiting for the Barbarians,” the 1904 Greek poem by Constantine P. Cavafy.

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Taking turns, Hamilton had each student read a part of the poem out loud. It’s about a city or nation whose people panic and descend into chaos on hearing the news of the imminent arrival of a horde of barbarians, but their fear creates more damage than the barbarians, who ultimately fail to show.

Waiting for the Barbarians By C.P. Cavafy

Translated by Edmund Keeley What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum? The barbarians are due here today. Why isn’t anything going on in the senate? Why are the senators sitting there without legislating? Because the barbarians are coming today. What’s the point of senators making laws now? Once the barbarians are here, they’ll do the legislating. Why did our emperor get up so early, and why is he sitting enthroned at the city’s main gate, in state, wearing the crown? Because the barbarians are coming today and the emperor’s waiting to receive their leader. He’s even got a

scroll to give him, loaded with titles, with imposing names. Why have our two consuls and praetors come out today wearing their embroidered, their scarlet togas? Why have they put on bracelets with so many amethysts, rings sparkling with magnificent emeralds? Why are they carrying elegant canes beautifully worked in silver and gold? Because the barbarians are coming today and things like that dazzle the barbarians. Why don’t our distinguished orators turn up as usual to make their speeches, say what they have to say? Because the barbarians are coming today and they’re bored by rhetoric and public speaking. Why this sudden bewilderment, this confusion? (How serious people’s faces have become.) Why are the streets and squares emptying so rapidly, everyone going home lost in thought? Because night has fallen and the barbarians haven't come. And some of our men just in from the border say there are no barbarians any longer. Now what’s going to happen to us without barbarians? Those people were a kind of solution.

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After they read the poem, some of it twice, they engaged in a heated discussion as to whether the poem still had meaning, if it could be related to contemporary events, and if it was worth discussing at all. After the onehour lesson, Hamilton announced that everyone had passed the course with an A grade as they knew they would as he was known as a pushover for easy A’s. Meanwhile, up at 14th Street, where the jocks and the surfers hung out, a crowd was gathering on the beach. The ordinance against loud music on the beach and Boardwalk went into effect at noon on the Friday before Labor Day weekend and was to be strictly enforced. Some of the federal emergency public safety anti-riot funds were used to purchase a dozen decibel meters from Edmund Scientific, which were distributed to the policemen patrolling the Boardwalk by minimally trained summer police: wannabe cops, though they did pack .38 specials, which gave them some authority. While all was relatively quiet and cool at Ninth Street, it was a totally different story down at 14th Street, where Pete Carroll and the Carroll Brothers, who were the house band at Bay Shores, slept on the beach practically every day and jammed

when they were awake because playing music was not just a job to them, it was something they really liked to do and did as much as possible. They would usually just bring a couple of acoustic guitars, a small snare drum and a sax to the beach, but because the noise ordinance was going into effect, they decided to hold a peaceful, nonviolent, musical protest of sorts. With the cooperation of their friends on the beach patrol, they put a gasoline-powered generator under the lifeguard stand and hung an American flag draped so it

couldn’t be seen from the Boardwalk. The generator powered an amplifier and two speakers, which were put on top of the lifeguard stand. The band were surrounded by a legion of fans and friends, wall to wall so it would be hard for the cops to get to them. Pete Carroll fired up the generator, plugged in his guitar and strummed a loud chord, which could be heard at Ninth Street, five blocks away. The two cops who were patrolling that area immediately called for backup, and all 12 of the boardwalk cops heard the 10-4 on their walkie-talkies and

responded, as did almost all of the people walking the boards and the shopkeepers in that area. Among the witnesses to what was about to happen were Bob Harbough in front of his grill, Freddie the Clown selling balloons, Sam McDowell – the Old Salt from the Smuggler’s Shop, and Jiggs, an old man in a white ten-gallon cowboy hat with his name – JIGGS embroidered on it, whose daily routine was to sit on the bench in front of Bob’s Grill and flirt with all the teenage girls in their bikinis, who all loved Jiggs. As the dozen cops gathered at the top of the Boardwalk stairs that led to the beach and consulted one another and with their captain on the radio, WOND AM radio newsman Mike Sherman arrived, parked illegally and after looking around at the scene – the cops in a huddle, the crowds on the Boardwalk and beach, and the band playing loudly around the lifeguard stand, he jumped in the glass pay phone there, pumped in a dime and called his studio, ordering them to stand by for a live report from Ocean City, where the city’s noise ordinance was being severely tested within minutes of going into effect. It wasn’t long before the KYW TV3 crew arrived in their white Chevy

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December 15, 2023

November 30, 2023

↘Continued from 37 van with the cameraman protruding from the hole in the roof, getting it all on film. Each of the 12 cops had a noise meter and kept looking at it, and they all read the same – the needle was as far into the red as it could go and was bouncing against the wall. When his superior on the radio asked where

the needle was on his decibel meter, the young cop looked and said, “It’s a Harvey Wall banger.” There were 12 officers on the riot squad, plus a lieutenant who assumed command of the situation as soon

as he arrived, commandeering Jiggs’ bench as a command post. Each riot squad cop had a blue motorcycle helmet and rectangular Plexiglass shields, and fell into place as soon as they jumped out of the APC, and formed two lines of six and then fanned out into a wedge with two shields in front and moved like a Roman phalanx onto the Boardwalk,

pushing the crowd out of the way in front of them. The KYW TV camera only invigorated the college kids who began chanting, “The whole world is watching, the whole world is watching!”

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The Carroll Brothers kept playing as the riot squad made their way through the beach crowd, trampling on blankets and knocking over beach chairs, they made no friends as they made it to the lifeguard stand and put handcuffs on Pete Carroll and his bandmates and led them away. They were handcuffed with their hands in front of them, allowed to keep their instruments, and were paraded across the Boardwalk past KYW’s cameraman and Mike Sherman, reporting live over the radio from the pay phone. Once they were inside the new paddy wagon van, the Carroll Brothers, even though encumbered by the handcuffs, began to play their instruments – “Sweet G e o r g ia B row n” could be heard by the crowd, who followed the paddy wagon all the way to the Central Avenue red brick police station. When they got there, the crowd surged around the paddy wagon van. And when the door was opened they screamed, yelled and applauded wildly at their new heroes. The riot squad remained at 14th Street and the Boardwalk, and were then ordered to return to the lifeguard stand where a hippie had plugged his radio into the amplifier and the music was being broadcast. As the riot squad made their way back to the lifeguard stand, the pot smoking hippie surfer who volunteered to man the gas generated electric amplifier, got some wires crossed and as he lit a joint, started a fire that startled him. As he stumbled backwards and fell into the sand, the gasoline generated fumes exploded,

launching the lifeguard stand into the air and onto the riot squad, creating general chaos and mayhem. From the police station pay phone Pete Carroll called Norman Stern, the new Bay Shores manager, but Stern refused to pay the bail, set at $500, and when word of that reached the crowd that filled alley they passed a hat and in about 15 minutes the Carroll Brothers were free. The end result was a publicity bonanza for both the Carroll Brothers and Bay Shores, as the incident at 14th Street made front page news-

paper headlines with news articles, radio and TV news that mentioned both the Carroll Brothers and Bay Shores and making them famous, publicity that couldn’t be bought at any price. There was chaos and mayhem in Ocean City and the Hell’s Angels and the barbarians hadn’t even arrived yet. Next Up: Grace Kelly Returns to Her Roots. To comment on this story or this series: Billkelly3@gmail.com

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Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

ith so many things happening right now at local venues, make sure you get your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on any fun. Oh, and feel free to tag me in your photos and videos. Who: Smokey Robinson Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event- calendar/ smokey-robinson Get ready to be swept off your feet by the legendary Motown sensation, Smokey Robinson. His smooth, velvety voice transcends generations, and his stage presence is nothing short of electrifying. Who: Jerry Seinfeld Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center

When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 8 p.m. Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment.html Don’t miss out on Jerry Seinfeld at Borgata’s Event Center. What: Ring of Combat 82 Where: Tropicana Atlantic City When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 9 p.m. Website: ringofcombat.com/events/ ring-of-combat-82#details

Ring of Combat is the longest-running MMA show in Atlantic City. Events feature championship fights, super fights and a showcase of new talent at Tropicana. Who: Derek Hough - Symphony of Dance Where: Caesars Atlantic City When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 9 p.m. Website: caesars.com Derek Hough and an incredible dance

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cast pull out all the stops in this live stage show featuring an array of dance styles. What: Cougars, Cubs & Candy Canes Ball Where: Tropicana Boogie Nights When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 9 p.m. Website: boogienightsusa.com Boogie Nights’ famous Cougars & Cubs Ball happens the first Friday of every month. Women 40+ and Men 21-29 receive free admission before 11 p.m. At midnight, they crown the Cougar and the Cub of the month. Who: Arteriors at The James Where: James Candy Company, 1519 Boardwalk, Atlantic City When: Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 10 Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Website: atlanticcityartsfoundation. org Over 25 artists have transformed The James, the former home of James Candy Company, into an immersive pop-up art installation inspired by the artists’ interaction with each other and the space. It’s open for free public viewing on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 10. Who: Dave Attell Where: Hard Rock Hotel Sound Waves When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/dave-attell Get ready for a night of laughter with the legendary comedian Dave Attell. Secure your tickets now to guarantee your spot at this unforgettable comedy event.

Participants will leave with a swag bag, including Ocean merch, Bar 32 chocolate and a few other surprises. What: Tree Lighting Celebration Where: O’Donnell Memorial Park When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.chelseaedc. org/treelighting Enjoy a multicultural holiday celebration and tree lighting in Atlantic City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Bring the whole family and enjoy festive performances from Dynesty Alliance and DJ Jose, with free face-painting, photos with Santa, hot beverages and holiday giveaways. Rain date Dec. 2. What: Tinseltown Holiday Experience Kick-Off Where: The Yard at Bally’s When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 5:30 p.m. at The Yard and 7:30 p.m. at the Orange Loop Website: actinseltown.com Check out the kick off of the Atlantic City Tinseltown Holiday Experience at The Yard at Ball’s for the official Grand Tree Lighting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, sweets, Atlantic County Toys for Kids toy drive, holiday characters and more. Then head down to the Orange Loop at 7:30 p.m. as the kickoff continues with the Orange Loop Tree Lighting, ornament making at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, a children’s choir singing holiday music, live band, hot chocolate and cookies, and a toy drive. And at 8:30 p.m. the Orange Loop Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl gets started for the adults. What: Orange Loop Bar Crawl When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 7 p.m. Website: visitorangeloop.com Enjoy some holiday cocktails as Atlantic City presents the Orange Loop Bar Crawl.

What: Decorate a Gingerbread House Where: Ocean Casino Resort When: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 6:30 p.m. Website: www.theoceanac.com/entertainment/dining-event-holiday/ decorate-gingerbread-house Join Ocean Casino Resort at Bottled for an evening of cheer (and great wine) . Each ticket holder will decorate their own pre-assembled gingerbread house while sampling Conundrum White and Red blends.

November 30, 2023

What: 7th Annual Deck the Halls Festival of Trees Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall When: Friday, Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/deck-the-hall-festivalof-trees-3 The 2023 Deck The Hall - Festival of Trees is a season-long charitable event intended to generate funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) For Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden counties. It’s free and open for the public to walk through during all hours when the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall lobby is open.

Who: The Temptations and the Four Tops Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Sound Waves When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/thetemptations-and-the-four-tops Get ready to groove to the rhythm of legendary Motown music as The Temptations and The Four Tops unite for an unforgettable show. This extraordinary night of Motown magic will transport you back to the golden age of music, where soul and rhythm ruled the airwaves. Both groups promise a show that will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along to every hit. What: 2023 Winter Wonderland Parade

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino When: Saturday, Dec. 2 (rain date Dec. 9) Time: Noon Website: www.acnj.gov/News/ View/1624/2023-winter-wonderland-parade The Mayor’s Office of Special Event presents: City of Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade Saturday, Dec. 2 at noon. Join the holiday parade to bring cheer and joy to the community. What: Hospitality Night Where: Historic Smithville When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: 6 p.m. Website: www.historicsmithville. com/smithville-events-2/december-events-smithville-events-2/ december-in- smithville Each year the shoppes at Historic Smithville thank their loyal customers with a Hospitality Night of discounts,

↘Continued on 42

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↘Continued from 41 refreshments, live entertainment and raffles. Who: For Those Who Can See Where: Anchor Rock Club When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: 7 p.m. Website: www.tixr.com/groups/ anchorrockclub/events/for-thosewho-can-see-82480 Anchor Rock Club welcomes For Those Who Can See for a night full of heavy rock and head banging!

Who: Diana Ross Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etess Arena When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event- calendar/ diana-ross As one of the most iconic and legendary performers of our time, Diana Ross promises to deliver a show that

will leave you breathless. With a set list that spans decades of chart-topping hits, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Who: Stories with Santa Where: Renault Winery & Resort When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: 11 a.m.-noon We b s i t e : w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . com/e/stories-with-santa-tickets-744640418537 Bring your kids to Renault Winery to hear Santa read a classic Christmas story while enjoying milk and cookies. Kids will also get a special prize from Santa which includes a Christmas coloring book and a pack of crayons. After story time concludes, your children are welcome to talk with Santa and take pictures as well. Who: Distro Fest 2 Featuring 70 Music Acts and 40 Music / Film Industry Speakers

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Where: ACX1 Studios When: Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 Website: distrofest.com ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, located at Caesar’s Pier, brings WHO?MAG Distro Fest 2 to their beautiful venue located over the beach and Atlantic Ocean. The two-day event will feature more than 70 national and international artists of all genres plus local performers. Distro Fest will also include over 40 major music and film industry speakers from all over the US. What: Holiday Art Show & Sale Where: Ventnor Cultural Art Center When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3 Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days Website: https://www.ventnorarts. org/ The annual holiday sale features local artists showing jewelry, pottery, painting, fiber creations, woodworking and more.

What: Holiday Festival Where: Ocean City Community Center Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. When: Sunday, Dec. 3 Time: 1 - 3 p.m. Website: https://www.oceancitylibrary.org/events/holiday-festival The event takes place in the Ocean City Free Public Library’s atrium with holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, live music, refreshments and a visit from Santa (feel free to bring your letters and lists). Mrs. Claus, a reading by a local children’s author, crafts and shopping will take place at the adjacent Ocean City Historical Museum. Hand-made pottery, jewelry, paintings and other unique gifts will be for sale in the adjacent Ocean City Arts Center.

Who: Official Celebrity Boxing Where: Showboat Resort When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. Website: OfficialCelebrityBox.com Check out the Official Celebrity Boxing Winter War presented by MTV star Justina Valentine and Josh YNC. Plus see Titan Championship Wrestling in conjunction with the show.

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!

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‘Psychic medium’ Matt Fraser to conjure the spirits at Hard Rock

By Chuck Darrow

hen the film’s young protagonist played by Haley Joel Osment uttered the iconic line “I see dead people” in M. Night Shyamalan’s classic 1996 supernatural thriller, “The Sixth Sense,” it was likely viewed by most people as nothing more than the product of the writer-director’s imagination. But for “psychic medium” Matt Fraser, who appears Dec. 8 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, that was definitely not the stuff of fiction: When he was a boy, he really did see and hear the deceased—or, as he described them, “shadows of energy.” “I remember being just 3, 4, 5 years old and I remember seeing spirits in my room. I never knew that I had a gift,” said the 32-year-old Providence, R.I. native. “I just thought that the house was haunted.” Not surprisingly, Fraser was shaken by the apparitions that regularly visited him. “Oh my God, I was so scared,” he admitted. “I remember being in the bedroom at night and screaming

for my mom to come and help me because the more I tried to make the voices stop, the more that I tried to pull the covers over my head and the more that I tried to escape them, the louder and stronger they became.” Not that the experience was random or unfamiliar to him: Fraser’s grandmother was a medium who passed her ability to communicate with the dead to his mother. But that didn’t necessarily make it easy for Fraser to accept. To the contrary, he fought his calling for many years despite his mother’s insistence that he embrace his rare gift. “It actually took a long time,” he offered. “I pushed this ability aside for quite some time and I really worked hard at just being normal, because growing up, I tried to talk about these experiences with friends of mine at school and different children that I'd come in contact with, and I'd end up freaking them out. “So I decided to run away from it. And I tried my hardest for a long time to just be normal. But my whole life, I always had this connection to people. I just felt people on a different level.” Fraser finally came to grips with his situation in his late teens after visiting a medium. At that point, he was working as an EMT and assumed health care would be his life’s work. “She said to me, ‘You need to do this too,’” he recalled. “You think you're helping people on a physical level? These messages still need to

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come to you. You need to help people on the emotional level, not just the physical level.’ “And I said, ‘You know what? I shouldn't be running from this. I saw how many people she helped, and I felt like I could do the same thing.” From that point, he’s never looked back. For more than a decade he’s had a stellar career as a headline attraction and as a counselor for individuals seeking to contact dead loved ones. And his 2020 E! TV reality series, Meet the Frasers, can be seen on a variety of streaming services. But that doesn’t mean it’s all been fame and fortune. According to Fraser, he’s paid a price for what he’s accomplished; after all, the very nature of what he does means he deals with the rawest of emotions felt by people he doesn’t even know. “It's really tough,” he acknowledged. “When I first started doing this, I would sit down and cry with the people that I was reading for. I mean, I used to get so emotional that it would be hard to deliver messages [from “the other side”] and stay focused because I’d feel their pain. “But I've learned to put my own emotions aside and be there for these people. I mean, I have a job to do, and that is delivering the messages. And what I’ve learned after all of these years is that I can't help them if I'm

November 30, 2023

in a fragile state myself, and that I gotta pull back my emotions, I gotta be available to them.” For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com. Ocean hits jackpot with Chicago tribute Prior commitments unfortunately kept me from attending one of the two “Chicago & Friends” extravaganzas at Ocean Casino-Resort a couple weeks back. However, I did get a sneak peak at the unedited footage (recorded by some 30 cameras) of the first night’s show that will ultimately be edited (along with the second night’s concert) and distributed via broadcast, online streaming theatrical release and home video (details below).

In a word, WOW! The group—which currently features original members Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet, flugelhorn) and James Pankow (trombone)-hit Ovation Hall to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the release of its debut album, “Chicago Transit Authority.” They brought along a troupe of guest artists who turned what could have been just another recital into a very special affair. The material ranged from pretty much all of the band’s biggest hits to pieces mined deep in the catalog. There were also three extras included: “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and “The Christmas Song,” both of which are included on the new compilation CD, “Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits,” and a cool rendition of the title track of The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour.” There are way too many highlights to list here, but among them: “Feeling Stronger Every Day,” which is given a brilliant reinvention through Judith Hill’s soulful reading and a wonderful arrangement that starts out at a deliberate pace and explodes into an atomic-powered rave-up (Hill also killed it with her beautiful reading of the early ballad, “Color My World”), the wonderful five-part harmonies of VoicePlay on “Happy Man” “If You

Leave Me Now,” and “Wishing You Were Here” and the finale that featured six-string titans Steve Vai and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram shredding on “25 Or 6-To-4.” The eye-popping giant video board at the back of the stage adds immensely to the visual experience (as the guys in Chicago will never be confused with Mick Jagger or Alice Cooper), providing both a dizzying array of geometric and other designs and clips to drive home the lyrics of such songs as “Dialog Parts 1 and 2” and “Color My World.” Bottom line: Here’s hoping Ocean and producer Barry Summers team up again for more such salutes to superstar acts! As for when the public can avail itself of the proceedings, the two Christmas tunes will be available at 3 and 8 p.m. (EST) Dec. 16 at live. fantracks.com., with a theatrical run scheduled for February, a PBS broadcast set for March and streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime beginning in April. In addition, May will see the release of the DVD/BluRay, CD and limited-edition vinyl box set. Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

Atlantic City Headliners

Thursday, November 30

Osborne and After 7

Sunday, December 10

▶3:30 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Christmas in the Air

▶8 p.m.

Doo Wop Christmas starring The Doo Wop Project Tropicana Showroom

Friday, December 1 Smokey Robinson

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Borgata Event Center Dave Attell

Thursday, December 7

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance

▶9 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Christmas in the Air

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, December 2

Santa’s Christmas Wonderland

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Grand Funk Railroad & Foghat

Friday, December 15

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Il Divo

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Michael Martocci

▶8:30 p.m.

Superstar Theatre at Resorts Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Holiday Cirque

Saturday, December 16

Friday, December 8

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Matt Fraser: America’s Top Psychic Medium

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Sound Waves at Hard Rock Santa’s Christmas Wonderland

▶9 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena The Temptations & the Four Tops

Saturday, December 9

Sound Waves at Hard Rock A Night of Love with Jeffrey

▶3 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

▶9 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom Santa’s Christmas Wonderland

▶8 p.m.

Diana Ross

▶8 p.m.

▶3 p.m.

Sunday, December 3

Christmas in the Air ▶7 p.m. Borgata Event Center

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theatre at Resorts Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

▶5 & 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Jerry Seinfeld

▶8 p.m.

Swing into Christmas feat. Jim Craine

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Engelbert Humperdinck: A Winter World of Love Sound Waves at Hard Rock Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Tour

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Matteo Bocelli

Golden Nugget Atlantic City Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom Santa’s Christmas Wonderland

Superstar Theatre at Resorts My Big Gay Italian Christmas

Sound Waves at Hard Rock The Modern Gentlemen

▶8 p.m.

▶3 & 8 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

WINTER SPECIALS

Ovation Hall at Ocean Old School Reggaeton feat. Don Chezina ▶8 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, December 23 I Wanna Thank You Tour w/ Maze feat. Frankie Beverly & The Isley Brothers

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Saturday, December 30 Pitbull

▶8 p.m.

CHICKEN PARMESAN 18

SALMON FRIED RICE 18

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

diced salmon over vegetable and egg fried rice

10 OZ AMERICAN WAGYU RIB EYE 25 over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus topped with caramelized mushrooms & onions

CHICKEN MARSALA 18 over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

BACON WRAPPED MEAT LOAF 21

8 OZ HANGER STEAK 21

over garlic mash & asparagus topped with mushroom gravy

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

CHICKEN FRANCAISE 18

EGGPLANT PARMESAN 16

over fresh fettucini in a white wine lemon butter sauce

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena The Rat Pack is Back

▶9 p.m.

Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Sunday, December 31 Pitbull

▶10 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

On-Sale This Week Jerry Seinfeld

▶Sat. Mar. 16, 8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center On-Sale Fri. 10 a.m. Yacht Rock Revue

▶Sat. Mar. 23, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena On-Sale Fri. 10 a.m. Silvestre Dangond

▶Sat. June 1, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena On-Sale Fri. 10 a.m.

November 30, 2023

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, November 30 Atlantic City Bar One at Resorts Karaoke Night w/ Joe Collins 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Anj Granieri 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Dahve 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Dane Anthony 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock The Cliffs 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s Cole Moore 6 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Josie Kelly’s The Feel Good Music Band

ORDER

5:30 – 9:30 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze 6:30 – 9 p.m. 108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, December 1

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Winter Reggae Jam w/ Burnsiders 8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Hard Rock Café Dane Anthony. Photo by John Loreaux Dueling Pianos Egg Harbor Township 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. The Roost Pub & Grill 1000 Boardwalk Chris Yoder Duo Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Ann Michal 500 St. Andrews Dr. 6 – 10 p.m. Marmora Steve Moore & MIA Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Twisted Livin’ Duo 600 Huron Ave. 7:30 p.m. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Turning the Tide Somers Point 5 – 8:30 p.m. Caroline’s by the Bay Garden State Radio Brandon Ireland Band 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk 450 Bay Ave. The Wave at Golden Nugget Josie Kelly’s Flashback Fridays: Unforgettable Bill & Tom Fire: U2 Tribute 5 – 8 p.m. 9 – 10:30 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. 600 Huron Ave. The Yard at Bally’s DJ Freezie Saturday, December 2 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Atlantic City 1900 Pacific Ave. Anchor Rock Club Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino For Those Who Can See Black Car Gina Trio 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Gab Cinque Bar One at Resorts 10 p.m. To Be Announced 500 Boardwalk 1000 Boardwalk

SO MERS PO INT & EG G HARBO R TO WNSHIP

November 30, 2023

Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Nick Moccia Trio 5 – 9 p.m. The Exceptions 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Daddy Pop 5 – 8:30 p.m. Steal the Sky 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ Neen Bean 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Benderz 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Megan Knight Trio 6 p.m. Chris Yoder Band 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Sidearm Duo 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Northfield Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club Ralph Michaels 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 1 Leo Fraser Dr. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Radio Revolution (Scream) 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s DJ 9 p.m. 900 Shore Rd.

St. Nicholas Aurora Carolers Josie Kelly’s St. Nicholas Aurora Christmas Carolers 7:30 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Sunday, December 3

Wednesday, December 6 Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Cat 5 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Margate Bocca The Bob Sterling Band 7 – 10 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle 7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave. Events subject to change.

Atlantic City Kelsey’s Tony Day & Across the Globe 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 1545 Pacific Ave. Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dueling Pianos 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Audio Riot 4 – 7:30 p.m. The Event Horizon 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Monday, December 4 Atlantic City The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Big House 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Tuesday, December 5

Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Patty & Bugzy 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

12 Days of Christmas! Dec 12 - Dec 24

Daily Free Gifts for All Customers! (Limit 1 free gift per day)

Plus, Daily Doorbuster Discounts! 801 Tilton Rd, Northfield • 444 W Route 70, Marlton November 30, 2023

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Kono Nation. 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Brigantine The Pub at St. George Tuesday Karaoke w/ DJ Will 7 – 9 p.m. 4282 Harbor Beach Blvd. Somers Point Josie Kelly’s DJ Special K 5 – 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Watch the Games on Multiple Big Screens Food and Drink Specials INCLUDE: $10 Draft pitchers $3.50 Bottled Beer $5 off Appetizers $2 off Flatbreads and more!

Tre Twitty to perform at Tony Mart Country Rockin’ New Year’s Finale

By Carmen Marotta

n Friday evening, Dec. 29, Tony Mart will celebrate the sensational 2023 season presenting yet another legacy performance as we leap forward into next year. With amazing synchronicity, Tre Twitty, the tremendously talented grandson of one of the most famous entertainers in Tony Mart history,

Conway Twitty, has become part of the Tony Mart family, headlining at the Tony Mart Country Rockin’ New Year’s Finale as a guest star on this 2023 finale show along with the Tony Mart All Stars. Amazingly, Tre was looking for the legendary place where his grandfather played rock ‘n’ roll at the Jersey Shore for so many seasons, when he found us. The synchronicity of our legacy,

and the lives and love touching so many is truly awesome in the most karmic way people come together. This past week we met Tre Twitty who came to Somers Point looking for the legacy of Conway Twitty at Tony Mart’s in the 1960s. He will be appearing as a guest star at our just-announced Tony Mart Country Rockin’ New Year’s Finale

Now Serving

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn

Second Location

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials Mon.-Thurs.

THURSDAY - NOV. 30 Irish Goodbye Duo 4pm-7pm Now Karaoke 9pm-1am Serving Pizza FRIDAY - DEC. 1 Brandon Ireland Band 8pm-12am SATURDAY - DEC. 2 Petty Cash Duo 4pm-7pm Radio Revolution (Scream) 8pm-12am FRIDAY - DEC. 8 Jump The Line Band 8pm-12am SATURDAY - DEC. 9 Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm The Company 8pm-12am

concert party Dec. 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. at VFW Post 2189, 500 Bethel Road in Somers Point. He is a highly respected national touring artist who performs regularly with Tayla Lynn, the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn in a tribute to Conway and Loretta who performed together for many years. Tre will perform rock and roll and country hits made famous by his grandfather including: “It’s Only Make Believe,” “Hello Darlin’” and “Lonely Blue Boy,” all recorded around the time he was a headline star at Tony Mart’s. The Tony Mart All Stars will delight everyone with favorite country,

country rock and rock ‘n’ roll favorites as well as holiday songs for dancing and singing. The show will feature Danny Eyer, Rich “Megahurtz” Kurtz, “The Voice” Brian Conover and “Old School” Jimmy Glenn in addition to the performance by the grandson of one of the greatest Country Music Hall of Fame and classic rock ‘n’ roll stars who made history at Tony Mart’s. General admission will be $15 and limited in number. Seating will be open with doors opening at 6 p.m. and performances from 7 to 10 p.m. Through the efforts of Andy Malson at Somers Point VFW, a full bar service will be available to the public at affordable VFW prices. It’ll be a rockin’ good-time introduction to Somers Point for Tre Twitty who will warm us up for the Somers Point Beach Concerts where he inevitably will perform in the summer season. Let the Good Times Roll!

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY NIGHTS KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS

ENJOY OUR OUTDOOR DECK

450 Bay Avenue, Somers Point www.carolinesnj.com 609-927-9007 50

OVERLOOKING THE BAY

November 30, 2023

Five holiday cocktails to start sipping today

By Danielle Davies

here are so many flavors associate with Christmas that it’s hard to name them all. From nutmeg and gingerbread to peppermint and

hazelnut, Christmas is as much about the festivities as it is about the food. And Christmas cookies are just the half of it. This holiday season, there are better ways to indulge, and a good many of them are at the Jingle Bell Bar at Ocean Casino Resort. The pop-up experience, located at 1927 Lounge — just steps from the casino floor — brings all the holiday opulence to the casino, including nostalgic décor, themed entertainment, and of course, festive cocktails. But get there quick…the magic only lasts until Dec. 31!

Amazing Mexican Food Locals are Raving About!

Tacos - Burritos Quesadillas

Corn & Flour Tortillas • Fresh Beef - Steak Chicken - Pulled Pork • Short Rib – Tuna Mahi Mahi - Shrimp • Vegan

Grilled, Fried, Street Style Rice Bowls – Nachos Soups - Kids Items Second Location NOW OPEN

Here, five holiday cocktails to start sipping at Jingle Bell Bar today. 1. Top Shelf Elf Whether your own holiday elf has been reporting for duty or not, the Top Shelf Elf is a cocktail we all deserve. Made with Grey Goose La Poire (a luxury pear flavored vodka), Bitter Truth Pimento Dram, Apple Cider, Ginger Beer and lemon, this Christmas concoction features a harmonious blend of flavors including the subtle sweetness of pear, the comforting warmth of spices, and the refreshing zing of ginger. 2. The Little Drummer Boy Want dessert? The Little Drummer Boy is for you. This treat-like cocktail is a decadent blend of creamy vanilla, indulgent chocolate and a touch of richness. Made with Stoli Vanil, Chocolate Liqueur, White Crème de Cacao, half & half and whipped cream, The Little Drummer Boy is reminiscent of a creamy, dreamy dessert in a glass, perfect for those with a sweet tooth or anyone looking for a delightful after-dinner drink. 3. The Grinch He may be a mean one, but his namesake cocktail is not. Made with Malibu Rum, Melon Liqueur, pineapple, sour mix and a red candy heart (three sizes too small), the Grinch embodies a tropical, fruity sensation. The blend of coconut, melon and pineapple creates a bright and refreshing flavor perfect for celebrating the holiday season or any festive occasion, no who’s required! 4. Dirty Snowball Another dessert-like concoction, the Dirty Snowball combines the flavors of peanut butter, chocolate and hazelnut — basically, all of our holiday favorites — into one slurp-worthy drink. Made with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey,

White Crème de Cacao, Frangelico and half & half, this cocktail delights with a velvety indulgent texture, perfect for those who enjoy the combination of nutty and chocolatey flavors in a cocktail. (And who doesn’t?) 5. Poinsettia Margarita Still missing summer? Indulge in a summertime favorite — a classic margarita — with a holiday twist. Made with Epsolon Blanco Tequila, Pomegranate Juice, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup and topped off with a sugar rim, the Poinsettia Margarita is a holiday take on the classic. Featuring the crispness of tequila infused with the sweet-tart essence of pomegranate and citruses, the Poinsettia Margarita is a vibrant and enticing choice. 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.

The Freshesto,dTTar usctki!est Food Around! Look for our Fo

Indoor, Outdoor & Takeout

Caroline's in Somers Point

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(609)938-2419

Order Online! Lasolastaquerianj.com Open 11am-8pm Mon. thru Sat. Sunday 11am-6pm.

Homemade Soups including Our Famous Cream of Crab Crab Melt - Guy Fieri's Favorite! Triple D Melt, Salads, As Seen On Half-Pound Burgers Create Your Own Grilled Cheese FAST DELIVERY BY and Mac & Cheese UBER EATS Party Trays & Platters DOORDASH

New Gluten-Free Items

GRUB HUB

55 West Laurel Dr. Somers Point, Near Parkway (609) 601-7533 www.grilledcheeseandcrabcakeco.com

November 30, 2023

The Refreshing Taste of Double Indian Pale Ale

By Matt Pineo and Deepak Chauhan of Somers Point Brewing Company

ROMANELLI'S Garden Cafe'

n our continued journey to explore the art of craft brewing, this edition introduces the Magic Mango – Double Indian Pale Ale (IPA). A Double IPA is a strong and hoppy beer style with a higher alcohol content and an intensified hop character. In this iteration, all these factors are combined with an infusion of the tropical Kesar Mango, which imparts a unique and refreshing twist to the beer, balancing the hop bitterness with fruity sweetness. The result is a vibrant and distinct, exotic flavor profile that showcases both the hop complexity and the fruity notes. The Kesar Mango also known as the “Queen of Mangoes” and primarily cultivated in India, is often considered one of the finest and is popular for consumption both fresh and in various culinary applications, including desserts and beverages. But that’s not all. In order to add floral and earthy notes, this Double IPA was paired with the very special spice, Saffron. Derived from the flower of Crocus Sativus, the spice consists of dried stigmas, called threads and known for its vibrant red color and floral aroma. Considered as one of the most expensive spices by weight due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting it, it is used in various culinary dishes to add flavor, color and aroma, and is particularly

prominent in certain traditional dishes, such as paella and biryani. The Saffron contributes a subtle complexity enhancing the overall sensory experience of the brew. With over 50 pounds of mangoes balanced with the strong hops and combined with saffron, this beer greets the eye and nose as the drinker immediately sees the deep orange color. As you take the first sip, all that mango and saffron is paired with Ekuanot, Pacific Jade, and of course Citra hops to add to the juicy flavor while giving it the finishing bitterness that any Double IPA should have. The Double IPA comes in at 8.6% ABV though you wouldn’t know it by the taste! Available on Tap 6 at your neighborhood craft brewery –The Somers Point Brewing Company. Cheers!

Early Bird Breakfast Specials Menu offered weekdays 7:30-9am

Bring Great Taste To Your Event! Food Truck & Catering Service Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner from 7:30 am to 9 pm Closed Tues. Open un�l 10pm Weekends

(609) 652-0179 romanellisgardencafe.com

Indoor Tap Room Outdoor Seating

November 30, 2023

279 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 53

Spend the Holidays at the

Enjoy a Vintner Wonderland

By Cindy Christy Fertsch

T A New London

An original musical based on A Christmas Carol Thurs., December 7 - 7PM Fri., December 8 - 7PM Sat., December 9 - 2PM & 7PM

Lights Out

A Very Decades Generations of Music Holiday!

December 10 • 3PM

HAE

L McAS

HOLIDAY Piano Bar december 21 • 8PM

BROADWAY ON THE BAY

With Kelly Briggs From Broadway’s Les Miserables & Cats Musical Director - John McMahon SPECIAL GUESTS Molly Marie Pugliese, Miss Gloucester County 2024 Danielle Cordivari | Ella Osbeck | Olivia D’Alessandro

Early New Year’s Eve CELEBRATION december 29 • 7PM

738 BAY AVENUE | SOMERS POINT, NJ

GATEWAYBYTHEBAY.ORG

609-653-0553

he Christmas events just keep on coming in South Jersey, with another family-focused event at Renault Winery (72 North Bremen Avenue Egg Harbor City, 08215) Vintner Wonderland is now open! The Vintner Wonderland celebrates a successful harvest with ice skating, great wine, delicious food, local artisans, and live entertainment. Vintner Wonderland is a unique and beautiful installation, created by Renault’s design and events team bringing to life European Advent and holiday celebrations, inspired by the winery’s founder Louis Renault, who emigrated from France to the U.S. in 1855. The pristine grounds of the winery are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland, where enchanting skating and a lavishly decorated Vintner Village Artisan Market awaits, offering an incredible experience for the entire family. Attractions include the popular outdoor ice rink, pop-up markets with seasonal gifts and shopping, cozy fire pit, Bubble Igloos, and Cabanas and heated hospitality areas, signature cocktails and savory treats from Renault’s Café La Fleur. This year’s “Vintner Rink” has been enlarged and improved. The rink will be open daily for skaters of all ages and abilities. If you are an avid skater and love being on the ice, there are Season Passes, hotel skate packages, and Individual tickets available. Individual tickets start at $12 for a 90 minute skating session and $8 for skate rentals. They will also have discounts and extended skating sessions throughout the season. Tickets are available online through Renault Winery’s website. Experience the new winter menu at TASTE1864 and enjoy live music every weekend in Renault’s Wine & Beer Garden. There are a wide range of perfectly mixed cocktails and a selection of sweets from Café la Fleur. Reservations are highly recommended and can be placed through Resy after following this link: https://www. renaultwinery.com/dining/ There are also several other unique dining experiences at the Vintner Wonderland. The Fire Pit Experience includes two hours of fine dining and live entertainment for up to eight

people. There are two options available: Vintner Fire Pit seating, ideal for enjoying the live entertainment from Friday to Sunday, and TASTE 1864 Fire Pit seating, ideal for taking in the breathtaking Renault Winery setting with views of the pond as well as the live entertainment. Food and beverage service will be available throughout. The cost of this experience starts at $100. Another option is the unique Bubble-Igloo Experience. Up to six people can share this intimate and unforgettable experience in the Bubble-Igloo, perfect for cozying up with friends or family after exploring the Vintner Wonderland. New this year are the Ice Rink Bubble Igloos which make for an intimate and private experience; plus the Igloos are heated! Ice Rink Igloos are conveniently located near Louie’s Lounge and the Village Bar, making it easy for you and your guests to purchase food and beverages from the various satellite village shops. The Bubble-Igloo Experience costs $150 for two hours. There is also the Cabana Experience, which is heated and perfect

for first-class views of the Vintner Wonderland. Up to 6 guests can experience this for two hours for $200. However, please note that ice skating tickets are not included in the price. To book one of these experiences, head to the following website: https://www. renaultwiner y.com/ experiences/ The Vintner Village will feature regional and local craft vendors and artists selling their goods, and Renault Winery will also be selling their merchandise. The Vintner Village will be open Friday (4 - 8 p.m.), Saturday (noon – 8 p.m.), and Sunday (noon – 6 p.m.) Of course, Christmas is a time for giving. The Festival of Trees will feature a forest of holiday trees which will be displayed throughout the winery. You can bid on a tree today, all proceeds from the auction will benefit Faces 4 Autism. Finally, if you are interested in making a more memorable experience, I highly recommend an overnight stay at the Chateau Renault hotel is highly recommended. Guests will be able to fully experience the festival and explore the entirety of Renault Winery’s stunning grounds with an unforgettable stay at this gorgeous hotel. Best of all, parking and entry are both completely free! With the event running until February, there are plenty of opportunities to make your way there. However, booking is highly recommended for most activities, especially on the build-up to Christmas.

November 30, 2023

At the Shore Since '44

10 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Dec. 15- 24 Purchase $100 and Get $20 Bucks on us!

GET YOUR SWAG

World Famous Wings & BBTs

(Boneless Tenders) Entrees, Burgers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Soups, Nachos, Tacos and Fries.

MAKES A GREAT GIFT

LOBSTER CHALLENGE

Every Monday Night During Football Guess the Weight of our Giant Whole Maine Lobster Closest guess without going Over Wins! The winner gets to eat it & be put into our Lobster Bowl Championship in January... Winner chosen @ approx 10pm! Must be present to Win!

NFL GAME SPECIALS BUD LIGHT PINTS $3.50 MONDAY & THURSDAY

MILLER LITE DRAFTS

$3.50

Tree Trimming Party Tues. Dec 5, 7:30 Ugly Seater Party Sat. Dec 16, 9pm Breakfast With Santa Sun. Dec 17, 9am

SUNDAY

Sunday Breakfast 9am-11am

Serving our nearly famous Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese

Bar Open Everyday 8am to 2am Kitchen Open Everyday 11am to 1am

800 Shore Rd. Somers Point (609) 927-3663

www.charliesbar.com

Watch All The Sports Action on 23 TVs!

Noyes Holiday Market brings back childhood memories

The Light with Raymond Tyler

hen I first heard that The Noyes Arts Garage was going to host a holiday market and gingerbread village, memories of hundreds of holidays past started dancing in my mind. Today, Christmas is very corporate in that you find the same clothes, toys and gifts at every mall or shopping outlet. I remember as a child being excited by gifts from stores that had all original or special themed toys and gifts. I remember the watch I got from Mortan’s Jewelers. The “Batman” 1966 TV show, Colorform Playset I got from Taber’s Toyland, “The Six Million Dollar Man” action figure and playset from Mr. Big’s. the AFX racing

set from the hobby department at Two-Guys, and I loved my train set from House and Garden in Northfield. I will not be able to stroll the aisles of a Woolco store and hear the personal playlist of the person from the music department playing the Stevie Wonder Christmas album. I will, however, be strolling The Noyes Arts Garage this Saturday and Sunday. The Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village will turn the premiere art gallery into a magical North Pole complete with visits by Santa Claus. Throughout the gallery will be tables manned by people selling handmade, unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. The music will be memorable as pianist Denis Brousse will be performing holiday tunes throughout the weekend. Bar 32 will also be providing a special menu of hot, Christmassy food and drinks. Not only will there be shopping

and free admission to all of the Noyes galleries, but you will get the opportunity to participate in a craft and make your own ornament. I am so excited to see the amazing jewelry, art and authors, and to pick up some great gifts that I know are not mass produced at every mall.

Lastly, I am excited about the Atlantic City Gingerbread House Competition. There will be over $1,000 in prize money awarded for Atlantic City themed gingerbread houses. Take the family or just yourself to The Noyes Arts Garage this Saturday and Sunday and make some new holiday memories that will make your children happy and make you feel like a kid again. The Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village will take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, from noon to 5 p.m. The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University is located at 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City. Admission is free. The Noyes Annual Holiday Party will take place at The Noyes Museum, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Free admission, food, entertainment and more. Please come out and be a part of this festive event.

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

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9210 Ventnor Avenue, Margate • (609) 822-4759 56

November 30, 2023

Rock greats Foghat debut new album; coming to Hard Rock

Tune In, Turn On By Doug Deutsch

rowing up when I did, we had so many different genres of music to choose from, one of those being classic rock. After hearing the blistering rock track, “I Just Want to Make Love to You” on FM radio, I had to find out who this killer group was, as well as their memorable lead vocalist/ guitarist (at that time Lonesome Dave Peverett) who along with drummer Roger Earl, formed Foghat after the two of them departed Savoy Brown. Earl is still with the group. Their debut single, originally recorded by blues artist Muddy Waters, catapulted the British blues-rock group to No. 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and No. 31 in Australia.

The veteran band is back with a new album, “Sonic Mojo,” their 17th studio album and first new recording in seven years. Foghat, who celebrated their 50th anniversary as a band together in 2021, are currently touring in support of the record, appearing with another still-popular veteran rock group, Grand Funk Railroad, at the Hard Rock Casino’s Soundwaves Theatre in Atlantic City on Dec. 9. “We have been collecting song ideas, both original compositions and cover songs that we could do interesting interpretations of for a couple of years,” Foghat guitarist Bryan Bassett told us in a recent interview while on the road. “Principal recording began a little over a year ago when we decided we had enough material for a record. The recording took place in our rehearsal/recording studio, Boogie Motel South in Central Florida; mixing and mastering was done in my home studio. Three songs were co-written with the brilliant Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown fame.” Asked what songs the band currently plays in concert, whether old hits or new tracks, Bassett replied, “a

We have the nest in contemporary American cuisine, wines/spirits and desserts the Jersey shore has to offer serving breakfast, lunch and dinner!!

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Foghat will perform at the Hard Rock Casino’s Soundwaves Theatre in Atlantic City on Dec. 9. Photo by Jake Coughlin combination of both works best for us. We will always play the hits that our fans expect us to play and as we have a new release, several of those songs will be in the set. “At the end of every touring season, we always discuss what deep album tracks from previous records should go in the set. We like to change the show every year to surprise our fans with some songs they have not heard live in concert.” Like all the other present Foghat members besides Earl, Bassett came from another previously successful band. “I was very lucky to have a number one hit in 1976, ‘Play That Funky Music,’ with my band, Wild Cherry. In the mid-eighties I relocated from Pittsburgh to Central Florida where I became an engineer/producer for King Snake Studio, an indie blues label. “I had a blues quartet, Blue Label, that was performing in Orlando. (The

late) Lonesome Dave Peverett came to see us one night and sat in with us. We became fast friends, and he asked me to go on tour with him. That was my introduction to the Foghat family. In 1992 all of the original members of Foghat reformed and I joined (longtime Southern rock group) Molly Hatchet for seven years. In 1999 (guitarist) Rod Price retired and Roger Earl asked me to join as his replacement, and I’ve been there ever since.” Looking Ahead: Norstep Productions’ first show of original indie rock at Rhythm & Spirits this Saturday Dec. 2 with Second Half Comeback, The Age of Ore, and Pierced. There’s one on Dec. 9, too at 8 p.m., $7; https://www.facebook.com/ events/310864661729495/. Next week we interview hardcore rockers Agnostic Front, who play Anchor Rock Club Dec. 9 with Murphy’s Law and Grade 2 at 8 p.m., $25. anchorrockclub.com. 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.

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The confusing history of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk hotel casinos

By Bruce Klauber

n 1976, casino gambling was legalized in Atlantic City. After Resorts International opened its doors in 1978, the floodgates for hotel/casinos on the Boardwalk opened. Building a hotel casino, it seemed, meant instant success. For a while, it was true. Until it wasn’t. Inevitably, due to changes in the market and the economy, and the simple fact that a town like Atlantic City just couldn’t support 10 casinos, there would be a shakeout and some just wouldn’t make the cut. Today two of the original hotel/casinos are now just hotels, three have been demolished and one has been vacant since 2014. It’s been tough to keep track of the openings, closings, name changes and other developments in Atlantic City

hotel/casino business over the past 45 years. Here’s a simplified rundown: Golden Nugget/Bally’s Grand/ Hilton/Atlantic Club Las Vegas casino magnate Stephen Wynn came to Atlantic City in 1980 and built the Golden Nugget on the site of what once was The Strand Motel. Many in the business believed that Wynn – who insisted that everything be first class – was the best thing to ever happen to Atlantic City, and that the Boardwalk would eventually become Las Vegas East. Though one of the smallest of the hotel/casinos on the Boardwalk, the Nugget was the shore’s top earner by 1983 and regularly presented the crème de la crème of talent, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. In 1987, upset by Casino Control Commission red tape, he sold it to Bally’s Grand and vowed to never return to Atlantic City. The venue was still the focal point of the shore’s casino business, but when Bally’s sold to Hilton in 1996, the hotel/casino began losing some of its luster. It operated and did well under the Hilton banner until 2011, when Hilton’s

licensing agreement with the holding company, Colony Capital, ended. For the last two years of its existence, from 2012 to 2014, the hotel/casino limped along as The Atlantic Club. Since then, the vacant property has passed through several owners, and at one point, even Stockton University was close to buying the property. Owned since 2019 by Colosseo Atlantic City, the company’s principal, Rocco Sebastiani, has made a lot of promises about the property, including transforming it into a combination of a hotel and luxury condos that would open next year. I’m looking out my window at the property right now. I can report that no work has been done on it thus far.

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Brighton/Sands The Brighton Hotel and Casino opened in August, 1980, as the fourth hotel/casino to be built in Atlantic City. The first year was rocky until it became the Sands in 1981. The venue continued to expand in size and reputation, and for a time, was booking the top acts in show business, including Frank Sinatra, who played his last Atlantic City dates there in the summer of 1994. Despite all kinds of improvements, the Sands just couldn’t keep up with the competition and declared bankruptcy in 1998. On Oct. 18, 2007, the Sands was imploded. A fireworks show followed. The Claridge The Claridge is the last of the still-operating “grand hotels” on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Built in 1930, the hotel had 24 floors and 400 rooms. For years it was the place for celebrities to stay, and The Claridge survived and thrived through good and not-so-good days in Atlantic City. On paper, it looked like a natural to be transformed into a casino. In July of 1981, it opened as Del Webb’s Claridge Hotel and Casino. It was a happening place for several seasons, attracted top-tier talent in the main showroom, and had a swinging, jazz-focused lounge. To the venue’s credit, it never sacrificed its historic charm. But competition, tough times for Atlantic City casinos in general, and the comparatively small size eventually did it in. Though gaming operations stopped in 2012, The Claridge still stands, and it’s still a classic. Trump Plaza The Boardwalk’s Trump Plaza, initially called Harrah’s at Trump Plaza, opened with a flourish in July of 1984. From the start it just didn’t do very well, despite various expansions, presentation of championship boxing matches, and acquisitions of adjoining properties. The issue – like the Revel in later years – was that the Plaza went after a high-roller market that didn’t exist. It closed for good on Sept. 16, 2014. Donald Trump had his name removed from the venue a month before. As one of the Boardwalk’s most embarrassing eyesores, the Plaza was finally imploded on Feb. 17, 2021. Playboy/Atlantis The Playboy Hotel and Casino, later the Atlantis Hotel and Casino, was my favorite place to work. I played drums with the late and great Connie

November 30, 2023

Lesem in the lounges of both venues. The audiences were great and the management treated the musicians with respect, unlike the management of other casinos who would dock a musician’s pay for holding a glass of water on stage. Further, the venue was among the first to aggressively cater to the day trippers, by presenting afternoon shows exclusively for those who took the bus down to the casino for the day. It opened in April of 1981 as the Playboy Hotel and Casino, with Playboy’s partner being the Elsinore Corporation, of Las Vegas’ Four Queens Hotel/Casino fame. The state Casino Control Commission was okay with Elsinore, but not with the Playboy Corporation, claiming the latter was guilty of shady business practices. It operated, solely under Elsinore’s aegis, as the Atlantis, until declaring bankruptcy in 1985. It continued operations as a casino until May of 1989, when Donald Trump bought it and operated it as a hotel as part of Trump Plaza until 1996. It closed for good three years later. Showboat When the Showboat Hotel and Casino opened on March 30, 1987,

Atlantic City had seen nothing like it. Among other features, it had a 60,000-square-foot casino floor and a 60-lane bowling alley. The Mardi Gras-themed Showboat always did well, though the bowling alley closed in 2001, with new hotel towers being added, the addition of the still-standing House of Blues, and constant renovations and improvements. Showboat was still making money by 2014, but Caesars Entertainment, who owned it at the end, still decided to shut it down. Coincidentally, the beleaguered Revel closed on the same day, Aug. 31, 2014. Only months later, Stockton University made a deal to buy the Showboat and turn it into “a full-service residential campus.” There were legal problems and the sale didn’t go through. Instead, Phil-

adelphian Bart Blatstein, of Atlantic City’s failed “Playground” fame, bought the Showboat for $23 million in July of 2016. To his credit, Blatstein has made something unique out of the property. The Showboat has hosted major events, and features like the Island Water Park and the Lucky Snake Arcade represent Blatstein’s considerable efforts to make Atlantic City a year-round resort destination. Showboat does well as a non-casino hotel, and also offers beachfront apartment homes at relatively reasonable prices for oceanfront residences. And all the rest: Trump Castle/Taj Mahal/Revel The marina’s Trump Castle opened in 1985, changed the name to Trump Castle in 1997, and became the Golden Nugget in 2011. Trump’s Taj Mahal, which opened in 1990, was built at the then-staggering cost of $1 billion. It closed in 2016 and opened two years later as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which has become one of the most successful hotel/casinos in Atlantic City. The Revel Casino Hotel stands as one of the biggest mistakes in hotel casino history. Everything about it, from the location of the casino floors

to the prices in the restaurants, was wrong. Revel, which cost $2.4 billion to build, opened in 2012, closed two years later, and stood vacant until 2018 when it opened as Ocean Resort Casino. There were those in the casino business community who firmly believed that the Revel was simply a failure that was waiting to be imploded. Instead, it became one of the biggest and most unlikely success stories in Atlantic City hotel/casino history. And what does this prove? That anything can – and likely will – happen in Atlantic City. Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and a working jazz drummer and vocalist since childhood. He served as Technical Adviser on the Oscar-winning film, "Whiplash," and on the 2018 Mickey Rourke film, "Tiger." He has been honored by Combs College of Music and Drexel University for his "contributions to music journalism and jazz performance."

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Time to make multiple choice ramen noodle soup Let It Grow By Tammy Thornton

et’s face it. Soup was created by moms who needed to make a meal from little bits of this and that left in their refrigerators. Throw it all in a pot, add some broth, and dinner is served. Ramen noodle soup embraces Asian flavors such as ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce but offers enough versatility that you can basically use whatever ingredients happen to be in your refrigerator. After doing our best to plow through turkey leftovers, my family was ready for a non-Thanksgiving meal. Ramen noodle soup to the rescue! Not only is this dish adaptable, it can be made rather quickly, which is a total win when you’re busy around the holidays. Depending on which ingredients you choose, it’s also very healthy, and delicious to boot. Confining this soup into a “recipe”

is the only tricky part about ramen. You can add or subtract ingredients as you wish and your soup will still be amazing. Let’s start with the broth. You can choose from chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth. It’s just a matter of taste and what happens to be in your pantry. I often use vegetable broth for my vegetarian daughter, but this particular time she wasn’t home, so I used one quart of chicken broth and one quart of vegetable broth. On to the veggies. This is where the “clean out your crisper drawer” part comes into play. Choose from any of the following suggestions or add your own favorites: sliced mushrooms (shiitake or portobello are perfect, but button are fine as well), julienned carrots, snow peas, red bell peppers, yellow onions, green onions, edamame (also a protein source), bok choy, spinach, or cabbage. Now for the flavor giants. This is the aromatic part of your soup. Though I’m all about using substi-

tutions if necessary, when it comes to ginger, try to use freshly grated ginger whenever possible. Buy one of those nubby little roots and keep it in your fridge for most of your culinary dishes. After reading up on the health benefits of ginger, you’ll want to add it to everything from your tea to your Cheerios. If you absolutely must use dry, powdered ginger from your spice drawer, go ahead, but I will have to look away. In this case, freshly grated is superior. When you sauté your vegetables, use a little olive oil, but add a few squirts of sesame oil for that distinctive flavor. Just before you add the broth, mix in a clove or two of minced garlic. After the broth is added, 2-4 tablespoons of soy sauce will intensify that umami flavor, while sriracha and lime juice will round everything out. You may also enjoy adding miso paste and a bit of mirin. The protein part of this soup also allows you lots of choices. I like to buy cleaned, tail-on, frozen shrimp when it’s on sale to use for occasions such as this. Defrost them for a few minutes in a bowl of cool water and you are ready to go. But leftover chicken, pork, beef, (or leftover Thanksgiving turkey!) would also be perfect in this soup. For a vegan option, use tofu. Hard-boiled eggs added after the soup is dished out will provide extra protein as well. Now for some noodles. Since we are calling this ramen soup, feel free to use ramen noodles. In a pinch, you can even use the par-cooked noodles from those cheap, instant noodle packages. (But for heaven’s

sake, throw out the salt-laden “flavor” packet.) Keep in mind that these pre-cooked noodles are typically fried. For healthier options, try fresh ramen noodles, udon, soba, or rice noodles. Being mindful of all of the above multiple choice options, here is a loose recipe for ramen soup. Except for hard-boiling the eggs, this should be a one-pot meal. You may prefer to cook your noodles separately and add them to each serving bowl so that they don’t overcook. But to minimize washing dishes, I prefer to cook everything in one soup pot. Sautée your vegetables in a small amount of olive oil. Grate ginger over vegetables. Add a splash of sesame oil and 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add 2 quarts of broth and bring to a slow boil. Add your pre-cooked protein (fresh or frozen cleaned shrimp can be raw). If you are using tofu, you may want to wait to add it to the individual serving bowls. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of mirin, 3 tablespoons miso paste, and one tablespoon of sriracha. Feel free to adjust any of these ingredients to your own taste. Now add your noodles of choice directly to the broth, following the package directions for timing. While the noodles are cooking, add the zest and juice of one lime. When the noodles are done cooking, divide the soup into individual serving bowls. Add halved hard-boiled eggs, tofu (if using), scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of sriracha. At this point, all you need to do is show off your chopstick skills. Once you buy the initial staple ingredients for ramen, you’ll be able to keep them in your pantry for multiple future meals. Ramen noodle soup comes together quickly with leftover vegetables and proteins. The options are limitless. After a cold day, you’ll enjoy warming up with this healthy goodness. We would love to hear from our readers. What are your favorite fall/winter recipes? Send your comments, questions, and pictures to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com. Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.

November 30, 2023

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any of us dream about retirement. We have a picture in our mind of what our retirement will look like, how we will spend our days, and the beautiful places we want to visit. But what if spouses don’t agree on what that vision of retirement looks like? This is the less perfect side of retirement. This week, I want to explore the issues spouses have regarding differing views about the ideal retirement and how to deal with them. 1. One spouse wants to retire and the other does not, or your retired spouse wants you to retire as well. Over the last 25+ years, this is the issue I find to be the most difficult for couples to handle. Some people, like me, really love what they do, and simply cannot see themselves ever retiring. The key to resolving this situation comes down to open and honest conversations about why you don’t want to retire, and then trying to find a way to compromise. Maybe it’s working fewer hours to ease yourself into retirement. It could be as simple as taking more vacations. Perhaps set a future date that you both agree to as to when you will

spend less time working. 2. Where to retire to. Here in New Jersey, many retirees look to head south to places like Florida, the Carolinas or Tennessee. Both spouses must be in agreement on where to live in retirement, or at least have a plan for what months they will live where. Maybe a winter in Florida, but come back home for the rest of the year, etc. Understanding where you will reside will have a big impact on the next issue, what you plan to do in retirement. 3. What will we do in retirement. This is the most common disagreement, but usually not very hard to compromise on. One spouse may want to travel, while the other may want to be a homebody. This can be remedied by some travel together, along with the wanderlust spouse traveling with friends or family to satisfy their additional desires for more travel. Relocating to an area where there are plenty of activities you enjoy is important as well. 4. A plan to see “the kids.” Often, relocating in retirement centers around where our kids chose to relocate to, often for work. I always caution retirees against the problems of “kid chasing.” Many times, a modern average career will involve relocation. Are you willing to relocate again and again in order to be near your kids every time they move? Are those locations conducive to an enjoyable retirement, or are they better suited to those in fast paced early career workers? If you are not planning to relocate near the kids, have a set

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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.

plan on how often you will see them, even if it means flying them to your location. With retirement comes other issues to discuss as well. Estate planning is the one that jumps out at me first. Different states have different laws which may affect how your assets are distributed, etc. Make sure if you plan to relocate you discuss your move with your financial advisor and estate planning attorney. 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

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.

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Galloway's Mara Justine is a rising star

By Julia Train

e have an up-andcoming celebrity in our area. Mara Justine, 21, from Galloway Township is currently in the midst of taking on season 24 of NBC’s The Voice. Justine isn’t a stranger to singing on television, though. She began singing at 8 years old when she took singing lessons. At 11 years old, she auditioned during season 9 of America’s Got Talent and made it to the top 12 before being eliminated. Four years later, at 15 years old, she was on season 16 of American Idol and sent home after making it to the top 14. After spending some time away from the screen, Justine sang Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” during blind auditions.

Her powerful performance was followed by all four judges immediately turning around, John Legend being the first. While all of them wanted her, Legend and Niall Horan fought for her; Horan begged on his knees and pushed his button to make a foam finger drop from the ceiling, but Legend had a trick up his sleeve. He and Justine sang an impromptu duet of his song “All of Me.” Photo credit: NBC Although she came in with her mind set on country legend Reba McEntire, the duet led her to choose ‘Team Legend.’ Horan later got revenge when Justine chose him to be her coach after he and Gwen Steffani both attempted to steal her during knockouts. “To be able to, not only be in a Homemade Chocolates room with icons, but to get to know since 1972 them and them pour into me as well has been the ultimate blessing,” she said on Philly Live Nov. 15, talking Get your orders in about her experience with the four for the holidays. coaches.

Right now, Justine is in the playoffs and heading to Live Shows in the Top 12 Monday, Dec. 4, with the results airing live Tuesday, Dec. 5. The Semi-Finals are the following week on Monday, Dec. 11, and the results air the night after. The Season 24 Finale performances will be Monday, December 18 with The Finale Live Results show December 19. 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

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Meet local 16-year-old golf extraordinaire By Julia Train

t six years old, Patrick Foley started taking golf lessons and has continued to play since. Now, at 16 years old, he’s winning championships left and right. Foley began lessons because his father had played the sport since his 20’s and wanted him to try it. He took lessons for about a year and stopped for a bit, but then he saw his coach, Bruce Chelucci, at football one day.

“He said, ‘I'm gonna go back to golf.’ He was probably 8 [years old] at that time” said Patrick’s mom, Valerie Foley. “I want to do that again,’ he exclaimed and he never looked back.” Although his father wanted him to try golf out, Patrick said there wasn’t pressure.“It's a relaxing sport and I like the independence of it, and not having to rely on others or a team, like most sports,” Foley said. “I just kind of picked it up and rolled with it.” This year alone, Foley won two different men’s club championships–one at Linwood Country club and another

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at Blue Heron Pines–and competed in 15 tournaments through the Philadelphia Section of the Professional Golfers Association’s Junior Tour. Through the PGA tour, which goes on year-round, he played in states around the Philadelphia area, like Maryland and Delaware, and was able to choose the tournaments to play that fit in his schedule. Out of the 15 tournaments he took part in this year, he won five, came in either second or third five times and placed in the top 10 in one or two. In August, when Foley competed at Linwood Country Club’s championship, he defended his title by shooting 80 and 78. He came back from a deficit on the first day of the two-day event. During the championship at Blue Heron Pines, he made a comeback on day two again with shooting 77 and 76. In addition to winning these tournaments, Foley, who is a sophomore at Mainland High School, is also on the school’s golf team. Foley was one of three freshmen on the team that made it to the state finals last season. Going 18-3, he had the best record in

the Cape Atlantic League. Foley also had the lowest scoring average in the league out of everybody.

Foley has golfed for 10 years and has come a long way since he first started lessons with his instructor, Bruce Chelucci, to whom he wants to express his gratitude. Now a sophomore, Foley’s goal for the future is to go to college on a golfing scholarship.

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November 30, 2023

Renovation inspiration in Ocean City

Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle

clat Investments, led by Raj and Yogi Khatiwala, have completed a number of renovation projects in Ocean City. The local natives, who grew up in Ventnor and went to Atlantic City High School, have put an emphasis on improving the town by making significant capital improvements to the properties they own. Over the past week, the company won four awards at the 2023 Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. The Forum, Pavilion Apartments (The Beach House), and Shoppes at The Asbury (located in the former Crown Bank Building), all won best renovations of the year. These properties all feature the newest, most modern, highest-quality rooms in town. The Scarborough Inn, which is the No. 1 ranked hotel on

November 30, 2023

TripAdvisor in all of Cape May County, won another award this year as well. The brothers attribute their success to having a team that works very hard and has great chemistry. Most recently, Eclat purchased the former Crown Bank Building, now named The Asbury. Like everything else the Khatiwalas brothers have touched, the corner of Eighth Street and Asbury Avenue has been brought back to life. Raj Khatiwala believed that Ocean City was missing a place for the residents of Ocean City to establish their businesses locally. There is very little traditional office space in town, and even less of it is vacant. As the year-round population has increased since COVID, the availability of office and retail space has not. The intention is to give business owners the option of having higher-end office space in a marketplace where it doesn't exist. Since February 2023, when Eclat acquired the vacant office building, occupancy has increased to over 70 percent. At the street level, the Shoppes at The Asbury, the newest boutique in Ocean City, features a wide

array of products including children’s clothing, custom leather products, high-end men’s and women’s clothing lines, and Di Bruno Bros. The Shoppes is opening an Art Gallery on Dec. 8 featuring Jon Baker, the beloved artist from Margate. He will be showcasing many of his works in the new gallery. This will be the kickoff to a monthly meet-the-artist sip-and-shop event. The building is also home to Seapark, the only sushi restaurant in town, which features a nice outdoor seating area, and a variety of items from bubble tea and sushi rolls to lobster rolls and ramen. The types of tenants the building has attracted include accountants, a financial planner, lawyers, a ther-

apist, Information Technology professionals (Sun IP), and a yoga studio (Soul to Soul Yoga) coming in January. Several floors of the building have been completely renovated including modern lighting, flooring, and furnishings. The main lobby and elevator have also been renovated to complete the refresh. More than anything the Crown Bank Building has come back to life with activity, adding to the Asbury Avenue scene. The building boasts the best unobstructed views in town from the bay to the ocean and ample parking. The building is filling up quickly as the appeal of having a renovated office space in town, with amazing views and parking is not easy to find. Rents range from $400/month for a smaller studio to $3,000 for a large multi-room office space. Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

What to consider before getting a dog this holiday season

By Heidi Clayton

very year at about this time, my social media feed fills with posts about getting or giving a dog or puppy as a Christmas gift. In just about all of the warning messages, the gifted dog or puppy is eventually abandoned or doomed to a life in a shelter. While I am not a full-blown Scrooge on the topic, I do think as with any other time of the year getting a pet of any sort involves a great deal of thought and preparation. Here are a few considerations to mull over before committing to a Christmas puppy. Bringing a puppy or dog into your house uproots the normal balance and routine under normal conditions. The holiday season usually involves everyone's home being busier with

increased social obligations. Before you commit to bringing home a pet during this time, consider what you are getting into. A puppy will require a great deal more care than an older dog. Puppies need house-breaking training and feeding. They just flat-out take up more time than older dogs as they just need more attention. If you are getting a puppy for the kids, you must reasonably consider if your kids are the type of kids that can step up and offer real care to a puppy while you are busy wrapping gifts or baking. The novelty of a puppy can wear off once the kids realize how much work is involved during normal times. If you think the newest gaming system might one-up the excitement of the puppy with your kids, you might want to hold off on bringing home a dog until after the holidays. If you and your family have hectic social calendars that involve long nights out at parties or traveling, think about whether you can realistically rush home to let a puppy out. If you can’t squeeze that in, hold off on committing to a puppy or dog.

Finally, remember that Christmas trees, decorations, and holiday decor can be very tempting for puppies to destroy. They will need constant supervision to prevent them from executing a path of destruction. Even a new older dog can be tempted to destroy your decor and will need management. Two years ago, clients with a new rescue dog felt bad that they were out for a few evenings in a row. Feeling guilty, they left their new rescue loose in the house while they went out. The subsequent trip to the emergency room to remove the Christmas tree lights that were consumed was not at all how they had planned on spending Christmas Eve. Getting a dog or puppy should be a serious decision. It shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment or casual choice. I do frown upon surprising someone with a puppy or dog as a gift. The primary caretaker of the dog should also

be an active participant in selecting the dog. If you and your family have all agreed that getting a dog or puppy will replace having a hectic holiday schedule and social life, then by all means bringing a dog or puppy into the house during the holiday season. It will create memories to last a lifetime. 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

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Conway Twitty’s Tony Mart’s legacy lives on in grandson Tre

By Carmen Marotta

n the late 50s and early 60s, Conway Twitty was already recording hit songs and selling millions of records, becoming famous while on his way to the Country Music Hall of Fame. However, when he spent five summers headlining at Tony Mart’s from 1961 through 1965, he was still a rockabilly star. As did many of the musical artists that performed at Tony Mart’s, Conway, and some of his family and band members, stayed in the apartments above the Bay Avenue night spot. Conway’s daughters Joni and Kathy were young children hanging out at Tony Mart’s just like the Marotta children in Tony Mart’s own family. Conway Twitty and his drummer, Porkchop Markham, also a hall of famer, played for many weeks over those five years as headliners and co-headliners, while The Fall Guys were the house band that kept it rockin’. In 1965 however, there was a confluence of music history when Conway literally laid down his rock ‘n’ roll

guitar while still performing at Tony Mart’s, and became a country crooner before heading back to Arkansas and Nashville on his way to fame and fortune as one of the greatest names in country music history. Before he did that, he etched his name in the Tony Mart’s rock ‘n’ roll legend by convincing Tony Mart to give Levon and the Hawks, known as a great Canadian band, a chance. The group was composed of members of the Arkansas based Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. Inspired by Twitty and the success of his band, The Twitty Birds in Toronto, Hawkins and company made their way up north where the demand for rockabilly was stronger than in the United States. But as the Hawks members got homesick and began returning to Arkansas, they were replaced by Canadians with the exception of American drummer, Levon Helm. Eventually Levon and the Hawks became known as The Band. It is well known in rock ‘n’ roll lore that during this tenure at the Mart with Conway, Levon and the Hawks

became the rage of the Jersey Shore; and then got the call from Bob Dylan and went off to Woodstock, Newport, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. As rock ‘n’ roll and country rock ‘n’ roll history continue to evolve from the roots of these great artists, Conway‘s grandson, Tre Twitty, found his place with Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, in a national touring show celebrating the relationship between Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Simply called “Twitty and Lynn,” the show has been tremendously received by critics and the public. While working on a video documentary about it, director Steve Jawn from 10:10 Creative, found the Jersey Shore legacy they were looking for when they bumped into Denny Brown, a Glenn Insurance agent, at the Point Diner, who directed them to the Tony Mart family. This past week we met Tre Twitty who came to Somers Point looking for the legacy of Conway Twitty at Tony Mart’s in the 60s. Well he found it.

The chemistry between the Tony Mart family and the Conway Twitty family is absolutely magical and it will spill onto the Somers Point Beach for the national award-winning AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach Series when Tre Twitty performs with Tayla Lynn as soon as it can be arranged. Meanwhile, the final Tony Mart event of 2023, “Country Rockin’ New Year’s Party,” will be the local debut of Tre Twitty and first live musical performance here celebrating the ongoing legacy of Tony Mart’s. Tre will be appearing as a guest star at our just announced Tony Mart end-of-the-year concert party 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 29 at the VFW in Somers Point. Tony Mart’s will celebrate with live shows that continue to make history in Somers Point, South Jersey and everywhere that rock ‘n’ roll and country rock music fans share and rejoice in the unique musical history of Tony Mart’s and the good times had by friends and family who came together on those wild summer nights from 1945 to 1982.

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Wine 101: Terroir is everything! By David Setley of Passion Vines

“If it doesn’t happen in the vineyard, it can’t happen in the winery.” This expression, often heard at wineries around the world, summarizes the importance of terroir in the winemaking process. This week, I will discuss this frequently used wine term and then will offer recommendations of one wine varietal made in four distinct wine regions so that you may experience it for yourself: terroir is everything! There is no single term in the English language that encapsulates everything the word “terroir” has come to mean. It was first used in France in the 13th century to refer to a territory or village, but by the 17th century, it meant land or soil. By the mid-20th century, the meaning of “terroir” evolved further to what is currently used in viticulture: a de-

scription of the total environment that impacts the quality and characteristics associated with the crops grown in that particular area. This includes the soil, climate, elevation, rainfall, temperatures, ambient flora and fauna, microbial life living in the soil, prevailing wind patterns, proximity to bodies of water, and anything else that could affect what grows there. Think of it this way: New Jersey, aka the Garden State, is famous for many crops, including blueberries. Did you know that Maine is also famous for its blueberries? I’ve enjoyed my share of Maine’s wild blueberries over my years of owning a home there. They are delicious but completely different from what we have here. Why? Terroir! The concept of terroir, as it relates to wine, can be attributed to the Benedictine and Cistercian Monks of France who, as far back as the first century A.D., recognized that different parcels of land had characteristics that allowed certain varietals of grape to fare better than others. They were observant enough to notice that terroir could even be distinct between adjacent rows of

vines. This became the basis for the appellation system, which identifies specific subregions that have been proven to produce particularly good wine of specific varietals within larger wine regions. Each country has its own designations. In the US, we call them AVA (American Viticulture Areas); in France it is AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée); in Italy it is DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata); and in Spain, it is DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida). Each appellation has specific regulations for winemaking, including which grapes can be grown, growing seasons, harvest dates, fermentation, aging requirements and more. Most Old-World wine countries place more emphasis on the appellation from which wine came, rather than on the varietal itself. To bring these concepts into your own glass, let’s look at how terroir affects just one varietal: Pinot Noir. Though Burgundy, France is considered to be the birthplace of Pinot Noir, it is actually grown in many countries and wine regions, including New Zealand, California, and Oregon. Whether you conduct a side-by-side with the recommendations I am about to give or select your own, you will certainly note the differences that terroir brings to the same grape. For an example from Burgundy, reach for the Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne 2021. Bourgogne is French for Burgundy. This producer is from Santenay in the Cote de Or, one of the premiere appellations of Burgundy. The soil of the region is known as Kimmeridgian limestone. This soil, along with the climate, environment and viticultural practices of the region, results in a wine with earthy flavor characteristics. The vineyard is located at approximately 46.5 degrees northern latitude, which is reflected by the wine being a medium-bodied red with low tannins and medium acidity with a uniquely earthy flavor profile with light notes of cherry fruit.

Compare the French Pinot with the Matua Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand. The soil of Marlborough is a combination of gravel, silt, sand, and clay. The vineyard is situated at approximately 41.5 degrees southern latitude, positioning it more than 300 miles closer to the equator. The average annual rainfall is higher and the average daily temperatures are a bit warmer, resulting in a slightly longer growing season. Although the Matua wine is still medium-bodied with relatively low tannins, the dominant flavor is more fruity (cherry and strawberry, specifically) and less earthy. Pinot Noir is widely grown on the west coast of the U.S., specifically in Oregon and California. The Willamette Valley AVA of Oregon is home to the Montinore Estate Winery, an outstanding producer of Pinot Noir. This region’s soil is largely composed of volcanic flow, glacial deposits, and marine sediment. At 45 degrees northern latitude, the temperatures are similar to Burgundy, but the proximity to the ocean and the average annual rainfall are similar to New Zealand. The aroma and flavor profile of the Montinore Pinot Noir has notes of wild berries, plum, and chocolate, with hints of earthiness reminiscent of Burgundy wines. Compare this wine to the Truchard Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, California. At a latitude of about 38 degrees north, Napa Valley is situated closer to the equator than any other wine region discussed in this article and has warmer average daily temperatures. The soil is similar to that of the Willamette Valley. However, the growing season is longer. The resulting wine is more full-bodied and tannic, less acidic, and offers bolder aromas and flavors of plum and blackberry with only hints of earthiness. So there you have it – one varietal, four distinct wines. Terroir is everything! I hope you enjoyed learning about one of the more complex concepts in winemaking. I urge you to explore the effect of terroir on other varietals the next time you head to the wine store. As always contact me with any questions at dsetley@ passionvines.com. Until next time, happy wining! David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

November 30, 2023

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ACROSS 1. Ten Commandments word 6. Problem with concentrating, acr. 9. Black sheep's gift 13. "The game of unspeakable fun!" 14. "Fancy that!" 15. One Direction's "Truly, ____, Deeply" 16. Consumed, two words 17. Finish, with "up" 18. Extra software 19. The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You ____ in Magic" 21. *Badger State capital 23. Snow runner 24. Boris Godunov, for one 25. Every American's uncle? 28. Aquarium organism 30. Hound or plague 35. He sacrificed a rib? 37. Nordic native 39. Singular of salpae 40. Sites 41. Joker or Batman, e.g. 43. Olympic one is 50 meters long 44. Terminate mission 46. Boor 47. If it fits... 48. *Centennial State's capital 50. Form of approval 52. As much as this and a leg 53. Saintly glow 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *Pine Tree State capital 61. *Garden State capital 65. Idle talk 66. Morning condensation 68. le de la City river 69. Painter Degas 70. U.N. workers' grp. 71. Samurai dagger 72. Fraternity recruitment season 73. Dog tags 74. Ancient Greek building for entertainment

DOWN 1. Bayonet wound 2. Angie Thomas' "The ____ U Give" 3. Killed by Cain 4. Jazz musician Armstrong. 5. *Sunflower State capital 6. Fit of shivering 7. *____ Moines 8. Regards 9. Dry riverbed 10. Bookie's quote 11. Mishmash 12. Country singer Loretta 15. Hot curry dish 20. Mexican revolutionary 22. "I see!" 24. Food thickener 25. Type of bar 26. Acrobat maker 27. Wine from Myconnais 29. Chutzpah 31. What Kanye does 32. *Greeting in Honolulu 33. Animal trail 34. *Beaver State capital 36. Type of missile 38. *St. ____ 42. It can lead up or down 45. Movie preview 49. Hard to escape routine 51. Faster than allegro 54. Forearm bones 56. Work the dough 57. Copycat 58. Pakistani language 59. Silences 60. *Salt Lake City State 61. A child's "terrible ____" 62. Pitchfork part 63. Aware of 64. Ne 67. Old age, archaic

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2024 Teaching Calendar Is Perfect Holiday Gift For Students By Seth Grossman

hen I grew up in Atlantic City, I and my “Boomer” generation learned a lot of our local history. In elementary school, we visited the Somers Mansion in Somers Point and were told the story of Richard Somers and the Tripoli Pirates. We also went to the old Jeremiah Leeds house on Leeds Place in Atlantic City. There we learned how this was the only house on the whole island until Jonathan Pitney built his railroad. At family and other social gatherings, we heard old timers talk about the men who built the Boardwalk, the Million Dollar Pier and the big hotels. We heard about the big storms that washed away the Brigantine Bridge in 1938 and the Heinz Pier in 1944. Today, those old timers are gone. Their stories are all but forgotten. Very little local history is taught in our public schools today. Schools and teachers today are evaluated by how well their students do on standardized tests. Those tests don’t recognize local history. The Liberty and Prosperity 2024 Teaching Calendar does far more than help you plan and remember appointments and events.

For each month, we tell the stories of important, but mostly forgotten events and personalities from the past in South Jersey. We begin by describing the remarkable “Concessions and Agreements” that created the British colonies of New Jersey in 1664. These documents protected individual rights and limited the powers of government more than a hundred years before the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. For January, we tell stories of Quakers who settled here. They were persecuted and jailed in England because they gave women non-traditional leadership roles, and opposed war and slavery. Many came to South Jersey. They included John Townsend who settled in Cape May, and John Somers who came to Somers Point. Here they built new and prosperous lives for themselves without slaves. They only settled on land that was not claimed by any Native Americans, or voluntarily sold for a full and fair price. For February we tell the stories of Col. John McKee, George Henry White, Alma and Clifton Washington and Sarah Spencer Washington. These were all slaves or the children of slaves who left racism in the South and came to Atlantic and Cape May

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Counties during the “Great Migration” after the Civil War. McKee became a millionaire who built McKee City by English Creek Road in Egg Harbor Township. White was a successful lawyer, Congressman, and banker who built Whitesboro in Cape May County. Alma and Clifton Washington came to Atlantic City with nothing. However, they soon built and owned Wash’s Inn, a local landmark for years. Sarah Spencer Washington opened a small hair salon on Baltic Avenue in Atlantic City. Within ten years, she owned a multimillion-dollar national cosmetics empire. March tells the true story of Commodore Kuehnle, Nucky Johnson and their real Boardwalk Empire. April tells of how Jonathan Pitney and Sam Richards built their 54 mile railroad and the first hotel in Atlantic City in less than a year. May tells the stories of Skinny D’Amato and his 500 Club and Harry Schultz of Schultz Men’s Clothing. Similar interesting and informative true stories are told for each of the next seven months. We

also list our sources for each story so you can easily learn even more details and related stories on your own. Our calendar is a perfect holiday gift for every friend and family member. However, young people and students seem to appreciate it the most. We invite you to support this project by buying our calendar for $20 for a batch of ten. However, the main purpose of this project is education, not fundraising. We invite you to pick up as many calendars as you need from a number of locations. Ask for them at any branch of the Atlantic County library system. They can be picked up any time from the plastic bin by the steps of our office at 453 Shore Road in Somers Point, New Jersey. If you would like us to send you a calendar, simply leave a voicemail with Seth Grossman at 609-927-7333 or email us at info@libertyandprosperity.com. Please also contact us if you can help us distribute our calendar through any school, library, historical society or other organization in your community. Thanks!

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