SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 20, 2023 by Mike Kurov

Free December 20, 2023

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Holiday Happenings Giving Gifts from the Heart Where to Enjoy Christmas Dinner Honoring Best Bands of 2023 The Feast of the Seven Fishes When Trump Hosted The Stones

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Gaming institute reports record breaking month for casinos

ane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), Stockton University School of Business, commented on the November 2023 numbers released Friday by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement: Deeper consideration of the gross revenue totals for November 2023 reveals interesting gains, and hints at what could be a new record year-end gross gaming revenue total for Atlantic City’s gaming operators. Record-setting, single-month internet gaming revenue ($171.6 million), combined with strong performance in the brick-and-mortar sector, delivered year-to-date total gross gaming revenue for Atlantic City’s operators that not only set a new near-term record for the period, but seems well on its way surpassing $5 billion in year-end total gross gaming revenue for the first time since the industry’s peak in 2006. While promising, these gross gaming revenues can be deceptive. Given

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BROCCOLI the less than impressive performance of net gaming revenue and gross operating profit in the third quarter, the current highs in gross gaming revenue are no assurance of equally record performance for the industry in terms of profitability. Market forces, including revenue sharing deals with internet gaming partners, will continue to influence how the industry’s gross gaming revenue gains translate to the bottom line for operators. We will need to wait until this spring, when the fourth-quarter, net-revenue numbers are released, to have a full picture of the industry’s performance in 2023.

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December 20, 2023

Unwrapping the true magic of the season From the Editor

he true magic of the season is not in the allure of beautifully wrapped gifts but in the joy derived from giving and sharing moments with those we hold dear. These experiences etch themselves into our memories, leaving behind a legacy more enduring than any wrapped package. The iconic Grinch summed it up best: “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Perhaps, Christmas means a little bit more.” The Grinch astutely recognized that the holiday spirit transcends materialism, finding its essence in the company of loved

ones and gratitude for life's blessings. I vividly recall an incident involving my 8-year-old daughter, Sarah when she was 8 years old. Sarah was yearning for a coveted toy beyond our budget. When a classmate received it, and she did not, Sarah lamented, "Why would Santa bring it for her and not me – when I was clearly 'much better behaved?'" Yet, remarkably, Sarah's initial disappointment evolved into a delightful revelation. The coveted toy's significance waned as the joy of spending time together took center stage. "Best out of three!" she exclaimed with infectious cheer as we indulged in repeated rounds of the game she had received. This served as a poignant reminder that the depth of connection fostered through heartfelt conversations or shared board games far surpasses the fleeting satisfaction of gifting an expensive item. As you explore this edition of Shore Local, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your readership. If

Issue 263

the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping lingers on your to-do list, be sure to check out page 24 for inspired gift ideas. Alternatively, should you prefer to embrace the holiday spirit through dining out, our feature on page 56 unveils tempting options for your consideration. As always, the pages of Shore Local highlight the people, places and events that make the Jersey Shore a great place to live and visit. If you have a story idea you would like to share, please email

shorelocalnews@gmail.com. In these final days preceding Christmas, may you find comfort and joy in the twinkling lights and the intrinsic beauty of the season. From our family to yours, we convey warm wishes for a merry Christmas! May your celebrations be adorned with love, laughter, and the enduring gift of meaningful connections.

Peace & Love, Cindy

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December 20, 2023

Holiday extravaganza brings good cheer, and supports a good cause

By Julia Train

t’s a Christmas wonderland over at 126 Constitution Drive in Egg Harbor Township and Santa even came out to enjoy the lights. During this time of the year, Jason and Mike Miller normally set up a small display in their front yard, but they needed extra cheer this year after losing their 3-year-old dog unexpectedly to genetic kidney failure in April. The Millers and their neighbors, who didn’t plan on going all out with lights, collaborated to give back to the community. Last year, the Millers bought several Christmas trees and inflatables from Walmart when they were on

sale after the holiday. At the time, the couple was planning to move to a large plot of land in the Pocono Mountains, where they own a campground, and use the decorations there. However, this year, they’re still in EHT; they scattered 23 Christmas trees in various sizes and a dozen or so inflatables around their yard. They have inflatables of different breeds of dogs, like a Boston terrier. There’s also a red truck hauling a tree and a unicorn. One tree memorializes the Millers’ late pup, along with several of their neighbors’ furry friends, with boneshaped ornaments with their names on them and red cardinal pictures. The others are camper-themed and classic ones with ball ornaments and ribbon. Even though the Millers have an impressive collection already, it’s likely inflatables and trees will be moved around. Jason Miller said since he started the decorating process on Nov. 1, he often walks out the front door and comes up with a new idea on where to move or add a piece.

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As he was messing around with the display one day, his neighbor – who plays Santa Claus professionally – brought up the idea of hosting an event with the character. On Tuesday, the Millers, along with the help of their neighbors, local businesses and volunteers, were able to give back to their community. At the top of the driveway, there was an 18-foot Santa in an air balloon and tables with gifts for visitors. Local businesses donated holiday pencils, coloring books, crayons, candy canes and hot chocolate for kids to enjoy. Several volunteers helped by manning the table and helping families take pictures with Santa. The whole event was free, but there was an option to give a donation that would go to Avanzar, a local nonprofit that is dedicated to ending domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. “Since it's Christmastime and the economy is terrible, a donation is appreciated, but it’s not expected,” said Miller. “I don't know what is gonna come out of it. I’m hoping that because it’s the holiday season… it’s going to bring the community together to help out.” Although the season isn’t over yet, the Millers have been in talks with their next-door neighbors on both sides, planning to create a walk-

through that spreads across their three yards. Christmas is next week and the season will fly by before you know it, so stop by 126 Constitution Drive in Egg Harbor Township as soon as possible! 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

December 20, 2023

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Christmas by the numbers PET HOTEL

By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer

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ecause Christmas has been so ingrained into our popular culture for so long, there is an endless array of subtopics, rabbit holes, and trivia questions one could explore surrounding the holiday. Here are just a few fun factoids to be filed under the category, did you know…? Put these in your pocket for the next time you go out to trivia night. The Rockettes’ 90-year Tradition The annual Rockettes high-kicking Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in New York City has been a holiday season tradition since 1933. There are 80 Rockettes at any given time with separate casts for the morning and afternoon shows (36 and 36). Dancers kick up to 160 times in a day and go through 11 cos-

tume changes in a single 90-minute performance. Since its debut, the spectacular has always included two famous numbers: “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and the “Living Nativity.” Over the years more than 3,000 dancers have performed in the show. Trees by the Millions Christmas tree growing is a nationwide business with 350,000 acres planted and Christmas trees growing in all 50 states, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Each year between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States with 350 million growing in any given time, all planted by farmers. For every tree harvested, three seedlings are planted. With 15,000 tree farms in the business, tree growing employs more than 100,000 people. The average Christmas tree grows to be between 6 and 7 feet tall in a process that takes process about 15 years. First Christmas Stamp The first official Christmas stamp was a 4-cent stamp issued in 1962 by the U.S. Post Office Department in Pittsburgh in response to public demand. The design featured two candles on the left and a green

wreath with a red bow on the right. “Christmas 1962” was at the bottom. A total of 1 billion were printed after an initial printing of 350 million proved insufficient to meet demand. An attempt to block the stamp over issues of separation of church and state was unsuccessful. 12 Days of Inflation If your true love wanted to give you all of the gifts from “The 12 Days of Christmas,” it would cost an estimated $46,729.86, according to the 40th Annual PNC Bank Christmas Price Index. This year‘s number is 2.7 percent higher than in 2022 when it was $45,523.27, mostly due to rising labor costs, according to PNC. So if you want to give your sweetheart 12 drummers drumming, it will cost you $3,468.02. If you bought the 12 gifts in 1984, it would have cost you just $20,069.58 for all 12. The Christmas Truce For a little less than two days starting on Christmas Eve, 1914, World War I took a pause. On Dec. 24-25, there was a temporary halt in the fighting between the Germans and the British along 30 miles of the western front. It began when the Germans were heard singing Christmas carols at night. Soon both sides

December 20, 2023

shouted messages Jan. 2, 16 percent more across the line. The than last year. Thursday next day gifts were and Friday, Dec. 21 and exchanged and even 22, are expected to be soccer was played in the busiest air travel the gap between the days, with 3 million per two sides known as no day, and 2.8 million per man’s land. But it didn’t day on average Tueslast because it was not day, Dec. 26, through officially sanctioned. Friday, Dec. 29. Nearly The commanders on 1.1 million travelers are expected to use both sides put an end Philadelphia Internato it fearing that the soldiers would lose tional Airport between their fighting spirit. The Dec. 21, and Jan. 3, an spontaneous moment increase of almost 14 of peace lasted less percent over 2022 levthan two days. els. The Transportation That’s 12 Billion Security Administration With a B suggests that travelers Short of Santa arrive at least two hours Claus, no one is more before their scheduled busy during this time of flight departure time the year than your local because of the expectpost office. In 2022 the ed large numbers of U.S. Postal Service detravelers. livered nearly 12 billion And the Favorite packages and pieces of Cookie is… mail during the holiday The first official Christmas stamp was a four cent stamp issued in 1962 by the A recent Monmouth season and the num- U.S. Post Office Department in Pittsburgh. University Poll found bers are expected to that frosted sugar cookClear For Takeoff grow in 2023. To keep up, USPS has ies are the favorite holiday cookie hired 10,000 seasonal employees to According to Airlines for America variety of those who have a favorite. make sure that this year‘s packages (A4A), an industry advocacy orgaThe question was: “Do you have a get there on time. Amazon said they nization, an estimated 39 million favorite Christmas cookie (or favorwould hire 100,000. passengers will be flying Dec. 30 – ite cookie for the holiday?). Those

December 20, 2023

who answered yes, about 51 percent, were asked to say what their favorite is. They were not given a list to choose from. The winner was sugar frosted at 32 percent, followed by gingerbread at 12 percent. Surprisingly, chocolate chip came in third at 11 percent. Not All Christmas Lights Come from China The Census Bureau reminds us that most of the Christmas decorations we buy are made in China. In 2022 we spent $3.17 billion on decorations from China, which represented 89.8 percent of our Christmas decoration imports. While China rules over all Christmas decorations, the numbers for LED lights show that most of those came from Cambodia with 66 percent of our imports of tree lights or $374.6 million worth. Americans spend on average $269 per person on Christmas decorations each year, according to rockethomes. com. Copy editor and Contributing Writer James FitzPatrick has been a community journalist in Atlantic and Cape May counties for more than 30 years, including 20 years as editor of The Current Newspapers. He lives in Hammonton.

Walking Bird Farm honors new owner’s career journey and previous owner

By Julia Train

riginally B&B Farms, owned by NJ Secretary of Agriculture Art Brown and his wife Carolyn, Walking Bird Farm strives to bring the community together by connecting with local farmers, artisans and eaters. The Egg Harbor City farm, which opened in the 1980s, was bought by Jennifer and Ryan LaMonaca, who is the Browns’ nephew and his wife, in 2020. While the couple loves the farm, it’s not what they planned to do and neither of them had farm experience, despite the fact Mr. LaMonaca grew up in Egg Harbor City with family members who farmed. Mr. LaMonaca’s a graphic designer with

his own business and his wife, who grew up in Trenton, is a former Marine Biologist. She graduated from Stockton University with a BS in Marine Science in 2000 and worked in the field for 10 years. She wound up switching careers in 2010 and decided to

complete an apprenticeship with a local farmer. Through the apprenticeship, she decided that she wanted to farm, so she went to her husband’s uncle, Art Brown and rented an acre from him. She’s been work-

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ing on the farm for 14 years. In 2020, Brown retired and the LaMonacas bought the farm and changed the name. “[It] was a tough decision. We didn't want to change the legacy name, but in today's world, when you do a Google search for ‘B&B,’ you come up with bed and breakfasts. It was not identifying us as a farm operation,” Mrs. LaMonaca said. The couple worked on the name for about a year. Mr. LaMonaca wanted the name to reflect where his wife came from. The “walking” part of the name represented Mrs. LaMonaca walking away from a career and toward a different path. The “bird” pays tribute to Brown, who’s passionate about farming and an avid birder. He had birdhouses throughout the farm. In the springtime, there were nests throughout the fields. He would flag them out in order to protect them from getting hit with the tractors and he would allow the chicks to fledge. Although the harvesting season is from May to the end of November, maintaining a farm is a year-round job. During the months of December to February, the farm is closed, only open for a wreath making workshop, and Mrs. LaMonaca works in the office, planning the produce for the season. In mid-March, the farm crew starts working and they work in the greenhouse and prepare the fields. By April, the seeds are in the ground. Although owning a farm takes dedication, LaMonaca’s favorite part is being able to grow her own food while living and working there. “It's our life. This is what we do. And we get to not only feed ourselves and have a healthy lifestyle,[working] outside every day, but we're a part of the community and that's why we do it,” she said. “It's not just for us, it's growing community and having people come to the farm and see what agriculture is all about, how the food is grown and meet the people who grow it. That's really important to us that message gets across.”

December 20, 2023

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believe traditions are the fabric of our lives. As our children grow and marry, we add some of their spouses’ traditions to ours. A few things may change slightly but one thing that remains constant to all Italian families is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or as we say in Italian, Festa dei sette pesci. It is a very special part of my family’s Christmas Eve celebration, and it would not be Christmas Eve without it. The ancient tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve goes back to the Roman Catholic custom of not eating meat on Fridays and certain holidays. According to multiple sources, the number seven for the seven fishes goes way back to ancient times and possibly relates to the number of days it took for the Creation, the number of deadly sins, and/or the seven sacraments to name a few. However, some people celebrate with up to 13 fishes to represent the 12 apostles and Jesus. Christmas Eve day is a day of fasting and vigil. Back in Italy my family

Every region in Italy has its own way of preparing the Feast of Seven Fishes, and with 20 regions you can imagine the diversity. The people of the Southern region, which is known for its great variety and abundance of fish and seafood available to it, prepare the fish in many ways. Traditionally they serve a first

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would gather after Midnight Mass to break our fast and enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes as we came home to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. Today, most italian American families go to an earlier Mass, and then have their meal before midnight. The feast can be seven courses, each with one fish represented, it can be several courses with more than one fish in each course, or there are even some people who do one big stew with seven or more fishes in it – but that is not done very often. However, no matter how you prepare the meal, you must have at least seven fishes represented.

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course of fried appetizers such as scallops, the famous smelts – those little fishes that are fried and eaten whole – calamari, shrimp and conch, also known as sea snail fritters. For the second course, many people serve shellfish with pasta, preferably linguine, and include clams, mussels and sometimes conch with marinara sauce (marinara means “of the sea”). People in the south also use scarfano (or scorpionfish) and escraves (very large shrimp in their shells), both of which are abundant in the south. The third course is usually salted cod (also known as baccalà) mainly done Livornaise style (from the city of Livorno), with garlic, capers, some black olives, scallions, plum tomatoes, parsley, anchovies and wine simmered in a seafood stock. This is a famous and a very popular dish. If you’ve never had salted cod you’re missing a great treat. However, it is time-consuming to prepare. You have to soak it many times to get rid of all the salt, which in ancient times was used to preserve the fish before refrigeration. If you don’t want to use salted cod in your recipe, you can substitute fresh Alaskan cod. I grew up in Northern Italy, and we pretty much followed the southern style for our family feast, but we added carp (or river trout) to our dinner. In Italy, gifts are not open on Christmas morning, but traditionally are opened on the Epiphany, January 6. So, if the kids have been good during the holidays they are going to get their gifts brought to them by the La Befana – the witch riding the broom. She comes down the chimney covered in soot, leaves the gifts, and then sweeps up the soot with her broom before she leaves. In America we leave Santa Claus milk and cookies; in Italy we leave La Befana wine and a few bites of food. If you don’t want to cook your own Feast of Seven Fishes, I again will be serving a traditional Feast of Seven Fishes dinner on Christmas Eve at Mama Mia’s, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will have two limited seat-

December 20, 2023

ings, reservations only, with appropriate safety guidelines in place. My Feast of Seven Fishes dinner also will be available for takeout. You will get each course, prepared with care, so that you can gently reheat the items at home at your leisure. Our standard menu and pizzas also will be available. On New Year’s Eve I will be offering a celebratory ten course dinner to ring in 2023. There will be two seatings and reservations are required. Take-out will be available for dinner as well as our standard menu and pizzas. My family, my staff and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a 2024 filled with good health, hope and much joy for the new year to come. Buon Natale! Joe’s Table for Two radio show airs Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on WOND 1400 AM. Website: joestablefortwo.com. Facebook: Joe’s Table for 2. Contact Joe: joestablefortwo@ gmail.com.

Atlantic City’s forgotten piers: Steeplechase, Garden and Central

By Bruce Klauber

s a kid I was fascinated by Atlantic City’s amusement piers. When I visited Atlantic City with my family several times in the late 1950s and early 1960s, I nagged them mercilessly to take me to Million Dollar Pier. When I reached driving age, the first place I drove to was Atlantic City, and my first stop when I arrived was Million Dollar Pier. My father once tried to explain this behavior to my mother saying, “The boy likes the honky-tonk.” The storied history of Million Dollar Pier has been previously detailed in Shore Local, but there was another amusement pier in Atlantic City, and it was a good one. Steeplechase Pier, on Pennsylva-

nia and North Carolina avenues, just south of Steel Pier, was built in 1899 and was initially called Auditorium Pier. There aren’t a lot of details available about just what attractions were on Auditorium Pier, other than the fact that John Philip Sousa’s large orchestra played in the auditorium portion of the pier around 1904. Things changed in 1909 when showman and ballyhoo master George C. Tilyou bought the pier, renamed it Steeplechase after the Steeplechase Pier he owned on Coney Island and began installing amusement rides. Alt hough Tilyou passed away in 1914, his parks thrived. At Atlantic City’s Steeplechase, the rides and attractions evolved and changed through the years. In the early days, visitors could

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choose to enter the pier by walking through the mouth of a clown into a revolving barrel. Then there was the entrance where blasts of air would raise the skirts of unsuspecting female patrons, long a favorite at Coney’s Steeplechase. By the 1950s, Steeplechase had more real “thrill” rides than Million Dollar Pier. Steeplechase had a roller coaster, a monorail that actually rode over the ocean, and several versions of what is now called the Himalayan. Million Dollar Pier had mainly kids’

rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl, kiddie cars and the twirling teacups. Steeplechase was also much smaller than Million Dollar Pier. A fire damaged it in 1932, a hurricane ravaged the pier in 1944 and almost half of it was destroyed in the 1962 nor’easter. A portion of it was, for a time, used as a heliport. In 1988, a fire destroyed what was left and eight years later, Steeplechase Pier was demolished. There was and still is another amusement-type pier on the Atlantic

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City Boardwalk. Schiff’s Central Pier, located on Tennessee Avenue and the Boardwalk and now known as Central Pier Arcade and Speedway, opened in 1884 as Applegate’s Pier, was later renamed Young & McShea’s Pier, and then Young’s Pier before becoming Central Pier. Upon its opening, Applegate’s was said to be the first successful amusement pier in Atlantic City. It had several decks and was 665 feet long. John Young, who later built Million Dollar Pier, bought it in 1891 and renamed it Young & McShea’s pier (Steward McShea was Young’s investment partner). Features of the pier in the early days included something called an “ice water fountain” as well as a roller skating rink. Capitalizing on their success, Young and McShea built a pier just opposite Applegate’s, and at one point, the new venue had a ballroom, aquarium, carousel, an electric trolley, an early version of a roller coaster and a ballroom. It was said to be 2,000 feet long. In 1912, Young bought out his partner McShea and the pier burned down shortly after. The history of Central Pier is unremarkable, possibly because of its relatively small size or because it could never make up its mind what it wanted to be. It is one of the oldest buildings in Atlantic City and a beautiful Art Deco pavilion built in the late 1920s, still stands. Through the years, it’s been home to an arcade, retailers, a go-kart ride, various offices, and at one point, it even had a couple of small rides at the end of the pier. Sadly, when Central Pier made news, it was likely because of the tragic event that occurred there in 2009. By that time, the area under Central Pier was populated by the homeless, who often used trash to protect themselves from the biting wind coming off the ocean. On Nov. 21 of that year, a fire broke out under the pier. Four businesses on the pier were

December 20, 2023

destroyed and the decomposed body of a man was found at the scene. Today, even though it’s still standing and still in business, when I mention Central Pier to my friends and colleagues, most say they have never heard of it. Garden Pier, at the upper end of the Boardwalk close to the Inlet, also falls into the “forgotten” category, though it still stands. Built in 1913, it’s hard to believe that at one time it housed a world-class theater. B.F. Keith’s Theater hosted stars like Sophie Tucker and Douglas Fairbanks, as well as a gigantic ballroom. Garden Pier was the location for the first Miss America Pageant in 1921, but in 1944 a good deal of it was destroyed in the hurricane. It was never the same after that. Through the years Garden Pier’s attractions have included the Atlantic City Arts Center and the Atlantic City Historical Museum. A fire damaged it in 1981, but it was rebuilt. Unfortunately, as of 2023, not much goes on there. So where does a kid, fascinated by amusement rides and honky tonk, go at the shore these days? Steel Pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk has everything from the Carousel to the Slingshot for the most intense thrill seekers out there. A 227-foot Ferris wheel offers astounding views along with a helicopter pad featuring tours along the coast. With two more roller coasters in the works, it is sure to satisfy ride lovers of all ages. 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.

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Events and Happenings

Yard Family Christmas Display

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4 E. Curran Dr. Absecon Visit www.facebook.com/yardfamilychristmas for the latest updates. 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. Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights

▶Fri. Dec. 22, 4 – 9 p.m., Sat. Dec. 23, 2 – 9 p.m., Tue. Dec. 26 & Wed. Dec. 27, 4 – 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. Santa’s last day at the park is Sat. Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. Ticket sales and reservations are open online at www.storybookland.com/ christmas.

The Santa Express

▶Fri. Dec. 22, 5:30 & 7:45 p.m. & Sat. Dec. 23, 11 a.m., 1:25 p.m. & 3:50 p.m.

Join Cape May Seashore Lines and enjoy a train ride with Santa Claus. The man in the red suit returns to visit with children young and old. 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 Station, 1275 Harding Hwy. Richland. Reserve your seat online at www.seashorelines.org.

Friday, December 22 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. Movie at the Library: What Happens Next

▶2 – 4 p.m.

Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Enjoy some popcorn while watching this romantic comedy. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Saturday, December 23 Santa in the Downtown

▶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

▶12 – 3 p.m.

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

▶12 – 3 p.m.

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

▶6 – 9 p.m.

Yard Family Christmas Display 4 E. Curran Dr. Absecon Get ready to “sleigh” the mic and enjoy a holly jolly evening of Christmas tunes, laughter, and festive fun. Sing your heart out to your favorite holiday hits with DJ Troy David. Gather around the cozy campfire, sip on delightful hot chocolate, and soak in the merry atmosphere. Visit www. facebook.com/yardfamilychristmas for the latest updates.

Sunday, December 24 Adult Torah Study

▶4:30 p.m.

Temple Beth Shalom 4419 W. Brigantine Ave. Brigantine The Temple Beth Shalom’s Adult

Torah Study Group, moderated by the lay leader, Lorna Rosenberg of the TBS Congregation, will meet both in-person and online. Following Lorna’s discussion, those who wish will continue the communal spirit by proceeding to the Yuki Hana Restaurant in Brigantine for dinner. Click https:// bit.ly/3QAeqWL for the discussion and dinner.

Tuesday, December 26 Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Try your luck at a game of bingo. Available for all ages. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more. 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. The final dance of the season is Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Wednesday, December 27 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.

Friday, December 29 Tony Mart Rockin’ New Year’s Finale featuring Tre Twitty

▶7 – 10 p.m.

Somers Point VFW Join Tony Mart Presents as they present a Rockin’ New Year’s party featuring Tre Twitty, the living legacy of Conway Twitty. The Tony Mart Allstars will delight everyone with favorite country, country rock, and Holiday songs, with Danny Eyer, Rich “Megahurtz” Kurtz, “The Voice” Brian Conover and “Old School” Jimmy Glenn. Plus, Tony Mart and Circle Liquor Store will present a New Year winetasting. More information is available at www.tonymart.com or www.facebook.com/TonyMartPresents. Broadway by the Bay

▶7 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point Celebrate an Early New Year’s Eve at Gateway with Kelly Briggs from Broadway’s Les Miserables & Cats, with special guests Molly Marie Pugliese, Miss Gloucester County 2024,

December 20, 2023

Danielle Cordivari, Ella Osbeck, and Olivia D’Alessandro. Purchase online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

ciation and start the new year, with friends, family, and neighbors, for a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. First Day 5K Boardwalk Run

Saturday, December 30

▶1 p.m.

Bingo at the Library

▶3 p.m.

Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Try your luck at a game of bingo. Available for all ages. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

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, 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.

BrigantinePolarBearPlunge. Margate Robert’s Place Polar Plunge

▶12 p.m.

Margate Fishing Pier Essex Ave. and the Beach Gather your friends and family and join Robert’s Place for their annual Polar Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. Ventnor City Polar Plunge

▶1 p.m.

Newport Ave. and the Beach Join the Ventnor Business Asso-

Ocean City Music Pier Pre-register at http://ocnj.us/ race-events or on race day from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. First Day at the Beach in Ocean City

▶2 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier Join us for Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Health and Wellness

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

▶Thu. Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m.

Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate. Dementia Support Group

▶Wed. Jan. 3, 1:30 p.m.

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

▶Mon. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

Monday, January 1

First Day Shopping Extravaganza

▶9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Asbury Ave. from 6th – 14th St. Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Downtown Ocean City. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge

▶12 p.m.

The Beach in front of Landshark Bar & Grill 1133 Boardwalk Join in on a fun New Year’s Day tradition. This 32nd annual event will raise funds for Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club (CSCNJ). The cost is $25 per person and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for the first person in the water, last person out, and best costume. Registration is open now at www.cscnj.org or call (609) 926-2699. Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge

▶12 p.m.

16th and 17th Street Beaches Brigantine Polar Bears celebrate their 2024 Million Dollar Milestone, raising money for wounded military members and their families. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a military salute, followed by a Costume Contest at 11 a.m., and the annual Polar Bear Plunge at 12 Noon. More details are available at www.facebook.com/

December 20, 2023

Toffee makes for a delicious and delightful gift Let It Grow By Tammy Thornton

omemade holiday gifts show the recipients that you put extra thought and time into making them something special from the heart. Culinary treats are usually the most appreciated DIY gifts, and it’s hard to pass up a tray of chocolate covered toffee. This dessert looks festive and checks all of the boxes for a delicious treat by balancing sweet and salty, coupled with a gratifying crunch. You may be intimidated by the thought of making your own toffee, but once you dive in, you will find yourself in a state of chocolate and toffee bliss. You may choose to use a candy thermometer until you become comfortable making toffee. But I have found that after making it a few times, I have gotten a feel for when the toffee has reached the best tem-

Elisa Jo Eagan

perature. The most important tool you need is a non-stick pot. You will also want to line a cookie sheet (preferably rimmed) with parchment paper. Let’s begin: add 2 cups of butter and two cups of sugar plus a pinch of salt to a medium-sized non-stick saucepan. Use a heat-resistant whisk and stir while the pot is on medium to medium-high heat. Stir slowly; you want to minimize having the mixture splashing onto the sides of the pot. From start to finish, cooking time can vary between ten and twenty minutes. As the butter melts, continue to mix with the whisk. Don’t rush things–allow your toffee to cook slowly but keep stirring. You want to make sure the sugar dissolves into the butter before it gets too hot. Turn the heat down a bit if the sugar is not fully incorporated into the butter. You may notice a separation of the oil in the butter; just keep whisking until it’s blended together. At this point, everything should look frothy and start to bubble. Continue whisking, keeping the temperature to a low boil. Eventually, you will see the toffee 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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change color. This is the critical time, because things can quickly turn from undercooked to burnt. Once you see a hint of darker color, you are less than minutes away from the finish line. You can’t walk away from the stove, pay close attention and, if using a candy thermometer, this is the time to watch the temperature. You want your toffee to reach between 285° to 300°. For me, it’s much easier to judge when the toffee is ready based on color. When you see hints that the mixture is beginning to change, keep a close eye on things. At this point, you want your toffee to look like the color of peanut butter. I tend to push the limits a little bit. If your sugar does not reach the correct temperature, the toffee will not harden. It’s better to go a little darker than a little lighter, but be careful you do not burn your toffee. You can always try the water test. Use a spoon to drip a couple drops of your toffee into a cold glass of water. Pinch the toffee between your fingers, if it’s soft and pliable, your toffee will not be hard enough. Once you reach the proper temperature (or peanut butter color), remove the pot from heat. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Your toffee will bubble angrily, but whisk madly until the vanilla is completely mixed into your toffee. At this point, you don’t want to waste time, or your toffee will cool too much before the next step. Now it is time to pour your toffee onto the parchment lined cookie sheet. Be careful, because it will be very hot. Pour into the middle of the cookie sheet and move outward, tilting the pan, and try to form a rectangle. Your toffee will probably not go to the edges. It doesn’t need to be a perfect rectangle. Sprinkle a little bit of salt on your toffee, and this will help the chocolate to adhere to

the toffee. Now, gently sprinkle two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over your toffee. Allow it to sit for a minute or two so that the chips can begin to mel After a few minutes, gently spread the chocolate with a butter knife until all the chips are melted and the chocolate is nice and smooth. If they aren’t melting, pop the tray in the oven for a few minutes. Once your chocolate is smooth, sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate. I used chopped, salted peanuts, but you may prefer almonds, pecans, or pistachios. Now here comes the hardest part of the entire recipe: wait. That’s right, I know you want to dig in, but you need to let your toffee and chocolate set and harden. Sometimes, I place the entire tray in my freezer to speed things up, but I have had my chocolate and toffee separate. Sprinkling salt between the toffee and chocolate seems to keep them from separating, but the drastic change in temperature in the freezer can also contribute towards separation of the two layers. It's best to allow your toffee and chocolate to cool at room temperature. Once it has mostly cooled, you can store your toffee in the freezer. When everything has completely hardened, break your toffee into bite-sized pieces and enjoy. After breaking up the toffee, place the pieces into a ziplock bag and store in your refrigerator or freezer. Remove just before serving. Try your hand at making toffee, and you won’t be disappointed. Sugar, butter, and chocolate–what’s not to love? Just don’t give up too quickly. I hear stories of people trying to make toffee, but then getting frustrated and throwing out the whole batch because it didn't harden, or it separated while cooking. If your toffee starts to separate, stay the course, keep it on the heat and stir like crazy. It will give you a good workout before consuming all that sugar! If you really think your toffee didn’t come out just right, crumble it over a bowl of ice cream, and research ways to improve your method. We would love to hear from our readers, was your toffee a success or a flop? Send your questions, comments, 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 20, 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:

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he 2023 Holiday House Decorating Contest in Ocean City included 33 entries, and winners were announced on Monday, Dec 18. The People’s Choice Award winner – the Schatzman home at 2937 Bay Avenue – received more than 1,000 likes on Facebook. Winners and all entries are below, attached as a PDF, and available here: www.ocnj.us/HolidayHouseDecorating. The list gives everybody a chance to see all of this year’s colorfully decorated homes.

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December 20, 2023

Ocean City’s First First Night A Look Back By Fred Miller

hirty-one years ago, Dec. 31, 1992, Ocean City held its first First Night celebration. The alcohol-free New Year’s Eve program, which featured 25 programs at five locations, was sponsored by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Ocean City. The participants of the first First Night enjoyed a variety of entertainment including storytellers, folk singers, magicians, country music, and the Ocean Cit y Pops Orchestra with the Masterworks Choir. “It’s a tremendous success,” said Mayor Henry “Bud” Knight immediately following the celebration and everyone agreed with him. Mark Soifer, Ocean City public relations director, who spent more than a year planning the first First Night, credited the many volunteers for the initial success. He said Jay Eggly first mentioned the new way

to spend New Year’s Eve, but it was Carla Heist who kept pushing for First Night and served on the planning committee. The following were early supporters of First Night Ocean City: Kit Wright, Joan Dice, Bobbi German Smith, Winnie Periano, Sal and Kitty Paone, Jean Serber, Joe Bellepede, Vera Mae Cimino, Jean Jacobson, Paul and Ruth Anselm, Cathy Elias, Ray Elias, Jerry McDonald, Joanne DelVescio, Valerie Crawford, Ed Wood, Donna Hand, Katherine Pileggi, Bill Sundermeir, Jack and Emma Park, and Paula Aldi.

After the event, Mark Soifer said, “The volunteers should all feel good about helping to inaugurate another Ocean City family event, one that is destined to take its place with such traditions as the Baby Parade, the Halloween Parade, Night in Venice, the Art Show, and lifeguard races.” Soifer was right. First Night has been growing steadily in popularity since Dec. 31, 1992.

Open 7 Days A Week Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm Sat & Sun 6am-5pm

December 20, 2023

Friendliness and service have powered The Hub for generations

Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle

n a day and age when competition is so intense that some major retail chains have gone out of business, we have a local family business, The Hub Work and Leisure Stores, that is doing very well. With two locations, one in Somers Point (Point Plaza 259 New Road) and one at 6167 Harding Highway Mays Landing, they exemplify the essence of what it means to provide friendliness and knowledgeable service to every customer. There are no self-checkout lines like in the big-box stores. Instead, you are greeted by owners who care about their customers. This relationship is the primary reason why customers are loyal to The Hub and

vice versa. The history of The Hub dates to Pleasantville where it was founded in 1954. It was affectionately named “The Hub,” as it was at the center of the most popular shopping district in the area at that time. Originally it was an Army/Navy store opened by Richard and Pearl Lichten who were well-known pillars of the community. Richard was known for catering to his customers with the motto, “Regular, Big and Tall, We Fit Them All.” It was the premier place where men and boys could find a wide selection of work and leisure wear appropriate for casual or dress. In late 1981 Fred Dodd and his beloved wife Carol purchased The Hub. They continued living up to the reputation established by the Lichtens by providing exceptional service. The business was moved in 1985 to the Somers Point Shopping Center, where once again it was The Hub of the shopping district in Somers Point. The original location in Pleasantville is no longer open, but the Dodd

Family continues to proudly operate a business that has been a staple of the area for nearly 60 years. The second location in Mays Landing has nicely complemented Somers Point since 2008, providing easier access for customers in the western part of the county. Both stores offer extensive lines of work and leisure clothes and boots, with popular brands including Carhartt

clothes, boots and accessories; Dickies clothes, boots and accessories; Timberland boots and accessories, and Wolverine boots and accessories. Where else can you find over 150 styles of boots in stock? Today there are three generations of the Dodd Family who are proudly serving their loyal customers: Mom Carol Dodd along with her daughter Karen Jones and her son Jay. The Hub’s success is an example that hard work and dedication pay off. Stop in and treat yourself to nice quality merchandise and very fair prices or go online at https://the-hub-clothing. myshopify.com. Remember to shop locally and support small businesses. 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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Visit us in Historic Smithville (609) 652-0724

December 20, 2023

Catch the spirit of Christmas in Historic Smithville

ll it takes to get in the Christmas Spirit this holiday season is a visit to The Historic Smithville Village located at 615 E Moss Mill Rd in Galloway. This Norman Rockwellesque village channels the Spirit of Christmas making even the grinchiest of people tap into their inner Santa and fully experience the magic of the holidays. The centerpiece of this enchanted village is the Light show on the Lake which takes place from 5:30 – 8:00 PM every Thursday through Sunday until January 5. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy this spectacular light show. Imagine strolling through the village with a

peppermint hot chocolate in hand surrounded by the people you love as you drink in over 120 Christmas Trees adorning over 50,000 lights master-

fully orchestrated to dance in sync with holiday music while magically floating on Lake Meone. It’s nothing short of sensational!

the Sweet Shoppe Old Fashioned Candies • Chocolates Kid's Corner • 35 Varieties of Gourmet Chocolate Pretzels • Creative Baskets Candy Trays • Ribbon Candy Decadent Chocolates Clear Toy Lollipops Chocolate Filled Candy Canes Decorated Trays of all sizes for Corporate or Private Giving

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609-652-0016

Across from The Smithville Inn

December 20, 2023

The Steadman Group Wishes You

Margaret Steadman BROKER ASSOCIATE margaret.steadman@foxroach.com c:609-703-9093 o:609-264-8444

Michael Walsh SALES ASSOCIATE michael.walsh@foxroach.com c:(609) 929-6582 o:(609) 264-8444

Erica Pringle Sales Associate & Team Administrator Erica.Pringle@Foxroach.com C: 843-286-9661 O: 609-264-8444

A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Five last-minute gift ideas to finish off your Christmas list

Large or Small... We Sell Them ALL! By Danielle Davies

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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

t always happens. You’ve got the meal prepped, the stocking stuffers ready, the house decorated. And then you realize you’re one present short. We’ve all been there. Since no one wants that last-minute panic, we’ve got a list of five gifts to either have on hand or grab at the last minute, for every person on your holiday list. 1. Colmar Home Center True Value Got a DIY Hero on your Christmas list? Get them a gift card to Colmar Home Center True Value stores in Margate, North Cape May, and Cape May Court House. With everything from tools and hardware to outdoor furniture, beach supplies and outdoor furniture, there’s something to satisfy everyone at Colmar Home Center True Value. These stores are located at 7 S. Essex Ave., Margate; 3845 Bayshore Rd., North Cape May; and 11 Court House, South Dennis Rd., Cape May Court House. See ColmarHomeCenter.com. 2. Jilly’s Want to sleigh your holidays? Head to Jilly’s for great holiday gear from Santa Sacks and OCNJ-Opoly to OCNJ apparel, Ocean City puzzles, magnets, pillows and ornaments, as well as Ocean City lifeguard apparel and stocking stuffers. Or, just invest in a Double the Fun card for Jilly’s famous arcade, and give the gift of gaming for as long as it lasts. Jilly’s is located at 1048 Boardwalk, Ocean City. See JillysOCNJ.com. 3. Playland’s Castaway Cove It’s the most wonderful time of the year — that magical period when holiday ride ticket sales are 50% off. Head to Playland’s Castaway Cove and pick up a pack of amusement park tickets, Seaside Go Kart Speedway passes, or Seaport Village / Golden Galleon Mini Golf passes for that lucky kid on your list. Walk-up sales are available at 1020 Boardwalk and Ocean City Coffee Co. at 917 Asbury Ave. Playland’s Castaway Cove is located at

10th & Boardwalk, Ocean City. See OceanCityFun.com. 4. Alpine Ski & Snowboard Shop Got a skier or snowboarder in the family? Head to Alpine for ski and snowboard rental packages. Not sure what they’ll need? Alpine Gift Cards are perfect for any skier or snowboarder on your list. Alpine Ski & Snowboard Shop is located at 3206 Fire Rd., Egg Harbor Township. See Alpine Ski Shop on Facebook. 5. Johnson’s Popcorn Need a gift that all ages will love? Look no further than Johnson’s Popcorn, where you can order online and have tins or buckets of popcorn shipped anywhere, or head to a boardwalk store and get a chance to enjoy the intoxicating smell of their world-famous caramel popcorn. Other flavors may come and go, but the caramel and peanut crunch are perennial favorites. Johnson’s Popcorn is located at 1368, 828 and 660 Boardwalk on the Ocean City Boardwalk. See JohnsonsPopcorn.com. Danielle's been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.

December 20, 2023

5 tips for safe holiday travel

he holiday season can be stressful enough before adding travel to the mix. Coordinating ground or air travel and planning accommodations, even if you’re simply staying with loved ones, is often just the beginning and health and safety concerns can fall by the wayside. For example, the highest incidence rate of cardiac mortality for the entire year occurs between Christmas and New Year’s Day, according to the American Heart Association, and more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States. If you’re among the 62% of Americans who plan to travel this holiday season, according to research conducted by IPX1031, consider these tips to protect your health and safety. Plan Ahead Proper planning can help ensure you’re prepared to handle any unexpected challenges or delays when you depart. Check the weather before heading out – including at your destination – and travel around any anticipated storms. Leave early to account for potentially heavy traf-

fic and plot your path in advance to ensure you’re aware of any road closures or construction, which can allow you to find alternate routes, if necessary, rather than trying to adjust on the fly. Ensure Your Family is Up to Date on Vaccines Routine vaccinations can help protect you from

vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine or booster and measles vaccine, can help protect not only your health, but your loved ones as well.

infectious diseases that can be easily spread when around a large group of people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Other

We did it

Learn CPR Only about 40% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, from a bystander, according to the American Heart Association. However, immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Just in time for the holiday season, revamped Hands-Only CPR training kiosks, which provide an overview of Hands-Only CPR followed by a practice session and a 30-second test, are available in airports, hospitals and other locations around the country. With the help of a practice mannequin, the kiosks give feedback about the depth and rate of compression, as well as proper hand placement – factors that influence the effectiveness of CPR – and teaches the two simple steps:

1. Call 911 2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the individual experiencing cardiac arrest until help arrives Many of the Hands-Only CPR kiosks, as well as the Hands-Only CPR campaign, are supported by Elevance Health Foundation. To find a kiosk along your travel path, visit heart.org/handsonlycpr.

Prepare Your Vehicle Car trouble is a common culprit during holiday travel. To help avoid potential issues, have your vehicle checked before embarking on an extended trip. Check tires, the battery, headlights, windshield wipers and any other parts that may be adversely impacted by winter weather. Also ensure your vehicle is equipped with essentials like a spare tire or inflation kit, jack, jumper cables, blankets, a first aid kit and a flashlight in case of an emergency. Pack a Health Kit If you take prescription or overthe-counter medications, it may be difficult to quickly get a refill at your destination, so be sure to pack enough to last your entire trip, plus extras in case you encounter any travel delays. It may also be helpful to pack other essentials including hand sanitizer, a first-aid kit, cold medicine, aspirin and your health insurance card in case of any unexpected injuries or illnesses while on the road. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Credit: Featurettes

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Holy Spirit graduate living his dream with the Philadelphia 76ers

By Holly Martin

y Carlin is living his dream as a Philadelphia 76ers beat writer and senior editor of the Sixers Wire for USA Today. On game day, Carlin starts his morning at Sixers practice facility in Camden, writing content and taking notes. From then on, Carlin is immersed in continuous writing, 76ers press conferences, games and interviews. From morning until night, Carlin creates over a dozen articles and prepares to do it all over again the next day. Though the days are long, Carlin wouldn’t have it any other way. “They’re not easy days,” says Carlin. “It’s one of those things where

you get a lot out of it, in there every day,” says and you can create as Carlin. “I can’t put into much content as you words how exciting it is can and get on the on an everyday basis.” same page. It’s a lot of On the next game day, you’ll see Carlin fun.” Carlin, 30, moved with his laptop, headto South Jersey after phones and voice recorder working the growing up in Garden long hours to get as City, Mich. He attended Holy Spirit High School many articles out as he and graduated from can. With the support Stockton University of his family, Carlin is with a degree in comgrateful for the oppormunications. He credtunity to work a job its his work ethic and that feels like a dream. strong mindset as the “If it wasn’t for my keys to his success. mom continuing to push me, even in my “Only the strong lowest moment no are going to survive, Holy Spirit graduate covers the Philadelphia 76ers for USA Today’s Sixers Wire. because you’re not just matter what, I wouldn’t going to the game and going home. and even Canada. His content is be where I am today,” says Carlin. There’s stuff you have to do before, featured on USA Today’s platforms, Carlin credits his mom for pushing during and after the game that you local radio and FOX-29’s “Phantastic him to achieve his dreams, and she Sports Show.” have to get done. It’s nonnegotiable,” will always be his number one fan. says Carlin. One day in Garden City in 2003, You can read Carlin’s articles on He needs a strong work ethic to he watched the Detroit Pistons on the USA Today website: https://sixkeep up with the demanding job of TV and knew what he wanted to be erswire.usatoday.com/ sports journalism. Carlin has followed when he grew up. If he couldn’t be a basketball player himself, he wanted the team all over the United States Holly Martin has been working to be involved with the NBA covering in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and the game he loves the most. videographer throughout her “My mom randomly turned on high school and college career. the TV and said, “Ky, the Pistons are Holly is a producer for WOND on,” reminisced Carlin. “I remember radio as well as fill in DJ for seeing this guy, Ben Wallace, send 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer a Tracy McGrady shot into the fifth and working as event staff. She row and I was like, okay, this is pretty has worked as a reporter for cool!” Temple University’s Philadelphia His career has blossomed from a Neighborhoods and submitted content writer to senior editor with Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple the USA Today staff, where he works m u l t i m ed i a articles fo r with the sports writing team. His Temple as well as Shore Local work has enabled him to cover the Newsmagazine. Her portfolio 76ers for more than seven seasons. website is hollyamartin.com “It’s a blessing to be able to walk

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Eagles not shining bright

By David Weinberg

s always, the Weinberg family Christmas display is dazzling. At least it was until Saturday night, when a storm rolled through and gusting winds left our giant snowman facedown in the mulch and dirt of our front garden. Its stovepipe hat wound up in the driveway under the basketball ball hoop that’s been hanging there for 30 years. It hasn’t had a net in a decade. The carrot nose was laying under a front tire. We’re still looking for the eyes made out of coal. Frosty was still in better shape than the Eagles, however. The Birds also got flattened on Monday night, suffering a brutal, 2017 loss at Seattle. That defeat – their third in a row after winning 10 of their first 11 games – was arguably the worst of coach Nick Siranni’s three-year tenure. It left Eagles fans feeling sicker than quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was battling flu-like symptoms before the game and even flew to Seattle separately in order to protect his teammates. Better safe than sorry, except they delivered a sorry effort. “I don’t think we were committed enough,” Hurts said after the game. “It’s a matter of being on the same page. It takes everyone being all-in in all aspects.” The Eagles had to deal with various issues even before kickoff. Sirianni mysteriously decided to take away play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Sean DeSai over the weekend and hand them to consultant Matt Patricia. That was also just about the time the team announced that cornerback Darius Slay underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will likely miss at least the rest of the regular season. Then there was Hurts’ illness. But despite the problems, the Eagles had reason to feel optimistic heading into the game. Dallas’ 31-10 loss at Buffalo Sunday put the Eagles back in first place in the NFC East. The Eagles also clinched a playoff berth over the weekend, which makes Siranni the first coach in franchise history to

December 20, 2023

make the postseason in his first three seasons. In addition, they were playing a Seahawks team that was missing its starting quarterback. Geno Smith sat out with a groin injury, leaving Drew Lock as their QB. My family also had some unexpected merry and bright moments before the game.

Our annual trek to find a Christmas tree got off to a rocky start on Sunday. Five stops at various local farms and vendors were unproductive. Some lots were empty, a couple were close and others had trees that looked like the one in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” And they cost $96. Disheartened, we drove past a local garden center Monday afternoon and were happy to see a half dozen Douglas Firs in the lot. Then we saw the price tags of $169.99 and our faces turned the the color of egg nog. Fortunately, they were 50 percent off, so we grabbed two – one for us and one for Karen’s sister. The salespeople even sprayed them with a special oil to keep the trees fresh. “My grandparents decorate theirs for Valentine’s Day,” a young man said with a smile. The Eagles offense could have used some of that oil, for Hurts and company looked staler than a weekold muffin, aside from two touchdown drives at the start of each half. The defense looked mildly better, but tackling was again a problem. You could have legendary coordinators such as the late Jim Johnson and the late Bud Carson dialing up blitzes and coverages, but it won’t matter if linebackers and safeties don’t make plays. And the defense collapsed when it counted most. Lock guided the Seahawks on a 92-yard drive down the stretch and capped it with a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 seconds left in regulation. It added up to one of the most

ness if they expect to have any success in the playoffs. Otherwise, they’ll wind up like our snowman.

Local NFL update

frustrating, disappointing defeats in years. The good news is that the Eagles (10-4) still have a solid chance of winning the division and earning the No. 2 seed in the conference. They close the regular season with a pair of games against Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito and the New York Giants (5-9) and one against the hapless Arizona Cardinals (3-11) while the Cowboys have to play the Dolphins (10-4), Lions (10-4) and always dangerous Commanders (4-10). If the Eagles and Cowboys end up tied, Philly wins the division on a tiebreaker. But they have to find a way to regain their confidence and cohesive-

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Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (Cedar Creek High School) registered his first career NFL reception last Sunday via a 7-yard reception in a 34-20 loss to the Bucs. Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (Bridgeton) made five tackles in the loss to the Bills. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (Vineland) missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury. Chargers nose tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep) made five tackles in a 63-21 loss to the Raiders. 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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Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Ocean City

ome 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 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. A fireworks display rings in the new year at midnight. The fun continues on New Year’s Day with a 5-kilometer run on the Boardwalk (pre-register at www.ocnj.us/raceevents), and the First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. 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. The full schedule of events and activities and a printable grid is available at firstnightocnj.com. ●

COMING UP Photos with Santa in Lifeguard Boat (Dec. 23): Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visits with Santa in the Downtown (Dec. 23): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday 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 20, 2023

Art Gallery opens at the Asbury By Steffen Klenk

ince its grand opening earlier this year, the Shoppes at the Asbury is bringing new life to the former Crown Bank that once occupied the ground floor. Located at 801 Asbury Ave., the interior mixes a blend of 1920s architecture, carefully crafted wall fixtures, and a formerly utilized bank vault, with a touch of modern lighting and design. The store is quickly becoming a hub for distinct,

fashionable, and elegant items to complete any shopping list. Now, shoppers have another reason to visit this space.

The store’s second floor loft has been completely transformed into an art gallery, complete with original works, prints, and rarities. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering comfortable seating, providing the perfect location to speak with the artists or admire their arrangements. Over the next few months, shoppers will have the opportunity to see the works of three locally renowned, talented artists, Jon Baker, Tina Sacco, and Pamela Scribner, in an up-close venue. We caught up with an enthusiastic Baker at the opening reception, held on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 16. “I’m honored and blessed to be part of this.” Bridget and Brad Jacobson manage and operate the Shoppes. Upon purchasing the space in February, the couple has been hard at work making

essential upgrades to the upstairs loft space, with new reinforcement, railings, and carpeting down the stairs.

Today, this vision has quickly become reality. The space will evolve into a place where artists will have a platform to not only display and sell their pieces, but to partake in activities that will enable creativity. The second floor of the Shoppes has been completely re-transformed into something that will be cherished by all who walk in. “This is another piece of the puzzle,” Jacobson says. Even Baker is seeing this transformation up close and recognizes the level of nostalgia this is bringing to the city. “It’s beautiful class; all of the vendors are top notch and it’s local economy driven.” Shoppes at the Asbury can be found at 801 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City. For up-to-date hours and information, you can call them at (609)

545-8688, or find them on Facebook and Instagram @shoppesattheasbury. Photos by Steffen Klenk 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.

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December 20, 2023

Giving gifts that come from the heart

Real Estate Matters By Elisa Jo Eagan

his being the week of Christmas, it brings to mind what’s most important to give at this time of year. Searching for that perfect gift? These gifts won’t cost you money; they will come from your heart, which is priceless. Time and Listening Spend time with family, friends, neighbors and loved ones, especially elderly relatives, by truly listening to the important things that they have to say about their life stories and catching up on what’s going on in their lives. Just listen. Show Love and Affection Be generous with your affection. Give hugs and kisses. Hold hands and show your love and support. A Note or Card It can be as simple as, “I love you”

on a piece of paper, or a “Thank you for being you” surprise note in a lunchbox. A sweet note will bring joy to your loved ones. Laughter Laughter is good for the soul and brings happiness. Just cut out a funny cartoon, copy and send a cute joke or riddle. This says, “I love to laugh with you.” A Game Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game with them, like playing Monopoly together as a family or a game of Fish with cards, trivia, checkers, or chess. It’s about the fun and being together – an experience that creates memories. Do a Favor Without Being Asked Being thoughtful and offering your help before being asked is a memorable gift. Offer to help with household chores, especially for friends, loved ones and elderly relatives or neighbors who may need assistance with shopping or shoveling their walkway in the snow. Have a Cheerful Disposition Do your best to be cheerful with those you love and care about. A positive attitude goes a long way

and brings everyone else around you into a better mood. The gift of cheerfulness is a precious gift not only to others, but to you too. Peace Sometimes a little quiet time is a good thing. Giving those that you love and care about a little space, peace, quiet, solitude and restful time when they need it the most is a wonderful gift. Being intuitive to your loved one’s needs will be graciously appreciated. Pay a Compliment A simple compliment such as, “You look pretty in that dress,” or “Your hair looks nice,” or, “Blue is a good color on you,” or, “Thank you, honey, that was a delicious meal,” really can go a long way toward making some-

one’s day and show that they know they are appreciated. Care and Friendship Let all of the special people in your life know how much you care about and love them. Send them goodness. Let them know that they are special to you and that you are keeping them in your thoughts, prayers and hearts. Sending you hugs this Christmas, as they are the perfect gift for everyone. They are free, one-size-fits-all, and can be easily returned! With hugs, love and warm regards. For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609703-0432. Learn more at www.TheRealEstateGodmother. com. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

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December 20, 2023

Christmas traditions: mine, hers, ours, theirs

By Bill Quain

ast week’s column was the first in my series on “money, sunny and honey” – the three categories in life that successful people grow. However, I decided to put the series on hold for Christmas and New Year’s. So let’s see what Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench tells us about the “season of joy.” In this week’s column, we’ll talk about traditions. Next week (just before New Year’s Day) the six words will be “Let’s make a last year’s resolution.” We know how to do Christmas. I know that some people who read this column don’t celebrate Christmas. However, whichever holiday you celebrate at this time of year, the same message still applies: “Keep the traditions.” As I look back on the way we do Christmas in

our house, I realize just how much I know about celebrating this holiday the right way. By that I mean the unique combination of traditions that both my wife and I learned as children, and the way we’ve adjusted and broadened those traditions over the years since our first Christmas, forty years ago. I’m sure our kids will build their own traditions. But there will always be a strong sense of the past, no matter how many generations go by. Christmas traditions: mine, hers ours, theirs My wife and I each had strong Christmas traditions, but they were extremely different. I was raised Irish Catholic. So as a kid, Christmas was always wrapped up in a lot of church traditions. We had seven children in our family. All of us were always involved in church and school festivities, with plays, rehearsals, pageants, etc. Christmas morning’s present opening was always just a preamble to going to Mass. Of course, there was also the annual trek down into the city of Philadelphia to visit all the relatives. Then there was a big Christmas dinner somewhere, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I always

wondered why my mother didn’t seem very relaxed on Christmas Day. Maybe it was all the dressing up, cleaning, driving, etc. for our family of seven kids! It wasn’t until years later that I finally figured out why my mother treasured Christmas Eve more than the chaos of the next day. It was a tradition I brought with me to my Christmases with my wife and eventually, our kids. I adore Christmas Eve! When I married my wife, Jeanne, I realized my Christmas experience was not universal. Jeanne’s family (as I was to discover) had an entirely different perspective on Christmas! Jeanne’s parents had a small family retail store. Even at a fairly young age, Jeanne and her two younger siblings worked in the store in the weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, (as soon as Jeanne was old enough to drive), the kids were dismissed early from the store to buy a Christmas tree. They brought it home, set it up, and decorated it. When Jeanne’s exhausted parents finally got home, everyone was ready for bed. The whole focus of Christmas was on the big day itself. Jeanne’s parents added chaos to the holiday mix by loading their kids into the car the very next day and driving from Long Island to Florida, where they had a week-long visit with Jeanne’s grandparents. When we were first married, with no kids yet, Jeanne and I took advantage of this Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day paradox. We would fly into Philadelphia a few days before Christmas and spend Christmas Eve with my family. Then, on Christmas Day, we would fly or drive to her parents’ house. One year, way back in the 1980s, we were the only passengers on a flight from Philly to Long Island on Christmas day. The pilots kept the cockpit door open and chatted with us throughout the flight, even making a nonscheduled turn to view the Statue of Liberty. Oh, how easy air travel was back then! Having kids changes those Christmas traditions. Christmas is wonderful, but it’s even better when you can share it with your own children! It’s amazing how your view of Christmas traditions changes when you decide what you want to pass on to the next generation. You can’t leave anything to chance. After all, this is how your kids are going to remember you. Besides the “when do we go to church?” decisions, there are many other admittedly not-so-important ones that suddenly take

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain on huge importance. For example, “Do we put tinsel on the tree?” and “What kind of tree topper do we use?” It turns out that these critical decisions can often result in quite a few hours of discussion. Who knew? By the way, we decided on no tinsel and a Tweety Bird complete with wings and a halo on top of the tree. We lived in Orlando when the kids were little. It was either Tweety Bird or Mickey Mouse on top of the tree! Now Christmas is really their time. We don’t have grandchildren (dare I say yet?), but Christmas is already changing as our children have grown up and moved away. We have to “share” one of our daughters with her in-laws every other year. However, this Christmas, we’re getting both our daughters, plus our son-in-law, home for the holidays! Our son-in-law has his own family traditions. Their approach to Christmas is a real combination of the old and the new. My favorite “new” tradition is the Feast of The Seven Fishes. It’s something we all contribute to, and it’s on Christmas Eve – my still-favorite time. Plus it involves food, which is always a good thing. We wish you a merry Christmas! I thought these six words were a good way to sign off! As always, shoot me an email with your thoughts to bill@quain.com. To paraphrase the Old Man himself, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good week!” 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 20, 2023

Summer of ’65, Episode 27 The Kelly Family Olympics

By Bill Kelly

n the Sunday morning of Labor Day weekend, 1965, Mrs. Kelly read the newspaper that included a small, one-column, three-paragraph story with the headline: “Ocean City Beach Riot Injures 12; 15 Arrests,” but the news report didn’t tell the whole story. She just took a sip of coffee and shook her head. By the time the whole family had assembled they got into a small caravan of cars. Prince Rainier had dismissed the police guards and motorcycle escort and they were not bothered by nosey tourists or neighbors. From the two houses on 27th Street, they drove down Wesley Avenue to 14th Street where they parked and entered St. Augustine’s red-brick church for Mass. While it was crowded, the ushers had reserved a few pews for this family, and the Mass proceeded undisturbed. Afterwards, while the younger children either went for a walk on the boards or went back to the beach house to play in the sand,

the adults went to the 22nd Street restaurant for breakfast. Mrs. Kelly mentioned the riot on the beach the previous day, but the others seemed unaware that it occurred or were uninterested. “Crazy hippies and college pranksters,” she said.

They missed the riot because they had all gone to the movies. The kids went to the Village Theater to see “Beach Blanket Bingo.” The women went to the Strand to see “The Sound of Music,” while the men and some of the boys went to the

Chill Out at the Library The Place to be This Winter

Moorlyn to see Sean Connery play James Bond in “Thunderball.” After the movies the previous afternoon, with Don Levine driving, Lizanne, Grace and cousin John Lehman went across the causeway to Somers Point where they would catch the last of the Bay Shore matinees for the Summer of ’65, which was a memorable one. Still a little hung over, the four were quiet as they ate breakfast until Lizanne Levine spoke up. Grace’s sister Lizanne missed the “wedding of the century” because she was pregnant with her daughter.She remarked that when she finally got to Monaco for the first time she recognized one of Grace’s new responsibilities was the naming of roads, streets, schools, gyms and apartment projects. She was surprised to see them named, to the mystery of the Monaco citizens - Schuylkill, Conshohocken, Passyunk, Pennsauken, Tuckahoe and Patcong – all American Indian names that only someone

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December 20, 2023

from the Philadelphia area would know and recognize. After breakfast they joined the youngsters at the beach house, and while some of the women began to fire up the barbeque, the rest of the crew played games in the Kelly Family Olympics. Down on the beach, Lizanne sat in a chair under a Bert’s Beach umbrella, keeping score for some of the games that were going on. They were just in time to play a game of co-ed tackle football, serious volleyball, swimming, body surfing and of course, rowing, the sport the family excelled in. Early in the afternoon Mrs. Kelly came out with three sandwiches and cold bottled ice tea, two for the lifeguards and one for Jim – Barbeque Jim, who was manning Bert’s Beach Stand, renting out beach chairs, umbrellas and rafts. There were other friends of the family there – John Carey the Realtor, Bob Harbough from Bob’s Grill, Kate, the mayor’s daughter, and Greg Gregory, a Somers Pointer Kate knew from school. Greg fit in because he liked to row, and got his chance. After the lifeguards went off duty, Grace’s older brother “Kel,” a former lifeguard himself, took Grace’s young son Albert and Greg Gregory out for a ride in a beach patrol surf boat, out past the breakers. Mrs. Kelly also kept close watch on the competition, and when she rang the big bell outside the back door of the beach house, everyone knew it was time for a meal, and for Mrs. Kelly to give out the trophies, some new and just for today, and others old and tarnished and passed on to a new champion every Labor Day. After dark, while Greg was still fishing in the surf, those who were left built a little firepit on the beach,

and somebody took out a guitar and they heated up some clams and sat around roasting the clams and marshmallows. Greg caught a striper and quickly cleaned and filleted it and they cooked it on the open fire. Sitting around the fire, Greg looked at “Kel” and asked him to explain to him the significance of the Henley Races in England. “Go ahead and tell him,” Mrs. Kelly said, so Kel explained that after his father won the Olympic rowing championship, he was refused entry into the Henley Regatta because, as a bricklayer, he worked with his hands and was considered a laborer, not a gentleman. “So from the time I was christened at birth, it was my duty to win the Henley Regatta that my father was denied, and I did.” The Kelly Family may have been the most famous family on the island at the time, but they were typical of the hundreds of families who came down the shore from Philadelphia and made Ocean City their second home, or like the Levines, their permanent one. Before the evening was over, Mrs. Kelly said that she didn’t want any of the children to go into town or even on the Boardwalk because there was a rumor going around that the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang was returning to Ocean City on Labor Day to ransack the town after being evicted earlier in the spring. While people were assured that the city was prepared for trouble, everyone was to stay close to home as something was brewing. To comment on this story or series email billkelly3@gmail.com. Next – Labor Day 1965 – Sonny Barger Has His Say and The 99 Percenters Unite.

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December 20, 2023

ACHS hoops season brings an early Christmas gift

The Light with Raymond Tyler

he Atlantic City Vikings have kicked off another exciting season of high school

hoops. On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Atlantic City High School Vikings boys basketball team (coached by Wayne Nelson) began the 2023-2024 high school basketball season, and gave alumni like me an early Christmas gift by way of a 57 to 30 win over the Holy Spirit Spartans. The two schools for decades have competed for student athletes in all sports. The student body and the alumni recognize the annual Thanksgiv-

ing football game as the main school rivalry game between ACHS and Holy Spirit. The sports competition for “bragging rights” this time of year moves from the gridiron onto the hardwood. The Vikings put on a show, made sweeter by the fact that several of the starters for the Vikings were former Holy Spirit Spartans that transferred to Atlantic City, while Holy Spirit started three freshman players. Starting those freshmen on a high school basketball team is a move that will bring rewards for the next three seasons. The freshmen will gain valuable experience and learn how each school in the conference plays. Starting three freshmen seemed a little disrespectful. Disrespectful

or not, former Spartan now starting player for the Vikings, Khajuan Roseborough, led all scorers with 25 points. Roseborough did more damage by passing out 6 assists. Former Spartan now a starter for the Vikings, Frank Gilliam, led all rebounders with 11 boards and 11 points (a respectable double/double). The home side of the gym was more than three quarters full, and the away side, the Holy Spirit side of the gym, was more than half full with people coming to root for the Spartans. As an ACHS alumni and hoops fan,

it was great to see the Vikings send the Spartans back to Absecon with their first loss of the season. The ACHS varsity girls basketball team lost their home opener to the Lady Spartans, 52 to 42. The Holy Spirit Spartans girls basketball team put together a solid game plan and left the Atlantic City home gym with a win. The Lady Spartans were led by Sabrina Little who poured in 14 points and picked up 4 steals. Bridget Roach led Atlantic City with 14 points in the loss. In short, the local high school basketball season is underway. I am proud of all the coaches, volunteers, staff and players who will make this another great season of hoops for fans across the Shore Local area.

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

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Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

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: December Holiday Beer Dinner Where: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall When: Thursday, Dec. 21

Time: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $60 Website: tennaveac.com/tickets/ Dec.-holiday-beer-dinner Join Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for craft beer selections by Scott Cronick paired with four delicious courses by Chef Charles. Tickets $60 per person. Arrive by 6:30 p.m.

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Who: Frankie Beverly & Maze: I Wanna Thank You Tour with the Isley Brothers

Who: Ornamental Where: Anchor Rock Club When: Friday, Dec. 22 Time: 7:45 p.m. (Doors Open at 7 p.m.) Website: www.tixr.com/groups/ anchorrockclub/events/ornamental-86635 Get ready for a night of music and fun at Anchor Rock Club. An incredible lineup of Ornamental, Zoe Lemon, Kate Dressed Up, and King Puzzle will promise a night full of diverse sounds, energetic performances, and unforgettable moments.

Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall When: Saturday, Dec. 23 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://www.boxofficeticketsales.com/venues/boardwalk-hallarena-boardwalk-hall

What: Dueling Pianos Where: Hard Rock Cafe | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City When: Every Friday & Saturday Time: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

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December 20, 2023

Website: cmmac.ticketapp.org/portal/product/59#ticket_selection Who can resist the twinkle of Cape May’s beautiful Victorian homes decorated for Christmas? The best way to see Cape May’s Christmas lights is on board a trolley during Holiday Lights Trolley Rides. Ride through Cape May’s Historic District and see cheerfully decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions and play Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes. Who: Breakfast with Santa Where: Renault Winery & Resort When: Sunday, Dec. 24

Time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Website: https://www.renaultwinery.com/events/ Join them for a heartwarming and enchanting morning as Renault Winery welcomes Santa Claus to their elegant Champagne Ballroom for a festive breakfast. Celebrate the spirit of the season with family and friends in a beautifully adorned setting, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. There are professional, retouched digital pictures available for pre-purchase for $25. Pictures with Santa cost $30 if purchased the day of the event. What: Light Show on the Lake

December 20, 2023

Where: Historic Smithville When: Now-Jan. 6 Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Arrive any time to catch the full 30-minute loop which takes place on the lake in the middle of Historic Smithville. See Christmas trees floating on the lake adorned with 50,000 lights. Synchronized light and music show. Lights dancing and chasing each other, reflecting on the water’s surface and it’s visible from both sides of the village and the bridge. Bring your friends and family to bask in the festive glow. Shop for unique treasures, and make lasting memories. What: 6th Annual St. Stephen’s Day Irish Brunch Where: Josie Kelly’s Public House When: Tuesday, Dec. 26 Time: 10 a.m. Irish Brunch with Live

Performances. Traditional Irish Music 2 p.m., Plaid Salmon 6 p.m. St. Stephen's Day is the best day to be in the pub in Ireland. Brunch and a full lineup of EPL Football starting at 10 a.m. Every game will be shown, all day, LIVE. 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!

Friday, December 22

Atlantic City Headliners

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Sunday, December 24 Christmas in the Air

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Saturday, December 23

Saturday, December 30

Music Box at Borgata

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Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Christmas in the Air

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Sunday, December 31 Pitbull

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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

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Eddie Griffin

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Sunday, January 14 Charlie Wilson

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Dancing with the Stars Live Borgata Event Center

Bad Friends w/ Andrew Santino & Bobby Lee

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Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

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Harrah’s Atlantic City Forever Donna Summer Tribute starring Rainere Martin

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Saturday, January 27 The Ultimate Elvis Presley Tribute

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Specialty beers for holiday cheer By Edward Siegel and Deepak Chauhan of Somers Point Brewery Company

he folks at Somers Point Brewing Company are not coming empty-handed this holiday season. Along with holiday cheers, we are also bringing on some holiday beers. Now for the first time on tap together are the Gretel’s Kettle – Gingerbread Ale and Cinna Man-Bun Stout. We had been alternating these two festively spiced beers each year but thought that they

would complement each other on the tap list this holiday season. Gretel’s Kettle Gingerbread Ale is a strong ale with a deep amber color and a full, malty body. We spiced this beer in the boil kettle and again in the fermenter with a traditional German gingerbread cookie spice mix, Lebkuchen! This beer would pair well with soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert and sausages such as bratwurst or even chorizo, glazed ham, roasted veggies, pumpkin or apple pie as well as anything dark chocolate.

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or cinnamon based dessert. Remember, pairing is very subjective. If a beverage/ food combo tastes good to you, then it is good. Either of the beers, when allowed to warm to 45-50 degrees F, will open up and make for a great fireside sipper. Santa may even prefer one of these instead of milk with his cookies.

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800 Shore Road in Somers Point has always been a place where friends meet. First as Sooy’s Ice Cream Shop, then Oscar Nichols, Eliason’s General Store and Gerety’s Market. It finally became Charlie’s Bar in 1944. The building also housed the Somers Point Post Office in the early 1900’s.

December 20, 2023

Celebration wines for the holiday season By David Setley

e are firmly in the midst of the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are recent memories with Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s just around the corner. Many of us welcome family and friends into our homes to celebrate this most wonderful time of year. It should come as no surprise that I like to think about what wines will best complement my holiday gatherings. For your consideration, here are some suggestions for celebration wines. I begin most wine events with a “welcome wine” as a delicious way to say hello and create a welcoming environment. At home, a welcome wine is a great aperitif to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. There are a few basic rules to selecting a welcome wine. First, less is more. The goal is to stimulate, not spoil, your guest’s appetite. Second, stick with lighter-bodied wines. Third, serve a welcome wine that complements your appetizers or your first course.

Options for welcome wines are only limited by your imagination. Sparkling wines are certainly popular at holiday celebrations; why wait until New Year’s Eve to pop the cork? Any light, crisp champagne, prosecco, or cava in either traditional white or rosé do very well. Sparkling wines come in a wide variety of dryness and price levels to fit almost anyone’s tastes

December 20, 2023

and budget. Among my personal favorites are the very reasonably priced Café de Paris from France, Brilla Prosecco from Italy, and Naveran Cava from Spain. For something a bit sweeter, a Moscato d’Asti, like Bartenura or Brilla Moscato, is often a crowd-pleaser. If you prefer a still wine, I would reach for the Pierre Sparr Riesling, from Alsace, France, for a crisp, dry white. For something different, try the Stamnaki Assyrtiko from Greece. This unique wine has the body of a Chardonnay (without the oak or butter notes) and the lightness of Sauvignon Blanc (but with more minerality). If you haven’t tried Greek wines, make this your first attempt. I think you will enjoy it. For a rosé, the Beach by Whispering Angel from Provence, France continues to be a hit. For a red wine, try an Aglianico like the Rocca Del Dragone from Campania, Italy. It is medium-bodied yet amazingly smooth and elegant. All are reasonably priced and would set a festive mood for any holiday get-together. Italian American families, including mine, like to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops, and fish such as salmon, Branzino, or Baccala, are frequently on the menu. Cioppino, a delicious seafood stew, often makes an appearance for the feast. A nice Pinot Grigio, such as Sant’ Elena, works very well, but why not try something new? The Pehhcora Pecorino from Abruzzo, Italy is an Italian white wine that offers a nice roundness and minerality that pairs beautifully with seafood. Kw a n z a a , the African American celebration of heritage and culture, may be celebrated with foods such as sweet potato pie, collard greens, sausage gumbo and cornbread. There are many wine pairings for these foods! For a white wine, consider a Sauvignon Blanc, such as the Infamous Goose from Marlborough, New Zealand. A light-bodied red, such as the A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir, or the French Alphonse Mellot Pinot Noir would be perfect as well. A heartier rosé, such as the Vera Rose from Portugal would also complement a Kwanzaa meal.

If you are already thinking ahead to New Year’s Eve, there are several options for your midnight toast. Although any sparkling wine can be used, if there is one time per year to splurge a bit on true Champagne from France, this is it. Try Charles de Cazanove - Champagne Brut Tête de Cuvée or Nicolas Feuillatte - Blue Label Brut Champagne. Good Champagne doesn’t have to break the bank; the above are under $50. Next week, I’ll be delving more fully into sparkling wine options. Stay tuned! As you welcome guests into your

home this season, hopefully some of these wines help make your celebrations merry and bright. As always, I appreciate your thoughts, questions, or comments. Contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com. Happy holidays, and happy wining! David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

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Hard Rock keeping pedal to the metal as it heads into 2024

By Chuck Darrow

n his classic 1977 film, “Annie Hall,” Woody Allen’s character, Alvy Singer, suggests that a relationship is like a shark: It must keep moving forward or it will die. Well, it’s not too much of a stretch to suggest this holds true for casinos as well. Regardless of whatever prior level of success a gambling den has achieved, resting on laurels can be detrimental, if not fatal; there has to be forward motion. And “move forward” is definitely on George Goldhoff’s “to-do” list. Goldhoff, of course, is president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, AyCee’s largest adult playpen. During a recent interview, he outlined some of what is in store for his property in 2024. While the cultivation of what are known in the vernacular as “high rollers” has always been part of the Hard Rock game plan, Goldhoff described what appears to be a greater emphasis on the luring and maintenance of the highest of high-end players. For starters, there is the imminent reopening of nine ultra-luxe suites

on the 39th, 40th and 41st floors. The most noteworthy aspect of the four-month renovation project is the creation of two units—4,000 square feet and 2,600 square feet—out of what had been the two-story Maharajah Suite. Another lure for the highest rollers will come in ’24. “We bought a beautiful, brand new helicopter, which we’ll be keeping in Atlantic City,” he said. “It’s 26 minutes from here to the West 30th Street helipad in Manhattan. We will be bringing our players back and forth from there, from Philadelphia, from the Hamptons, from Stanford, Conn., from all over.” The above additions, he added, go hand-in-hand with the November de-

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but of the casino’s high-limit slot parlor whose machines, Goldhoff proudly noted, paid out some $20 million in its first three weeks of operation. Lest anyone fear the Rock is squeezing out its less-affluent guests. Goldhoff, who was named president last January, was quick to point out that top-tier players comprise but a small fraction of his gambling den’s customer base. As he put it, while “we're gonna be in [the high-end] game, that game is 10 percent of our business. The other 90 percent is the steak; up there is the sizzle. “We are not the Four Seasons, we are Kimpton Hotels,” he continued. “We’re one level down.” Most important, at least as far as the Hard Rock brand is concerned, is the continued dedication to presenting entertainment in a variety of venues, from the 7,000-seat Etess Arena to various bars and restaurants. While the casino remains locked into second place behind Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in terms of revenue, it has become clear the Big B has ceded its position as the city’s show business leader to the pleasure dome that spent 28 years operating under the Trump Taj Mahal banner (beginning in 1990). Goldhoff said he expects his 2024 entertainment budget to be “in the same zip code” of last year’s—around $30 million. But there will be a noticeable change going forward: Expect fewer headliners in the 1,300-seat Sound Waves theater relative to previous years. According to Goldhoff, the level of talent that has traditionally been booked into Sound Waves has not been as big a draw as expected. Instead, he promised, “We’ll be leaning more into the Etess Arena,” which regularly attracts some of the biggest

George Goldfhoff national and international tours—and gives fans the chance to see top-shelf acts in a space a half-to-a-third as large as other venues that host that caliber of performer. However, he noted that the series of Sunday-afternoon production shows (e.g. “Disco Inferno,” “Euphoria”) will continue in the room. Goldhoff is also enthusiastic about smaller-scale additions and adjustments to the entertainment scene at his joint. “We're looking to improve our Lobby Bar, where people go to dance,” he offered. “We'll make that a little bit more, I would say, exclusive; not more expensive, but, a better environment to relax in. And we're, investing in our restaurants.” Goldhoff is especially high on a new wrinkle in entertainment programming. “We're going to get into, we'll call it the nightlife business. Not the nightclub business, but nightlife, where we're going to have a more-boutiquey ultra-lounge. It will be a bit of a surprise. We'll open it in May.

“We're getting more into that nightlife business so people have the opportunity to enjoy something after they've attended [a headliner] show.” Another element of the expanded-nightlife blueprint is the Friday-and-Saturday, post-dinner activity at the popular Council Oak steakhouse that begins next month. “We have a stage there and we have entertainment that goes from 10 until midnight,” said Goldhoff, who added there will also be a limited, late-night menu. Also on the 2024 docket is the full rollout of the Unity player-rewards card, which will allow customers to

avail themselves of benefits at Hard Rock casino outlets around the country. Despite all of these plans, Goldhoff takes the most pride in Hard Rock’s ongoing engagement with the Atlantic City community at-large. While all of the casinos donate money and resources to a variety of programs and causes, the casino’s corporate parent, Hard Rock International, has as its slogan, “Love All, Serve All.” It’s a charge Goldhoff and his people take seriously—witness the casino’s current “12 Days of Giving” charity program. By the end of the holidays, a wide spectrum of nonprofit organizations including the Community Food Bank of South Jersey, Salvation Army, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Society will share in $100,000 provided by Hard Rock. “Our commitment to the community has been unwavering and that's a big part of what Hard Rock does in every location,” he said. “And we're going to continue to support the community in 2024—even more than we have in 2023.” Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

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Remembering when Donald Trump got Stoned in AC

By Chuck Darrow

ove him or hate him, there’s no denying Donald Trump’s reign as an Atlantic City casino mogul made for interesting times—both for him and the public at large. And one of the wildest times of all occurred when the man who would, some 27 years later, become our 45th president, brought the Rolling Stones to town for a three-night run at Convention Hall (now Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall) in December, 1989. There will be more detail about the origin of the engagement below, but the three-pack of gigs, which was sponsored by the now-demolished Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino (located adjacent to the arena; there was even indoor access between the two

buildings) comprised the finale of the North American portion of band’s epic “Steel Wheels” tour—its first road trip in eight years. The trio of performances included a worldwide pay-per-view broadcast on Dec. 19 that also featured guest stars Eric Clapton, Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin of Guns N’ Roses and blues legend John Lee Hooker. The first show was Dec. 17 and after taking the next day off (presumably to celebrate guitarist Keith Richards’ 46th birthday and/or sixth wedding anniversary) there were performances on the 19th and 20th. While it probably won’t be surprising to learn the most memorable night was the 19th, you might not expect that it had nothing to do with what took place onstage. Instead, the drama(s) unfolded behind the scenes, and, so the story goes, they included Richards contemplating introducing The Donald to the blade of his knife As for how the Plaza came to be the site of the pay-per-view event, according to the tour’s producer, Toronto-based Michael Cohl, he decided to produce the pay-per-view using

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the boxing-industry template. This meant getting a casino-hotel to pay a multi-million-dollar “site fee” to the Stones for their participation in the telecast--in addition to their standard performance paycheck. In a 2015 address at a concert-promotion industry convention, Cohl recalled he could find no takers in Las Vegas, so he decided to hit up Trump. But Cohl's proposal included a provision that the future POTUS have no direct involvement with the broadcast, except in Atlantic City, where he could do local media interviews. According to Cohl, his people had arranged a live, 6:40 p.m. segment on the CBS Evening News prior to the start of the broadcast. But at 5:50 p.m., he received word that Trump was conducting a press conference in the same space the Stones were scheduled to use for their TV spot. Cohl rushed from the Plaza and put an end to the Q-and-A session, then returned to the hotel—where he was told that Trump was again taking questions from the media. At that point, Cohl has maintained, Richards pulled out the knife he always carried and announced that if Cohl didn’t muzzle Trump, he would. Cohl returned to Convention Hall and read Trump the riot act—a move, he claimed, that caused three Trump security staffers—one brandishing a set of brass knuckles-- to move menacingly toward him. But the trio of Trump heavies quickly realized a small army of Stones crew members had gathered behind Cohl with weapons of their own, including tire irons and hockey sticks. And thus Donald Trump was, for

one of the few times in his life, silenced. But there are two historically interesting footnotes to the saga of the Stones 1989 visit to AyCee:

The last of the three Convention Hall shows was the final North American gig the Stones’ original bassist, Bill Wyman, ever did with the band. Also, among those at Trump’s press conference was one person who certainly, to my eyes, at least, didn’t appear to belong there. She was a youngish, quite attractive blonde who clearly was not a media type (one giveaway: she wasn’t wearing any press credentials). It was months later that it dawned on me the mystery woman was his future second wife, Marla Maples, who was there even though Trump was still married to his first wife, Ivana. Remembering When is a monthly column that looks at Atlantic City’s often-wild, always-fascinating history. Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

December 20, 2023

Live & Local Music Calendar

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.

Thursday, December 21 Atlantic City Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Karaoke Night w/ Cowboy Kevin 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge David Farrell Melton 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Ap

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 Steal the Sky 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 Brandon Ireland 6 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Queen Jayne’s Sidestory Duo 6 – 10 p.m. 264 New Rd. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze 6:30 – 9 p.m. 108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, December 22

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Ornamental w/ Zoe Lemon, Kate Dressed Up, King Puzzle

Split Decision 7:45 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Lisa Camp 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Chris 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Mike LaGuardia 5 – 8 p.m. Ryan Tennis Trio 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

WINTER SPECIALS CHICKEN PARMESAN 18

SALMON FRIED RICE 18

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

diced salmon over vegetable and egg fried rice

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

CHICKEN MARSALA 18 over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

BACON WRAPPED MEAT LOAF 21

8 OZ HANGER STEAK 21

over garlic mash & asparagus topped with mushroom gravy

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CHICKEN FRANCAISE 18

EGGPLANT PARMESAN 16

over fresh fettucini in a white wine lemon butter sauce

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Hometown Radio 7 p.m. Split Decision 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Danny Lynch 6 – 10 p.m. Big Bang Baby 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Ki 5 – 8:30 p.m. Garden State Radio 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ Freezie 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino BMW Trio 6 p.m. Billy Walton Band 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill To Be Announced 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 500 St. Andrews Dr. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Dean Dunlevy 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Chris Yoder Band 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Josie Kelly’s The Jenny Barnes Band 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Saturday, December 23

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Gutter Drunk w/ Friend, The Washups, The Burdens 8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.

December 20, 2023

Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Sidestory Carolers 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Gary 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Dan Jost 5 – 8 p.m. Paul Jost 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 The Benderz 7 p.m. Gypsy Wisdom 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Bar None Band 5 – 9 p.m. Jumper 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Audio Riot 5 – 8:30 p.m. Don’t Call Me Francis 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ Sepper 5 – 9 p.m. DJ Rashaun 9 p.m. Kicking Sunrise 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino The Coconutz Trio 6 p.m. Isn’t it Always 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca Stephanie Owens 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Chris Lax 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Northfield Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club Ralph Michaels 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 1 Leo Fraser Dr. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Doug Jennings 4 – 7 p.m. Steve Moore & MIA Band 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s DJ

December 20, 2023

7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Somers Point Josie Kelly’s Tradition Irish Music 2 p.m. Plaid Salmon 6 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, December 27

Plaid Salmon 9 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Josie Kelly’s Twisted Livin’ 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Sunday, December 24 Atlantic City Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dueling Pianos 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Somers Point Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music

1 – 4 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Tuesday, December 26 Atlantic City Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Dahve 6 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Patty & Bugzy 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock To Be Announced

Happy & Healthy Wishes for 2024

Fitz will be closed NY Day

Atlantic City Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Nater 6 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Sidestory 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.

650 New Road Somers Point 609-653-8155 tzpatricksdeli.com 51

Spend the Holidays at the

Ten entertainers that performed at the legendary Tony Marts By Carmen Marotta

F IC

HAE

L McAS

HOLIDAY Piano Bar december 21 • 8PM

BROADWAY ON THE BAY

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

With Kelly Briggs From Broadway’s Les Miserables & Cats

Musical Director

John McMahon SPECIAL GUESTS Molly Marie Pugliese (Miss Gloucester County 2024), Danielle Cordivari, Ella Osbeck & Olivia D’Alessandro

738 BAY AVENUE | SOMERS POINT, NJ

GATEWAYBYTHEBAY.ORG

609-653-0553

rom Jack Newland playing the piano in the '40s until the final notes of the testimonial to Tony Mart’s, and the last Drink ‘n Drown in September of ‘82, hundreds of musicians and entertainers performed. More than 130 entertainers performed in the 38 years of good times at Tony Marts. Here are interesting and amusing anecdotes about 10 of the greatest and most musically important entertainers and groups that ever played at “The Showplace of the World” as Tony Mart’s was called. This is part one of a threshold part series. Look for part two and three in the upcoming issues of Shore Local. Please email tonymartpresents@ gmail.com with any comments or memories you would like to share. Look for this information in the trivia segments at shows including the upcoming Tony Marts Rockin’ Country New Year Finale on December 29th. 1. Len Carrie and his Krackerjacks The drummer in the Spike Jones Big Band, Len Carrie, lead a hilariously entertaining swing band into the rock ‘n' roll era at Tony Mart’s. They did The Mummers Strut and New Orleans Mardi Gras Second Line Dance on top of the bars, throwing Cracker Jacks instead of beads. 2. Pete Carroll and the Carroll Brothers A notorious character and Philadelphia/ Jersey shore entertainer who was a swinging rockabilly guitarist and zany performer. One of the best stories about him is the day that he was so drunk that he rowed out into the bay in a Dick’s Dock rental boat and had to be hauled in when it was time to perform! They got him in and he did a hilarious drunken show. 3. Jerry Gabriel and the Angels A superb group of musicians and entertainers lead by Jerry Gabriel, who actually went on to serve many years as Ike and Tina Turner’s musical director. 4. Flo Dryer Quintet Probably the first female bandleader to ever play on Bay Avenue in Somers Point, She played trombone and led her troop of early rock ‘n' roll swinging female musicians.

5. The Skyliners The Skyliners were a harmonic and melodic group who were featured as early headliners when Tony Mart’s was developing into a major entertainment venue. They were famous for iconic hits, “Pennies from Heaven”, “Since I don’t have you”, and “I only have eyes for you”. 6. Johnny Maestro and the Crests Johnny Maestro played at Tony Mart’s with this band, The Crests, before he formed the Brooklyn Bridge. 7. The Fall Guys Inspired by the first great lounge act to come off of Bourbon Street and head towards the resorts in Vegas, Louis Prima’s band; The Fall Guys did it all from New Orleans Rock ‘n Roll of Alan Toussaint, the soul of Ray Charles, the comedy music and routines of Ray Stevens to Dixieland and Broadway tunes. The Fall Guys were one of the greatest house bands in the history of the Jersey shore performing from 1959 to 1964 and continuing in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Las Vegas to name just a few of the places where they were one of the finest and most beloved popular and comedic bands in the history of nightclubs and lounges. 8. Bill Haley and the Comets Billy Hailey and his Comets were from the Philadelphia area. This group of seminal rock and rollers became famous for their own song “Rock Around the Clock” and their hits, which included some “race music” renditions of New Orleans and southern black entertainers music like Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. 9. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra starring Warren Covington This is a vestige of the big band era, and one of the more famous

of the swing dance orchestras that played at Tony Mart’s. 10. Conway Twitty and Porkchop Markham Immortal country music stars in the Country Music Hall of Fame, “Conway Twitty and The Tweety Birds” were a hard driving rockabilly, rock ‘n' roll band for 6 seasons in the 60’s at Tony Mart’s until Conway played his final rock ‘n' roll shows at The Mart alongside Levon and the Hawks in August 1965. Everyone is invited to feel the glory and the soul of this famous rock ‘n' roll emporium at The Tony Mart Rockin’ Country New Year Finale on December 29th when Conway Twitty’s grandson, Tre Twitty, is headline guest star with The Tony Mart Allstars, who will play the music of Bill Haley & The Comets, Del Shannon, Levon & The Hawks ( now Bob Dylan & The Band), and the music of the legendary Conway Twitty performed incomparably by his grandson. The Allstars will perform holiday favorites, a portion of their Eagles Tribute, and Bruce Springsteen and Nashville country hits everyone loves to hear them play! Thanks to the courtesy of The Circle Liquor Store, there will be six wines available for tasting and enjoyment for modest donations. The VFW will have a full service bar available to the public at their reasonable prices. This will be the way we all say goodbye to a great season in ‘23 and hello to each other as we look forward to next year. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!! www.tonymart.com Facebook/tonymartpresents Instagram@tonymartpresents

December 20, 2023

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I’ll take (a) Manhattan on New Year’s Eve

Garden Cafe'

By Julia Stacey Reilly

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

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279 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 54

hen I was barely out of my teens, I went with a group of friends to Manhattan in New York City to celebrate New Year’s Eve. We hopped on the Long Island Railroad and 45 minutes later arrived at Penn Station. Someone knew someone with an apartment in midtown where we partied until about 11 p.m. then planned to walk a few blocks to Times Square where the famous ball drops for the countdown to the new year. Exiting the apartment building, we were swept into a riptide of bodies. It was difficult to keep our little band together as the throng surged in the direction of Times Square. Several blocks from our destination the crowd became immobile and however hard we tried; we were unable to squeeze our way through. Instead of witnessing the dropping of the New Year’s ball, we welcomed the new year on a random city street with thousands of strangers on a cold winter night. In the years I played in a band, we always had a gig on New Year’s Eve. From funky bars with my rockabilly band, to catering halls with a wedding band, to restaurants as a duo with my future husband, New Year’s Eve was always the best night to gig because it paid at least double the going rate. One year I was very excited to get a call to play the Rainbow Room! The Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center is a fabulously swanky restaurant where high society and celebrities dine while perched 65 stories above the city. Unfortunately, our gig turned out to be at the Rainbow Room in Brooklyn, which was a quiet little neighborhood restaurant and bar, but the pay was good just the same. In more recent years, we enjoyed celebrating New Year’s Eve by hosting a get-together of a few friends in our Tiki Lounge. While Dick Clark’s (later Ryan Seacrest’s) Rockin’ New Year’s Eve played in the background, we snacked on charcuterie and appetizers and welcomed the New Year with Manhattan cocktails as an ode to “the city that never sleeps” that has had such a powerful impact on our lives.

The Manhattan cocktail traces back to the late 1800s and its origin at New York City’s Manhattan Club. The original recipe has remained largely unchanged, however, while the traditional version uses rye whiskey, with its spicy, peppery notes, many prefer the touch of sweetness that bourbon has to offer.

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients: 2 ounces rye whiskey ● 1 ounce sweet vermouth ● 2 dashes Angostura bitters ● Maraschino cherry for garnish Steps: 1. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. 2. Strain into a coupe glass. 3. Garnish with a cherry. ●

The Amaro Manhattan substitutes sweet vermouth with Amaro. This is a great variation if you’re not a fan of sweet vermouth. Amaro is a distilled Italian liqueur made with a proprietary blend of botanicals and consumed as an aperitif/digestif. The Amaro CioCiaro that we are using has aromas of campfire, cedar, and wood smoke. The campfire theme follows through on the palate with the flavor of barbecue charred meat. Hints of lemon rind, licorice, and coffee are revealed on the finish. The amount of Amaro can be adjusted for different brands and individual tastes.

Amaro Manhattan Recipe

Ingredients: 2 ounces bourbon ● 1/2 to 1 ounce Amaro ● Dash of Angostura bitters (Orange bitters also work well, if available) ● Maraschino cherries ● Orange wedge ●

December 20, 2023

3/4 ounce sweet vermouth 3 dashes Angostura bitters ● Lemon twist garnish (optional) Steps: 1. Rinse the inside of a chilled coupe glass with a small amount of Absinthe and set aside. 2. Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. 3. Strain into the Absinthe-coated coupe glass. 4. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired. ● ●

Special end-of-the-year thanks to Carmen and Nancy Marotta for introducing us to Cindy and Bob Fertsch

Directions: 1. Place a couple of cherries and the orange wedge in a glass and muddle gently. 2. Add ice to the glass, preferably a large cube or ball. 3. Add bourbon, Amaro, bitters, and stir. The Waldorf cocktail is a variation of the Manhattan with the addition of Absinthe. It was created at the Waldorf Hotel (now the Waldorf-Astoria) in the early 20th century. Absinthe was banned from the United States

at Shore Local and to the valuable pros like Chet Malloy at Circle Liquor Store for helping us stock our wine and spirits. Cheers to a happy New Year! Julia Stacey Reilly is a published author and blogger. Her book, Boozy Lifestyle, is available on Amazon and her blog can be found at BoozyLifestyle.com. She is the official Tony Mart sommelier and has earned a WSET Award in Wines. She can be reached at BoozyLifestyle@ gmail.com.

from 1912 to 2007 due to the belief that the high-proof green spirit made with botanicals such as grande wormwood, green anise, and sweet fennel, was hallucinogenic. Not to worry, the product called Absente, marketed as “absinthe refined”, is made with southern wormwood, a safer genetic cousin of grande wormwood.

Waldorf Cocktail Recipe Ingredients: ● Absinthe, to rinse ● 2 ounces rye whiskey

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Casinos offer Christmas dining options most other areas aren’t so lucky to have

By Scott Cronick

’Tis the season to eat out, apparently.

While many of us look forward to heading home for Christmas and spending time around the dinner table with family, there seems to be just as many people who want to eat out, whether it be for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I can’t believe how many people have texted or called me to ask me where they should eat for the holidays. If you live outside of the Atlantic

ORDER

SO MERS PO INT & EG G HARBO R TO WNSHIP

City area and you want to eat out on Christmas Day, in particular, most are used to settling for Chinese food, which has particularly become a tradition for many of our Jewish friends. Luckily we live in – or near - a 24-hour town filled with tourists and locals of all nationalities and religions who may want something more than Chinese food when they are here. So, if you are looking to eat out for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, here are my Top 10 choices where you can dine this holiday season. Dougherty’s Steakhouse at Resorts Casino Hotel The Dougherty family never disappoints, and their steakhouse and raw bar will showcase the legendary restaurant family’s love for seafood on Christmas Eve for their Feast of Seven Fishes spectacular. The $85, five-course menu includes broiled oysters, tuna skewers, lobster bisque, crab croquette, clams casino, seafood pasta and gelato duo. Go to ResortsAC.com. Red Bowl 88 OK, so maybe you want Chinese food for the holiday. I get it … it’s tradition. Well, escape that local Chinese takeout joint and treat yourself to an authentic experience that will stand out. Red Bowl 88, a relatively new Atlantic City offering right on Bally’s casino floor, is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Start off with a bowl of roasted peanuts or panfried turnip cake, then up the ante with abalone chicken, Peking pork ribs or Vietnamese beef noodles. Or stick those familiar favorites like fried wontons, General Tso chicken, beef with broccoli, Peking duck, Kung Pao shrimp and beef chow fun. Go to BallysAC.com. Il Mulino at Hard Rock Often ranked as the No. 1 casino restaurant in the country by USA Today, this New York institution’s satellite location in Atlantic City is every bit as good as the original. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the luxe restaurant is offering a Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve for $120 per person that includes Frittura di Pesce, a medley of fried baccala, calamari, rock shrimp, white fish and baby scallops; langostino prepared in the shell with sautéed spinach; a combination of rigatoni with octopus ragu and black linguini crafted with baby shrimp, scallops and campari tomatoes; calamari, seppie, fresh tomato, and Tuscany bread; red snapper in a lift seafood sauce and shrimp oreganata in a white wine,

lemon, garlic sauce and panettone with zabaglione and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The regular menu will be served on Christmas Day, including their signature porcini mushroom ravioli with champagne truffle cream sauce. Go to HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Resort If you’re looking for a celebrity chef in your stocking, there’s no bigger on the planet than Gordon Ramsay, whose steakhouse is open at Harrah’s on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hell, it’s pricey, but it’s worth it for the holiday! Treat yourself to indulgences like the shellfish tower, smoked Wagyu beef tartare, lobster mac and cheese, pan-roasted Scottish salmon, the mind-blowingly decadent triple-seared Japanese A5 Wagyu, beef Wellington and more. Go to Caesars.com. Amada at Ocean Casino Resort How about some Spanish tapas for Christmas Day? Iron Chef Jose Garces has you covered at Amada, his culinary masterpiece and signature restaurant that started his ascension. Embracing the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine to showcase the authentic taste of Andalucia, the stunning restaurant with ocean views offers incredible charcuterie plates; staple tapas items including bacon-wrapped dates, lamb meatballs and sauteed Galician octopus; salads and flatbreads, including the awesome beef short rib flatbread with horseradish, parmesan and bacon; grilled items ranging from Maine lobster to jumbo prawns to my favorite, the acorn-fed Iberian pork; two different paellas; or even roasted suckling pig if you order in advance. Go to TheOceanAC.com. Vic & Anthony’s at Golden Nugget One of my top steakhouses in Atlantic City is open on Christmas Day as Vic & Anthony’s luxurious ambiance sets a perfect tone for a classy holiday night out. Whether you’re a carnivore, a seafood lover or both, you can’t go wrong with nearly any dish on the menu. Favorites include appetizers such as the maple-glazed quail, steak tartare, fried calamari with broccoli rabe and long hots, and pepper-and-maple roasted bacon; USDA prime cuts including the only place in A.C. you will always find the stellar 14-ounce bone-in filet mignon; and other dishes such as fried lobster mac and cheese, organic lamb chops, a 14-ounce veal chop served parmesan or Milanese style, Szechuan

December 20, 2023

The Cheese Board For Sale

Carmines pepper-crusted tuna and pan-seared scallops. Go to GoldenNugget.com. Carmine’s at Tropicana Carmine’s is all about family … family style that is. So, if you are looking for that great place where you can hang with your family and be fun and gregarious while enjoying amazing, homemade Italian food for the holiday, it’s hard to think of a better place than Carmine’s. The New York institution is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with its regular, enormous menu and equally enormous portions. Start off with appetizers like their baked clams or stuffed mushrooms, move on to their veal parm or shrimp scampi, devour a broiled porterhouse, and don’t forget the pasta like their penne alla vodka and lasagna. And don’t sleep on the Italian cheesecake and tiramisu. Go to CarminesNYC.com. Nobu at Caesars Is Nobu the best restaurant in the city? Possibly. The new location for the acclaimed Japanese chef at Caesars Atlantic City is an amazing place to celebrate Christmas Eve thanks to its tremendous food, gorgeous setting overlooking the boardwalk and ocean and overall hip atmosphere. Nearly every dish is to die for, but don’t leave without experiencing the toro tartare with caviar, yellowtail jalapeno, crispy rice with spicy tuna, lamb rosemary miso, Nobu tacos, sushi and nigiri and the black cod with miso, the absolute greatest piece of fish I have ever eaten … and I am not a fish fan. Go to Caesars.com. Il Verdi at Tropicana Atlantic City Looking for an Italian feast on Christmas Eve? Look no further than Il Verdi, the longtime Tropicana restaurant that moved into bigger, more beautiful, oceanside digs earlier this year. For $84.99 per person, they will serve the traditional Feast of Seven Fishes with a twist. Enjoy a five-course meal that features some of Il Verdi’s best dishes like rigatoni Bolognese, scampi piccata and arancini along with some culinary creations made just for the occasion,

December 20, 2023

including cavatelli di granchio, pasta with jumbo lump crab, plum tomatoes, herb breadcrumbs and crispy pancetta; or capesante Capri, seared scallops with balsamic syrup, parmesan and pea risotto; plus a nice Italian pastry sampler. The beauty of this menu is all of the choices you have in the different courses, so you can pick the feast you specifically want. Go to Caesars.com. Izakaya at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Choose either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for Chef Michael Schulson’s Izakaya, the restaurant that started the Japanese food movement in the city that now includes other great offerings like Kuro at Hard Rock and Ossu at the Trop. If you haven’t heard, Izakaya is closing at the end of the year, so this could be your last chance to eat at one of my Top 3 restaurants in the city before it’s gone. My favorite things to eat one last time include the spicy tuna cracker, edamame dumpling, duck scrapple bun, yellowtail serrano, soup dumpling, the char siu rib and branzino off the robatayaki, entrees like the Chilean sea bass and Nori-crusted filet and, of course, sushi. The bad news? Schulson won’t be at Borgata in 2024. The good news? He will be at another local casino with some different concepts by this summer. Stay tuned. Go to Borgata.MGMResorts. com.

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

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.

Ringing in the New Year at Showboat’s Paradise Island at Island Waterpark: A sensational ‘70s soiree

s the countdown to the New Year begins, Showboat’s Island Waterpark promises an unforgettable night filled with glamor, entertainment, and nostalgia, hosting the most grandiose 70s-themed celebration on the East Coast. This epic event starts at 9 p.m. on December 31 and goes until 2 a.m. January 1. The Venue: Showboat’s Island Waterpark stands as an architectural marvel, boasting a massive glass wall that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the bustling Boardwalk. The allure amplifies with its opulent cabanas, an expansive bar, and a magnificent swimming pool, creating an ambiance that exudes luxury and extravagance.

decadent lobster ravioli, tender lamb chops, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Sides brim with elegance, featuring grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, and a tantalizing variety for vegetarians, including lettuce wraps and tricolored pasta Alfredo. As the clock strikes midnight, a complimentary champagne toast heralds the arrival of the New Year, accompanied by the iconic ball drop. Post-midnight, a lavish breakfast spread

Entertainment: Celebrity John Goslin, a former TV star turned renowned DJ, spinning an irresistible mix of everyone’s beloved 70s and 80s dance tunes. His magnetic beats will keep the dance floor alive, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere throughout the night. Culinary Delights: The culinary journey at this extravagant event is nothing short of a gourmet adventure. An open premium bar from 9 to 11 p.m. awaits guests, followed by a sumptuous upscale dinner buffet. Indulge in a feast fit for royalty with offerings like succulent filet mignon,

featuring classic favorites like eggs, bacon, and aromatic coffee awaits, ensuring guests start the year on a delicious note.

Attire and Tickets: In the spirit of the era, attendees are encouraged to flaunt their grooviest and swankiest ‘70s attire, adding an extra dash of nostalgia and style to the festivities. Tickets for this grand celebration are priced at $159, offering an all-inclusive experience of the night’s offerings. For those seeking an elevated experience, limited VIP tickets are available. The VIP package includes entry for up to 10 people, a private cabana with plush seating, dedicated waitress service, and a bottle of choice, offering a luxurious

haven amidst the festivities. Given the exclusivity of the VIP booths, swift action is advised to secure these coveted spots. Prepare to be transported back in time while ringing in the New Year at Showboat’s Island Waterpark. With the perfect blend of opulence, entertainment, and culinary delights, this 70s-themed extravaganza curated by Dina Production Group promises an unparalleled experience, destined to be etched in the memories of all attendees. Hurry and secure your tickets for this East Coast spectacle before they vanish. Embrace the glamor, relive the nostalgia, and dance into the New Year at the most talked-about celebration of the season. For tickets go to: dpgnye.cliqsuite.com

December 20, 2023

Presenting the Tune In Turn On Shore Local Music Awards

Tune In, Turn On By Doug Deutsch

elcome to the first-ever Tune In Turn On Shore Local Music Awards, our first stab at a “Best Of” awards column for the Jersey Shore in 2023. So without further ado, our winners are: Best Original Bands/Solo Artists: Reckless Randy, Gutterdrunk, Molly Ringworm, Dear Darkhead, The Looms, Red Meat Conspiracy, Michael Pedicin, Jr., Patty Blee, and Adam Holcombe. Reckless Randy is a wildly-talented rock guitarist. Gutterdrunk rock hard and draw well. Molly Ringworm are fronted by local pop-ster/WLFR DJ Sarah Holt. Mysterious Dear Darkhead have a new album due out soon. The Looms play rousing Americana-rock. Red Meat Conspiracy rocked Anchor Rock Club’s float during the 2023 St. Patty’s Parade (Moo!). Saxman Pedicin is the dean of jazz musicians at the Jersey Shore. Blee is back singing her lovely folk rock tunes after a recent hiatus. Holcombe is an in-demand solo/duo act and member of the award-winning band Incognito. Best Top 40/Cover Bands: Billy Walton Band, RED, Dead Reckoning,

Kobi Reese, and Michael LeCompt. No one works harder than the rockin’ Billy Walton Band. (BWB plays the Polar Bear Plunge After-Party 1 p.m. New Year’s Day at Brigantine Elks, open to the public). Bob Kimmel and RED, in existence since 1996, fill The Deck at Golden Nugget Mondays in the summer. Charlie Wigo and Dead Reckoning keep area Dead Heads happy. The 13-year-old up-andcoming rock vocalist Kobi Reese has a great work ethic. There’s only one Michael LeCompt, the hardest-working, most in-demand Philly/South Jersey Top 40 act around, whose live shows are instant classics. Best Non-Casino Live Music Venues: Anchor Rock Club, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Josie Kelly’s, The Point, Rhythm & Spirits, and Lizzie Rose Music Room. Anchor single-handedly supports our local indie music scene. I can’t overstate the great job Greg Mungan has done there. TABH offers an eclectic music schedule and indoor/ outdoor venues. Josie Kelly’s rules Mainland music (Jenny Barnes Band, pictured above, is there Dec. 22). The Point in Somers Point packs them in during the summer. Rhythm & Spirits in AC is a small but important venue with delicious cuisine. Lizzie Rose is a slice of original music heaven in Tuckerton. Best Casino Live Music Venues: Ovation Hall (Ocean), Soundwaves (Hard Rock), Music Box (Borgata), Mountain Bar (Caesars), The Yard (Bally’s), and The Deck (Golden Nugget).

Ovation, Soundwaves and Music Box are acoustically fine, sizable venues. Mountain Bar and The Yard feature top-notch bands with no cover, as does Golden Nugget’s The Deck. Best Independent Local Promoters: Jon Henderson, Carmen Marotta, Jerry Ryan, Stephen Weiss, Betsy Lynn Paisley, Maribeth Capelli, Tina Notaro, Jim Tuohy, and AC Mike Lopez. Henderson’s AC Beer and Music Festival (April 12-13, AC Convention Center) features excellent headliners. Marotta (with wife Nancy and help from local photographer John Loreaux) produces wonderful, free, weekly summertime Mardi Gras Concerts Wednesdays on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, and its sister Somers Point Beach Concerts on Fridays. Ryan produces the Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival (there’s two in 2024 at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall). Weiss and Norstep Productions produce music/420-themed events and, currently, rock shows at Rhythm and Spirits. Paisley, AC’s Queen of

Blues, does memorable shows at her place. Capelli and Notaro are two top promoters in AC’s underground/ arts/music scene. Tuohy is a local patron of the arts. Lopez is a tireless AC advocate heard daily on WONDAM. Best Concerts/Shows in 2023: AC Beer & Music Festival/Bader Field, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Johnny Sansone,/AC Boardwalk, Govt. Mule “Dark Side of the Mule”/Mark Etess Arena, Hard Rock Casino, Tommy Castro/Somers Point Concerts, Kenny Wayne Shepherd/Borgata Casino, Low Cut Connie/Anchor. Best DJs: David Earl, Joey DJ Sparkles Nickels, DJ Freezie, Jonny Fones. Earl’s EMO Nights rock Anchor while area veteran Sparkles does the same at Tomatoes in Margate. Freezie spins at The Yard. Fones is a longtime fixture on WLFR-91.7FM. Best Radio Stations: WLRF 91.7FM, WOND 1400AM. Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail . com and www.facebook.com/ dougdeutschpublicity.

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can’t believe we are about to see 2023 go! Since the new year is almost upon us, I thought we should revisit some ways to help start it off on the right foot, financially speaking. Start planning now so you’re ready to address some of these items come Jan. 1. 1. Create a budget and stick to it. I mentioned a few weeks ago about planning ahead for the holidays next year. This can apply to all of your finances, not just the holidays. Review your budget if you have one or create a budget. Look for ways to cut wasteful spending. Let’s face it, we all could probably use less stuff in our lives. If you need a budget sheet, let me know and I’ll email you one I like. 2. Start your monthly IRA or Roth IRA contributions now. Waiting until the end of the year to fund your IRA not only makes it more likely that you won’t do it, but you’ll have lost the year’s potential returns had it been invested. 3. Build your emergency fund. If there is anything the last few years have taught us, it’s that we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Having an emergency fund in place could have lessened some of the financial hardships that events like COVID-19 placed on many of us. Aim for enough savings to cover three to six months of expenses.

4. Stop checking your portfolio every day. Much like the political burnout we all feel every election year due to the countless trash ads, financial news fatigue can have a similar effect on our mental state. Watching it too often can cause you to make poor investment decisions or chase “hot stocks”, which rarely works well over the long term. 5. Pay off your credit cards. Avoiding bad debt is just as important as having an emergency fund. Credit cards are probably the worst kind of debt. Credit cards keep people from ever reaching success in life. Start with the highest interest rate cards and work down to the lowest. Work a second job if you have to, but commit to getting rid of them. Otherwise, you may never get out of a bad cycle. Financially successful people don’t have a lot of debt. They do not avoid debt because they are successful, but rather they became successful because they avoided debt in the first place. 6. Get a check-up. I think we all took our health for granted a little before the pandemic. Good health means less money spent on prescriptions and illnesses. Over a lifetime, that can help you save a lot of money. Healthy people have the ability to work longer, and they spend less on insurance, medications, and doctor visits. 7. Rebalance your portfolio. Many investors were caught by surprise when the pandemic first hit. When markets fell in 2022, many investors were caught off guard thinking their portfolios were “safer” than they were. Those who did not rebalance regularly found out the hard way that the good years enhanced by not rebalancing can be offset by a really bad year. Review where you are and

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what your risk tolerance is with your advisor to make sure you are properly allocated. History tells us that regularly rebalanced portfolios perform better over time and with less risk. 8. Review your estate documents and your beneficiary designations. I sound like a broken record on this topic sometimes, but I have seen countless horror stories about people who never updated beneficiaries from a former spouse or deceased beneficiary. Always look at these documents every year or two. For many people, this is the big weak spot in their financial life. 9. Enlist the help of professionals. When people make estate plans online or file their own taxes or manage their own investments, they can certainly “save money”. However, the reality is that they often lose far more than they save simply by not being an expert in that particular field. It never hurts to get a second opinion. 10. Travel! We are social beings, and we need to interact with each other. Not doing so can be damaging to our mental health. Taking time for yourself or with your family just to get away and reconnect can have great health benefits, which can lead to better financial

choices as well. I’ve never been more excited to start a new year. As I age, I appreciate everything in my life so much more than I used to. What better time to make a change to your financial situation than in a new year with a fresh start? I wish you a year of good health, happiness, and prosperity. 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.

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Funeral services: today’s changing views and values

By Andrew Hoffman

his week’s article I am writing because of some recent experiences at my funeral home. It may be self-indulgent, but I feel it is a good topic to talk about. I recently had the opportunity to talk to a funeral director in Arizona since a family that had lost a loved one and wanted to send their family member home. As most funeral directors do, since it is a pretty unique profession, we started to talk about business and trends in my part of the country and his. I asked the standard questions: How long have you been in the business? How many burials do you do? How many cremations do you do? It was the last question that really

opened the door to more disturbing insights. He told me that 95 percent of his business was cremation. This is very high. I thought ok maybe it’s because he owns his own crematory and promotes that fact. He then went on to tell me that of that 95 percent of cremations, 90 percent of them were direct cremations. To explain what a direct cremation is if you don’t know is a form of disposition where an individual who has passed away is taken to a crematory and the ashes are returned to the next of kin or responsible party. That means there is no formal viewing for the public, no funeral service with the body present, public or private, no memorial service and no formal graveside service for interment. Basically, there is no honoring of the memory of the deceased at all. I was floored! He said 90 percent of his families were not having a service. The overwhelming majority do not meet to honor their loved one in the long-established institution of a funeral. This scares me on a personal and professional level.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. You believe the reason this bothers me so much is because I am worried about my livelihood. If I am being honest, yes that does concern me. Just like it would concern a factory worker that they are coming out with automated machines that can do the job or a video store owner would be concerned that live streaming will make DVD rentals obsolete. But honestly, that is not the main reason. My concern is what this says about our society. How have we changed in our values, morals and traditions and where are we heading? Are we becoming less in touch with our need to grieve, and if so, is this a good thing? So, let’s ask the question, does the body of a person lose value when they have died? This is a hard ethical question and I think most of us don’t

try to think about it. Some intellectualize it without feeling. I will tell you that I have dealt with families and talked to people that act like once the person dies, their body is treated like an empty soda can. If this offends some of you, I apologize but I am just telling you what I have witnessed as a funeral director. I will ask another question of you: once a body has been cremated to ashes, do they lose value? Stay tuned for my next article as we try to answer some difficult answers and consider the changing perspectives of today’s society. Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.

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Helping to accept differences and bridge the gap literal interpretation of words repetitive questions ● invasion of personal space ● blunt comments ● tactless jokes ● rigid thoughts or behaviors ● repetitive questions Many times the blame is wrongly placed on the parents for supposedly failing to teach manners and spoiling their children in their younger years. Chances you’ve experienced the frustration of communicating with a neurodivergent person unknowingly, as typically there are no outward visible signs to indicate otherwise. Had you known, you most likely would have sought to understand the individual better and attempted to communicate in a manner that was more accommodating. In an ideal world, both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals would be able to coexist in a way that respects and accommodates their differences. In reality, our society expects neurodiverse individuals to alter their behaviors to conform to the norm. In order to try to fit into a socially acceptable mold and hide neurodiverse traits, many resort to “masking.” At its best, masking is a coping ● ●

By Linda Karanzalis

“Neurotypical” describes an individual with normal neurological development. “Neurodivergent” describes people with brain-based conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and learning disabilities that can make it hard for them to understand what neurotypicals are communicating. Since most neurotypicals have little to no understanding, awareness, or experience interacting with those who are neurodivergent, they often chalk up their communication styles and behaviors as rudeness or defects in character. Some of these behaviors include but are not limited to: ● poor eye contact ● interrupting ● inappropriate laughter ● speaking too loudly

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mechanism used to “pass” as neurotypical to navigate social situations better and avoid negative social consequences like rejection and bullying. Masking can involve a range of behaviors, such as consciously imitating the behaviors and mannerisms of neurotypicals, suppressing stimming (repetitive movements or sounds that can be calming or self-soothing for some neurodivergent individuals), hiding one’s sensory sensitivities or difficulties, and suppressing what comes naturally to them if they can to appear as so-called “normal.” However, masking can backfire on neurodiverse individuals who don’t understand the meaning of the words, behaviors, and feelings they are mimicking to fit in. It‘s mentally exhausting and increases feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. While neurodivergent individuals typically struggle in environments that are traditionally designed for neurotypicals, it’s important to recognize that neurodiversity is not a problem that needs to be fixed. Rather, it’s accepting and respecting natural brain variations that are to be celebrated and accommodated. Be respectful and open-minded. Avoid

making assumptions or judgments about the person’s behavior or communication style. The following are some strategies that can be used to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals: 1. Use straightforward language. Avoid metaphors, idioms, and sarcasm. Be mindful that not everyone understands nonverbal communication (body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures). 2. Be patient. Give more time as some need than others to process information. 3. Be aware of sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells. This can be overwhelming for some who need to communicate in a calm and quiet environment. 4. Check-in. Frequently check with the person to ensure they understand what you are saying by asking them for clarification. 5. Ask for feedback. Ask how you can improve communication. More awareness is needed so that we can be understanding and be empathetic toward those facing challenges. We can create a more harmonious and inclusive world that supports and values everyone. Linda Karanzalis, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book on Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other brain-based challenges. www.lindakaranzalis.com.

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How a Physicians Assistant can help you

Views from the Shore By Brian Cahill

mong the many healthcare experts who are working tirelessly to care for patients are Physician Assistants. But who are Physician Assistants and how can they help you? To help clarify, I spoke with Julianne Jackson, PA-C who recently joined Shore Physicians Group and is currently treating patients at the Shore Physicians Group location in Mays Landing. “A Physician Assistant, commonly referred to as a “PA,” is a licensed medical professional that holds an advanced degree and is able to provide direct patient care,” says Jackson. “They are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians and provide various medical services to patients. The PA training is a graduate-level program

that involves rigorous academic coursework and clinical rotations.” Additionally, PAs need to obtain a license and pass a national certification exam as a Board Certified Physician Assistant to practice as a Physician Assistant. It is degree that also allows a practitioner to switch between specialties if needed. Jackson, for example, practiced in Infectious Disease for five years before switching to primary care internal medicine. In an office setting, the collaboration between a PA and the doctor allows for a team-based approach to patient care, as they meet regularly to discuss patient cases, treatment plans, and progress to ensure effective patient care. Jackson says, “In some instances, the PA performs initial patient evaluations by taking medical histories, conducting the physical exam and ordering initial sets of labs or diagnostic testing. The PA will gather all essential information and then present it to their supervising/collaborating physician. After that is completed, the doctor and the PA will collaboratively develop a treatment plan utilizing an evidence-based medical approach. Some Physician

Assistants will suggest treatment options, provide research-based input and offer their expertise to optimize patient care.” She continues, “Depending on the specialty and practice the PA is in, they can perform certain medical procedures often on their own but in some instances with the physician present. Examples of procedures they can perform on their own include suturing wounds, applying casts or splints, placement of chest tubes, and intubation. PAs diagnose illnesses based on clinical presentations, and they can order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays to assist in diagnoses that maybe underlying such as high cholesterol and diabetes. PAs can also prescribe medications that allow for them to develop and manage treatment plans. This goes along with advising patients on preventative care and optimal health practices. Procedures a PA performs with assistance of a physician include assisting in all types of surgeries in many surgical subspecialties.” Jackson says that PAs are welltrained on patient education, and play

a vital role in follow-up care. “PAs will spend time with their patients to help them understand their conditions but also treatment plans and any preventive measures such as diet and exercise necessary to help reduce the patient’s risk of developing or even improving a patient’s medical conditions. They typically ensure that the patient understands their care plans and will provide any additional information or resources the patient may need to be informed.” Juliane Jackson, PA-C, sees patients ages 16 and older at Shore Physicians Group’s Mays Landing office in the Festival at Hamilton, 4450 East Black Horse Pike. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 609-365-6217. Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

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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. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

WORK & LEISURE CLOTHING

2 LOCATIONS: SOMERS POINT & MAYS LANDING

www.S www. S O M E R S P O I N T H U B.com B.com

END OF THE YEAR BLOW OUT SALE! Just in time for Last Minute Holiday Shopping!

Sunday, December 17th through Sunday, December 31st

25% OFF EVERY ITEM IN STORE EXCLUDES BOOTS

10% OFF ALL BOOTS EXCLUDES SALE BOOTS

Cannot be combined with any other offer or prior purchase. Limit one per customer. In store items only.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT! SOMERS POINT • 609-926-0688

Target / Petsmart Plaza • Rt. 9, Somers Point, NJ

MAYS LANDING • 609-625-2266

Mays Landing Diner Shopping Center • Rt. 40, Mays Landing, NJ

Oh Christmas Tree

12-31-23

M V

Word Search

W H

O Q S X

Z W M N

N M

W H

U W

Q A

T W

O N O W A

O A

M U

M S

Q M Q H

X Q M J

W F

N M

12-31-23

W E

Q T

H M H

N M

O O

Q H

A W M Q J

Q U

X Q

JINGLE

CHURCH

SLEIGH

HOLLY

FROSTY

EGGNOG

MISTLETOE

SANTA

NOEL

DECORATE

CANDYCANE

NUTCRACKER

STOCKING

CHIMNEY

FRUITCAKE

BETHLEHEM

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Custom Made Draperies Pleated Shades & Wood Blinds

All Types Of Shades Pleated - Roman - Skylight - Sunroom

Comfertex Ovation

ShangriLa Shades

with Remote Control On Sale Now!

Car, Boat and Truck Interiors & Tops REUPHOLSTERY SERVICE

Custom Upholstery Center

420 S. New Rd. Pleasantville, (609) 641-1010

We Measure & Install

December 20, 2023

OPEN FROM 11AM CLOSED MONDAY

609-645-0500 THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

SUDOKU Solution on page 74

ACROSS 1. Snap up 5. Ship pronoun 8. Table scrap 11. Not happening 12. Call to matey 13. Boredom 15. Decant 16. Pilaf grain 17. Charcuterie stores 18. *"A ____ for the rest of us!"- from "Seinfeld" 20. Gwyneth, to friends 21. Thing to bear? 22. Comedian Tina 23. *Warmest or holiday follower 26. Feeling of disinterest 30. Sculptor Hans/Jean ___ 31. Chief 34. Assistant 35. Used in cricket or 301 37. *Feast of the Seven Fishes seafood 38. Tanks and such 39. Purse for a formal affair 40. All together 42. Make a mistake 43. Green bean or peanut 45. Infamous ____ Knoll 47. Charge carrier 48. *____ Navidad! 50. Hindu princess 52. *This theme wouldn't exist without them 55. Swines, in Old English 56. Dashing style 57. Between a trot and a gallop 59. Corpulent 60. Ding-a-____ 61. Knight's breastplate 62. "I Thee ____" 63. Pea container 64. Not a word?

DOWN 1. Econ. measure 2. *Where Santa's sleigh lands 3. Malaria symptom 4. Russian soup 5. Prison weapon, pl. 6. Bette Midler's "____ Pocus" 7. *"Tiny tots with their ____ all aglow" 8. Billy Joel's "____ the Good Die Young" 9. The Colosseum, e.g. 10. *____ the season! 12. Not aria nor recitative 13. Landscaper's tool 14. *Welcomed with a count down 19. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl. 22. Driving hazard 23. Does like a crane 24. About to explode 25. Celiac disease, colloquially 26. ____ weevil 27. March of ____ 28. Emanations from incense and frankincense 29. *Christmas predecessor 32. Be undecided 33. Cotillion ball's main attraction 36. *Good follower 38. Like smell of burning rubber, e.g. 40. Long time 41. Staring amorously 44. Coolness and composure 46. Popular flowering shrub 48. Shakespeare's "First ____" 49. African antelope 50. RBG's garb 51. Matured like cheese 52. SOS 53. Quotable Berra 54. What DJs do 55. Reporter's question 58. Is in Paris See Solution on Page 74

December 20, 2023

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Don't take Canine distemper virus lightly

By Heidi Clayton

ne of the most lethal and preventable viruses that your dog could contract is the canine distemper virus. The vaccine for this virus is considered one of the core vaccines recommended for dogs. You could save your dog’s life by staying up-todate on that vaccine. Canine distemper is a contagious virus in the “paramyxovirus” family, similar to measles. What makes it so deadly is that the symptoms are similar to common ailments in dogs, which can be missed or misdiagnosed until it's too late. The virus attacks multiple body systems simultaneously, resulting in a widespread infection. There are three ways to contract distemper, which are direct contact with an infected dog, airborne particles that infect surfaces and water dishes, and through placentas. While the shed virus does not last long on surfaces, an infected dog can shed the virus for several months. Distemper is also not exclusive to dogs and occurs in wild animals that do live in our area such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks. This virus can also occur in pet ferrets. The symptoms of distemper

appear in two phases. Phase one has symptoms that mimic common ailments in dogs such as watery or pus-like discharge from the eyes, fever, loss of appetite, clear nasal discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the virus spreads, the pads of the dog's foot will start to swell and harden. Distemper can also cause swelling in the dog's brain. Phase two of distemper symptoms involves the virus infecting both the digestive and respiratory systems. Eventually, distemper progresses to neurological issues such as head tilts, walking in circles, partial or full paralysis, seizures, convulsions, and death. Distemper is diagnosed with a PCR-type test, through blood, or possibly testing the spinal fluid for the presence of the virus. There is currently no cure for distemper. Once they reach phase two, the infected dog will most likely be hospitalized and given supportive care to fight multiple infections. The chances of survival depend on the strength of the dog's immune system prior to the infection. Dogs that survive distemper always have lasting issues that can persist from several weeks to months. Surviving dogs also commonly experience permanent neurological damage. You can prevent this awful virus in your dog easily by keeping to a vaccination schedule. Most puppies get the first dose of the vaccine between ages 6-8 weeks, with booster vaccines being given every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 14-16 weeks old. The last

Solutions to page 73 puzzles. Check yourself!

December 20, 2023

The Premier Window, Roofing & Siding Company In Atlantic & Cape May County

vaccine is the most important so be sure not to miss it. Thanks to the canine distemper vaccine, this deadly disease is not seen as frequently in the dog world as it had been in the years ago. Remember that we have foxes, skunks, raccoons, and ferrets living in our area. Your dog could be exposed to distemper, and, if not vaccinated, contract it. By following your vet's advice on keeping current with the vaccine, you can check this disease off of your list of dog ownership worries. On a happier note, the staff of Four on the Floor Dog Training IchiBan, Sushi, Fuji, Miki, as well as

myself wish everyone a merry and peaceful Christmas. 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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A & C WINDOWS, ROOFING & SIDING

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1/31/24

December 20, 2023

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1630 New Road, Northfield - 6512 Ventnor Ave. Ventnor

609-840-4185