SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 14, 2023 by Mike Kurov

Free December 14, 2023

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Very Merry Events Historic Home Holiday Tour in Ocean City Tinseltown AC: Decked Out for the Holidays Kids Shop with a Cop

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HOLIDAY SPECIALS SPECIALS WILL RUN FROM THURSDAY DECEMBER 22ND UNTIL DECEMBER 24TH AT 3PM. PLEASE CALL AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS BY 12/20 AT 4:30 PM BY CALLING (609)399-9462.

SUNDAY SAUCE

Our famous slow cooked marinara with homemade meatballs and sweet italian sausage served over linguine. Served with a house salad paired with our homemade vinaigrette dressing with 2 loaves of Atlantic City Italian bread. Serves 6 for $82.00 CRISPY EGGPLANT RICOTTA

Fresh eggplant cutlets lightly breaded and fried topped with ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and our famous marinara served over linguine. Including our house salad paired with our homemade vinaigrette dressing and 2 loaves of Atlantic City Italian bread. Serves 6 for $82.00 OUR FAMOUS FAMILY STYLE CHICKEN PARM

Organic chicken cutlets lightly breaded and seasoned, topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, served over linguine. Including our house salad paired with our homemade vinaigrette dressing and 2 loaves of Atlantic City Italian bread. Serves 6 for $82.00 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER-AVAILABLE 12/24 ONLY

Honey Baked Ham or Turkey served with candied sweet potatoes, smashed potatoes, green beans, and our house salad. Serves 6 for $90 APPETIZERS AVAILABLE TO ENHANCE YOUR MEAL

-Jumbo U-10 Shrimp Cocktail with cocktail sauce(10) $55 - Clams Casino(10) $45 - House Roasted Peppers with Sharp Provolone and Garlic Crustinis serves 6 $50 1st St. & Asbury Ave. Ocean City | (609)399-9462 Plus tax & gratuity

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he "Merry and Bright Market" at Jessie’s of Linwood on Saturday, Dec. 8, transformed the street into a lively open-air market, creating a perfect blend of festivity and local charm. A diverse array of over a dozen vendors lined the street adjacent to the bike path. From artisanal crafts to delectable treats, the market was a treasure trove of unique finds for holiday shoppers. The Merry and Bright Market not

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December 14, 2023

It truly is a wonderful life From the Editor

ecember, undoubtedly the busiest month, unfolds with decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, and many special events, culminating in gatherings with friends and family. This week, I had the privilege of reuniting with old friends—college roommates and sorority sisters. Despite life leading us in different directions post-graduation, reconnecting after 24 years was a long-overdue joy. Babies grew into adults, marriages shifted, and new relationships blossomed. Over a long lunch, we reminisced about our college days, sharing hugs, laughter, and anecdotes. Glancing back as we parted ways, it felt like a snapshot, reminiscent of a quote from the cherished Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." "No man is a failure who has friends," Clarence, George Bailey's

angel, declared in the 1946 film. Jimmy Stewart beautifully portrays the enduring lessons of friendship, hope, and selflessness in George Bailey's journey. The film's timeless message about the importance of community and the

intrinsic value of every person's life still resonates today. Love, sacrifice, and the ripple effect of our actions are celebrated, urging us to cherish connections that make life wonderful. In the end, the movie teaches us that many come together to help in times of need, often unaware of the impact they've made. George's angel, Clarence, poignantly notes, "Each

Issue 262

man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Without George, so much would have been different. Reflecting on my college friends, I realize they played a pivotal role in my life journey, leading me to meet my husband. Life, like a kaleidoscope, can change with a tiny turn, guiding us along the paths we are meant to tread. As the holidays envelop us in movies, music, colors, and traditions, I am reminded that the natural gifts are relationships, smiles, laughter, and shared memories. Indeed, it is a beautiful life! In the spirit of the season, other holiday favorites like "A Christmas

Carol" and the delightful "Elf" bring joy and laughter. These films, etched into my holiday tradition, create a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I encourage you to revisit your cherished holiday movies, each a unique gift transporting us to a place of joy, laughter, and the true spirit of togetherness. My deepest thanks for your continued support and readership. Your engagement empowers us to deliver content that informs, uplifts, and sparks meaningful conversations—I wish you and your family a blessed holiday season filled with peace, love, and cherished moments.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Established 2016

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch Web Designer - Holly Martin Contributors – Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Donald B. Kravitz, Fred Miller, Krystle J. Bailey, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Elisa Jo Eagan, David Setley, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Whitney Ullman, Raymond Tyler, John Loreaux, Danielle Davies, Bill Quain, Gabriella Bancheri

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December 14, 2023

New Jersey lowers cost to register for medical marijuana as interest wanes

By Sophie Nieto-Munoz

n an attempt to keep enrollment for medical marijuana patients from continuing to drop, the state cannabis agency has lowered registration costs to just $10 every two years, down from $50 for most patients. Enrollment in the medical marijuana program has been declining since the state launched recreational marijuana sales in April 2022, officials with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission said at their meeting Thursday. The number of medical marijuana patients has tumbled to fewer than 94,000, down from 128,000 when recreational cannabis sales started, state data shows. Jeff Brown, the commission’s executive director, said while medicinal sales drop, adult sales continue to grow at about 10% each quarter. Consumers spent about $206 million on cannabis in the third quarter of 2023, with nearly $177 million in recreational sales, the commission said. Medicinal sales totaled about $29 million in the third quarter of 2023,

for medicinal users, and $45 for down from $61 million at the same recreational. time last year. Brown said the move to drop When medicinal marijuana the cost of registering in the mesales launched in 2010, registradicinal program will “hopefully tion cost $200 biannually. Last incentivize patients.” year, the agency dropped that to “Many patients face barriers $50 for most patients and $20 to accessing treatment due to for seniors. costs, like paying out of pocket Longtime cannabis advocate for doctor’s visits and the cost Chris Goldstein, who previousof cannabis. NJ-CRC is doing ly served on the board of the everything in our power to elimiCoalition for Medical Marijuana nate as many barriers as possible The number of medical marijuana patients has plumNew Jersey, said he doesn’t to ensure those who can benefit meted to fewer than 94,000, down from 128,000 believe other states are seeing from cannabis treatment remain when recreational sales started in April 2022. Photo by the same drop in the number in the program,” Brown said in a Daniella Heminghaus for the New Jersey Monitor of medical marijuana patients, statement. and he slammed New Jersey The price change became effecand strains, priority for product indispensaries for “price gouging.” The tive immediately. Patients must still ventory, and tax-free purchases. But lowest-priced eighth of medicinal re-register every two years to remain prices for marijuana in New Jersey weed in Pennsylvania costs $18, and the lowest price for patients in New in the program. are still among the highest in the Jersey is about $40. country, and taxes are among the Medical users have historically used physical cards to show at dislowest, which leaves little financial “We’re talking about patients who pensaries, and those cards will shift incentive for people to remain in the are expected to pay three or four program. to digital in 2024. times as much as across the river to Medical marijuana patients see An eighth of Ozone brand marthe same companies for the same some benefits compared to recreijuana at Ascend in Fort Lee costs products,” Goldstein said. “Consumers are not stupid. We look at menus ational users, including patient-only $65 on both the recreational and across states.” hours and parking at dispensaries, medicinal menus. At ZenLeaf in LawCredit: New Jersey Monitor separate menus with different deals rence, the cheapest eighth is $42.50

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HAS YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INCREASED?

Ocean City history showcased, one property at a time

By Steffen Klenk

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n Saturday, Dec. 9, a line of guests arrived at Ocean City’s historic Scarborough Inn to pick up their wristbands for a first-of-itskind community-based event. Over 400 people signed up in advance to participate in a Holiday Historic Home Tour. Over a dozen properties were listed for display, each building consisting of private residences, inns, cottages, and hometown businesses. This tour provided a rare opportunity to witness the long-storied history of these unique properties. Upon arriving at the Scarborough, attendees were provided with a map, highlighting each of the open homes and businesses on tour. At each of the properties, volunteers warmly invited

Bridget Buchanan standing in front of the formerly-used bank vault inside Shoppes at the Asbury (801 Asbury. Photo by Steffen Klenk guests into the building. Right away, you could feel the enthusiasm as property owners recollected stories and interacted with the invited public. Attendees followed a simple set of rules: to be respectful of the hosts and their belongings, and to walk between homes as much as possible to avoid any parking hassles. While the buildings listed may have

been different architecturally, they all have one thing in mind: the caretakers put much of their heart and soul into preserving the past. Long lines were out the door to tour the Genevieve, an Edwardian-era house, located at 615 Wesley Ave. Homeowners Brian and Christine Lihou purchased the home in November 2021 and have shared updates on the restoration

December 14, 2023

process through their Facebook page, “Restoring the Genevieve”. On May 23, 1881, Alfred Higbee purchased the site of the Genevieve from the Ocean City Association. Shortly after being purchased by the Lihou family, the home was gutted to its original four walls. From the inside out, the Genevieve received much-needed care and attention, and as of December 2023, 98% of the house has been restored.

Interior of the Bayberry Inn, 811 Wesley, decked out in holiday decor.

December 14, 2023

torian building operates as a bed and breakfast. A vast record of photos and stories can be seen throughout the property, from its welcoming lobby to the halls, even the ocean-facing suites. Sne Avichal is the Scarborough’s inn keeper. He began the tour to spotlight these vintage structures, and to raise vital awareness in preserving the city’s architecture. In an age of flourishing new development, Avichal says older homes are a natural economic asset that can drive visitors to the island, even during the off-season. “I think developers would be more inclined to adaptively reuse these properties instead of leveling them.” Some may not know Exterior of the Genevieve, 615 Wesley. Photo provided by that Ocean City has Christine Lihou. an official Residential Throughout the family’s journey, Historic District. Among the city’s much research has gone into the founding on Oct. 20, 1879, the Ocean property’s long-storied history. City Association was incorporated. Also on display included the ScarWithin a year, forty-eight residences borough Inn, Ocean City’s first hotel. ↘Continued on 10 At 125 years old, this three-story Vic-

↘Continued from 9

council meetings. Gas pipes were inwere constructed around a meeting area bounded between 5th and 6th stalled throughout Streets and Wesley and Asbury Ave., the building to power the present home of Ocean City gas lighting. It was Tabernacle. Many more Victorian also the first building structures were built up to the 1890s. constructed on the Many of these homes, located along island. Those walking 3rd and 8th St. between Central and past the building on 8th St. will instantly Ocean Ave., are listed on the State notice the original and National Register of Historic Places. windows overseeing It is important to note that while the cityscape. The former Crown most of the private residences and businesses on tour in Ocean City Bank building on 801 have been registered as historic, Asbury, current home there are still a vast array of properties throughout the island that do not have landmark status. The historic value of these buildings should be worth celebrating for future generations to embrace. Other notable properties on display included 744 Central Ave. The building, currently occupied by Handlaget Design, was built by the City of Ocean City as a tax collection office and space for city Grayce on Dollhouse Row, 1432 Wovern Pl.

Exterior of the Genevieve. to Shoppes at the Asbury, opened its 32,000 lbs., sixteen-ton vault to the public. Even two of the Dollhouse Row cottages were open to the public. Located along the city’s bayside at Wovern Place, there was a steady stream of people throughout the evening. The Bayberry Inn, at 811 Wesley, also opened its doors to warm and

welcoming visitors. This quaint bed and breakfast just completed its 23rd season of operation. The property was built as a family summer home in 1901, following the death of Queen Victoria, and is considered Colonial Revival architecture. Additional guest rooms were added in the 1930s. For this tour, the interior was decked out in holiday décor from wall-towall, with three of the six bedrooms opened for public viewing.

Exterior of the Bayberry Inn. Future tours are slated for 2024. Those interested in receiving more information, becoming a volunteer, or hosting a future tour, may contact Sne Avichal by emailing sne@scarboroughinn.com. Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

December 14, 2023

Proposed NJ bill: Minors need parental consent to sign up for social media

By Sophie Nieto-Munoz

new bill advanced by an Assembly panel Monday would require children signing up for social media accounts to have their parents’ consent, and it would bar messaging between adults and children on certain platforms. Under the legislation, social media companies would require New Jersey residents to verify they are at least 18 before signing up. If a minor wants to register, social media companies would need the consent and age verification of their parents or guardians within 14 days of opening the account. Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), the bill’s sponsor, called social media a “clear and present danger that our children are facing today,” and noted that company whistleblowers have testified before Congress about addictive algorithms and the impact they have on young children. “The provider of that service can know rightly who you are be-

fore you’re allowed to access that service through that platform. It’s the very least, in my opinion, we can do for our children,” said Conaway, chairman of the Assembly Health Committee. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that internal documents from Instagram, owned by Facebook, show the company knows the platform is toxic for minors, specifically teen girls. A Facebook whistleblower testified in front of a Senate committee last month on harassment he saw on his daughter’s Instagram account. Congress is planning another hearing with social media executives to testify on online child sexual exploitation. The bill does not state how people would verify their ages, but several websites exist for people to use their government-issued identification cards, like ID.me, the platform New Jersey uses to verify some unemployment claims. People would also be required to send in their credit card information for a 35-cent fee. Shawn Hyland, director of advo-

cacy for the New Jersey Family Policy Center, said while he supports the bill, it doesn’t go as far as other states that already have similar laws in place. He suggested requirements for ongoing supervision instead of one-time permission. “Parental permission to create social media accounts enables parents to better protect their kids from the proven harms of social media,” he said. Utah became the first state in the nation to require children under 16 to have parental consent to access social media apps, with the law going into effect in March 2024. Lawmakers in other states like Texas, Ohio, and Louisiana have introduced similar measures. New Jersey’s legislation would require social media platforms to prohibit direct messaging between adult users and accounts held by minors. And the social media companies would be barred from collecting personal data from accounts from minors other than information to comply with state and federal law.

Business groups expressed concerns in their testimony over whether platforms with peer-topeer interactions or e-commerce platforms like Venmo or Etsy would be subject to the direct messaging provision. The committee approved an amendment exempting certain apps used for financial or commercial purposes. The Division of Consumer Affairs would be responsible for enforcing the legislation, including by issuing penalties and fines. Before issuing a fine, the division would be required to provide written notice of the violation to the social media companies, to be rectified within 30 days. Social media companies would face up to $2,500 for each violation. The bill would also require an annual report from the Division of Consumer Affairs on the department’s ability to reduce the use of social media among children. The bill’s Senate counterpart, introduced last week, has not been scheduled for a hearing. Credit: New Jersey Monitor

December 14, 2023

Rise and Shine: Somers Point Breakfast Club builds camaraderie

By Julia Train

alk into the Point Diner on a Thursday morning, and you’ll see several tables filled. A few of them are occupied by breakfast clubs, groups of people who meet regularly to socialize over a meal. Dan Myers started one about two months ago for men who are in their late 60s or 70s. Myers, who’s married with kids and grandchildren, has a deep-rooted family life and loves his family, but thinks men need to fulfill their social circle outside of that as well. “In general, the average American male is somewhat isolated and somewhat deprived of a social network…

even if you're involved in politics, clubs, or various activities,” he said. “If you're not actively trying to improve your attitude toward other people and your relationships with people in general, you're not moving your life along. That's just my basic philosophy.” Myers has lived in Somers Point for about 45 years, which is the longest he’s lived somewhere after being raised in a preacher's family that moved about every three years. “You would think when you're raised in a preacher's family you’d get good at making friends, but it's a double-edged sword,” he said. He would always keep in the back of his mind that any friends he made were temporary because he’d be moving soon. Myers always loved learning and growing. He taught himself Photoshop and photography and is involved in multiple councils and organizations in the area. Before he was able to actually create the “club”, he made a list of men he knew from commissions, councils or organizations that he wanted to get to know on a personal level. He then emailed those select individuals and

L to R: John Helbig, Jim Foreman, Dan Myers, Bill Reinert. Thursday Morning Point Diner Breakfast Crew. We welcome everyone! didn’t define the meeting as a club; he aimed to keep it casual. Although he reached out to men, he doesn’t exclude women. He told his friends that they could invite their wives if they wished. "I've always worn a lot of hats and it just seemed like a natural extension for me to wear this new hat now that I'm retired, but still very involved in other activities. You know, to kind of make that next step to deepen my friendships and deepen my social network.” Some days it's two or three of them,

others it’s all six, but Myers shows up consistently to make sure the club stays intact. He doesn’t want it to grow too big, but if it does expand, he wants it to happen organically and wants people to come because they actually want to. “It's nice to have it small because then one conversation, everybody can join that. But if you get seven [or] eight people now there's two or three conversations going on and it doesn't have the same feel,” Myers said. “So hopefully it just stays small. If we get six regular people there, that would be perfect, but I don't really want to get more than that.” 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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Events and Happenings

Multiple Dates

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. Yard Family Christmas Display

▶Now – Dec. 25, 5 – 11 p.m.

4 E. Curran Dr. Absecon Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Yard Family display this Friday, Dec. 15 & Saturday, Dec. 16. They will also be serving some delicious hot chocolate and treats to warm you up on a chilly winter’s evening. The family is also accepting donations that go towards supporting a family in need at the end of the season. Visit www.facebook. com/yardfamilychristmas for the latest updates. 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 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. Photo by Marc Berman Santa’s last day at the park is Sat. Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24 & Station, 1275 Harding Hwy. Richland. 25. Ticket sales and reservations are Reserve your seat online at www. open online at www.storybookland. seashorelines.org. Magic Flowers com/christmas. The Santa Express ▶Sat. Dec. 16 & Sun Dec. 17, 3

▶Fri. Dec. 15, 5:30 & 7:45 p.m., Sat. Dec. 16 & Sun. Dec. 17, 11 a.m., 1:25 p.m. & 3:50 p.m.

Richland Train Station & Tuckahoe Train Station Join Cape May Seashore Lines and enjoy a train ride with Santa Claus. Excursions will operate every weekend and select weekday evenings until Dec. 23. Trains depart Saturdays from Tuckahoe Village, Reading Ave. & Railroad Ave. Tuckahoe, and Fridays and Sundays from Richland Train

p.m.

Studiospace 112 Woodland Ave. Somers Point Magic Flowers is an award-winning one-act comedy that takes place on Christmas Eve in Manhattan. Written and Directed by Bill Sterritt. Admission is $10. Advance tickets are available at www.studiospacespnj. com Santa in the Downtown

▶Sat., Dec. 16 & Sun., Dec. 17, 9 – 11 a.m.

Soifer Park 9th St. & Asbury Ave. Ocean City For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶ Sat., Dec. 16 & Sun., Dec. 17, 12 – 3 p.m.

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

▶ Sat., Dec. 16 & Sun., Dec. 17, 12 – 3 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.

Thursday, December 14 Somers Point Poetry Club

▶6 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center , 22 N. Ambler Rd. This club is not just for poetry writers, but for anyone interested in poetry. Free and open to the public. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on Events or email Erin at haikuclubnj@yahoo. com.

↘Continued on 16

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December 14, 2023

Christmas Fantasy of Lights

he timelessness of childhood will ring true as your family literally walks through its all-time favorite stories and nursery rhymes at Storybook Land. Children’s classics are interspersed with exciting new family rides and attractions in a remarkably clean and enjoyable park setting.

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↘Continued from 14 Friday, December 15 Festive Fridays along Asbury Avenue

▶4 – 7 p.m.

Downtown Ocean City Enjoy horse and carriage rides from 4 – 7 p.m. departing from 6th & Asbury through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights, and shop for some of the best gifts this holiday season. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Atlantic County Toys for Kids Beef & Beer

▶6 – 9 p.m.

Maynards Café 9306 Amherst Ave. Margate Tickets are $35 per person and includes beef, beer, wine, and soda, plus

a cash bar and music. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for kids in Atlantic County. For more information, call Greg at (609) 226-1560 or visit www. toysforkidsprogram.org. Holiday and Broadway Concert at OC Library

from local vendors and artists. Plus, enjoy live local music and DJs at this dark music dance party. Tickets and information at www.anchorrockclub. com.

1735 Simpson Ave. Join the library for holiday favorites and Broadway’s best songs, featuring Bridgette Johnson, Soprano, Scott Johnson, Barritone, and Jeffrey Uhlig on piano. More information can be found at www.oceancitylibrary. org. Ghost Mart

▶12 p.m.

▶7 p.m.

▶9 p.m.

Anchor Rock Club Step into a supernatural realm and shop for odd, obscure, eclectic gifts

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Saturday, December 16 Wreaths Across America

Cape May County Veterans’ Cemetery 123 Crest Haven Rd. Cape May Court House The Colony Club of Ocean City will participate in Wreaths Across America in which wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves across the country in recognition of their service. A ceremony will take place at noon on Dec. 16. The club will partner with the Auxiliary of the Ocean City American Legion for this event. For more information, please email colonyclub. oceancitynj@gmail.com. Egg Harbor City Christmas Parade

▶6 p.m.

Philadelphia Ave. from Claudius to Arago St. Come out and experience Christmas on the Avenue. The parade will travel from Claudius St. down Philadelphia Ave. all the way to Arago St., then up Liverpool and returning to City Hall. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ehcparade. Atlantic City Ballet: Nutcracker

▶7 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars A family tradition that embodies the holiday spirit enjoyed by young and old. Tickets are available at www. acballet.org/Nutcracker.

Sunday, December 17

Makers Pop-Up at Reed’s Farm

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

5075 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township Stop at Reed’s Farm on Sunday for their market and pop-up and search for last-minute deals for that special someone. A full list of vendors can be found at www.reedsorganicfarm. org/events. Holiday High Tea at Flanders Hotel

▶2 – 4 p.m.

719 E. 11th St. Ocean City Join Flanders Hotel for an afternoon high tea with delectable sweets while enjoying the sounds Harpist Stephanie Sussmeier. Guests will take home a special centennial keepsake. Call (609) 399-1000 x. 7889 to reserve your seat. EHT Christmas Wonderland Welcomes Santa

▶5 – 9:30 p.m.

126 Constitution Dr. The Moore Miller family invites the public to visit their elaborately decorated home this Sunday, Dec. 17. The Christmas Wonderland features 23 decorated trees, with lights, decorations, and inflatables. Santa Claus will be there taking photos with children, with proceeds benefiting Avanzar, formally the Atlantic County Women’s Center, to aid less fortunate children in our area. Plus, enjoy free hot chocolate, and goodies for the kids. Sandi Patty Christmas Concert

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle 550 Wesley Ave. Celebrate A Very Merry Christmas with Grammy and Gospel Music Award winning vocalist Sandi Patty. Admission is free.

Monday, December 18 Holiday Sweet Sale

▶2 – 5 p.m.

Atlantic County Historical Society 907 Shore Rd. Somers Point Home-baked cookies, brownies, holiday breads, candy, and fudge will be available for purchase. Sold as prepackaged or choose your own sweets. $11 per pound. All proceeds benefit the Atlantic County Historical Society, a nonprofit all-volunteer organization.

Tuesday, December 19 Comfort Cooking Light & Delicious

▶10:30 a.m.

Join gourmet cook and healthy eating enthusiast Tina Serota for a recipe swap as you share ideas for eating well and staying healthy during the holiday season, both physically and mentally. Whether you participate in a sit-down family dinner,

December 14, 2023

brunch or lunch with friends, grab and go while running errands or a quiet holiday, you’ll learn how to find joy, laughter, and light this holiday season. RSVP by Dec. 14. Call (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org to register. Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, December 20 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. Positivity Project: Evening Retreat

performances from the Ocean City Theatre Company, Atlantic City Ballet, Harlem Wizards, rides at Gillian’s, ice-skating, magicians, and more, leading up to a dazzling fireworks display at midnight. Buttons can be purchased online, at City Hall, the Welcome Center on 9th Street causeway, and 46th Street Welcome Center. Visit www.FirstNightOCNJ.com for more details.

Health and Wellness

Dementia Support Group

▶Wed. Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m.

the Intensive Family Support Services program. Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate. NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶ Mon. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.

The Music of Stevie Nicks will be performing at Ocean City’s First Night

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.

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

▶Thu. Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m.

Offered by the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County through

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. NAMI ACM is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.

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

▶7 p.m.

Shake off holiday stressors and prepare for a restful sleep. Topics include self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation, resiliency, and more. RSVP by Dec. 16. Call (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org to register.

Thursday, December 21 Coffee Klatch

▶10:30 a.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate Join a fast-paced discussion on politics, technology, world events, arts, religion, and more. RSVP by Dec. 18. Call (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org to register. Holiday Piano Bar at Gateway Playhouse

▶8 p.m.

738 Bay Ave. Somers Point Spend the Holidays at the Gateway with New York’s own Michael McAssey. This is an open mic evening, so if you have music bring it along. Everyone is welcome to sing or just watch this fun evening unfold. Tickets are $15 per person. Purchase online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

Sunday, December 31 First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration

▶4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Ocean City, NJ Join Ocean City for a complete night of entertainment, with over 70 events in over 20 venues. This year’s musical lineup includes Gypsy: The Music of Stevie Nicks, the Motor City Motown Revue, plus the OC Pops performing with Brass Transit. Plus,

December 14, 2023

The Steadman Group Has YOU Covered..

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Absecon is the Cheers town

hen I was looking for a place that exemplified a "Cheers" type of atmosphere, Reddog’s Hi Point Pub, located at 5 N. Shore Road in Absecon, seemed to be the ultimate choice.

out and forget about life for a while. Without a doubt, they have elevated the environment and events to a whole new level. When Lilly and Joe took over on July 14, they planned to make numerous changes to the 60+year-old establishment. Lilly proudly served as a captain in the Army, and Joe was a construction superintendent. They are putting their supervisory background to productive use by establishing a detailed plan of action and implementing it. The first change was to establish new hours, which are noon to 2 a.m. Their new staff are all TAM certified, meaning they are trained in the safe

New owners Lilly Peterson and her husband, Joe “Reddog” Schul, purchased the former Hi Point Restaurant and Bar. Their intention was to make it a fun, safe place to get

and appropriate way of serving alcohol. The main change is establishing a super fun place to eat, drink and be merry with new and old friends. They have completed some nice

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BHHS Brigantine Sales Office 3620 Atlantic- Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine, NJ 08203 Office: 609-264-8444 ©2022 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation

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modifications to the building itself. In addition, they have a new, friendly staff. Currently they are working on a new menu. The most exciting news is the many new events they offer such as Tuesday Night Karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight, great football specials on Sundays, Ugly Sweater Contest on Dec. 19 with prize money, and Poker Thursday Nights starting at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for some great entertainment as well including Danny Eyer on Dec. 30 from 8 to 11 p.m. Stop in and meet up with all the fun people from all over Absecon, Galloway, Atlantic City, Brigantine and beyond. The next great news in Absecon is the brand new location of the 29,000-square-foot White Horse Wine Spirits and The Market at White Horse. The business is not new to Absecon – it was formerly located in the Absecon Center – but it is now a fabulous free-standing, brand-new

building at 410 White Horse Pike. When you walk through the door your first word might be the one I used: wow! I was impressed not only by the vast selection of a wide variety of every category of spirits, but also the professional presentation throughout the entire store. To complement the spirits and wines is a delicious variety of foods at the deli and salad section at The Market. You can choose from signature salads, creative, mouthwatering sandwiches, warm bowls, and smoothies. It is truly worth a visit. Remember White Horse for catering as well. Remember to shop local, especially during the holiday season. 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

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Cop Program, spanning four days this week, served as a testament to Atlantic City's exceptional youth. Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Police Chief James Sarkos joined forces to create memorable experiences for over 600 students from the city's outstanding schools. Reflecting on my own youth, I recall the profound kindness of educators like Letisha Oppecker, Joseph Duffy, Alice Cash, O.C Edwards, as well as community figures such as Mr. Lloyd "Scope" Ward and Michael Bailey at the local P.A.L. Their acts of kindness extended beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact. Former Mayor William Marsh, a product of Mr. "Scope's" influence, now serves as the president of the AC P.A.L. board. During a conversation at EHT Walmart, he emphasized how generations of leaders have emerged

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December 14, 2023

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Santa’s Helpers from the dedication of individuals like Mr. Scope and Gene Dorn in Atlantic City. Marsh expressed pride in the community's generosity, highlighting the evolution of the Shop With A Cop initiative. What once involved a $100 shopping allowance has now expanded to $125, accompanied by a

December 14, 2023

$50 Shoprite gift card for the children to gift to their parents.The growth of Shop With A Cop, both in terms of financial contributions and the number of families benefiting, underscores the ongoing legacy of adults like William Marsh. Their commitment to community care, instilled by the preceding generations in Atlantic City, ensures that the bond between law enforcement and youth remains strong.

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

Visions of sugared cranberries dancing in our heads By Tammy Thornton

hen it comes to food for the holidays, everything becomes a bit more elevated and fancy. Like a sprinkle of snow, desserts often find themselves showered with a dusting of powdered sugar, and candied fruit glistens in the candlelight. This year, I decided to try a new treat and found that sugared cranberries make beautiful embellishments to my favorite Christmas treats, but are also super easy to make. If you have ever tried eating a raw cranberry, you’ll know that it can make you pucker up faster than you can say Kris Kringle. But don’t let that turn you off from enjoying these tart Christmas-y berries. Once cooked in a little sugar, cranberries burst with a

lovely red color and take on a beautiful sheen, and the sugar will counter the tartness. When I first started using cranberries in recipes, they were solely on the Thanksgiving table as homemade cranberry sauce, complete with marmalade, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. This same cranberry sauce can be used as an appetizer by spreading crostini with a little goat cheese or mascarpone cheese, topping with the jellied cranberry sauce, then adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary. For the holidays, I also treat my guests to appetizer meatballs and add some of this same cranberry sauce. But now, I’ve found a new way to let cranberries shine, and my head is spinning with new ideas to show them off. Making sugared cranberries requires no more ingredients than water, sugar, and cranberries, and very little effort. But the finished product looks like a

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snowy treat touched by Jack Frost. Before you start, make sure you cover a cookie sheet (or platter) with parchment paper for a quick cleanup. Take a medium-sized saucepan and make a simple syrup which consists of equal parts sugar and water. If you're the type that needs exact instructions, start with one cup water and one cup sugar. Cook on medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves into the water. Try not to splash because crystals will form on the side of your pan. Also use caution that you don’t splash it on yourself, because cooked sugar can be very hot. It should only take a few minutes for the sugar to dissolve. Remove the pan from heat and allow your simple syrup to cool slightly. Add one cup or so of cranberries to your simple syrup and stir to coat them. Allow them to soak in the syrup for about 10 - 15 minutes. Then carefully take the cranberries out with a slotted spoon and place them on the parchment paper. Try to drain the syrup as you take them out because you want them to dry out. After you have placed all of the cranberries on the parchment paper, give them a little shake to separate them. I placed the cookie sheet in a cooled oven overnight, but you can move to the next step after they have set for

an hour. I do not recommend placing them in a freezer or refrigerator because they can become soggy. After an hour or so (or overnight), toss the cranberries in a bowl of white sugar. The cranberries should be sticky enough to allow the sugar to adhere, but dry enough that they don’t look wet after they are tossed in the sugar. If they still look wet, add a little more sugar. Pop a few of these sugared cranberries into your mouth, and you’ll have a little sugary/ tart crunchy treat. You might enjoy them so much, you’ll have to make an extra batch to use as garnishments. They look so pretty in a bowl, but the best way to show off your sugared cranberries is as a garnishment for chocolate tarts, cupcakes, Pavlova wreaths, or on a Christmas charcuterie board. You can add these sparkly gems to any of your holiday trays and they will add a fun glisten to your desserts. Once you realize how easy these cuties are to make, you’ll want to try other fruits. Sugared oranges, lemons, and limes

also make fun and delicious treats. Add citrus to your simple syrup the same time you make the cranberries and save the simple syrup for yummy holiday drinks, then add the citrus and berries as a pretty garnishment. We would love to hear how our readers make their holiday tables special. Send your favorite holiday ideas 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.

December 14, 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:

St. Gianna memorial Christmas trees dedicated to the angels among us

Real Estate Matters By Elisa Jo Eagan

he red and white lights on each of the 200 trees located on the grounds of St. Gianna Beretta Molla Church illuminate the evening sky at 1421 New Road in Northfield. On Saturday night, Dec. 9, after the 4:30 Mass, a tree lighting ceremony took place. Hundreds gathered together, many coming from far and wide. They came for yummy hot chocolate, delicious cookies and to see their own family tree brought to light and life in remembrance of a loved one or to honor a departed family member. Many took time to lovingly decorate their tree, making each unique and extra special.

This beautiful tradition was started in 2017 by Rev. Anthony J. Manuppella, who became pastor of St. Gianna’s, also known as also known as St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, in 2016, as a fundraiser for the church and to bring remembrance and beauty to the community during

Christmastime. This year, in order to have some 200 trees, it was an extra challenge because of tree shortages. There was a waiting list due to the strong demand. Special thanks to Claudia, Anne, Jessie, Miss Lee, Nancy and her family

for all of their tireless work to make the event a success and to create a Christmas miracle for all to see and enjoy. It takes the efforts of so many to put it all together. Each tree represents the love and life of our loved ones gone before as a memorial to the angels among us. Our special family tree this year is “In Loving Memory of Our Angels in Heaven: my mom and dad, Grace and William Eagan; Marie and Fred Becker, Sr., and Mimi Buyse and Princess Rose and Bailey, my grandpuppy, whom we lost recently,” as requested by Elisa Jo Eagan and Fred Becker and family. For all the families that have a special tree this year, the display keeps our loving memories alive during the holidays, at Christmas time and always in our hearts. 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!"

December 14, 2023

Five places to shop for your holiday feast halibut and grouper to tuna and clams. Bob’s Seafood Market is located at 1121 Tilton Rd., Northfield. See BobsSeafoodNorthfield.com.

By Danielle Davies

here are plenty of reasons people celebrate holidays of every sort, but let’s face it – one of the highlights of any good celebration is the accompanying feast. During December, it’s tough to go a day without some type of food frenzy, and we’re here for it all. Whatever you’re celebrating, you can find all the ingredients you need for your holiday feast at any of these five places. 1. Bob’s Seafood Whether you’re planning a Feast of the Seven Fishes (a traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner), or want to enjoy a fresh fish entrée on your favorite holiday, Bob’s Seafood Market of Northfield has you covered. Head there for party trays of shrimp and crab claws, pre-made fried fish platters, and loads of fresh fish from

2. Ernest & Son Meat Market Looking for holiday catering or a fresh cut of filet for your holiday dinner? Head to Ernest & Son Meat Market, where in addition to a catering menu that includes everything from trays of baked ziti and lasagna to hot roast beef in gravy and fried chicken, the meat market sells freshly butchered New York Strip Steak, Prime Rib Filets, ground beef and chicken cutlets, all for you to cook to your liking at home. Ernest & Son Meat Market is located at 3305 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. See ErnestAndSon.com. 3. Capella’s Oil & Vinegar There aren’t just entrees and snacks to be had during holiday dinners – there are also quality ingredients. For the best olive oils — rosemary, blood orange and Eureka lemon among them — as well as balsamic vinaigrettes like peach white, honey ginger, aged black cherry and aged fig, head to Capella’s Oil and Vinegars in Ocean City. Open daily from 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m., Capella’s is a must-stop for the high- end ingredients you need. Located at 1123 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. CapellaOilAndVinegars.com 4. BF Mazzeo The main course may take center stage during the holidays, but there’s nothing better than pre-dinner snacking on charcuterie boards. Head to BF Mazzeo for a selection of cheeses (think Montchevre Blueberry goat cheese and DiBruno Brothers port wine spread), olives, nuts, crackers and crostini, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, fig spread, balsamic vinegar, and deli meats galore. BF Mazzeo is located at 601 New Road, Northfield. See BFMazzeo.com.

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5. Passion Vines Holiday dinners are wonderful either way, but pairing them with the perfect wine or capping them off with a post-dinner holiday cocktail just adds another element to an already special celebration. Head to Passion Vines in Somers Point, where the knowledgeable staff can point you towards the best wines for your particular dinners, or guide you to the makings of a festive cocktail. Passion Vines is located at 265 New Road, Somers Point. See PassionVines.com.

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Pedaling for a Purpose: 13-year-old BMX enthusiast raises astronomical funds for cancer research

By Julia Train

yland Bricker, a 13-year-old from Marmora has raised over $200,000 for cancer research through BMX rac-

ing. “It doesn't feel real to be honest. It doesn't seem like that much every year but the number added up is insane,” he said. Ryland got into BMX at 7 years old when his mother worked from home and needed something to occupy his time. So Nick Bricker, Ryland’s father, brought him to the BMX track and he fell in love with the sport. At the time, Mr. Bricker was happy that his son didn’t get into a team sport that traveled, but it turned out they travel more than anybody.

This year alone, they were in Louisville, Kentucky, Lexington, Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Missouri and South Carolina. “We travel a lot. The first year we started doing it I bought a minivan. I put 60,000 miles on it,” he said. Although a lot of travel, it turned out to be worth it. Neither of them knew it at the time, but USA BMX had a program called “The Race For Life,” where members raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Mr. Bricker has been involved in nonprofits for a long time and brought his son to the events since he was a baby. “He would always be like, ‘someday I want to do this,’” Mr. Bricker said. This year, he’s raised $43,500 and a little over $200,000 during the entirety of his fundraising journey, which has been six years. Although Ryland gets some ideas and help from his father, who’s seasoned in charity work, he asks for donations instead of birthday or Christmas presents. “We get creative. We have different things he does for local busi-

nesses,” said Mr. Bricker. “The local community and the local businesses in Ocean City and Upper Township have been incredibly supportive.” Some tactics Ryland’s used to raise money include sitting outside Super Liquor with his helmet, collecting change in the summer and selling his toys. He has even worked with social media stars like YouTuber Ben Gravy and entrepreneur Roman Scharf, who he made a YouTube video with and met just by sending a message via Instagram. Mr. and Mrs. Bricker have also started a 501(c)(3) in his BMX name,

BMX Bob, called the BMX Bob Brigade. Each year USA BMX holds the Grand Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which Nick described at the “Super Bowl of BMX.” At the five-day event, the top fundraiser in the country is recognized, which has been Ryland for the last six years. On Friday night during the long weekend, professional BMX champions are crowned, which include those who race in the Olympics. In the middle of it, Ryland was honored as the year’s top fundraiser. When asked what he’s learned from the entirety of his fundraising, Ryland said, “It's generally not about yourself, it's about the people you're going to help in the future.” 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

The Godfrey Funeral Homes T

Ocean City

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.

Established 1896 Sallie J. Godfrey, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3898

809 Central Avenue Ocean City NJ 08226 (609) 399-0077

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Maybe not merry: Finding holiday joy in a stressful time PET HOTEL By Dr. Deborah Brown, MS, MPhil, LPC

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“Happy Holidays!” We hear this throughout December, yet some of us are decidedly not happy and downright more stressed than ever. Some of us are just getting by all year long. Add in the demands of the holidays, and our mental health can be at risk more than ever. The month of December can be fraught with pitfalls and stressors that can have a significant impact on our mental health well into the new year. After years of helping patients weather their families, holiday budget woes, and being overwhelmed by all that dashing through the snow, I have discovered some helpful rules for surviving the holidays. 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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Here are some healthy guidelines that can really help, and maybe even help you get a little bit more of that holiday joy we all hope for. The best way to prevent being overwhelmed this season is to focus on and plan how we will create a balance in meeting the demands of the season. Plan your time out on a calendar for the month to see where your available time really is. Schedule all the holiday demands like appointments, your shopping, wrapping, baking, and cooking as obligations to yourself to help to release you from carrying that pervasive fear that somehow it won’t all get done. If you commit to a day you have planned for shopping and wrapping, keep your commitment to yourself first. Overall, we need boundaries and limits with our time, energy, and money. If there is an event you dread each year, perhaps consider attending with a limit-staying perhaps only an hour, with another “commitment” to attend. (Even if that commitment is to yourself and your pajamas). Say yes, with limits. Pay attention to budgeting and overspending-many of us go into debt or overspend during this time. Develop a healthy amount you can spend and honor your commitment to your own financial security. Think about why you find it necessary to overspend. Gift giving is not a contest, choose with your heart; but choose also with the logical truths of your budget. Overspending has consequences well beyond December, fiscally and mentally. Take care of your health even though it is a busy, hustle-bustle time. Don’t steal too much time away from your sleep, drink water, and eat something green (besides cookies) at least once a day. Mind your limits with alcohol. Your energy and cognition need to be in tip-top shape, with lots of commitments on your schedule and if spending time with your family is challenging. Managing family stress is very important. Prepare for triggers to your emotional state. Almost everyone has that relative who talks about politics, criticizes, asks personal questions, or is insulting. Prepare scripts in advance for the inevitable issues, so you can use your logical mind to plan to stand up for yourself, versus the emotional response that can derail an

entire party or your mental health. Take up space in your family, by speaking up for yourself or by not engaging in the same conflict year after year. Pay attention to your mood and anxiety levels. Seasonal weather, including darkness and colder temperatures can cause our mood to feel lower than usual during this time of year. Be sure to talk to others you trust about your feelings. If the holidays are causing you to feel overwhelmed, share that with a support person to help find a healthy perspective or strategies to lessen the impact of the stress. Give! Make a small effort to share something you can: your money, time, or a small gift with those less fortunate. This can make a huge difference to someone and can remind you to embrace gratitude towards your own circumstances. If you don’t have a family tradition around holiday giving, perhaps consider starting one. It is a wonderful way to teach our children about gratitude and charity. Most importantly, be present. Stay in the moment and enjoy the special times that can happen during the holidays. Stay away from recording or posting on social media; instead put the phone down and share the actual moment. Focus on connection and experiences rather than how others will view your holiday. Take a hiatus from social media if you are being negatively impacted by everyone’s “perfect” holiday experiences. If you know someone who has had a difficult year, or lost someone they love, check on them. A quick phone call or visit can really help someone feeling lonely, sad, and isolated. If you or someone close to you needs mental health support, reach out for help. So most importantly, allow space to enjoy all the holiday experiences, and don’t let the stressors steal our potential for joy. Dr. Deborah Brown is the founder of Brownstone Center for Wellness, a unique professional mental health counseling practice in Northfield. Deborah can be reached for speaking engagements, collaboration, or for appointments at DrDeborah@ brownstonecenter.co or 609-8331644. Check out Brownstone Center at BrownstoneCenter.co.

December 14, 2023

From dance floor to canvas: The artistic journey of a multifaceted talent

By Julia Train

n 1978, a 28-year-old dancer from Pennsylvania traveled to Atlantic City to audition for a show at the first casino in the resort which had recently opened. After studying classical ballet with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Company, Marion Lotka landed a part in the first show in town, at what’s now known as Resorts Casino Hotel. Following that job, she also worked at Trump Castle, a night club named Kicks and Bally Park Place, back when they did elaborate productions with about 30 dancers and a featured singer or magic act. At some point during those dancing days, she earned an interior design degree from Jefferson University, which was called Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science at the time. Lotka pursued that career for more than 20 years and now teaches it, along with painting, at the Cape May County Library System. In 2005, Lotka bought a second home at the shore, and in 2015, she decided to move permanently to

Cape May County. Lotka had always been involved in the arts in one way or another, so when she made the move she was looking for a way to keep doing that. Although she spent most of her life dancing and went to school for interior design, she started painting.

When asked why she made the transition, she said, “I have always felt the need to create and a lot of the things that are involved in dance are involved in painting. For instance,

balance and line, and contrast and repetition. Those are all principles of art that also apply in the dance world.” She was walking down Asbury Avenue one day and happened into Ocean City Fine Arts League, which is a small art gallery on the 700 Block of the avenue. “I saw wonderful artwork and spoke to a nice person at the desk and she gave me a brochure to become a member,” said Lotka. “So I got a really good feeling from them and I joined, and now every month

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I put something in their show. I also occasionally work there as a volunteer.” The shows, which are also known as Group Show Receptions, take place the second Friday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. During one of those receptions, the director of the Ocean City Arts Center, which features different artists each month, attended and asked Lotka if she’d like to have a solo show. So, in January, she’ll be the featured artist and present 40 paintings. Lotka works with acrylic and her style is impressionistic, inspired by surrounding land and seascapes. Her exhibit, titled, “and then again,” is supposed to represent the artistic process, when you start with one idea in mind and decide to go in a different direction through trying different techniques, which happened while she worked on the paintings. Lotka’s show runs from Jan. 3 to 29, with a formal reception Jan.12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City.

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December 14, 2023

Success is simple! Money, sunny, honey

By Bill Quain

here are thousands of books written about success. Go to any bookstore or type in “success” on Amazon, and you’ll get enough suggestions to last you a lifetime. By the time you get finished reading the first ten success books, there will doubtless be another dozen added to the list! Authors write about it, motivational speakers talk about it, and educators spend many hours in the classroom trying to define it. You can achieve success by adjusting your “7 Habits” according to Stephen Covey or dropping to a 4-hour work week according to the guy who wrote about the 4-hour work week, Timothy Ferriss. You can ask almost any successful person, and they will give you their recipe. How-

ever, I believe it can all be boiled down to just three words: money, sunny and honey. To become successful, you need money. Money is the easiest success ingredient to define, but for some reason, money is controversial. At Stockton University, I teach a class called “Make Money And Pay It Forward.” You’d think that would be a fairly noncontroversial course to offer at a university because each and every student is paying me (and all the other professors) to teach them how to get a decent return on their investment of time and money that the students pay out each semester. Well… it turns out that the subject of money is pretty controversial on a college campus. Nonetheless, in my opinion (and I’m the one who writes this column each week, so that makes my opinion the only one you are going to get here), money is the most important ingredient in success. Look, you need money – unless you plan to live on a commune, where no one has money. By the way, when I first graduated from college, I did spend a short time in a commune. I’m not kidding! I’m glad I

did because it took me a very short time to realize that not having my own money was a bad thing! While most people understand they do need money, many people have no idea of how to get it or even who has it now. I’ll write more about getting money in next week’s column. To become successful, you need sunny. Okay, your first question is going to be “Bill, what the heck is sunny?” Sunny is your health: mental, physical and emotional. I call it “sunny,” because I think healthy people reflect a sunny attitude – optimistic, stress-free, strong, etc. Now, we can’t all be classically beautiful, statuesque, and glowing. However, we can all maximize whatever we do have. Just like money, you wouldn’t think sunny would be controversial, but it can be. I do get feedback from people who say, “Well, there are times when life just gets you down.” That’s true, and I will address that in my upcoming “sunny” column. But for now, think about having that “sunny” attitude. To become successful, you need honey. The third component for success is honey. What is honey? It is your relationships. Think “Honey, I’m home.” Successful people have successful relationships. Of course, even honey is controversial, because someone will always shout out, “Well, you can’t control relationships, especially if the other person is acting stupid, or jealous, or whatever.” Yes, there is always someone shouting out something about every one of the money, sunny and honey standards, but let’s look at the big picture here. It is always possible that even the most successful people are going to run across someone who is just impossible to be with. However, it is also true that successful people have lots of caring and satisfying relationships in their lives. The relationships may be with friends, significant others, colleagues, customers, and acquaintances. They may be with other people who cross into their lives, such as their gardener, doctor, grocery store clerk, etc. Successful people – really successful people – get along with others, and successful people build those relationships. Just like my promise with money and sunny, I’ll be doing a full column on honey. Stay tuned for that!

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain Didn’t you get the order wrong? I can hear it now. Many of you are shouting, “Bill, you got the order of money, sunny and honey completely wrong! It should definitely be honey, first, then followed by sunny. Money is the least important part of success.” To that claim, I have two answers: 1. Think about this sentence: “If you don’t have money, it isn’t going to be very sunny, honey!” Folks, I don’t know much, but I do know that the thing that breaks up most relationships in the U.S. is money. And they aren’t arguing because there is too much money! 2. If you think one of the other items is more important, change your list. However, without all three of them, you aren’t a truly successful person. Money, sunny, honey: three upcoming columns Okay, stay tuned to Shore Local Magazine. We’ll take an in-depth look at the three success standards, starting with money. Who knows? We might need more than one column for each of these three standards. It’s a long winter here in South Jersey, so tuck in and enjoy. Maybe we’ll interrupt this series for Christmas and New Year’s, but let’s face it. If you are a snowbird, you’ve probably already left for Florida. Remember, you can always read Shore Local Magazine online! So, stay in touch. Drop me an email at bill@quain.com. As I say each week, “I’ll see ‘ya in the papers. Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.

December 14, 2023

What's happening in Ocean City

Killer Queen and the Wailers to Return for Summer Concert Series

et ready for a great new year of family fun and music in Ocean City. Admission buttons for the family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve celebration are on sale now, and the first two acts in the 2024 Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier have been announced. Two bands that performed in last summer’s series will be back by popular demand in 2024: Killer Queen – A Tribute to Queen on July 1 and the Wailers on July 8. Killer Queen pays tribute to Freddie Mercury and the rock band Queen. The high-energy band features Patrick Myers and brings to life all of the Queen classics and anthems. The Wailers are part of the legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley’s band and perform his timeless classics. The shows are presented by the City of Ocean City and the series is co-produced by BRE Presents and Rose Productions. For tickets to either show, visit etix.com starting at

10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, or follow these direct links: Killer Queen – A Tribute to Queen and the Wailers. A special presale (use code BRE) will take place 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. ADMISSION BUTTONS ON SALE FOR FIRST NIGHT Come celebrate a family-friendly New Year's Eve in Ocean City, N.J. First Night offers entertainment that satisfies every taste and age group. First Night was founded 31 years ago and modeled after an alcohol-free

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New Year's Eve celebration in Boston that marked the nation's bicentennial in 1976. The first celebration in Ocean City included 25 entertainment acts at five different locations with about 800 people attending. While other First Night events have faded, Ocean City's has only grown more popular with families making it an annual tradition for a safe New Year's Eve. Today, attendance is capped at 10,000 with admission buttons selling out year after year. First Night offers more than 70 entertain programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31. One $22 (inclusive of service fees) button is good for all programs. Headline entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier this year will include “GYPSY,” a tribute to the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac; and “Motor City,” a revue of Motown’s greatest hits. The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating (with extended hours this year), rides at Wonderland Pier, magic shows, the Harlem Wizards and a variety of musical performances also highlight the entertainment lineup. The Ocean City Pops will perform with a returning favorite – the Chicago tribute band Brass Transit. In their first-ever First Night appearance, the Atlantic City Ballet will perform a holiday show. First Night’s 2024 sponsors include the Ocean City Regional

Chamber of Commerce, the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage, McMahon Insurance Agency, Ocean City Free Public Library, Wonderland Pier and Atlantic City Electric.

Tickets are available: ● ● ●

●

Online: firstnightocnj.com By phone: 609-399-6111. At the City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Avenue (9th Street entrance): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily At the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (9th Street causeway): 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. At the 46th Street Welcome Center (4500 block of West Avenue): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

DOWNTOWN ASBURY AVENUE CELEBRATES ‘FESTIVE FRIDAYS’ Downtown merchants are celebrating “Festive Fridays” this year. The fun started on Nov. 24 with Ocean City’s traditional Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” event and continued on Dec. 1 with the annual Christmas Parade. Asbury Avenue will host another Festive Friday on Dec. 15 with shopping, carolers, and free horseand-carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue). Festive Friday returns on Dec. 22. COMING UP Photos with Santa in Lifeguard Boat (Dec. 16-Dec. 23): Noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visits with Santa in the Downtown (Dec. 16-Dec. 23): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Mark Soifer Park, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue. 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.

December 14, 2023

Recalling OC's famous shipwreck 122 years later A Look Back By Fred Miller

ne hundred and twenty years ago, Dec. 15, 1901, the Sindia came ashore. The event was reported in the Dec. 19, 1901 issue of the Ocean City Sentinel under this headline: “Bark Sindia A Wreck.” The first paragraph told the story: “The four-masted bark Sindia, of London,

England, owned by John D. Rockefeller, of the Standard Oil Company, and in command of Captain John MacKenzie, came ashore opposite Sixteenth street, this city, about 3 o’clock Sun-

day morning during a heavy storm, the wind blowing a gale from the southeast. The ill-fated craft sailed from Kobin, Japan, on July 9th last, bound for New York and was laden with a valuable cargo, consisting of 15,000 gallons of camphor oil, and soil, bamboo furniture, China and Japanese goods for the Christmas trade.” The article reported how members of the U. S. Life Saving Service, under the command of Captain J. Mackey Corson, rescued the 33 sailors. Ocean City officials quickly realized the attraction of the 329-foot ship aground just a few hundred feet from the beach. In 1902, Mayor Joseph G. Champion and councilmen William K. Williamson, George O. Adams, Arthur Barrows, Hiram Steelman, William S. Graham and George W. Lee, made sure all promotional literature mentioned the wreck of the Sindia. The 1903 Ocean City guide book included a picture of the famous wreck and the following information: “The wreck of the bark Sindia, of Lon-

don, which was such a great attraction last season, still forms a prominent object upon the beach. This fine, large ship, coming direct from Japan deeply laden with the ware of the Orient, ran upon this beach in December, 1901, in darkness of a foggy night. Much of the cargo, consisting largely of artistic pottery, has been removed, but

the wreck still contains a fortune in goods now deeply buried in the sand. The Sindia was valued at $110,000. Her cargo was worth $215,000. The value of the goods thus far saved is $76,000.” The publicity and mystery surrounding the Sindia made it Ocean City’s most famous shipwreck.

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December 14, 2023

Summer of ’65, Episode 26 Tito Mambo performs a riot

By Bill Kelly

t was early Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend when the girls – Lynda, the nurses and the mayor’s daughters – set up their blankets and beach chairs on the Ninth Street Beach next to the jetty. It was their usual spot, which gave them peanut gallery seats to the much anticipated appearance of Tito Mambo, the performance of miracles, as well as a free concert by his band, The Messiahs of Soul, formerly The Upsetters, one of Bay Shores’ hottest bands. People arrived constantly so by 10 a.m. it was wall-to-wall beach blanket bingo, with lifeguard whistles and loud boat air horns sounding constantly, and guys throwing girls up in the air on their beach blankets like a trampoline. But by noon Lynda got up saying she had to go to work in the emergency room of Shore Memorial Hospital, and would have to miss the miracles and The Messiahs of Soul. Tito’s band was set up on the Music Pier balcony that overlooks the Ninth Street Beach, right next to the

KYW-TV3 News crew, where Tom Snyder was doing daily weather reports all weekend. The KYW-TV3 helicopter would also make a pass, hover above and film the scene. The OCPD Special Services Unit was also filming from the second floor of Shriver’s Candy Store on the Boardwalk. The authorities wouldn’t let the band play, or even let them turn on the microphone until they had a permit. The band kept putting them off by saying that Tito had the permit and he would be arriving shortly, and shortly he did. Everyone, including the band, expected him to arrive in a coffin in the black hearse. It arrived, but when they opened it, Tito wasn’t there. The noise from the crowd alerted them that he was coming in from Tito Mambo somewhere, but practically everyone was surprised to see him a fleet of fishing boats and Chris’ Restaurant at 10th Street and the waterskiing behind Chris Montagna’s Bay, also took tourists out in a PT Flying Saucer PT boat as it came into sight from behind the Music Pier. boat, which he outfitted with benches The old Italian fisherman who ran for passengers. It was fast and every-

one got wet with sea spray, but this time Chris had only one customer – Tito Mambo. Tito was dressed in his Jesus white robe motif. He waved with one hand as he held onto a rope with the other. Skiing close to shore, he let go of the rope and glided in over a breaker and then rode another, right into shore without missing a beat. As he walked in off the lapping surf he began to preach – “I am here to save you and to save rock and roll. I am here to save you from the bondage of commercialism and to save rock and roll from the greed and hypocrisy that has engulfed it.” When people called out for miracles, Tito said he would perform miracles. He slipped on a pair of sandals, which had parts of a metal coat hanger beneath them which people couldn’t see, but gave the illusion that he was walking a few inches above the water.

↘Continued on 36

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↘Continued from 35 He then said, despite it being 90 degrees, that he would cool things off by making people feel like they were in a freezer, and suddenly the crowd began to shiver and feel cold. Tito was using some tricks that Kreskin the mentalist had taught him at the Purple Dragon coffee house earlier that summer. Kreskin, fresh from college, came down from Montclair in Essex County to try to help the police solve some crimes, including the murder of Copper Kettle Fudge owner, aka “The Fudge King,” Harry Anglemyer. Kreskin’s plan was to hypnotize witnesses and use other techniques, like Mandrake the Magician did in the popular comic strip. But when the police weren’t interested, Kreskin became the Amazing Kreskin and began performing as an entertainer, first appearing at the Purple Dragon coffee house, where he passed along some of his mentalist tricks to Tito Mambo. Now Tito was using mass hypnosis and the power of suggestion, subtle but useful techniques, to control the crowd and the cops. His band members also passed out a dozen or so leather flask pouches which he said contained water that would change into wine. As policemen, including the riot police, came into the crowd, they

took swigs from the pouches and said it was water. Tito also held up a piece of paper that he said was the permit for the band to play, so they plugged in and began performing. Tito said with a wave of his hand, “the water in these flasks is now wine, whatever flavor you want it to be.” After taking a sip, one girl said it was cherry wine, but when a policeman grabbed it and tasted it, he said it was just water. And someone taking a sip from the same flask said, “Tastes like peach wine to me.” And so it went, as the 9th Street Beach, Ocean City water was passed around, a public address system announced Coast, it was new to the East Coast, that, “If Tito Mambo does not possess and still legal. a legal permit he will have to cease As the riot squad began heading and desist from performing or face across the beach through the crowd arrest.” Tito’s band continued playing towards him, Tito said, “Do not rewhile Tito waved both hands at the spond with violence. The men should crowd, one holding a piece of paper, stay put and the women should use and told them to stay peaceful no their most effective weapons, welmatter what happened. come and kiss the cops, hug them It turned out the flasks did conand use their fingers to tickle the tain water, but laced with lysergic riot squad through the edges of their acid diethylamide 25 – LSD, a strong vests and under their arms and on and potent psychedelic drug which their stomachs and don’t stop until induces hallucinations. While popular every officer is laughing uncontrolwith the counterculture on the West lably.”

Chill Out at the Library The Place to be This Winter

It wasn’t long before the police and the girls in bikinis were rolling around in the sand laughing. Tito then turned around and, picking up a rope on the beach, waved to Chris Montagna, who was waiting in The Flying Saucer just off the breakers. Kicking off his sandals and slipping back into the water skis, Tito was pulled over a short breaker and was off, skiing away, waving as he went, leaving a crowd of hypnotized and drugged college kids rolling in the sand with members of the specially trained riot squad who

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December 14, 2023

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

Chris Montagna's Flying Saucer had succumbed to the LSD and the kisses and tickling fingers of a bevy of teenagers and college coeds and were laughing uncontrollably. One of the girls unintentionally set off a policeman’s teargas canister, which sent beachgoers scrambling, as the pile of heavily outfitted men in blue and scantily clad young women made its way across the beach like tumbleweeds in the wind. With all chaos breaking out on the beach and the image of Tito Mambo in his Jesus mode waving as he water-skied away, the police who weren’t dosed on acid, were trying to arrest the band, chasing them around the Music Pier balcony, where Pittsburgh Paul the Poet – now nicknamed The Sheriff of Reality, picked up the open microphone and began reciting William Butler Yeats,’ “The Second Coming.” Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds. The darkness drops again; but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep

December 14, 2023

The Federal Barbarian Task Force, who witnessed the whole spectacle from their second-floor command post above Shriver’s Candy Store, filmed it, too. They concluded in their report that while they were prepared for a Hell’s Angels biker riot, they were not prepared for this. Tito Mambo they discovered had apparently utilized some group hypnotic tricks he learned from Kreskin the mentalist, and spiked the water he passed around with a potent liquid mixture of LSD25 that was not illegal in the state of New Jersey at the time, but has since been included among the dangerous and outlawed drugs like marijuana. While they couldn’t arrest Tito Mambo for the LSD, they did issue a federal warrant for his arrest for inciting a riot under 18 U.S.C. &: US Code-Section 2101: Riots. (1) “Whoever travels in interstate commerce or uses any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including, but not limited to, the mail, telegraph, telephone, radio, or television, with intent – (1) to incite a riot, or (2) to organize, promote, encourage, participate in, or carry on a riot;…..” Lynda Van Devanter, on duty at the Shore Memorial Hospital emergency room, was perplexed by the sudden influx of victims from the beach – mainly young policemen of the Riot Squad who it seemed, had inhaled and gotten teargas in their eyes, but for some reason couldn’t stop laughing. She gave them sedatives, but after calming down for a few minutes, they just looked at each other and started laughing uncontrollably again. “Olie told me, I'm a fool, So I walked on down the road a mile Went to the house that brings a smile, Sat upon my grandpa's knee And what do you think he said to me? When you awake you will remember everything.” From: “When You Awake” – Rick Danko of The Hawks and The Band Next Up: The 99 Percenters Arrive and The Kelly Clan Play Games To comment on this story or series email billkelly3@gmail.com.

The thing about time Family Corner By Krystle J Bailey

elcome back to Family Corner! In the last two columns, I shared stories of Christmas, including what it was like growing up as an elf and a little bit about Snowflake, our family Elf on the Shelf. In each article, I’ve shared a little about growing up in Atlantic County, where I was born and raised, followed by a practical list of elf tips, local holiday activities, and more. As we inch toward Christmas, I can’t help but notice that my thirteenyear-old daughter seems to have lost the holiday spirit a little bit. The same kid that came home from preschool begging for an Elf on the Shelf seems unphased by Snowflakes’s whereabouts each morning, though there is a spark of Christmas magic I can still see in her eye when she talks about baking cookies for Santa.

I often find myself saying, “I was just thirteen, so it seems pretty impossible that I am the mother of a thirteen-year-old.” Time has a way of slipping through your fingers when you’re not paying attention and even when you are. One minute, they’re asking for LOL Surprise dolls and more slime than you can fathom bringing into your house, then you blink, and they want Apple Watches and Air Jordans. You’ve heard all the phrases, “Time is of the essence,” “Time waits for no one,” and “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Cliche sayings exist because they’re true. But time is also a great healer, a precious commodity, and the wisest counselor of all. As I look back over the last thirteen years of holiday magic, I am thankful to have had such amazing experiences with my kids. I don’t know when the day will come that my daughter is ready to transition into her legacy as a family elf, but for now, I am holding onto each little spark of magic and the twinkle I can still see in her eyes every now and again. As we look forward to the end of 2023 and the passing of another

year, here are five quick tips that I am using to stay present and soak in as much “now” as I can because I know that if I blink again, thirteen more years could pass by without my consent.

1. Cultivate gratitude

I often find myself missing the days of old, longing for the tiny versions of my rapidly growing children. Unfortunately, as the laws of time state, I can not turn back the clock. What I can do is be super present to what’s happening right now. Gratitude is a key component in many things in my life, including grounding myself in the present moment. Try it on: Find ten quick things to be thankful for that you can see or feel around you and shift your intentions to focusing on those things. It can be as simple as air in your lungs or as big as the fact that Santa has you on the nice list this year. Whatever it is, gratitude is the catalyst for all good things in this life.

2. Awaken the senses

When you’re overthinking, worrying, or lost in a daydream, it’s impossible to fully feel and experience what is happening around you. This

is a tool I use in meditation, but it is also a great way to settle the nervous system and reduce stress during the holiday season. Try it on: Pause and take a few deep breaths, then tap into your five senses. Identify something you can see, something you can feel, something you can smell, something you can hear, and something you can taste. The best part about this tip is the holiday season smells and tastes like cookies, looks like a winter wonderland and feels a lot like love. Soak it all in! There’s nowhere else better than here and now.

3. Create new traditions

The years pass, and the wish lists evolve. As the little ones grow into young adults, the traditions we hold close to our hearts begin to grow with them. Be willing to create new experiences as the seasons of life change. I used to love Christmas dinner at my aunt’s house when I was a kid. Now, my aunt comes to my house to help me cook for my whole family. This year, my daughter, who has expressed an interest in a culinary career, will be in the kitchen with us as we prepare to host twenty family members in our home.

December 14, 2023

Try it on: Think of something that you loved as a child during the holidays and look at ways to integrate those memories into your family holiday dynamic today. It could be something as simple as exchanging one gift on Christmas Eve or making a special family recipe together. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s something meaningful to you and your family.

4. Breathe it all in

Our minds can take us far away from our current reality, but our breath is the most powerful and simple way to reel things back in. Breathing is a natural and automatic process that connects us to the present moment and helps us relax. Yoga, meditation, and focused breathwork are all potent tools. But what about the busy parent who can’t make it to a yoga class right now or is inundated with work and shopping? Meditation and breathing don’t have to happen while sitting crosslegged on the floor in silence. You can use the power of your breath anywhere, anytime, for it belongs to you. When you’re in the mall or wrapping presents, or you find yourself overwhelmed by the season, take a pause and make a conscious note of how you’re breathing. Shifting your focus to steadying your breath and expressing gratitude for the air pumping through your lungs will calm the anxiety and bring things back to the moment. Try it on: How are you breathing right now? Focus on the rise and fall of your chest. Breathe in as deeply as possible and enjoy the sensation of lungs filled with air. Let it go and repeat. With each passing breath, allow the stress of the past or worry

of the future to dissipate. The only thing that matters is now.

5. One thing at a time

Take a pause. You are only one person. I am entirely too good at multitasking these days with so many balls in the air and things to juggle. Between career life, parenting, sports, health, family, and friends, there is always something to be thinking about but you are still one person with one brain and two hands. Everything will get done. It always does! Simplify the overwhelm by focusing on only one thing at a time. If you’re baking cookies with your kids then just bake cookies with your kids. Do your best to slow down and focus on one thing. As you do, repeat tips one through four - breathe in the moment, express as much gratitude as humanly possible, tap into your senses, and enjoy the holiday traditions unfolding before your eyes. All of these tips can also be shared with the little ones. Kids are mini adults and have their own versions of stress, worry, and anxiety. If any of these stick out to you, I encourage you to share them with your kids as well. May your week be filled with love, peace, and joy. Until next time! I’d love to hear from you. Email me your feedback at KrystleJBailey@gmail.com. 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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Eagles struggling to regain top form

By David Weinberg

fter suffering back-to-back, lopsided losses, the Eagles’ playoff picture has gone from resembling the Mona Lisa to Dogs Playing Poker. Last Sunday’s 33-13 defeat against the Cowboys and a 42-19 setback to San Francisco have left even the most ardent fans questioning the team’s postseason prospects. Once considered the favorites to return to the Super Bowl from the NFC, they are currently the No. 5 seed in the conference playoffs as a wildcard team. You know you have problems when your only touchdown is scored by a defensive tackle and your best pass is thrown by your punter. Rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s 42-yard scoop-and-score was the Eagles’ only TD against the

Cowboys. It marked the first time under the Sirianni-Jalen Hurts era that the offense failed to reach the end zone. Punter Braden Mann fired a 28-yard strike off a fake to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to earn a first down in the second quarter. Hurts was a pedestrian 18-for-27 for 197 yards with no TDs and lost a costly fumble that ended a promising opening drive. Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith also coughed up fumbles. “This is something we’re going through,” Hurts said. “Not something we’re stuck in.” The defense has been no better. The 49ers and Cowboys combined to score on 10 straight possessions – nine touchdowns and a field goal – against a porous Eagles defense. The Niners recorded TDs on six consecutive drives before a meaningless kneeldown to end the game, then the Cowboys added three TDs and a field goal in their first four series. “Let’s be honest; we got punched in the mouth two weeks in a row,”

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Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox said. “We got a little blood dripping from our lip. Now we’ve got to get it stitched up.” It’s going to take an extra-large spool of thread to close some of the gashes. The front four hasn’t been creating enough pressure, which leaves the back seven of the defense exposed. Shoddy tackling hasn’t helped and the secondary has had trouble consistently sticking with receivers. The team’s only bright spot has been place-kicker Jake Elliott, whose 52- and 44-yard field goals against the Cowboys enabled him to surpass 100 points for a third straight season. He’s also connected on a team-record seven field goals from 50 yards or longer this season. Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been even better. The rookie has been a perfect 30-for-30 this season – the best start by a kicker in NFL history - including four field goals against the Eagles. He booted a 60-yard and 59-yarder last Sunday to become the first kicker in league history with two field goals of 59 yards or longer in the same game. Meanwhile, the Eagles (10-3) have to be kicking themselves over the recent slump. Although they are tied with the Cowboys (10-3) and 49ers (10-3) for the best record in the NFC, their road to another Super Bowl appearance now has some potholes. If the season ended today, the Niners would be the top seed in the NFC, the Cowboys would be NFC East champions and the Eagles would enter the playoffs as a wild card. Fortunately, they have time to climb back to the top of the standings. The Eagles presumably have the easiest remaining schedule of the contenders. They have another tough game coming up at Seattle (6-7) on Monday night, then close out the regular season with two games against the hapless Giants (4-8) and one

against the Cardinals (3-10). The Cowboys have games at the Bills (7-6), at the Dolphins (9-3), home against the Lions (9-4) and at the Commanders (4-9). The Niners play the Cardinals, Ravens (10-3), Commanders and Rams (6-7). “I know that everybody that’s in that locker room has been through (stuff) in their lives and has made it to this point,” Sirianni said. “They’ve made it to this point because of the (stuff) they’ve been through. “Adversity can do a couple things to you. It can break you or it can make it way better.” We’re about to find out what it does to the Eagles.

Local NFL update

Speaking of the Cowboys, second-year safety Markquese Bell (Bridgeton) played a big role in the win over the Eagles. He caused one of the Eagles’ fumbles, knocking the ball loose from Smith in the fourth quarter, to go with four tackles and a pass defense. Chargers DT Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep, Galloway Township) had three tackles in a 24-7 loss to Denver. Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (Vineland) sat out a 20-17 loss to the Bills with a shoulder contusion. Packers WR Bo Melton (Cedar Creek) was scheduled to play special teams on Monday night against the Giants.

Local boxer earns win

Somers Point featherweight Miguel Garcia (3-0) stayed unbeaten last Saturday night with a four-round, unanimous decision over Mychal Bynum (1-5), of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, at Showboat Atlantic City. Garcia is trained by Egg Harbor Township’s Arnold Robbins and Atlantic City’s Osnel Charles. Mixed martial arts return to Atlantic City on Saturday when Cage Fury Fighting Championships brings a card to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 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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Whitney’s Weekly Picks The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

ith so many things happening this holiday season 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. What: Paint & Sip at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Where: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

When: Thursday, Dec. 14 Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $40 Website: tennaveac.com/tickets/ paint-sip-at-the-tennessee-avenuebeer-hall Enjoy a night of friends, crafts and cocktails. The holiday paint night

will be hosted by Donna Silverstein. Ticket includes paint supplies, two wine glasses to be painted on, and one drink ticket.

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Time: 9 p.m. It’s Josie Kelly’s 2nd Annual Back to the 80s Ugly Sweater Party featuring the sensational 1980s cover band, Melt With You! Join them and rock to the sounds of Aha, The Cars, Blondie, The Clash, Nena and more! Prizes for The Best! The Ugliest! The 80s-est! No cover.

Tickets: $65 Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/dining-event-holiday/holiday-wreath-building-class Elevate your holiday celebrations with the perfect blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Hornitos Tequila and creativity at Bottled - Wine, Spirits & Tastings. Unwind, mingle and create unforgettable memories at Bottled. Who: Engelbert Humperdinck Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino | Sound Waves When: Friday, Dec. 15 Time: 8 p.m. Website: hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/engelbert-humperdink Head to Hard Rock for mesmerizing evening with the legendary crooner, Engelbert Humperdinck. Experience an unforgettable night of elegance, romance and musical brilliance. Who: Lindsey Stirling - Snow Waltz Tour Where: Caesars Atlantic City When: Friday, Dec. 15 Time: 8:30 p.m. Website: caesars.com/caesars-ac/ shows Celebrate the season with violinist, dancer and artist, Lindsey Stirling. What: Back to the 80s Melt with You Ugly Sweater Party Where: Josie Kelly’s Public House When: Friday, Dec. 15

What: Cage Fury Fighting Championship 128 Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino When: Friday, Dec. 15 Time: 7 p.m. Website: hardrockhotelatlanticcity. com/event-calendar/cage-fury-fighting-championship-128 Get ready for the ultimate clash of titans at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 128. Witness unmatched skill and determination. You’re not just attending a fight night; you’re becoming part of the electric atmosphere that only live MMA can provide. The cheers from the crowd, the intensity in the air and the anticipation of what’s to come will make this a night to remember. What: Atlantic City Ballet Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’ Where: Caesars When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 7 p.m. Website:. www.acballet.org/Nutcracker “The Nutcracker,” is an annual event and has been in the Atlantic City Ballet’s repertoire since 1982. Choreographed by Phyllis Papa, the production travels to theaters, colleges and casinos. The costumes and scenery are magnificent. There’s no better way to spend the holidays with family and friends. Who: Ain’t Nothin’ But A Party…Band Where: Josie Kelly’s Public House When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 9 p.m. The name says it all, Ain’t Nothin’ But A Party…Band is here for a good time and to play the hits. Doors open 9

p.m. Dancing is encouraged, but not required. Admission is free. What: ‘My Big Gay Italian Christmas’ Where: Ocean Casino Resort When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 8 p.m. Hold onto your cannolis and get ready for a snowy ride. “My Big Gay Italian Christmas” is coming to Ovation Hall on Saturday, Dec. 16. Over-the-top characters, a bisexual love triangle and heated political conversations all come to a head when a snowstorm forces the Pinnunziato Family indoors this holiday season. Fan favorite characters Anthony Pinnunziato and Aunt Toniann are just a few of the ingredi-

ents in this Big Gay Italian Christmas lasagna. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show. Who: The Modern Gentlemen - You Make it Feel Like Christmas Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Superstar Theater When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 8 p.m. Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/the-modern-gentlemen Bringing their charm, high energy and spot-on vocals with harmonic perfection, The Modern Gentlemen“You Make It Feel Like Christmas”

↘Continued on 44

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↘Continued from 43 is coming to Atlantic City's Resorts Casino Hotel. This dynamic quartet is different from any other vocal group of their generation, having been a part of one of the biggest and most influential American bands in rock and roll history. Who: Old School Reggaeton with Don Chezina and More Where: Tropicana Atlantic City When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac/shows Tropicana Atlantic City presents Old School Reggaeton with Don Chezina Wiso G, Maicoly Manuel, Baby Ranks and DJ Blass. What: Ugly Sweater Jitney Tour Hosted by Little Water Distillery Where: Little Water Distillery When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Time: 5 p.m. Website: www.facebook.com/ events/355331763520574 Wear your ugly sweaters and join in Dec. 16 from 5 to 10 p.m.. There will be everything to get you in the holiday spirit. Hop on and hop off at any location. Locations include Little Water Distillery, The Seed, Rhythm & Spirits, Bar 32 Chocolate, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Cardinal Restau-

rant and King's Pub. More specific details in the link above. What: Movie Night - ‘Silent Night Deadly Night 2’ Where: Anchor Rock Club When: Monday, Dec. 18 Time: 8 p.m. Website: www.anchorrockclub.com Blood & Gutts Radio presents a live screening of the 1987 cult Christmas horror classic: “Silent Night Deadly Night Part 2!” Don’t miss a special DJ set by Sarah of Molly Ringworm, raffles and prizes. Doors open at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. No cover charge. What: NOVO 70s & 80s NYE Celebration with Celebrity DJ Jon Gosselin Where: Showboat’s Island Waterpark When: Dec. 31

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Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Website: dpgnye.cliqsuite.com. Use code WHITNEY for a FREE gift at the door. We’ve got TV Star and celebrity DJ Jon Gosselin spinning all of your favorite dance hits from the 70s and 80s, a premium open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and an amazing buffet featuring gourmet delights like filet mignon, lobster ravioli, baby lamb chops, bacon wrapped scallops, carving stations, hand tossed pasta station, a huge variety of fresh sushi, and more! Also included in your ticket is a breakfast buffet featuring all your favorites. At midnight, we’ll raise a complimentary champagne toast and keep the celebration going. Tickets are $159 and VIP booths are selling fast.

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!

December 14, 2023

Atlantic City upping its holiday game

hen Travel & Leisure declared Atlantic City as one of the Top 25 Best Christmas Towns of 2022, I honestly rolled my eyes in skeptical wonderment.

After spending a recent staycation in the city and participating in some of the great new Tinseltown activities launched this year, I have changed my mind: Atlantic City deserves to be listed. In fact, it probably should be ranked higher than No. 22. Nearly all of the casinos have holiday-themed bars (Resorts’, Ocean’s and Bally’s particularly stand out) featuring elaborate decorations, fun-themed cocktails and special events; all of them are meticulously decorated with everything from the most beautiful Christmas tree made entirely out of poinsettias at

Listed alongside holiday destinations like Aspen, Colo., Orlando, Fla., Park City, Utah, and Telluride, Calif., it seemed silly to me that Atlantic City – a city that doesn’t even have Christmas lights on the main streets – would be mentioned.

the Tropicana to some simple decorations on the outside horses and chariot that greets you on the way into the city at Caesars. In the Orange Loop, The Irish Pub is worth the visit alone for its over-the-top, historic display; Ten-

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nessee Avenue Beer Hall’s clever and beautiful theme includes a Christmas tree made entirely of beer kegs that “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer personally christened with a giant Faith American Brewery ornament; and this year’s Tinseltown parade was very well done including Grammer as the Grand Marshall; and local activities have included everything from holiday bazaars to bar-hopping Ugly Sweater tours on jitneys, including

one this weekend organized by Little Water Distillery. Those are just a few of the many reasons Atlantic City deserves the recognition.

Santa magically comes to Ocean

While most of the casinos have really upped the ante this year to cash in on

that Travel & Leisure mention while trying to grow offseason business – a very difficult task – no one has done it better in 2023 than Ocean Casino Resort. Let’s start with the most impressive new offering, not just at Ocean but in the whole city: Santa’s Hideaway Adventure. I have seen similar things in other cities, but this exclusive magical experience makes its Atlantic City debut at Ocean’s Shops at the Row and will be there until Christmas Eve.

December 14, 2023

Basically, it’s a virtual adventure where you step into a “magical elevator” and watch yourself being transported to the North Pole where you meet Santa, tell him what you want for Christmas, indulge in hot chocolate and Santa’s favorite cookies and then visit a shop where you can stock up on gifts and stocking stuffers. Ocean says it’s the only experience like it in the tri-state area, and from what I saw last weekend in person, it’s gaining some heavy traction fast. So,

↘Continued on 48

↘Continued from 47 reservations are highly recommended. The price is $69.99 ad includes one package and admission for up to six people. If you go Mondays to Thursdays, you can save $10 by making advance reservations and using the offer code C23OCEAN. Walk-ups are available based on availability, but if you have little ones or are an adult who geeks out at Christmas, this is a no-brainer. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays, with special hours 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 22, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on its final day, Christmas Eve.

“We had a successful summer which saw Ocean celebrate its 5th birthday and are excited to continue the energy into the winter,” says Ocean General Manager Bill Callahan. “Ocean is a year-round resort destination with unique activations, award-winning amenities and world-renowned entertainment 12 months of the year.”

Suite idea

An equally impressive idea and new offering are the holiday-themed suites at Ocean. It’s always amazing to me that something that seems like such an obvious idea was never done before, but Ocean Casino Resort is

ORDER

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the first Atlantic City casino to ever offer holiday-themed rooms and suites in Atlantic City. Kudos to their stellar marketing team! Encompassing an entire floor in one of its newly constructed room floors, guests are immediately greeted by a Nutcracker scene complete with an iconic North Pole mailbox as soon as they walk off the elevator. The hallway lights on the entire floor have been changed to green and red to set the spirit, and the bungalows offer everything from fully decorated Christmas trees to Yule Logs playing on large, flat-screen TVs with accompanying holiday music, and cute trimmings ranging from large ornament centerpieces to holiday pillows. Choose to book a One-Bedroom Suite, Studio Suite Blue, Social Suite, or a Blu Queen room. Room rates for the decorated rooms are typically about $100 more than the average room rate. Dashing through a bar Ocean’s Jingle Bell Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience at its 1927 Lounge isn’t new, but it sure seems like it gets amped up every year with more decorations and programming. My visit there on Saturday revealed a packed house snapping selfies as they indulged in holiday-themed drinks while a piano player elevated in the center of the room sang Christmas songs with the standing-room-only crowd singing along. There are exclusive private areas if you want to avoid the crowd and get some special treatment, but the Jingle Bell Bar is a must visit. ’Tis the Season Of course, Ocean offered some great holiday entertainment that will conclude this weekend with “My Big Gay Italian Christmas,” a farce featuring over-the-top characters and heated political conversations coming to a head when a snowstorm forces

the Pinnunziato family indoors this holiday season. Fan favorite characters Anthony Pinnunziato and Aunt Toniann are just a few of the ingredients in this Big Gay Italian Christmas lasagna on Saturday, Dec. 16, in Ovation Hall. And Ocean continues its philanthropic effort with a “Season of Giving” campaign to recognize and assist more than 20 nonprofit businesses across the greater Atlantic City region. Ocean team members will dedicate time and resources along with monetary assistance and donations impacting multiple causes of community concern – food insecurity, homelessness, youth support, education, family services, and health and wellness – between now and the end of the year. While Ocean may be at the top of your Atlantic City Christmas list, I can’t urge you enough to explore the city this holiday season. And, who knows? Maybe we can get some Christmas lights on the streets in 2024! For more information on Ocean Casino Resort, go to TheOceanAC. com/holidays. For more information on all of the Tinseltown activities in A.C., go to AtlanticCityNJ.com 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.

December 14, 2023

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, December 14

Atlantic City Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Karaoke Night w/ Joe Collins 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Anj Granieri. 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Neek. 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 Priceless. 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 Nicky Sbaffoni 6 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Queen Jayne’s DC Duo 6 – 9 p.m. 264 New Rd.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

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Sunday , December 31, 2023

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

Friday, December 15

Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Haley and Timmy Somers 8 – 11 p.m. 5 N. Shore Rd. Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Ghost Night Market & Dance Party 9 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Geri Mingori. 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Ahmed. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Virginia Cavaliere Duo 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos. 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Fat Mezz 7 p.m. Fish Out of Water 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Camille K 6 – 10 p.m. Dirty Dance Band 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Grooveheart 5 – 8:30 p.m. Hometown Radio 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget Flashback Fridays: Completely Unchained: a Van Halen Tribute 9 – 10:30 p.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Yard at Bally’s The Amish Outlaws. 8 p.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Amanda & Teddy Duo. 6 p.m. Laura Lee. 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill Incognito Duo 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 500 St. Andrews Dr. Margate Bocca Bob Starner 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Troy Kaiser 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Somers Point Anchorage Tavern Drew Fitzgerald 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. 823 Bay Ave. Caroline’s by the Bay Big Foot Band 7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave. Josie Kelly’s Melt With You. 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Saturday, December 16

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards 6 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.

A La Carte Gourmet Menu Selections Live Entertainment for Romantic Dancing.

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December 14, 2023

Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Holiday Dancers. 8 – 11 p.m. DJ Gary. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Jeremy Raves. 5 – 8 p.m. Minas Trio. 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos. 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Aftershock. 7 p.m. Garden State Radio. 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Brandon Ireland Band 5 – 9 p.m. Deck Band 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock The Benjamins 5 – 8:30 p.m. Stealing Savannah 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ Rashaun 5 – 10 p.m. Santa Rave 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Adam Holcombe Trio 6 p.m. Jexxa 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca Jim Shaw. 7 – 10 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Atley Moon 8 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd.

HAPPY HOUR 4 to 7 Mon - Thu Daily Lunch Specials Take Out Package Goods Dec 19 UGLY SWEATER KARAOKE

1ST PRIZE $50 2ND PRIZE $25 3RD PRIZE $15

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 The O’Fenders Band. 4 – 8 p.m. DJ Josh. 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Charlie’s Bar Ugly Sweater Party w/ DJ Tommy T-Bone. 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. Josie Kelly’s The Usual Suspects. 8 – 11 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Sunday, December 17

Tuesday, December 19 Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Patty & Bugzy. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock The Way Outs. 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Somers Point Josie Kelly’s DJ Special K 5 – 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, December 20 Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Liquid A 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 Council Oak Lounge Greg Clark. 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk 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 Gio Trio 4 – 7:30 p.m. Lost in Paris 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Somers Point Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music 1 – 4 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Monday, December 18 Atlantic City The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Amanda & Teddy Band 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

TUESDAY KARAOKE 9pm-12 THURSDAY POKER NIGHT 7-10pm FRIDAY $5 DRINKS & APPS

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE

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Dec 15, Music by Haley and Timmy Somers

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Dec 30, Danny Eyer 8pm - 11pm

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December 14, 2023

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By Chuck Darrow

t’s both logical and long-established that casinos throttle back on entertainment during the winter. Thanks to the uncertainties of weather in the Northeast—and their impact on the public—Atlantic City’s gaming-hall performance venues tend to be relatively quiet the first three months of the year. But this winter’s schedule goes right past “relatively quiet” and lands in the outskirts of comatose. How devoid of real star-power is it? So much that there are only four headliners who qualify as bona fide super-duperstars in their respective genres on the books until the vernal equinox in late March: Rappers Pitbull and Ludacris, pop-rock goddess Stevie Nicks and the blues-rocking Tedeschi-Trucks Band. Once upon a time, four A-list acts

Ludacris will be performing at Hard Rock January 12. constituted an average month at Borgata. Not that there aren’t other noteworthy bookings. It’s just that there aren’t as many as AyCee would be expected to host, given its ostensible status as an entertainment mecca. Before we get started, it probably should be noted that, at this point, the show-biz field has pretty much been narrowed down to only two properties, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort. The former clearly reigns as Our Town’s current entertainment headquarters, while the latter, though

not matching Hard Rock in quantity, has certainly been holding its own in terms of quality the past couple years. Tickets to all of the shows listed below are available at www.ticketmaster.com except where noted. Pitbull; Dec. 30 and 31; Hard Rock. The Miami-born rapper-entrepreneur, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, will be showing 2023 out the door/welcoming 2024 with what will likely be his patented mix of high-energy sonics and visual ex-

↘Continued on 54

Winter casino-headliner schedule finds big names staying away in droves

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↘Continued from 52 travaganza with a heaping helping of live-your-best-life entreaties. Ludacris /Juvenile; Jan. 12; Hard Rock It will be a major night of hip-hop as the top-selling rapper and actor (the “Fast and Furious” series; he’s also currently starring in Allstate insurance TV spots) is joined by fellow hit-maker Juvenile. Bad Friends Podcast; Jan 20; Hard Rock. This program will feature comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino, the hosts of the wildly popular “Bad Friends” podcast. The definitely-for-adults-only show is billed as a “hilarious glimpse into their world.” Ice-T & Coco; Feb. 3; Ocean. The original - gangs ta- rap per-turned—longtime-TV-star (he plays “Fin” Tutuola on “Law & Order”) and his model wife, Coco Austin, bring their “The Art of Rap” tour to Ovation Hall. They’ll be joined by hip-hoppers Kool Keith and Mick Benzo and DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell. Stevie Nicks (Feb. 10; Hard Rock). What is arguably the biggest show of the season will find Nicks performing songs from both her solo career and those most identified with her from the Fleetwood Mac catalog. Tedeschi/Trucks Band/Little Feat; Feb. 16 and 17; Hard Rock. Singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi and her guitar-slinging husband, Derek Trucks (nephew of the late drummer Butch Trucks of Allman Brothers fame) are at the forefront of a new generation of blues-rockers. The two-night stand is enhanced exponentially by the opening act Little Feat, the five-decades-plus-old “jam band” whose blues-based music is infused with groove-intensive funk.

Napoleon Dynamite Live; March 9; Ocean. The real wild card in the winter-headliner deck is this presentation celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Millennial cult film. Title star Jon Heder will be joined by co-stars Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) for a screening followed by a panel discussion and audience Q-and-A session. While actual headliners are in short supply, a number of tribute acts will take up the slack. Among them: Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis (Jan. 5, Resorts Casino-Hotel,); Forever Donna (Summer, Jan. 20, Hard Rock); The Ultimate Elvis Experience Starring Shawn Klush & Ryan Pelton (Jan. 27 and 28, Hard Rock); Tusk (Fleetwood Mac, Feb. 3; Harrah’s); Scott Keo (Michael Buble, Feb. 17, Resorts); The Fab Four (Beatles, Feb. 23, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City); Voyage (Journey, March 15, Hard Rock); One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel (March 8, Ocean). UFC champ at Resorts Mixed Martial Arts star Frankie Edgar is doing the meet-and-greet thing for fans of all ages Saturday. The event takes place in the Boardwalk entrance lobby. Edgar, who reigned as the king of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight division from 2010-2012, will be hanging with the public from 8 to 9 p.m. There is no admission fee for the hour session. Fans can purchase tickets to the UFC 296 VIP Watch Party at the DraftKings Sportsbook, which begins after the public appearance. Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

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December 14, 2023

Best wines of 2023 By David Setley

his time of year, I like to anticipate the coming months while looking back on the past twelve with gratitude. First, allow me to express my appreciation to you for reading

these articles. Many have reached out or stopped in with kind remarks and thoughtful questions; I am truly humbled by your interest and support. Second, a big thank you to my wife and editor, Gwen. Trust me, without her, these articles would not read as

well as they do. And third, I’d like to thank those in the wine world: those who enjoy wine, those who sell wine, and of course, those who make wine. I’ve had the pleasure of trying many new (or new to me) wines this year. As we close out 2023, I’d like to pay homage to what I consider the top 10. Drum roll, please! 10. Brilla! Sparkling Wines (Italy) In 2023, Brilla! introduced three sparkling wines from the Veneto region of Italy. The Extra Brut Prosecco is 100% Glera and is delicate, yet complex, with fruity notes of peach, green apple, and lilac. The Prosecco Rosé is Glera with a touch of Pinot Noir to add color and flavor. Both are fresh, light, and long-lasting. Brilla! also offers a Moscato, featuring floral and fruity aromatics with the light sweetness you expect. The packaging of these wines is just as sparkly as the bubbles within. Grab a bottle, or three! 9. Lachargo Rioja Crianza 2019 (Spain) Four generations have tended the Larchago vineyards since 1882, making Rioja wine. The Crianza 2019 is 100% Tempranillo with complex, rich, intense aromas of cherry, oak, and baking spices. It is a wonderfully food-friendly wine with smooth tannins and earthy tones.

The Cheese Board For Sale

For over 35 years, the Cheese Board has been honored to provide a continued standard of excellence for our customers. As a result, the restaurant has been an icon in the area and synonymous with both quality and service. After thoughtful consideration, the time has come to move on with other opportunities, and as a result, we are oﬀering the Cheese Board for sale. Serious inquires should contact us at the Cheese Board, 609-653-8088. It has been our pleasure to serve you, and during this transition we will continue to oﬀer quality food, with a pleasant dining atmosphere in the tradition of the Cheese Board. You can count on us for all your holiday needs or special occasions! Michael & Kathy

↘Continued on 56

12 Days of Christmas! Dec 12 - Dec 24

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↘Continued from 55 8. Castelo do Papa Godello 2021 (Spain) You may be unfamiliar with this varietal, yet it is the most widely planted white wine grape in Valdeorras, Spain. I have affectionately referred to it as my new winter white. It has the body of Chardonnay but without the oak or buttery notes. The fruit notes of the Godello are pear, melon, and white peach with hints of earth and chalk. Give this wine a try for a fabulous alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. 7. Dila-O Saperavi Dry Red 2021 (Georgia) This is my first pick from a Mid-

dle Eastern country. Dila-O is 100% Saperavi grapes and is fermented in large clay jars, called qvevri, buried underground. For a natural, low-intervention, low-sulfite red wine, give this a try. It features a lovely dark color with flavors and aromas of plum and dark red fruits, plus a touch of black pepper and earthiness. 6. Rosha Winery’s Timothée Rkatsiteli 2020 (Georgia) Rkatsiteli (to pronounce, say “our cats on the telly”) is one of the most ancient white wines still produced. This Rkatsiteli is an amber-colored wine, is very dry, and has flavors of green apple, pear, and honey. It has a

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balanced acidity with a lasting palate. Perfect for wine enthusiasts! 5. Stamnaki Assityko 2022 (Greece) Assityko is Greece’s most planted white grape. The Stamnaki is an excellent, reasonably priced wine made from 100% Assityko organic grapes. It is produced with biodynamic and natural winemaking methods. This dry wine is light with a balanced flavor of citrus and minerality that perfectly complements seafood. 4. Oppenauer Zweigelt 2021 (Austria) From Niederosterreich, Austria comes this Zweigelt, a fresh and flavorful wine with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors. It offers subtle tannins, light acidity, and a long finish. If you enjoy Pinot Noir, Zweigelt is a great varietal to explore. It pairs well with pork, chicken, lamb, vegetables, or salmon, and is great with Asian or Indian cuisines. 3. Clos de Tafall Priorat 2021 (Spain) Priorat DOC is a small, historic appellation near Barcelona, Spain. The region is famous for the Garnacha grape and the outstanding (often blended) red wines it yields. The Clos de Tafall Priorat is 55% Garnacha, 35% Carignan, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a Spanish classic featuring the aroma and flavors of cedar, spice, dark fruit, plum, and lavender. Full-bodied with well-structured tannins, it pairs perfectly with pasta or rice dishes (think paella), and savory meats. 2. Fratelli Revello 2019 Barolo (Italy) Barolo has been dubbed the “King of wines and the wine of Kings.” They are typically quite expensive, but the Fratelli Revello 2019 is an exception that is in a price range accessible to many. It is dry and full-bodied with intense flavor and rich tannins. The next time you plan an Italian meal, treat yourself to this wine.

Caroline's in Somers Point

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And finally, my number one wine pick from 2023… 1. Cartuxa Evora Tinto Colheita 2019 (Portugal) I became interested in Portuguese wines early this year, having no idea it would lead me to my top pick. The Cartuxa is a delicious blend of 40% Aragonez, 30% Trincadeira, and 30% Alicante Bouschet. The star is the Alicante Bouschet, a rare varietal of grape whose flesh and juice are both red in color. The complex flavor and aroma of the wine feature blackberries, plums, vanilla, cocoa, leather, smoke, and earth. I am thrilled to have been a part of bringing this reasonably priced wine to Southern NJ. Do yourself a favor and get a bottle, ASAP. So there you have it – my top wines of 2023. I hope you consider some of these as you complete your holiday shopping or fill your wine rack before the new year. You won’t be disappointed. As always, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com with questions or comments, or to share your top wine picks from the year. Until next time, happy wining!

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Five ways to celebrate in Tinseltown this week

By Danielle Davies

he holidays are always festive, but when all the fun events — think holiday shows, magical displays, pop-up bars and lounges, dazzling décor, parades and tree lightings — are all packed together in one city, it’s absolutely magnificent. This holiday season, the Atlantic City Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) invites visitors to Atlantic City, the epicenter of a citywide holiday celebration. Here’s how to celebrate this week.

2. Matteo Bocelli Matteo Bocelli, son of none other than the legendary Andrea Bocelli, performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Audiences will be captivated by his extraordinary talent and mesmerizing voice, as well as the dazzling energy of Hard Rock itself. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located at 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. See HardRockHotelAtlanticCity. com. 3. The Nutcracker No Christmas season is ever truly complete without taking in a live performance of “The Nutcracker”. The holiday classic, which takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Caesars, is a tradition for many families. With magnificent costumes and scenery, “The Nutcracker” embodies the holiday spirit and is a treat for both

young and old. Caesars is located at 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City. See ACBallet.org.

1. Christmas is in the Air! A first-class Broadway-style spectacular that’s festive fun for the whole family comes to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa through Sunday, Dec. 17, and you don’t want to miss it. This snow globe comes to life and dazzles with a cast of high-kicking Rockette-style dancers performing alongside magical holiday characters. While you’re there, indulge in a holiday cocktail — we recommend the Christmas Cookie with Amaretto, Frangelico, and pineapple juice — at Borgata B Bar. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is located at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City.

December 14, 2023

4. Ugly Sweater Reverse Happy Hour No, it’s not a performance, but it’s still wildly entertaining. Head to Cardinal from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 for free admission to your newest favorite tradition — a happy hour so bright with drinks, laughter and sweaters, it’s a festive delight. Don’t forget to dress up — the best ugly sweater of the night gets a $25 gift card to Cardinal. While you’re there, try the Smokey Rose made with dry gin, cranberry, lemon, black pepper shrub and pomegranate, served in a rosemary smoked glass. Cardinal is located at 201 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. See Cardinal-AC.com. 5. The Modern Gentleman Bringing holiday charm, high energy, and delightfully spot-on vocals

with harmonic perfection, The Modern Gentlemen perform their special, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Ring in the holiday season with The Modern Gentlemen’s take on popular classics as well as holiday faves. While you’re there, head to Margaritaville for a Resorts Holiday Mochatini, made with 48 Blocks Chocolate Martini, 48 Blocks Espresso Martini, and peppermint syrup all topped with whipped cream and a candy cane. Resorts is located at 1133 Boardwalk. See ResortsAC.com.

Now Serving

Second Location

FRIDAY - DEC 15 Big Foot Band 7pm-11pm SATURDAY - DEC 16 Wyatt's Blue Christmas 6th Annual Toy Drive Fundraiser 2pm-5pm The O'Fenders Band 4pm-8pm DJ Josh 9pm-12am FRIDAY - DEC 22 Chris Yoder Band 8pm-12am SATURDAY - DEC 23 Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm Steve Moore & MIA Band Ugly Sweater Contest! 8:30pm-12:30am SATURDAY - DEC 30 Twisted Livin Band 8pm-11pm SUNDAY - DEC 31 Big Foot Band 3:30pm-7:30pm Radio Revolution 8:30pm-12:30am **No Cover, Party Favors, NYE Toast! MONDAY - JAN 1 Danny Eyer Band 3pm-7pm

Now Serving Pizza Happy Hour Food & Drink Specials Mon.-Thurs.

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OVERLOOKING THE BAY

ROMANELLI'S Garden Cafe'

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, December 15

Engelbert Humperdinck: A Winter World of Love

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Tour

▶8:30 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Christmas in the Air

▶8 p.m.

Music Box at Borgata Saturday, December 16 Matteo Bocelli

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock The Modern Gentlemen

Engelbert Humperdink

Superstar Theatre at Resorts My Big Gay Italian Christmas

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Old School Reggaeton feat. Don Chezina

Saturday, January 13

▶8 p.m. ▶8 p.m.

▶5 & 8 p.m.

Sunday, January 14

Sunday, December 17 Christmas in the Air

▶4 & 7 p.m.

Music Box at Borgata

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

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Friday, January 19 Dancing with the Stars Live

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Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards at Anchor Rock Club Saturday Tune In, Turn On By Doug Deutsch

his Saturday, Dec. 16, the Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards take place at the Anchor Rock Club in Atlan-

tic City. “The Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards is an annual event that started in 2010. I wanted to celebrate our local music community and show some love to the original bands and musicians,” said ETIMA founder Jerry Ryan, who also produces the annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival, which this year took place in October over three days/nights at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. Asked how the ETIMA voting process works, Ryan replied, “It’s an intricate process, honestly. It’s

not necessarily about who’s the Hall. We may have our differenc‘best,’ but who I believe had the es in the local scene, but we will best year. If you’re releasing tracks always come together when it or albums and touring as an origmatters the most. Hang in there inal band, then your chances of Jordan.” winning become greater than GHOST MART Xmas: For a wild someone who’s not.” musical/culture ride, check out the Asked if he had any particular Ghost Mart: Krampus Edition on categories at this year’s awards Friday, Dec. 15, at the Anchor. show he’d like to shine a light on, “GHOST MART is a new event Ryan said, “Community Musician that blends live music, DJs, artists of the Year. This year’s recipient and local artisans in one big caulis Tom Maillie, aka: Vertigo Breeze. dron,” explained promoter Maribeth A great musician with a heart of Capelli. “The balcony transforms gold.” into a boutique where you can shop Whom does the ETIMA benfor original and unique alternative efit? “This show benefits the items that are uncommon in stores. touring bands from New York City Blanket Approval will be one of the many bands Downstairs you can see and hear who we’ve invited to play. But I’d taking the stage Saturday for the Elephant Talk Indie the variety of dark inspired acts also love to help local music and Music Awards at Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City. that range from original 80s style 420 lifestyle promoter Stephen goth to industrial, and a mix of all (Weiss) and Noranne (Thompson) of Blanket Approval (pictured above), adjacent and in between. The event is NorStep Productions during these Heliocentric Overdrive, Second Half scheduled to be held every September, difficult times (their daughter Jordan Comeback, and Quasimodo's Bride.” December and March. That’s a pretty nice cross-section is battling cancer).” “Dec. 15 will feature GHOST MART: Ah, and the all-important, which of local talent performing original Krampus Edition,” Capelli continued. “This means a very special visit from artists and bands are actually permusic and shows Ryan is very tapped the infamous folklore demon known forming at the awards show? “Arato into the local (and not-so-local) talent Brothers, The Paynkillers, Castle pool. for punishing naughty children during Black, Wring Me Out, The Looms, “The only other thing I’d like to add the holiday season. The legend of is that this is a celebration of our local Krampus has become very popular music community and my birthday amongst alternative style events and party,” concluded Ryan. “So, if you’re has been incorporated in many ways. planning on bringing me a gift or buy“At GHOST MART Krampus will be ing me a drink, don’t. I’d rather you sitting from 9 to 10 p.m. for photos, donate to Jordan’s Cancer Journey and then joining in on the fun on the Fundraiser instead. dance floor until he has to return to Go to gofundme.com and search his legendary duties at midnight.” for Jordans Cancer Journey to donate. Scheduled to perform are genCab, Any amount besides zero helps. Faux Fear and Brad Scott. There will be a goth dance party from midnight There’s also an event happening on to 3 a.m. Jan. 20 at Tennessee Avenue Beer

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December 132 Min

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Disastrous 1964 Democratic Convention was a turning point for Atlantic City By Bruce Klauber

he year 1964 was supposed to be a high point for Atlantic City. Although the coming of inexpensive air travel to Florida and other points south had taken away some business from the shore, Atlantic City was still known as the “Queen of Resorts” and the vacation destination of choice for thousands. There were some positive developments happening. In that year the Atlantic City Expressway was completed, service on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry began and The Beatles invaded the city via their historic concert at Convention Hall. The city fathers, then informally led by Republican state Sen. Frank “Hap” Farley, believed hosting the

convention would solidify Atlantic City’s national reputation as a vacation destination so they lobbied the Democratic National Committee to hold the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City. And so it was. In addition to Farley, the lobbying was spearheaded by then-Atlantic City Mayor Joseph Altman, a Republican who was the city’s mayor from 1944 through 1967.

It all looked good on paper, so it was resolved that the 1964 Democratic National Convention would take place at Convention Hall from Wednesday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Aug. 27, 1964. Lyndon Johnson would be nominated for a full term and Hubert “The Happy Warrior” Humphrey would be the vice presidential nominee. Coming less than one year after the assassination of President John

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F. Kennedy, there would be no opposition and no real drama. In fact, aside from the traditional pomp and pageantry of any nominating convention, the high point of this one would be the address, on the convention’s last day, of Attorney General Robert Kennedy. Because the nominees were shoo-ins and the only real convention news was a controversy involving the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party’s claim that states’ delegates were unfairly chosen – the Freedom Party maintained that blacks had not been allowed to vote in the primaries – the national spotlight would be on Atlantic City, New Jersey. In many ways the Atlantic City of 1964 was the same as it was in the 1930s. Restaurants like Hackney’s and Captain Starns were thriving, and the grand hotels were still standing and still doing good business. But there were real signs of wear, tear and deterioration. The 638-room Traymore hadn’t changed much since its completion in 1914. The Dennis Hotel hadn’t been renovated since it opened in 1925. The Marlborough-Blenheim had been standing since 1906, the Chalfonte Haddon-Hall had been around since 1929 and the Ambassador hadn’t changed much since construction was completed in 1921. The still-standing Ritz-Carlton opened in 1921 and the Shelburne Hotel’s expansion was completed in 1926. There were a few newer motels, including the LaFayette Motor Inn, where the Beatles stayed that summer when they performed at Convention Hall, but it wasn’t enough. By the first day of the confab on Aug. 24, the city was packed with lo-

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cal, regional and national media, and all were ready to report on whatever might make news at the convention, as well as just what the “Queen of Resorts” was really like. It was a mess from the start. In a 2014 piece for the Courier Post, reporter Kevin Shelly described the scene. “The 1964 Democratic Convention should have turned a welcome spotlight on Atlantic City,” Shelly wrote. “Instead, it forced an unrelenting glare because the city and its grand hotels were undeniably shabby, worn and poorly maintained. “While those were glossed-over problems more than a decade in the making, they became the focus of news stories and word-of-mouth accounts,” Shelly continued. “The city’s decline went as far back as the 1950s, but the difference in 1964 was the media horde assembled for the convention took notice of the city’s care-worn condition. Infamously, (spigots) corroded by the salt water (were) still piped into many older hotels – a vestige of the city’s ‘health resort’ past. (One of them) broke off in the hands of labor leader George Meany. And he could not get it fixed. “Towels were in short supply and guests in some cases were given paper towels instead. An exodus from the city had already begun before 1964, but the retreat became a stampede over the next decade.” Also in 2014, Bob Golon looked back on that summer in a piece he wrote 50 years after the convention for Inside Jersey. “The odd curiosities and cheap goods were bad enough,” Golon said. “But the decrepit hotels, with cramped and dirty rooms, faulty plumbing and poor room service, would be the cause of the greatest shame.” “Democratic conventioneers in August 1964 were met by burlesque shows, diving horses, flea circuses and myriad hucksters who peddled everything from salt water taffy and hot dogs to LBJ T-shirts, buttons and hats,” Golon wrote. “These visitors, not used to such ‘ambience,’ retreated to their hotel rooms for comfort and quiet. What they experienced there, however, was incredibly damaging to Atlantic City’s reputation and prosperity.” In August 2023, Chuck Darrow wrote about those fateful four days in the pages of Shore Local News. “Because then-President Lyndon Johnson was a mortal lock to win re-nomination,” wrote Darrow, “the hundreds of media types who descended on the town had little in the way of real ‘news’ to cover. Instead, they spent the ensuing four

days putting the final nails in the coffin of AC tourism, telling millions of people around the world about the overpriced, understaffed, beat up, un-airconditioned rat traps in which they were bivouacked.” The overwhelmingly negative national publicity surrounding the convention had an enduring impact on the resort’s reputation. Darrow maintained that, “the resulting awful publicity ultimately set in motion the wheels of the legal casino movement, which culminated in the opening of what was then Resorts International in 1978.” The question, almost 60 years after the fact, is: What were the city power brokers thinking when they lobbied so aggressively to have the convention held in Atlantic City? Golon believes that “local leaders were only thinking about what such an event could mean for the city. Perhaps it was a sense of ‘boardwalk hubris’ or general tone-deafness to the realities of the city, or possibly, a combination of the two.” On Aug. 27, the final day of the convention, Robert Kennedy walked out on the convention floor and was greeted by a 22-minute ovation. It was the first time he publicly spoke about his brother and what his brother envisioned for the United States. He quoted from “Romeo and Juliet:” “When he shall die, take him and cut him out into the stars, and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.” There was hope that the fateful weekend would be remembered only for Kennedy’s speech. Sadly, it wasn’t. But Atlantic City had been down before and Atlantic City had beaten the odds more than once. Maybe it was no longer known as the “Queen of Resorts” after 1964 and maybe it’s taken longer than expected to bounce back, but history has proven one thing: Atlantic City can never be counted out. 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."

December 14, 2023

Everyday Heroes Illuminate the Holiday Season: EHT Police Athletic League's 13th Annual Holidays with Heroes

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121 children participated in 13th Annual Holidays with Heroes event. By Raymond Tyler

he EHT Police Athletic League's enduring commitment to community engagement was on full display during the 13th Annual Holidays with Heroes event. Designed to strengthen connections between law enforcement and young people, the initiative left an indelible mark as children engaged in meaningful conversations and shared moments of walking and shopping with local police.

Hector Tavarez, Executive Director of PAL, now called the Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County Commencing with a hearty breakfast at the Ridge Avenue, EHT facility, this year's event provided a platform for children and families to engage in open dialogues with police officers and volunteers, fostering a sense of community unity. Beyond the traditional Shop with a Cop concept, Holiday with Heroes expanded its reach, including volun-

December 14, 2023

teers from various emergency services and the United States Armed Forces. The parking lot showcased an impressive array of land-operated vehicles, including police motorcycles, U.S. military vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks, symbolizing the collective commitment to safeguarding communities. A collective group photo marked the beginning of the shopping expedition, with children and families eager to embark on a memorable experience. Guided by instructions, young participants boarded buses, forming a procession of law enforcement vehicles creating a parade of sirens and lights from Ridge to Mays Landing Walmart. Retired EHTPD Captain Hector Tavarez highlighted the broad participation, stating, "We had 120 heroes from 24 different police, fire, EMS, and military agencies from Atlantic and Cape May County, serving 121 children from 104 different families in Atlantic County and Ocean City." Beyond the joy of receiving holiday gifts, Holidays with Heroes serves a deeper purpose, allowing law enforcement to connect with students and the diverse young population of Atlantic and Ocean County. The hope is that these men and women with guns, badges, and compassionate hearts establish meaningful connections with children and communities, inspiring a new generation to consider careers in law enforcement, the military, or firefighting. As Holidays with Heroes continues to bridge gaps and create lasting bonds, there is optimism that the young participants will grow up with a sense of duty and a desire to build enduring connections with the youth in their communities for many Christmases to come.

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The Greatest Toys of All Time

hose of us with children in our lives are likely finding ourselves searching for the toy that will bring the biggest smile to our kids’ faces on Christmas morning. Some of us might be buying the same toys for our children that our parents bought for us decades ago. If that’s you, then the toy you’re buying is probably on this list of the best-selling children’s toys of all time. LEGOs One of the most popular toys in history, LEGOs started in Denmark in 1949 and the small bricks allowed children to build their imaginations into reality. LEGO, which means "play well" in Danish, still endures today, with popular models including sets connected with the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises. "Legoland" theme parks exist all over the world, with parks in California, Florida, and in the toy's home country of Denmark, among other places. Fun Fact: As of 2020, LEGO had produced enough bricks so that there were 62 bricks for each person on the entire planet. Cabbage Patch Kids Created in the 1970s by a 21-yearold art student named Xavier Roberts, the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls are one

of the most successful doll franchises of all time. The original dolls were hand-stitched, soft fabric sculptures that Roberts called “The Little People,” and which he sold - or “adopted” - at arts and crafts fairs. The Cabbage Patch Kids were patented in 1978, and they hit the toy market in 1983. Yo-yo It really is impossible to tell how many yo-yos have been produced since their invention around 2,500 years ago, but anything with that kind of staying power has to be considered one of the best-selling toys in history. On the commercial U.S. market, they’ve been around since Pedro Flores opened the Yo-yo Manufacturing Com-

pany in Santa Barbara, California, circa 1928. Donald F. Duncan knew a good thing when he saw it and purchased the business from Flores just one year later, and the “Duncan Yo-Yo” was born. Barbie The Barbie doll is, unsurprisingly, the best-selling toy of all time with over a billion dolls sold since she made her debut in 1959. With more than 180 careers, 40 nationalities, and hundreds, even thousands, of exclusive fashionable outfits, the Barbie doll has been a toy icon for millions of little girls for the past 50 years. Part of the reason for this is Barbie’s adaptability. Mattel, the toy company that owns Barbie, has allowed the doll to evolve as times have changed, releasing Barbie Presidential candidates, Barbie business executives and Barbie computer engineers. Perhaps most no-

tably, in 2016 Mattel introduced three new body types - tall, petite, and curvy - and added a variety of skin tones to better reflect the world that girls see around them. Slinky The Slinky came to life on a battleship during World War II in Philadelphia’s Cramp Shipyard. A torsion spring used in a testing meter fell off a marine engineer’s desk and tumbled end over end across the floor, creating a fad that continues sixty years later. With more than 300 million Slinkys sold, the walking spring is still marching strong.

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The Easy-Bake Oven This famous toy working oven has been beloved by children since 1963, when it was first introduced to the public. The Easy-Bake Oven has sold more than 20 million units since its debut, and has appeared in several different incarnations throughout the decades. The first model featured a tiny stovetop in addition to the oven and used a regular incandescent light bulb for heat. Silly Putty The creation of this incredibly popular toy was a lucky accident for its inventor James Wright . Wright was an inventor who worked at General Electric in New Haven, Conn. and discovered that combining boric acid with silicone oil created a putty with unusual properties. It’s a “liquid solid: If it’s dropped, it bounces, but if struck with a great deal of force, it shatters. Silly Putty also floats and will even form

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a puddle if left alone for a long enough time. Mr. Potato Head The birth of Mr. Potato Head came in a Brooklyn garden, where an inventor used to take potatoes and add grapes for eyes, and carrots for noses to a potato. When Mr. Potato Head debuted in stores in 1952, it was the very first toy to have a commercial on television – and was the first to be directly aimed at children. The toy made $4 million in the first year and has gone on to be a best-seller for all time. Nerf Balls Some sources claim that “NERF” is an acronym for “Non-Expanding Recreational Foam,” but that story seems too good to be true. Parker Brothers says they named the squishy balls after the foam that off-road drivers use to wrap their roll-bars, and in 1969 they proclaimed the polyurethane foam as “the world’s first indoor ball.” Since then, more than 300 million balls have been sold.

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What to get the booklover in your life this holiday season

By Holly Fertsch

hether you’re looking for a romance novel, an epic fantasy series or a graphic novel, here are some book recommendations to give as gifts this holiday season. All books on this list have been read by me or recommended by friends or family who have read them.

Fantasy:

1. Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo Want a high-stakes fantasy heist with some great characters and humor? Look no further. This novel is YA, with a 17-year-old protagonist who, somehow, became a crime boss at an early age. Along the way, the chemistry be-

tween characters starts to become something more. Can a supposedly heartless gang member learn to let down his guard? I’m going to rate this book ages 16 and up. It features no explicit sexual content, but there are scenes with nudity. It also has some violent scenes.

2. Mistborn: The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson I love so many Sanderson books, but this novel is a good starting point for his works. With incredible worldbuilding, fascinating magic systems, memorable characters and brilliant plot twists, Sanderson gave me everything I wanted from fantasy

books. You might be noticing a theme here; I love a magical heist. In “Mistborn,” a crazy crew leader named Kelsier is determined to pull off the most daring heist imaginable: killing the Emperor of the Final Empire, who is regarded as a god. He recruits a girl, Vin, who was raised on the streets and is too guarded to trust her new crew. Eventually Kelsier begins to regard Vin as the daughter he’s never had, but can they really kill a god? I’m going to rate this series as ages 14 and up. There are no sex scenes or cursing. 3. The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson So, your fantasy-lover has already read “Mistborn.” No worries! This means they’ve graduated to Sanderson’s most epic series. A soldier, Kaladin, is lucky. He protects his men and never comes close to death himself. He can survive anything. Fast forward: Kaladin’s luck has run out. All his men in his former

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↘Continued from 69 squad are dead, and Kaladin has been branded a slave. Can Kaladin become the soldier he once was to keep his remaining men alive? I’m going to rate this series as ages 14 and up. There are no sex scenes or cursing. There are mentions of prostitution and domestic violence. It is a long book, which could prove challenging for young readers.

2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams In this book, anything could happen. Seriously. Chaos reigns as Arthur Dent and his guide hitch-hike across the universe. 3. Dune, by Frank Herbert With the second movie coming out next year, what better way to prepare than to read the book? This sci-fi classic features witches, chosen ones, prophecies, political intrigue and galactic war.

maid at a fancy hotel, where she is considered odd by her coworkers. When a guest is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect.

Middle grade:

1. Drama, by Raina Telgemeier Graphic novels are a great way to motivate reluctant readers to pick up more books. This is a lighthearted story about a girl and her friend participating in a school play. 2. A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness Warning: this book is sad. It’s about a boy whose mother is dying of cancer. As the boy is struggling to express how he feels about the situation, the yew tree in his yard comes to life. Each night, it comes to the boy to tell him a story. Eventually, the boy learns to tell his own story and come to terms with its ending.

Sci-fi:

1. Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes Warning: This book is sad, and some scenes could be interpreted as misogynistic. Scientists have successfully increased the intelligence of a mouse named Algernon. Encouraged by Algernon’s progress, they perform a procedure to increase an intellectually disabled man’s intelligence. Algernon suddenly begins to regress. Will the same happen to the protagonist?

Coming-of-age stories:

racism. I’m going to rate it ages 16 and up, but this is not a YA book. It contains some heavy topics. 2. The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni Sam Hill was born with ocular albinism, causing his eyes to be red. His classmates mock him as a “devil child” and ostracize him. His Catholic mother tells Sam that it was God’s will that he was born like that. As Sam grows up, he wrestles with questions of faith and self-acceptance.

1. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini A rich young boy, Amir, grows up in Afghanistan and becomes best friends with a poor Hazara boy, Hassan. Then Amir witnesses something terrible happen to Hassan. Will he speak up? When he leaves Afghanistan for America, can he escape the ghosts of his past? Is it ever too late for redemption? Warning: this book contains scenes of sexual assault, physical assault, self-harm, terrorism and

Horror:

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2. Verity, by Colleen Hoover Warning: this book contains scenes of murder, infant abuse and obsessive love. A writer gets the job of a lifetime: a chance to finish a bestselling book series after the original writer is unable to do so. However, as she looks at the previous writer’s notes, she finds dark secrets that gnaw at her sanity. 3. The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz A one-hit-wonder novelist plagiarizes an idea from a student, which goes on to become a bestseller. However, the author then receives an anonymous email accusing him of being a thief. Soon, the author realizes the book’s plot was based on real-life events, including an unsolved murder. Will the murderer come after the author next?

1. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Warning: this book contains scenes of domestic violence. A young woman, Lily, struggles to break away from the abusive patterns she saw in her home when she was growing up. Are her romantic relationships doomed to be just as violent as her parents, or can she finally find love that doesn’t hurt?

Thriller:

1. The Maid, by Nita Prose Molly Gray is a socially awkward

1. Bunny, by Mona Awad I thought this book would be a suspense novel about a sorority that increasingly becomes a cult. Nope! Instead, it was about deranged grad students creating monsters. Warning: this book is seriously disturbing. I’m going to rate this book ages 18 and up. Read at your own risk. Do you have a book recommendation that you didn’t see here? Email it to hfertsch@gmail.com. Holly Fertsch graduated college in 2020 with an English degree and a certification to teach English as a second language. Since then, she has worked as a teacher, tutor, and editor. After helping out with Shore Local, her family business, part-time for years, she decided to make the shift to writing and editing full-time.

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Beware of mental accounting By Eric Reich

ne of the areas that I often see clients get hung up on is that they associate certain funds with a particular use or value. In reality, all of the money you have is your money to be used for anything you need to use it for. This association is known as mental accounting. Basically, what this means is that people place different values on the same amount of money. While not always a dangerous habit, there are certainly instances where it can be dangerous to your financial wellbeing. Inheritance is the most common situation where mental accounting can lead to problems down the line. I very often hear from clients that “my dad left me that stock and he was really good at investing so I never want to sell it.” While I can certainly understand the emotional attachment to something a loved one left behind for you, it

isn’t hard to imagine situations where this mentality can result in disastrous consequences. I can think of dozens of stocks that were a great buy 3040 years ago that people would never want to own today, or worse, they aren’t even still an existing company anymore. The world of investing is not only constantly changing, but it is doing it at an even faster pace. To assume what was good a long time ago will forever be that way, is simply bad investing. Instead of focusing on the individual stocks themselves, look more towards the use of the funds that your loved one would have wanted you to use that money for. This slight change in focus can help you be more open-minded about the investment options themselves and still honor the gift you were given. While associating a use for the money is still a form of mental accounting, it is one that poses little to no danger to investors. Examples of bad mental accounting can be the “House Money Effect”, a term common to gamblers. This is where investors associate the money they are investing differently because it came from the results of profits somewhere else and not “their own money”. Once any money is received, it is all your money. There is no such

thing as “house money” regardless of whether you won it, earned it, inherited it, etc. The danger here is that people tend to take much greater risks with money that they don’t associate with as “theirs”. For obvious reasons, this is not a great strategy. All investments should be made with the same thought process and risk assumptions. Don’t view a gambling win, a tax refund, a bonus, etc. as being any different than any of your other money, because it is all your money regardless of where it came from. Other examples include the tendency of people to spend more money when using a credit card than when they use cash. I think we all understand the risks in that line of thinking. Just be mindful of what mental accounting is, and if you find yourself doing it, just ask yourself is this the harmless kind, or the dangerous kind? By stopping to at least recognize that you are doing it, you may be able to protect yourself from a potentially bad financial decision. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with

Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures. Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations. A lifelong resident of Cape May County, Eric resides in Seaville, NJ with his wife Chrissy and their sons ,CJ and Cooper, and daughter Riley.

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EHT native crowned Dr. New Jersey America 2024 Her educational background includes a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University and a NRSA addictions post-doctoral fellowship from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in trauma, PTSD, and addiction, and works with a variety of patients. While Dr. Pecoraro has a residence and license to practice in Pennsylvania, she has been named Dr. New Jersey America rather than Pennsylvania because she wanted to represent the place where she grew up and with which she most identifies. I was curious about much of her education, but mostly about her decision to become an RN, since it seemed a bit of a shift from psychology. “I was inspired to go back to school to become an RN after helping care for my dad, who had glioblastoma (an aggressive form of cancer),” she explained. Her choice to pursue a career as a psychologist also piqued my interest, since she was classically trained as a

By Gabriella Bancheri

e’ve all heard of Miss America, Miss World, Miss Universe, etc., but what about the women who have dedicated years to their education and career, honing their craft and professional skills while contributing research and working within their field? Well, there’s a pageant for that. Just a few months ago, psychologist and Egg Harbor Township native, Dr. Anna Pecoraro, was crowned Dr. New Jersey America, 2024, a title awarded by Dr. World Productions. The Dr. America pageant will be held in October 2024. If Pecoraro comes out the victor, she will go on to compete for the Dr. World title. Pecoraro is a licensed psychologist, registered nurse and associate professor. She is also a trained classical vocalist and a competitive figure skater.

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musician, earning a bachelor of music degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton. Dr. Pecoraro explained that she had always wanted to be a psychologist, even from a young age, but one day when she was auditioning for an opera festival at Egg Harbor Township High School, a professor from Westminster Choir College heard her sing and invited her to apply to the program. A few years later, while performing in the Westminster Symphonic Choir and alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra, she had what she called an “existential moment.” While she was “creating beauty” with her voice, she was reminded of her true calling: to help people change their lives. With the aid of her Dr. New Jersey America platform, she aims to help people change their lives through the healing powers of art, spirituality and mental health. Her drive to accomplish creatively started as a young girl, having participated in artistic roller skating, vocal lessons and competitions. She has been competing in pageants since childhood. She was Little Miss Pigtails, and as a teen, Miss Pigtails in Atlantic County. This, however, is only her first year in the Dr. America pageant. She said she has lots of plans for her platform. Wearing the sash comes with much more than the title in Dr. America. Dr. Diana Lawrence, founder and president of the pageant, explained that it’s about “setting the stage” for the right candidate, one who partici-

pates for the right reasons: to lift up other women, to create a comprehensive and genuine platform and to grow both in their field and as woman. Title holders are expected to seek out and organize speaking engagements about their specialty, first within their own health system, university and/or personal organization, and then working outward to expand their network of possibilities. In Dr. Pecoraro’s words, the organization “completely promotes being educated, mentoring women and changing society, because that’s what a truly strong woman can do.” One person per state is accepted to compete in the Dr. America pageant. They must be under 45 and hold a doctorate in any field. Title holders have a number of responsibilities including community service, mentoring and “spreading goodness through knowledge,” as Dr. Pecoraro puts it. Interviews for the candidacy include a comprehensive evaluation of intentions and assessment of online and physical community presence. To be a part of Dr. America, it’s imperative that candidates put their words into action. From writing books to giving regular talks to discovering new genes while studying at MIT (yes, this really happened), these women are working hard to constantly better themselves and give back to their communities nationally and, in some cases, internationally. Dr. Lawrence says she was inspired to create a pageant that offered a more genuine, comprehensive overview of its candidates. Dr. World Productions offers more speaking time, more focus on personal experiences and puts an emphasis on interviewing. Lawrence believes that pageants in general underemphasize education. So she created one that would not only celebrate education, but emphasize it to create communities of women that bring each other up and, in turn, lift their communities up. While they’re competing, they’re also supporting each other in each woman’s individual work and goals. When I asked Dr. Pecoraro about her passions and what drives her to do this work, she said, “There are two ways of thinking about the world: we can either turn the news on and get depressed, or look at it and say the world is in need of help; what can I do today to make it better?”

December 14, 2023

for those around us. “If we are fulfilled and happy,” she says, “then we can be the spark that helps change the world.” To stream the results of the pageant and keep up with Dr. Pecoraro and the rest of these wonderful, talented, and intelligent women, the pageant will be uploaded to YouTube and Facebook. Pecoraro is a licensed Dr Diana Lawrence (left) with contestants from this year. psychologist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and After speaking with both women, Virginia. She is a registered nurse in the values of the pageant became Pennsylvania. clearer based on their passion to proShe is an associate professor at mote wellness and positivity, to lift up the Institute for the Psychological each other, and use their platforms Sciences (IPS) of Divine Mercy Uniand voices to do good. The pageant versity in Arlington, Va., where she is brings many high-achieving, brilliant a faculty member in the master’s in women together to promote growth psychology program and a doctoral and change within themselves, their dissertation chair. communities and across many places and cultures. Gabriella is a Ventnor City Dr. Pecoraro emphasized that just resident and graduate of the a brief exchange of kindness in a suUniversity of London with an permarket can make all the difference MA in Creative Writing and in someone else’s day, and that we Publishing. Her writing is fea“cannot underestimate the impact we tured in a variety of digital have on others,” especially in times publications ranging from food of crisis. and beverage to literature to Her focus comes from inner peace ecotourism. with an emphasis on what that can do

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Test your knowledge of popular Christmas movies

a tching Christmas movies is a holiday tradition for many families. So much so that lines from popular movies are easily remembered and recognized. Those who can recite movies verbatim might enjoy testing their mettle with the following Christmas quiz loaded with memorable quotes from some holiday classics.

Match to these movies: __ A Santa Clause __ Home Alone __ A Christmas Story __ The Polar Express __ White Christmas __ The Simpsons Christmas __ Miracle on 34th Street __ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas __ Elf __ Bad Santa __ Gremlins __ Muppets Christmas Carol __ The Holiday __ Babes in Toyland __ Nightmare Before Christmas __ A Chistmas Carol __ Jingle All The Way __ A Charlie Brown Christmas

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Movie Quotes Quiz 1. “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.” 2. “Uh, since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case dismissed.” 3. “If TV has taught me anything, it’s that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to The Smurfs, and it’s gonna happen to us!” 4. “I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle.” 5. “Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen.” 6. “Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you’re behaving like the best friend.”

7. “Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we’re going to destroy our son’s delusions, I should be a part of it.” 8. “I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow.” 9. “We’re not just doing this for us. We’re doing it for the kids. For every kid who ever sat on Santa’s lap. For every little girl who left cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas night. For every little boy who opens a package Christmas morning and finds clothes instead of toys. It breaks my heart.” 10. “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It’s run by a big Eastern syndicate you know.” 11. “I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?” 12. “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” 13. “Light the lamp, not the rat, light the lamp, not the rat! Put me out, put me out, put me out!” 14. “Tell me something, Billy. How come a cute little guy like this can turn into a thousand ugly monsters?” 15. “Wanna see some magic? OK, let’s watch you disappear!” 16. “That’s not ‘my’ Christmas! ‘My’ Christmas is filled with laughter, and joy... and this: my Sandy Claws outfit. I want you to make it.” 17. “That’s neither pig nor pork, it’s beef.” 18. “I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.” Answers On Page 78

December 14, 2023

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December 14, 2023

ACROSS 1. Big ____ at 7-Eleven 5. Plays for pay 8. Not counterfeit 12. Largest continent 13. Field worker 14. Eagle's nest 15. Shade-loving plant 16. River in Bohemia 17. Choice or delicious dish 18. *Vince Vaughn's title role, 2007 20. Research facil. 21. "Colorful" announcement 22. Humor magazine 23. Sherlock Holmes' esteemed friend 26. Wedge-shaped 30. "Fat chance!" 31. Ancient liturgical hymn 34. Jet black 35. Like Bushmills' whiskey 37. *"Jingle ____ the Way," 1996 38. Speak like Pericles 39. Cleopatra's necklace 40. They're often bolt action 42. Tucker of "Modern Family" 43. Football play, pl 45. *Nicholas Cage's "The ____ Man," 2000 47. Egg cells 48. "The Metamorphosis" author 50. Nursery rhyme old woman's home 52. *Kevin McCallister's story, 1990 56. Opposite end of alpha 57. "It's beginning to look ____ ____ like Christmas..." 58. Like desert climate 59. Apple leftovers 60. Container weight 61. *"Trappd in Paradise" with Jon Lovitz and ____ Carvey 62. Matured 63. "C'____ la vie!" 64. Big Bang's original matter

DOWN 1. Fishing pole 2. Olympic castaway? 3. Pre-euro money 4. Bamboo forest dwellers 5. *Like Express to the North Pole 6. Overthrow by argument 7. Miners' bounty, pl. 8. *Clarice, e.g. 9. Spans of time 10. Not a word? 11. Type of Christmas lights 13. Helen in France 14. Type of deadly flu 19. Lame or serge 22. "____'s the word" 23. *Like Bing Crosby's Christmas 24. Packers' quarterback 25. Like Hitler's Reich 26. Reject 27. Olden day calculators 28. The whole amount 29. *Henry F. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life," e.g. 32. Oration station 33. *Will Ferrell's 2003 role 36. *Based on "A Christmas Carol," 1988 38. Port city in Japan 40. Ribonucleic acid 41. Affected or pretentious 44. Part of eye containing iris, pl. 46. Unwellness 48. Trees producing caffeine-containing nuts 49. Like a duel in France, usually 50. Smoke plus fog 51. At this point 52. Antonym of love 53. Unwritten exam 54. Number of baseball fielders 55. Dutch cheese 56. Edible tuber See Solution on Page 78

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Answers: 1. “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” 2. “Miracle on 34th Street” 3. “The Simpson’s Christmas” 4. “A Christmas Story” 5. “Home Alone” 6. “The Holiday” 7. “The Santa Clause” 8. “White Christmas” 9. “Jingle All the Way” 10. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 11. “A Christmas Carol” 12. “The Polar Express” 13. “The Muppets Christmas Carol” 14. “Gremlins” 15. “Bad Santa” 16. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 17. “Babes in Toyland” 18. “Elf”

Kennel cough in dogs

By Heidi Clayton

iven the recent social media drama over the mysterious respiratory virus going around, I decided to talk about a condition that your dog is more likely to contract. Kennel cough, or specifically, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is the most common and easily spread virus or infection around in the dog world. Basically, it’s the common cold of the dog world. Kennel cough is either caused by the bordetella, streptococcus, mycoplasma, or chlamydia bacteria or viral caused by canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus, canine distemper, herpes, reovirus, coronavirus, or pneumovirus. Some of the viruses may not be the actual cause of kennel cough but can weaken your dog's immune system and respiratory system which can then cause the actual bout of kennel cough. Kennel cough got its name as it typically festers in locations like dog kennels where large numbers of dogs gather. If your dog regularly goes to day care, dog boarding, dog parks, group training classes, grooming salons, and even vet offices, they are susceptible to contracting kennel cough. It is spread primarily through aerosols or tiny water droplets in a dog’s cough or sneeze. It can also be left on surfaces like toys, food and communal water

bowls in unventilated indoor areas. People who handle infected dogs can also transmit it from dog to dog. Many people report that their dogs contracted kennel cough despite not being exposed to a large number of dogs. Most likely they were exposed to a surface like dog poop out on a walk, dust, or even cigarette smoke. Stress can also make dogs more susceptible to kennel cough. The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a dry hacking cough that is often described as sounding like a goose honking. Other symptoms may be a runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, and a low fever. Kennel cough can be tough to diagnose if your dog doesn’t actively cough in front of the vet. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough but is not showing signs of being terribly sick, most often vets suggest that it will run its course and to quarantine your dog at home for at least two weeks. Kennel cough has an incubation period of 2-14 days with symptoms possibly lasting for 7-14 days. Keep your dog home even if they stop coughing after a few days as they are contagious for at least 10 days after last showing symptoms. Dogs can also be asymptomatic, which makes kennel cough nearly impossible to manage in places where it is common. Treatment of kennel cough will be keeping your dog rested and well-hydrated. Cough medicines are often used, and occasionally your vet may prescribe a round of antibiotics. In all of my years of showing dogs, I have only had one round of kennel cough that I believe was contracted from a show. I had another round when my dog had a playdate with an

Solutions to page 77 puzzles. Check yourself!

December 14, 2023

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asymptomatic dog. Both times, I let it run its course in the younger dogs and gave a round of antibiotics to my elderly dogs. If you feel like your dog is not improving, you should schedule a check-up for a possible chest X-ray. The best way to combat kennel cough is to stay up to date on the Bordetella vaccine. Unlike many vaccines, the kennel cough vaccine does not remain effective beyond one year. If you plan on taking your dog to day care or boarding, make sure that your dog is properly vaccinated before doing so. If your dog is coughing, keep them home and secluded just to be safe. Also, for god’s sake, clean up after your dog’s poop, especially at the EHT

Nature Preserve or any park where other dogs might be! 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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