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SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Plunging into 2024 New Year's Celebrations January Happenings

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December 28, 2023

Plunging into a new year gains momentum. It feels as though we blink, and another year has gracefully glided by. Despite my reservations about New Year's resolutions, I find solace in this momentary pause—a chance to recalibrate our vision as we approach 2024.

From the Editor

s we embark on yet another journey around the sun, the dawn of the New Year beckons us to not only look back on our 2023 adventures but also to set our sights on the intentions that will shape our future. Time, with its peculiar habit of slipping through our fingers, often eludes us in the midst of our bustling lives. Engrossed in the day-to-day minutiae, we inadvertently overlook the swiftness with which weeks, months, and years pass. Suddenly, we find ourselves on the cusp of another New Year's Eve. In the innocence of childhood, a At the Jersey Shore, an array of year seemed a substantial expanse, New Year's Eve celebrations awaits, but the adage holds true: "the older each catering to diverse tastes. we get, the faster it goes." Amidst From the sophistication of Atlantic Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly. the hustle and bustle of life, time City's swanky parties to the famiIssue 264

Photo by Donald B Kravitz ly-friendly ambience of First Night in Ocean City, there's an event for everyone. For a comprehensive guide to adult entertainment options, peruse Whitney's Weekly Picks in the Wahoo entertainment section. Families can discover details about Ocean City's First Night on page 22, along with additional suggestions for events and venues suitable for kids of all ages on page 8. Our cherished tradition of plunging into the icy ocean to welcome the

New Year stands unwavering. Thousands, adorned in bikinis and whimsical costumes, will dash toward the ocean on the first day of the year. Check out the Events section on page 17 for information and schedules of all area plunges. First-time plungers can find valuable preparation tips on page 51. Whether you take the plunge, hold the towel or immortalize the moments through photographs, the joy lies in the shared excitement, uniting friends, family and community. As we stand on the threshold of 2024, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyous, healthy, and safe New Year to each and every one of you. May the coming year unfold with moments of laughter, growth, and the warmth of shared experiences.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Established 2016

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore Office - (609) 788-4812

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

Cover photo of the Margate Polar Bear Plunge by Steffen Klenk.

Mo re N e w s , Podcasts at wwFwe.Satures, Video an d horeLocalNews.com Look for our next issue January 11.

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December 28, 2023

Serving those who serve us

By Julia Train

iving by the shore, Atlantic and Cape May counties are directly influenced by the Coast Guard. The community often forgets that. In 2017, the Coast Guard’s 154-foot cutter, the Lawrence Lawson, was commissioned after the U.S. Coast Guard decided to replace the 85-foot boats with larger ones. For those unaware of what a “cutter” is, it’s the term used for ships that the Coast Guard uses. According to Professional Mariner, the vessel is named after Lawrence O. Lawson, who led the rescue of 18 crewmembers from the vessel Calumet in November 1889 in icy conditions after two prior failed attempts. The rescue led him to receive the Gold Lifesaving Medal on Oct. 17, 1890 for his leadership.

The Lawrence Lawson is the 20th Sentinel-class cutter to be delivered to the United States Coast Guard. It was built at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana. In 2018, community members wanted to give back to the crew. A resolution was passed in a city council meeting for Lawson’s Pride to become a registered nonprofit. It now has a 10-member committee that meets once a month. “A lot of [the members] have small children, and they’re away from their support systems,” said Janice Johnston, the organization’s chair, at a July fundraiser. “So we just try and kind

of supplement a little bit wherever we can.” Janice Johnston and Greg Sykora, the vice chair, founded Lawson’s Pride of Somers Point, a 501(c)(3) that aims to help the crew on the ship in whatever way they can. Lawson’s Pride provides in a variety of ways for the Coast Guard and their families. They hold food drives to deliver food to families. Around Christmas, they arrange dinners for the families. The nonprofit also holds baby showers for Coast Guard members and their families when needed. The organization also helps with household repair costs for crewmembers’ families as well. The vessel contains around 28 members, is stationed in Cape May and travels along the east coast providing aid to search-and-rescue missions. The crew’s families sometimes don’t live where they’re stationed. They may also need an extra hand with meals or clothes. On Nov. 30, the nonprofit catered brunch at the base with live music. Lawson’s Pride members got to know the crew, gave them gifts and received a tour of the ship. On Dec. 20, the charity made

meals for the members and their families. Each crew member wound up having two shopping bags of food. In July, they hosted a fundraiser at the Somers Point American Legion that included a meal and live music from the SSP’s. Attendees were able to purchase raffle tickets. In addition to all these singular events, they sell Lawson’s Pride merch at city events, like beach concerts and car shows, to raise money to donate to the crew. “It just feels so good when you see these young men be so happy and appreciative,” said Sykora. “It’s a great relationship. During a time where there’s not a lot of happy stuff going on, it’s really a good thing.” 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 28, 2023

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t was New Year’s Eve 1999, and I found myself conflicted. On one hand, I was excited to attend the annual family New Year’s Eve celebration in my grandparents’ '50s-themed basement. On the other, it was possible that the world was ending at the strike of midnight. Computers would explode, traffic systems would shut down, and what little we knew about technology would cease to exist as the buzz about the Y2K bug heightened and fear spread. I had just turned twelve, and without a cell phone in sight, my comprehension of the world at large was limited by what I heard through the local grapevine. The news wasn’t something often aired in my living room, and access to information wasn’t what it is today. The only thing my pre-pubescent brain could make sense of was that life as I knew it could end at midnight, and I was determined to party like it just in case. The snacks and soda were abundant throughout the night as I swayed my hips to The Twist, shot pool with my uncles, and served as the Jukebox DJ. If the grownups were worried, I couldn’t tell by the smiles on their faces. Still, as the clock inched closer to midnight, I remember my excitement being diluted with trepidation as I wondered what was really going to happen when the calendar flipped into the year 2000.

Spoiler alert: the world didn’t end. Twenty-four years have passed since that New Year’s Eve, and so much has changed. The infamous '50s basement that housed the yearly celebration and many of my birthday parties was sold a few years back. Technology is more advanced than ever, and I now have a teenage daughter of my own. These days, my idea of a great New Year’s celebration is being asleep before midnight and well-rested for the first day of the new year. In the years between 1999 and now, I’ve celebrated the New Year in every way possible, from hosting my own parties to dancing my heart out in Atlantic City. No matter the year or the celebration, the feeling of the New Year remains one of renewal. It’s a moment in time when the masses stop to celebrate life, reflect on the year behind us, and look forward to the hope for tomorrow. While we may not be worried about the functionality of our floppy disks in the morning, the turning of the calendar inspires a collective awareness that we’ve been blessed to see yet another year. Whether you’re anticipating an early bedtime like me or want to wear the kids out before you drop them off at grandmom’s for the night, check out these daytime NYE activities:

Dave and Buster’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dave and Buster’s opened its doors in Atlantic City this month. To kick 2024 off with a bang, they are hosting two big New Year’s Eve Celebrations, including a daytime event for the whole family, complete with unlimited video game play, bottomless fountain drinks, and delicious appetizers. The party takes place at 4 p.m. and includes a ginger ale toast to ring in the new year early. Tickets

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December 28, 2023

can be purchased at tinyurl.com/ DaveandBustersNYE. Looking for something fun to do with the adults? Check out their evening event, which begins at 9 p.m.

Ocean City’s First Night

There is so much to do during Ocean City’s 31st Annual First Night. The family-friendly celebration boasts over 70 activities at 20 local venues, from live entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier to photo booth opportunities, community activities at the Ocean City Library, game shows at Ocean City High School, and so much more. The annual ribbon cutting takes place at 3:45 at the Ocean City Music Pier, and the evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight on Fifth Street. For tickets and information, visit firstnightocnj. com.

Young’s Skating Center

For a little 1999 nostalgia, ring in the new year in style at Young’s. The 13th Annual Young’s Skating Center will host the Rollin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration from 1-3:30 p.m. Limited light-up skates are available, and the countdown takes place at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at youngsskatingcenter.com.

Noon Year’s Eve at Renault

Renault Winery’s Vinter Wonderland continues with a magical afternoon of ice skating and sparkling cider. This free event invites you to ice skate under the open sky, cuddle up in an igloo or next to a fire pit, and raise your glasses during an unforgettable celebration with the whole family. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a celebratory toast at noon. Festive food trucks can be enjoyed all afternoon. Learn more and reserve your spot at renaultwinery. com/events.

Family Night In

You can never go wrong with a DIY family night in. Sparkling cider, some simple decorations, and a few noisemakers are all you need to create a memory the kids won’t forget. This is a great opportunity to set intentions together as a family for the year. Goal setting and vision boards aren’t just for grown-ups. Spend some time asking your kids what they’d love to see happen in 2024, and work together to create family goals. Whether you celebrate at noon, midnight, or at a random time throughout the evening, a family New Year’s Eve celebration is what you make it. Start new traditions, make all your favorite foods, or pull out the karaoke machine for a night the kids may write about twenty-four years from now. Check out the book, “One Word” by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page for a short and encouraging read I love incorporating into nights like this and every new year. This year, I will be curled up with my kids and a couple of friends, bringing in 2024 quietly and surrounded by love. However you choose to celebrate, stay safe, and enjoy your loved ones! It might not be Y2K but always remember that tomorrow isn’t promised, so party like it’s 1999 today. Happy New Year, Shore Local! See you in 2024!

The Steadman Group Wishes You

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Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe's Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@ gmail.com

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December 28, 2023

Wyatt Toy Drive brings joy to local families

By Gabriella Bancheri

his year the Wyatt Toy Drive, organized to commemorate the loss of Wyatt Hopkins, held an event to raise the hundreds of toys they collect annually for children in need. Six years ago, after the loss of an infectiously loving boy, collections of toy donations began from the heart and grew from there. The family started by collecting and bringing toys to children’s hospitals because they wanted to spread positivity within the community after their loss. Rob and Desiree credit their son Wyatt

completely for the work they do, saying that they began these donations to share the love their son had in his heart and to keep his memory alive. After being in the hospital for a week, the thing that brought Wyatt the most joy and comfort was the toy room. Wyatt’s parents said their son never asked for anything, but he started to develop a

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strong interest in the toys. They began to collect them for other children in his honor. It started with people painting bins and leaving them in their businesses from South Jersey to Philadelphia. In the first year, they collected over a thousand toys. Every year after that, the total ranged from one thousand to four thousand. The numbers became too overwhelming for one family to keep up with. So this year, the Hopkins family held one event at Caroline’s by the Bay to which everyone could bring a toy. There were auctions in addition to the toy collection. While the event only lasted three hours, they still collected hundreds of toys. With help and trailer donations from Offshore Trailers in Marmora, the Hopkins family delivers the toys themselves.

Every year, collections begin during Wyatt’s birthday in the first week of November and carry on throughout the last two months of the year. When collections are complete, the family donates the toys to places across South Jersey and beyond. These recipients include several children’s hospitals like St Jude’s and Shore Medical Center, local families through the police department and school district, and CASA, a South Jersey foster program. Gabriella is a Ventnor City resident and graduate of the University of London with an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing. Her writing is featured in a variety of digital publications ranging from food and beverage to literature to ecotourism.

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Million Dollar Milestone for 2024 Polar Bear Plunge

By Gabriella Bancheri

he Brigantine Polar Plunge is back and ready to ring in the new year. Except this year, they have a million-dollar milestone to meet. On Jan. 1 on 16th and 17th Street Beaches in Brigantine, hundreds of NJ locals will gather on the beach for the 2024 Brigantine Polar Bear Million Dollar Milestone Plunge at 11 a.m. for the noon plunge.

What started in 2000 at the Brigantine seawall with just five people, including Tricia Cosgrove, the director of the organization, has grown exponentially over the last decades. When the event began to take off,

December 28, 2023

Tricia used to sell the event T-shirts out of her home. Although the shirts begin their circulation during Thanksgiving week, Tricia starts planning as early as August to make sure everything is up and running for the plunge into the new year. Today, the astounding partnership between the Brigantine Polar Bears raises thousands of dollars every year for the Fisher House Foundation to help veterans and their families. The Polar Bears initially chose Fisher House Foundation as their partner because 93-94% of their profits go towards programs and resources for veterans. In the first year, the Polar Bears raised $400. Eventually, they reached up to $7080K. This year, their goal is to hit one million dollars to better the lives of veterans and their families. This year’s event will begin with its annual military ceremony at 11 a.m. Next, there will be some additional fundraising and, shall we say, fun-raising. New additions include a costume contest and a 50/50. To join in on the frosty fun, follow the Brigantine Polar Bears on Facebook.

1776’s Christmas miracle: South Jersey’s role in the Revolutionary War

By Seth Grossman

n Christmas Day, several thousand visitors usually stand in the cold for hours at the Delaware River, just north of Trenton. There, they watch dozens of re-enactors, dressed as soldiers of colonial militias and the Continental Army, board large wooden boats and row from Bucks County, Pennsylvania to the Jersey side. This is done to remember what George Washington and his 2500 American volunteers did on that remarkable Christmas night of 1776. It is important to remember the original event, depicted in the iconic 1851 painting of German artist Emanuel Leutze. It began the ten fateful days that created America and changed the world. On July 4, 1776, Americans declared independence from the

British Empire. We also inspired the world by declaring these truths to be “self-evident”: We are all created equal. We are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to secure those rights, exercising their just powers with the

consent of the governed. Five months later, that Declaration and American independence seemed dead. One week after independence was declared in Philadelphia, the British navy arrived in New York. It brought 30,000 well-paid, trained, and disciplined British and German soldiers who quickly landed in Staten

Island, New York. During the next three months, the British overwhelmed George Washington’s 10,000 poorly trained volunteers defending Long Island and Manhattan. They killed or captured half of them. The Germans used bayonets to execute hundreds of Americans who surrendered. In November 1776, George Washington and his 5,000 remaining soldiers crossed the Hudson River. They expected to make a stand in Hackensack with support from New Jersey militias. However, Washington’s army quickly fled west and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania when that support never came. That December, a disgusted George Washington wrote to his brother: “The conduct of the Jerseys has been most infamous. Instead of turning out to defend their country. . . they are making their submissions as fast as they can. . . The few militias that were in arms disbanded themselves. . . and left the poor remains of our army to make the best we could of it”. Patriot journalist Thomas Paine reacted with anger that the British occupied New York and New Jersey and left New England alone because “New England was not infested with Tories (British sympathizers), and we are!” Thomas Paine was particularly angry at one “prosperous business owner” in Amboy, New Jersey. According to Paine, that Tory agreed that Americans would sooner or later have to fight to separate from the British Empire. However, as he stood next to his 8-year-old child, the Tory said he would not help George Washington’s soldiers because he wanted “peace in my day”. This infuriated Thomas Paine. “A generous parent should have said, ‘If there must be trouble, let it be in my day so that my child may have peace’”. Paine went on to say “This single reflection, well-applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to his duty”. Thomas Paine’s experience in New Jersey inspired him to write and publish a pamphlet called “The Crisis” on Dec. 23, 1776. It began with the now-famous words:

↘Continued on 16 14

December 28, 2023

↘Continued from 14 “These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Thomas Paine urged Americans to forget the blunders and losses of the summer, and dedicate themselves to winning the war in the future. While Thomas Paine was writing, George Washington’s battered soldiers got help from a most unlikely source – pacifist Quaker farmers from South Jersey! Quakers came to America to escape the wars of Europe. They included William Penn, who established Philadelphia. They also included the Smith, Somers, Risley, Scull, Conover, and Leeds families who settled near what is now Atlantic City.

However, once in America, these Quakers slowly changed their thinking. They became “fighting Quakers”, who believed God permitted “defensive war” to protect their lives and property. When German “Hessian” soldiers were hired by the British-occupied Central Jersey, they began stealing food, destroying property, and abusing women in the Quaker towns and farms they occupied. Companies of Quaker militia throughout southern and central Jersey began fighting back. One of them was the Gloucester County Militia led by Colonel Richard Somers

of Somers Point — the father of the future Navy hero of his same name. At that time, what is now Camden

and Atlantic Counties were part of Gloucester. The words of Thomas Paine and the actions of these “fighting Quakers” persuaded Washington to return to New Jersey and attack 1,200 German troops in Trenton. Washington’s 2,500 volunteers crossed the Delaware River and marched south to Trenton in strong winds, wet snow and freezing rain. Henry Knox and Alexander Hamilton quickly mowed down the Germans with cannons. Henry Knox was a bookseller from Boston. He learned to operate cannons by reading books. He surprised the Germans with cannon fire in a freezing rainstorm. Knox kept his powder dry with the same wax seals and packaging that kept books dry when he shipped them to customers. After learning of Washington’s attack, General Charles Cornwallis quickly marched his main British Army from New Brunswick to attack Washington’s army in the Second Battle of Trenton on Jan. 2. Washington’s outnumbered soldiers stood their ground. They then surprised the British from behind at Princeton the following day. News of these three victories and the inspiring words of Thomas Paine quickly spread throughout the American colonies. Thousands of young Americans volunteered to join Washington’s army. There would be five more years of hardship and struggle. However, American independence, liberty and prosperity were all saved during those ten fateful days in New Jersey that began on Christmas, 1776. Seth Grossman, a retired lawyer in Somers Point, founded LibertyAndProsperity.com in 2003 and serves as its executive director. Grossman can be reached at sethgrossman49@ gmail.com or 609-432-3026.

December 28, 2023

Events and Happenings

Multi-Day Events

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. Over 120 trees constructed from over 50,000 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.

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

▶7 – 10 p.m.

Somers Point VFW 500 Bethel Rd. 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, 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 wine tasting. 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" and "Cats", with special guests Molly Marie Pugliese, Miss Gloucester County 2024, Danielle Cordivari, Ella Osbeck, and Olivia D’Alessandro. Purchase online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

Saturday, December 30 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

Rollin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration

▶1 – 3:30 p.m.

Young’s Skating Center 763 Park Rd. Mays Landing Celebrate this New Year’s Eve Day with Young’s Skating Center. The entrance fee is $10.75 and includes skating and skate rental. Plus, take part in a special New Year’s Eve Countdown at 3 p.m. Party favors included. Learn more at youngsskatingcenter.com. 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 firework 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. Emo Night NYE

Ring in the New Year with a nostalgic twist as DJ David Earl takes you on a trip down Emo Lane. The event is free to attend. Time Warp New Year’s Eve Bash

▶9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The VUE at the Claridge Hotel 123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City The VUE is hosting the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration. Get ready to warp through time and usher in the new year in style. Admission includes an open bar and refreshing crudites, full a la carte menu, DJ spinning songs from the decades, and a perfect spot to view the fireworks at midnight. Book your tickets at www.claridge. com.

Monday, January 1 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/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 Association and start the new year, with friends, family, and neighbors, for a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.

↘Continued on 18

▶9 p.m.

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

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• FACE SHAVE • HEAD SHAVE

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3105 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609.363.3420 • atlanticcity@hngrooming.com www.hammerandnailsgrooming.com

December 28, 2023

↘Continued from 17 First Day 5K Boardwalk Run

▶1 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier Pre-register at http://ocnj.us/raceevents 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.

Tuesday, January 2

Thursday, January 4

Positivity Project: Morning Refresh

▶10:30 a.m.

Learn ways to boost wellness – mind, body, and soul. Topics include self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation, and resiliency. RSVP by Jan. 2 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Saturday, January 6 Digital Camera Workshop

▶10 – 11:30 a.m.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. #1 447 Bethel Rd. Come out to Somers Point Fire Co. #1 every Tuesday for social dancing, line dances, dance mixers, and more. Light snacks included in admission. $10 live musical duo each week. Call Rita Voli at (609) 408-3619 for information. See you on the dance floor. Note: Tuesday, Jan. 2 is the final dance of the season. The Dance Society will return on Tuesday, March 5.

Wednesday, January 3 Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.

Over 50Years of Goodness

All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint. com and click on Events.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd. Hosted by Dan Myers, with the Somers Point Arts Commission. Participants must bring a manual digital camera; sorry, no cell phones. Workshops will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 & 13. To register, email danmyersphoto@gmail. com with your name, phone number, and the make/model of your camera. New Year, New Reads Book Fair

▶10 – 11:30 a.m.

Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township Do you enjoy reading? If you do, stop by Inland FSC to sort through a wonderful array of books you can add to your New Year’s reading collection. Learn more at www.inlanf-fsc.org.

B.F.Mazzeo

Voted “Best Produce Store” by The Press of Atlantic City

Largest Selection of Organic Produce • Carrots • Canned Tomatoes • Red & Green Peppers • Cucumbers • Lettuce • Squash • Beets • Kale • Leeks • Beets • Celery • Apples • Bananas • Cranberries • Grapes • Strawberries • Pears

Highest Quality Products Prepared Foods, Fresh Baked Goods, Pasta, Cheeses and Groceries

Yoga & Meditation with Tarak

▶5 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township South Jersey’s community yogi, Tarak, will teach us about basic yoga and meditation techniques to tap into your zen. Learn more and register at www.inlanf-fsc.org.

Tuesday, January 9 The Village Film Society

▶10:30 a.m.

A discussion about the movie, "Maestro", which chronicles complicated lifelong relationship of legendary conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein. RSVP by Jan. 7 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

Wednesday, January 10 Lunch Around Town

▶12 p.m.

Bocca Coal Fired Bistro 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP by Jan. 5 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

Friday, January 12 Memoir Workshop

▶10:30 a.m.

Explore the thrill of capturing your life’s adventures, history, and ancestry with award-winning author and Drexel University Director of Certificate Program in Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. You need a laptop or pen/ paper for the workshop. RSVP by Jan. 8 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

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.

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

▶Wed. Jan. 3, 1:30 p.m.

Gift Baskets on For Every Occasi

B.F. Mazzeo 601 New Rd. Northﬁeld | 609-641-6608 | www.bfmazzeo.com Open: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm | Sun 9am-4pm

Monday, January 8

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information. NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Mon. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults and families with a

mental health condition. For more information and to register, please visit www. namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. Cancer: Thriving and Surviving

▶Tue. Jan. 16 – Feb. 20, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Shore Cancer Center Shore Rd. & Medical Center Way, Somers Point Shore Medical Center and the Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health will host a free 6-week workshop for individuals affected by cancer. This interactive program is designed to empower participants with the tools and strategies to manage their health and lead fulfilling lives. Interested individuals should register by calling (609) 653-3923. NAMI Basics Program

▶Thu. Feb. 8 – Mar. 14, 6:30 p.m.

A new educational program for parents of children and adolescents, ages up to 21, with symptoms of mental illness. This program covers treatment options, managing crisis situations, problem-solving, communicating effectively, and taking care of yourself and handling stress in a positive way. This a free program will be held via Zoom. Registration is open now. For more information, email nami1557@ gmail.com, or visit www.namiacm.org.

Faith-based events Sunday, January 7

▶Rabbi Leonard Sarko, Creator of the first Braille Sefer Torah

2 – 3:30 p.m. Temple Beth Shalom in Brigantine is honored to present Rabbi Leonard Sarko, the creator of the first Braille Sefer Torah. Rabbi Sarko will talk about his need for a Braille Sefer Torah and how, after being unable to locate one currently in existence, he decided to create one. Rabbi Sarko will discuss his amazing journey. Register for this engaging online Zoom presentation at https://bit.ly/3FrjJms.

Sunday, January 14

Rabbi Lance Sussman: There’s a Place for Us: Jews, Catholics, and the American Experience

▶2 – 3:30 p.m.

Temple Beth Shalom 4419 W. Brigantine Ave. Brigantine Both Judaism and Catholicism in America have a long, complex, and intertwined history. In the British colonies, prior to the Revolution both groups were relatively small, minority traditions. Subsequently, both played a major role in defining and broadening the American concept of freedom. Register for this in-person and online presentation at https://bit. ly/3REOz20. Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

December 28, 2023

Are we doing all we can to support small business? but also from the vast internet. They plan their work and work their plan, but it is a never-ending process. The world of small business changes every day. The owners have the responsibility of running the business, purchasing, and marketing. It is not only a

Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle

sit here on Christmas Day reflecting on the year in review. I have written more than 40 articles on new local businesses in Business Buzz this year. There have been new businesses from virtually every town in the Shore Local coverage area, from Upper Township and Ocean City in Cape May County, to Brigantine, Galloway and beyond in Atlantic County. Ocean City It has been a pleasure witnessing 9 to 5 job; it is on their minds 24/7. people’s dreams come true with their plans to offer products and services I can tell you as a Realtor for almost 40 years, the real estate that will help our lives and give us pleasure. profession has changed more in the It is through these plans and last eight years than in the last 30. dreams that the reality of running With the advent of artificial intellia business successfully, becomes a gence (AI), not only in real estate, challenge. but virtually every business, we can Entrepreneurs face competition expect enormous opportunities and from not only the local community, challenges.

Mays Landing We can embrace it along with new techniques of marketing and operating our business or go the way of a vast amount of retail and other big and small businesses such as iconic names like Sears, Kmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and countless others. They did not adapt to market changes, so they died. My message to all new businesses is to be willing to constantly analyze your business, both internally and externally. What are you doing right and what can you change to grow your business? Look around you. Join various local chambers of commerce or business associations for an opportunity

to meet people. Never be married to an idea. Be honest and be willing to move on from an idea that is not working for you. What can we do as consumers to help our local businesses? Get off the internet as much as you can. Get out and support local businesses. If you want to shop price do it, but come back to the local people and give them a last look. This is the time of the year that each one of us can reflect on whether we are doing all we can to support local businesses, or if we need to rethink our habits. It is up to each one of us to support our local communities. Truly what goes around, comes around. Try it. It works. Remember to support local business. 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

The Godfrey Funeral Homes T

Ocean City

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

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

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

Palermo

Egg Harbor Twp.

644 South Shore Road Palermo NJ 08223 (609) 390-9699

4008 English Creek Avenue Egg Harbor Twp. NJ 08234 (609) 241-6460

E bli h d 1971 Established John K. Baltz, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3715

E bli h d 2017 Established Herbert L. Godfrey II, Manager NJ Lic. No. 4362

Serving the Communities of Cape May & Atlantic Counties Godfreyfuneralhome.com

William C. Orr, Director, NJ Lic. No. 4896 20

Michelle R. Orr, Director, NJ Lic. No. 4804 December 28, 2023

Local business delivers the gift of a warm home to families in need

By Steffen Klenk

ith the chill of winter settling across South Jersey, one local business is gifting warmth. Just in time for the holidays, Bob McAllister, and the team at Comfort Now delivered a home heater to two families in need. One of the recipients, Debbie Slattery of Mays Landing, received the news last week. Originally a resident of Lindenwold, she and her husband downsized due to financial difficulties and moved to the region three years ago. He passed away suddenly in 2021, resulting in heartbreak and more financial difficulties. The company also awarded a new heating system to the home of Egg Harbor Township resident

Alyeeah Lopez-Bowden, a young mom and legal guardian to four minor siblings. Each year more than half a dozen families are nominated through Comfort Now’s Holiday Heater Giveaway. The company’s tradition of gifting a heating system to a family in need began several years ago and has helped over a dozen families through-

out Atlantic and Cape May Counties, with nominations submitted by area residents. “When we opened the business, we wanted to give back,” McAllister says. “We gave away our first heater after being open only a month.” You can watch the family’s reaction by visiting shorelocalnews.com or our social media pages.

Chill Out at the Library The Place to be This Winter

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.

LIBRARY HOURS IN-PERSON Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm

From best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library

December 28, 2023

has something for everyone,

www.oceancitylibrary.org

all season long.

1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434

What’s Happening in Ocean City Guide to 2024 First Night and First Day in Ocean City

WHAT: Ocean City marks the 31st anniversary of its popular family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration this year, and as many as 10,000 are expected to attend. First Night offers more than 70 activities and entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town. The lineup includes something to satisfy every taste and age group. 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 and the wildly popular First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean. WHEN: First Night events run 4 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. The First Day 5K starts at 1 p.m. and the First Plunge goes off at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

ADMISSION BUTTONS: Buttons ($22 inclusive of service fees) are good for all events. Children under age 2 are free. Buttons are on sale now. ● Online: Visit firstnightocnj.com. ● By phone: Call 609-399-6111. ● At our City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Avenue (9th Street entrance): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve). ● At the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (9th Street causeway): 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 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. Thursday through Sunday. Pickup at will-call will be available daily at the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street entrance) at the hours listed above. Button sales and will-call pickup will be at the City Hall Welcome Center 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the day of the event (Dec. 31). HIGHLIGHTS: 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. FULL SCHEDULE: The full schedule of events and activities and a printable grid is available at firstnightocnj.com. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: All municipal parking lots and metered parking spots are free. Jitneys will provide free transportation from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. for button-holders, operating continuously between all venues starting at the Ocean City Transportation Center (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and Seventh Street Parking Lot (Seventh Street and Central Ave.). For a route map and complete information, visit the guide page at firstnightocnj.com. The parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk will be closed to allow for the setup and launch of fireworks. FIREWORKS: A fireworks display (weather permitting) will be launched from the beach at Fifth Street at midnight on Dec. 31. The display will best be viewed from the beach or boardwalk in the blocks surrounding Fifth Street. There will be no rain date for the display. DINING AND SHOPPING: Food and drink will be for sale at Ocean City High School (sandwiches and pizza by Sack O’ Subs), Wonderland Pier (6th Street Pizza and Grill), Ocean City Community Center (at the cafe), Ocean City Civic Center (hot food and concessions), and St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (snack stand).

↘Continued on 24 22

December 28, 2023

↘Continued from 22 KICKOFF: Everybody is invited to the Ocean City Music Pier at 3:45 p.m. for the official ribbon-cutting to open the 30th anniversary of the festivities. OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES: Stop by the Music Pier to see the First Night ice sculpture. Interactive photo booths will be set up in the Ocean City High School cafeteria, the Community Center and the Civic Center. HISTORY: First Night in Ocean City was 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 in 1992 included 25 entertainment acts in five different locations with admission buttons selling for $8 ($5 before Dec. 26). About 800 buttons were sold. While other First Night events have faded,

She'z The Boss

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NEW YEAR'S WEEKEND SALE!

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. Through the years, the event has been sustained by the selfless dedication of volunteers, board members and sponsors. SPONSORS: 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.

First Day at the Beach

BOARDWALK RUN: A 5-kilometer run starts at 1 p.m. in front of the Ocean City Music Pier. Race-day registration begins 11 a.m. at the Mu-

20% to 50% OFF ENTIRE STORE

sic Pier at Moorlyn Terrace. A First Day lunch cooler will be given all who pre-register and while supplies last. Race-day entry fee is $35 ($30 if you register by Dec. 30). For full information, links to online registration and printable forms, visit www.ocnj.us/ race-events. FIRST PLUNGE: The ocean plunge starts at 2 p.m. on the beach adjacent to the Music Pier (on the Eighth Street side). Participants should register inside the Music Pier before heading to the beach. Registration is free, but all participants must sign a waiver. First Day At The Beach shirts will be on sale at the Music Pier. SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA: There will be an all-day shopping extravaganza with discounts at stores on Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk from 5th to 14th Streets.

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December 28, 2023

Summer of ’65, Episode 28

Sonny Barger Has the Floor – The 99 Percenters Unite By Bill Kelly

hen Conway Twitty took a two-week hiatus from his gig at Tony Mart’s when the Hawks came in, he flew to California to do a couple of college concerts he had previously booked, and while there he arranged to have a sit-down with Sonny Barger, the leader of the Oakland Hell’s Angels. After playing baseball with the Tony Mart All-Stars against the Bader Raiders police team in the Hangover league last spring, he learned that there was a problem with Barger and that he threatened to return to Ocean City on a Labor Day run with his entire club and ransack the town. Sitting in a shot-and-beer dive bar in Oakland, while a couple of Hell’s Angels drank at the bar, Sonny Barger and Conway Twitty sat across from each other in a booth drinking beer and smoking. “What’s this all about?” Barger wanted to know. “Here’s a receipt for your Ocean City speeding ticket from last April,” Twitty said. “I paid it off so there’s no

warrant out for your arrest.” “You didn’t have to do that, we’re going back there on Labor Day to straighten things out.” Barger replied. “Well that’s what I want to talk to you about,” Conway explained. “I told them you were friends of mine, and I’m giong to go back to country music in the fall, and I’ll play a show for you if you if you let it slide. You see, they’re friends of mine, too, and I don’t want to see any trouble.” Then Barger gave a speech: “A motorcycle run is a get-together, a moving party. It’s a real show of power and solidarity when you’re a Hell’s Angel. It’s being free and getting away from all the nonsense. Angels don’t go on runs looking for trouble; we go to ride our bikes and to have a good time together. We are a club. Most Hell’s Angels are great riders. A group of Hell’s Angels cruising down the road, riding next to each other and traveling at a speed of over 80 miles an hour is a real sight. It’s something else; a whole other thing when you’re in the pack riding. It’s fast and dangerous and by God you’d better be paying attention. Whatever happens to the guy in front of you is

Conway Twitty going to happen to you... “When Hell’s Angels chapters started getting chartered outside the state of California in the ’60, that’s when we first started our cross-country rides. We’d meet up with the new clubs along the way, and they’d join the run. Man, we used to ride from Oakland to New Jersey on those early rigid-frame bikes, and they bounced around so much that if you drove 60 miles an hour you were making great time. The other big problem then was we’d have to find gas stations every 40 miles or so, since those old-style bikes with small tanks couldn’t make it past 60 miles. “The Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club has four or five mandatory runs per year and probably 15 or 20 parties and smaller runs. Each member is responsible for his own machine. He has to make sure his bike is in good enough condition to make it there and back on a long run. I’m kind of hyper on preparation, so I’ll go around checking bikes a little before we leave. Sort of like an inspection during my Army days. “There’s no serendipity when it comes to the way we ride. You can’t believe the rush you feel in your gut when everybody is kick-starting their bikes and we’re ready to go. We have a strict formation in the front of the pack. I always ride front left, and the rest of the officers ride in the front of the pack. Usually the vice president rides front right, because he’s the most ‘legal’ person of our group. He carries the bail money. From that point back, it’s a free-for-all drag race, jockeying for position. There’s an art to leading a motorcycle pack because you have to be able to anticipate things like lane changes in traffic, dumb drivers, gas stops, and

stopovers on the open road. The Oakland club has a long pack that maybe goes on for half a mile. “When the West Coast members go east, we meet a couple hundred more along the way, which gives us a total of about 400 ready-to-go Hell’s Angels. Man, this is an army now, and together we are going to ride

USMC Helicopters as one gigantic Hell’s Angels pack. We’re gonna be together on the road, brothers, ‘till the wind stops blowing, the grass stops growin’ and the river stops flowin’. “I was riding at the front of the entire pack and felt as if no power could stop us. It was like I became Crazy Horse leading the charge with hundreds and hundreds of motorcycles, all going 80 miles an hour. People in the towns heard the roar of our bikes way before they even see us. The local police just look the other

↘Continued on 28 December 28, 2023

↘Continued from 26 way…mothers grab their babies from their yards and run into their houses. Cars swerve over to the side of the road. But others, like the farmers, take their caps off and put them into their hearts and chests, and the local fire departments salute us. “I was 9 years old when the original 1947 Hollister motorcycle fracas went down. What started out as a sanctioned American Motorcycle Association racing competition quickly got out of hand when riders from early outlaw clubs got drunk and rowdy, racing through town streets, running traffic lights. This was supposed to be your typical annual AMA national gathering, just like the dozens they’d staged before. But it all went wrong. Raucous biker riders were getting busted for lewd behavior, public drunkenness, and indecent exposure. To hear some of my older friends, you’d think the Hollister incident was America’s first taste of hell on wheels. Looking back, it probably was. “They made a movie about it, ‘The Wild One,’ starring Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin, hit the screen in ’54, while I was in high school. The movie was a big hit, based on what took place in Hollister, California, July 4, 1947. “After the Hollister incident cut deep into the AMA’s cred, they la-

beled rowdy, outlaw motorcyclists the ‘1-percenters.’ According to AMA propaganda, 1 percent of motorcycle riders were the outlaw clubs giving bike riding a bad name while the other 99 percent were good old-fashioned, law-abiding citizens. Since then we proudly adopted the name that the AMA shoved on us, the 1-percenters. “This year (1965) not only did the Hell’s Angels shake up the left with the VDC demonstrations, but we also rattled the cages of the right-wingers too…California Attorney General Thomas C. Lynch, responding to pressure from other politicians, released a report denouncing the Hell’s Angels, claiming we were a menace to society. “We held a Memorial Day run to hook up with Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters again. Things happening today are the best thing that ever happened to the Hell’s Angels. We actually have a lot in common with the hippies.” In the Newsweek issue of March 29, 1965 issue, they wrote: “A roaring swarm of 200 black-jacketed motorcyclists converged on the small, sleepy Southern California town of Porterville. They rampaged through local bars, shouting obscenities. They halted cars, opening their doors, trying to paw female passengers. Some of their

USMC Helicopters booted girlfriends lay down in the middle of the streets and undulated suggestively. As the evening wore on, everybody was partying furiously and having a great time. Motorcycles raced up and down the main street. There were wet T-shirt contests happening on top of the bars in the saloons, and the booze (and drugs) flowed like ice cream and cake at a kiddies’ birthday party. It was heaven. The Hell’s Angels along with the locals and other bikers, were having a wild time.” “We might die if trouble erupts,

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Are You Ready to Buy or Sell Your Home Now? 28

but at least we will do it with style and dignity, because we believe in our brotherhood and the backs of our jackets,” Barger continued. “Why is a run important and significant to me? Because it proves that I belong right where I am, with my club. I don’t have millions of dollars and I’m not on the cover of Time magazine either, but what I have is respect. Respect from those who count on me. After alI, I am Sonny Barger, a Hell’s Angel.” Then Twitty stayed silent for a few moments to let it all sink in. “Well my offer still stands. I’m leaving Tony Mart’s the week before Labor Day and will be putting a new band together, a country music band, and will play for your club in California, if you stick around.”

The 99 Percenters Unite

Meanwhile, down in LA, Motorcycle Mike the Mechanic had been maintaining the bikes for a few Hell’s Angels and heard about the planned Labor Day Run to ransack Ocean City, and he began to unite some normal, regular bikers, non-1-percenters, and planned a bike trip to the East Coast. One by one and a few at a time decided to join him, and by Labor Day weekend, they had a few hundred bikers lined up and left on Friday morning. It took a few days to get there, stopping at roadhouses along the way, and they made it to the Atlantic City Expressway by Labor Day morning. But they stopped cold when they saw the sign prohibiting motorcycles on the Expressway. So they started a protest which got larger as more bikers arrived and joined them – blocking the highway to all traffic. Soon they were joined by some Jersey bikers – including Malcolm Forbes, a millionaire with an ostentatious leather suit and embroidered colors that read: “Capitalist Tools.” Forbes had a sign that read: “Bikers Pay Taxes Too.”

December 28, 2023

Mike introduced himself to Forbes and explained how they were trying to offset the Hell’s Angels threat, but they all agreed no one had seen any Hell’s Angels. When the State Police finally arrived, they noted that they, too, were waiting on the Angels, but doing so down the shore, so they were short handed. The police agreed that motorcycles should be allowed on the state highways, and Forbes said he was going to consult the state government on the issue after the holiday, so the protest ended and they headed to the shore, both on the Expressway and the Black Horse Pike. They noticed that every bar, roadhouse, diner, café and fleabag motel were packed with bikers who had ducked in – any port in a storm, and sported banners, “Ninety Nine Percenters” - and were headed to Ocean City for the “Roar at the Shore.” When the main pack of bikers got to Somers Point, they stopped and filled the bars which were already packed with Labor Day revelers, but everybody got along just fine. But as they crossed the Causeway they encountered a road block at the Ocean City Information Center, where only bikers were being stopped, and were being checked out by the Federal Biker Task Force. When the police, led by Lynn Bader’s Raiders, realized

December 28, 2023

they were all mostly clean – there were only two outstanding parking and one speeding ticket, two illegal Irish aliens without green cards and a hippie drug dealer with a big bag of weed. When the cops manning the road block realized there were no Hell’s Angels they let them all through, but weren’t happy about it. They felt the operation had failed, had been hijacked and turned Sonny Barger around on them. Eventually they all got through, and there was a roar of bikers going down Ninth Street like a tidal wave, engulfing the city already crowded with tourist families, college kids and hippies. But rather than causing trouble, the bikers held restaurant doors open for other patrons, and like good boy scouts, helped old ladies cross the street. At the Music Pier on the Boardwalk, the KYW TV3 news crew, filmed their last report with Tom Snyder talking about the weather, and David Brenner making faces at him so he couldn’t keep a straight face. Over at the Chatterbox, Mike the

Mechanic pumped a quarter into the jukebox for three songs – Arlo Gunthrie’s “The Motorcycle Song,” Barry McGuire’s, “Eve of Destruction,” and a new one that Peggy Lee would make a future hit, “Is That All There is?” On the Boardwalk at Mack & Manco’s Pizza, Duncan took off his apron for the last time, put on his flight suit, put his helmet under his arm and took a bank envelope from Mr. Mack, who shook his hand, wished him luck, and thanked him for staying until Labor Day. Duncan gave another pie maker, Bill, the keys to his Mustang, walked across the Boardwalk and down

the steps to the empty beach just south of the jetty. From there he could hear and then see the three Marine Corps helicopters coming down over Atlantic City from Lakehurst, en route to Quantico. Duncan, putting on his helmet, looked like the Space Man in the “Day the Earth Stood Still,” went out to the middle of the beach. As the three helicopters slowed down to hover above him. The center one came down lower and dropped a rope ladder over the side. Duncan stepped on the bottom rung and a hydraulic lift pulled him up into the open door as the three helicopters resumed formation and continued on their flight. So the Summer of ’65, which began with the roar of Hell’s Angels’ motorcycles, ended not with a riot, or a whimper, but the rattling hum of helicopters as they faded away. Next Up: What Became of – the Characters in Waiting on the Angels – The Long Cool Summer of ’65 Revisited. To comment on this story or series, email: Billkelly3@gmail.com.

Top ten sports stories of the year

By David Weinberg

appy New Year, everyone! From the stadiums in South Philly to the beaches in South Jersey, the local sports arenas were filled with amazing efforts by various teams and athletes. Some made comebacks, others continued a pattern of excellence, and a few even made history as part of a series of incredible and inspiring performances in 2023. On a personal note, it’s been a pleasure to witness and chronicle some of these achievements as a columnist for Shore News Local. I’m really looking forward to bringing you even more stories and the local sports landscape in 2024. Before we turn the calendar to a new year, however, let's take a look back. Here's one opinion, in reverse

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order, of the top 10 local sports stories of 2023. 10. Saluting the flag: Several local high schools made history by participating in girls flag football last Spring. Absegami, Cedar Creek, Middle Township and Ocean City were among the programs to field teams. More are expected this year, since the NJSIAA designated girls flag football as a pilot sport for at least the next two springs. The goal is for it to become a fullfledged varsity sport. 9. Brigantine wins S.J. Lifeguard Championship: Jack Savell won the singles row and teamed with younger brother Joe to win the doubles race to help the Brigantine Beach Patrol win the 83rd South Jersey Lifeguard Championships last August. Brigantine won the team title for the first time in over 30 years. It was Brigantine's first win since 1992, when it shared the title with Avalon and Ocean City. Its last outright win came in 1979. Atlantic City’s Charles Schreiner, 17, won the swim. 8. New SJSSBL champ crowned: The Margate Hurricanes were used to winning championships as members of the Atlantic County Baseball League. They continued that pattern of success upon joining the South Jersey South Shore Baseball League last summer. The Hurricanes won the league title by beating the Northfield Cardinals in the Best-of-Three playoffs. The 10-team league is due to expand in 2024 with former ACBL member Lower Township Whalers joining. 7. Mainland player picks and chooses: Mainland Regional High School senior defensive back Jamie Tyson had the most interceptions in the entire state this fall. Tyson recorded 12 interceptions – which tied the South Jersey single-season record – and returned four of the picks for touchdowns. He helped the Mustangs win the Group III state championship. 6. Back to the Big Leagues: A pair of local baseball players – Atlantic City High School graduate Brett Kennedy and Millville grad Buddy Kennedy (no relation) joined Millville standout Mike Trout in the Major Leagues this season. Brett Kennedy, a right-handed pitcher from Brigantine, made his first big-league appearance since 2018 when he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds on July 4. He wound up making five appearances for the Reds, recording a 6.50 ERA with 9

strikeouts in 18 innings. Buddy Kennedy appeared in 10 games for the St. Louis Cardinals and batted .157 (4-for-24) with a double and 4 walks. 5. Big-time Boxing returns to A.C.: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips Ballroom was the site of Atlantic City’s first world title fight in a year and a half last July. IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis defended his belt with a 10th-round TKO over Venezuela’s Roiman Villa.

It was the first title fight held in A.C. since Jan. 22, 2022 and the first at Boardwalk Hall since April of 2019. 4. Pacheco wins Super Bowl ring: Vineland High School grad Isiah Pacheco became the first player from a Cape-Atlantic League school to play in a Super Bowl since Ocean City High School’s Doug Colman in 1999 when he helped the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII last Feb. 12. Pacheco is exceling for the Chiefs again this season as one of five locals in the NFL. He was joined this season by Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (Bridgeton), Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep, Galloway Township), Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (Cedar Creek) and most recently, Panthers offensive lineman J.D. DiRenzo (St. Joseph of Hammonton). 3. ShopRite Classic draws big crowds again: The area’s top local

sports event – the annual ShopRite LPGA Classic – once again featured an impressive rally. Ashleigh Buhai shot a final-round 65 to overcome a three-shot deficit to win the tournament at Seaview Golf Club in Galloway Township. The tournament returns to Seaview on June 3-9, 2024. 2. Phillies falls short in playoffs: The Phillies saw their bid for a second straight World Series appearance end with a stunning loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series. The Phillies owned a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, but the DBacks rallied to win the final two games at Citizens Bank Park, including a 4-2 win in Game 7. The Phils are again expected to be contenders this season. 1. Fly, Eagles, Fly: The Eagles started 2023 with a 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They are ending the year looking capable of making another strong playoff run. Despite a three-game losing streak this month, the Birds have already clinched a playoff berth and have a great chance of winning the NFC East for a second straight season. The 49ers appear to be the favorites to win the conference, but the Eagles are also considered contenders behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and place-kicker Jake Elliott. 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.

December 28, 2023

Make a happy last year’s resolution

By Bill Quain

t’s that time of year again! In a few days, we’ll be shouting “Happy New Year,” and getting a great start to 2024. In Ocean City, we have the famous “First Night” celebration. It’s time to “ring out the old and ring in the new.” The ball will drop on Times Square. If you look closely, you’ll see the spirit of Dick Clark on your television set. And, all that is fine, but… Each year, millions of people make the infamous New Year’s resolutions. Each year, almost as many people break those resolutions – sometimes within hours of the Jan. 1 sunrise. How many? Well, rather than guess, I simply went to Google and asked! Here is what the “featured snippet” (from the Ohio State University), had to say, at the top of page 1: “Researchers suggest that only 9%

of Americans who make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to say that 23% of people who make resolutions quit them in the first week! And 43% quit by the end of January.” The featured snippet lists four tips to avoid bad results for your resolutions: 1. Goals should start at the time of change. Or, start with the need for change (not just because it is tradition). 2. Expect obstacles. There are always going to be obstacles, so have a plan! 3. Set goals into smaller, measurable chunks. Don’t set the finish line too far from the starting line. 4. Get accountability. Set goals and make them public. The big problem with traditional resolutions I have to agree with Ohio State on all four aspects. When resolutions fail, it’s often because they do not have accountability, the right start time, the right planning, or measurable goals. However, none of them are really the big problem. The big problem is that almost all New Year’s resolutions are positive, forward-looking propositions, and most people are just not positive,

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forward-looking thinkers! Looking into the future isn’t easy. However, looking into the past is a piece of cake! Anyone can look into the past. After all, you were there when it happened, right? If you are looking into the future, who knows where you will be, or what you will be facing. Let’s take a very easy and simple example. You make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. I believe that this is the most popular resolution, and so, it is the one that is broken the most often. It’s easy to say that you will lose weight. It’s hard to do it! Even on New Year’s Day, someone might say, “I have this cake left over from last night’s party. Who can help me eat it?” It is very difficult to predict how you will react to certain stimuli, especially if you made that same resolution each year, for the last twenty years! The future is easy to promise, but devilishly difficult to encounter! Forget the positive. Remember the negative. Here is a fantastic bit of advice for making and keeping resolutions. Forget the future because you can never “remember the future.” It hasn’t happened yet. If you are predicting that you will somehow change your behavior, in response to a stimulus you don’t even know about, you’ll fail. The “positive” action you desire is in the future. You have no experience with positive behavior in certain areas. That’s why you are failing. Instead of trying to predict your future behavior, concentrate on remembering how bad you felt in the past when you were acting with negative impulses to create negative results. It’s no problem to remember the impact of negative behavior in the past because it actually happened. You know what you did, and you know what the negative consequences were. You don’t need to rely on fuzzy predictions that will evaporate the minute you are placed into challenging circumstances. Forget “go ahead and get started”. That’s right. Forget “go ahead and get started.” Don’t start a new habit this year. Instead, concentrate on “go ahead and stop.” That means stop your bad habit before adding a new one. It is so much easier! You need a New Year’s resolution because you have done things that put you in a bad spot. So instead of starting something new, you need to stop the bad habits that put you in a difficult situation. If you keep starting new things without examining why your old habits failed, you are bound to fail. Who wants to fail? Nobody. You’ve been failing every year, so don’t add to the problem by doing it again.

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain It's easier to stop doing things. When you make a last year’s resolution, you aren’t looking ahead. You are just looking back and seeing where you went wrong before, which is much easier to do than predicting positive behavior. To give you a few examples of last year’s resolutions, I put together this list of 12 things to S-T-O-P. Take a look at them. Each of them is a six-word resolution, in response to a six-word prompt. The six-word prompt is: “2023 was the last year I’ll…” Here are the sample resolutions: ● Be stuck because I need money ● Hit the “snooze button” three times ● Set the finish line far away ● Worry about things I can’t change ● Stare at pants I can’t wear ● Wonder where a whole day went ● Throw out food I never cooked ● Pay monthly fees I don’t use ● Fill my house with useless clutter ● Keep my true value to myself ● Be a bad example to others ● Forget who my real friends are! You have personal experience with each of the 12 resolutions above. These are real, in-your-life experiences. If you make these your resolutions, you’ll at least know what you are dealing with, because you’ve already done them! OK, make your last year’s resolutions. You can do it! You have the prompt, twelve examples, and an open invitation to share your resolutions with me and with the readers of this column. Shoot me an email at bill@quain.com. We’ll compile those resolutions in a nice list for a future column. In the meantime, Happy Last Year. As always, I’ll see ‘ya in the papers. Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www. billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.

December 28, 2023

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Whitney’s Weekly Picks Tickets: $19 Website: rhythmandspirits.com/ events Thursdays are for laughs and libations and another great one on the Orange Loop! This show, with host Sonia Z. and featuring Paige Campbell, is headlined by the amazing Katie Haller.

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here are some really fun happenings coming up so 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: Comedy & Spirits Where: Rhythm & Spirits on Tennessee Avenue When: Thursday, Dec. 28 Time: 8:30 p.m.

What: Rated G Podcast Live at AC Jokes A Comedy and Research Adventure Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Tower Conference Level When: Friday, Dec. 29 Time: 6 - 8 p.m. Website: Acjokes.com Get ready for an unforgettable evening at AC Jokes Comedy Club for a sensational live podcast recording of the Rated G Podcast with comedian Gary G. Garcia and Producer Brian T. Licata. Book your tickets now for

an evening of laughter, insights, and live podcasting unlike any other. With a lineup featuring Jo Jo and Scotty, Adam J. Gabel, Jason Scoop, and the Rated G Podcast team, this is one comedy event you don't want to miss!

Who: Marshmello at The Pool Day Club Where: Harrah’s Resort The Pool When: Saturday, Dec. 30 Time: Noon - 6 p.m. Tickets: General Admission $85 Website: www.thepoolafterdark.com/ events/marshmello-pool-harrahs-atlantic-city-12-30-23# Fame Hospitality presents PDC NYE Weekend featuring Marshmello.

Who:The Rat Pack is Back Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Superstar Theater When: Saturday, Dec. 30 Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets: $45 - $65 Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/rat-pack-is-back Relive the days of the Rat Pack with

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Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable end-of-year celebration at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar inside The Quarter at the Tropicana Sunday, Dec. 31. A la carte dinner: 3-8 p.m. Dinner & Celebration seatings from 9 to 10 p.m. Late night party until 4 a.m. NYE dining reservations can be made online at CubaLibreRestaurant.com. Nightlife entry tickets & VIP bottle service reservations online at CubaLibreNightlife.com. Las Vegas’ most famous entertainers and their live big band as they appeared live in the Sands Hotel Copa Room. Now in its 23rd smash year with over 8,000 performances in over 40 states, four foreign countries and over 3 million tickets sold. Who: DJ Vito G Where: The Yard at Bally’s When: Saturday, Dec. 30 Time: 9 p.m. Tickets: $45 - $65 Website: casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city/events-calendar.aspx Come party with DJ Vito G and enjoy drink specials down at the Yard. Drink specials :$10 shot & beer combo from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. There’s a pregame happy hour: $3 beers, $4 shots, $5 cocktails 9 -11 p.m. And daily beer specials starting at $5.

December 28, 2023

Who: Pitbull Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess Arena When: Saturday, Dec. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 8 p.m. on the 30th and 10 p.m. on the 31st Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/pitbull-2023 Get ready to ring in the New Year with a bang as the one and only Pitbull brings his infectious energy and charismatic stage presence to Hard Rock. He will have you dancing from start to finish. Book your tickets now and get ready for a night of nonstop music, dancing and unforgettable memories. What: Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Bash Where: The Claridge Hotel

When: Saturday, Dec. 31 Time: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Website: claridge.ticketleap.com/ great-gatsby-new-years-eve-bash/ details Join The Claridge Hotel for a dazzling night filled with a lavish, grand buffet, live entertainment, open bar and a sparkling champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. Includes Party Jumper pass to the VUE time warp event. Special room package rates available. What: NYE Dinner & Celebration Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar Tropicana’s The Quarter When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Tickets: $125 per person Time: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac

What: EMO Night NYE Where: Anchor Rock Club When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. Website: www.anchorrockclub.com Ring into the New Year with a nostalgic twist as David Earl’s Emo Night enters the scene at Anchor Rock Club. Who doesn’t want to kick off 2024 with a trip down Emo Lane?! The Seed Beer will be on tap and there is no cover all night long! What: Good Dog Bar New Year’s Eve Party Where: Good Dog Bar, Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. Website: www.hnetickets.com Celebrate New Year's Eve at Good

↘Continued on 36

↘Continued from 35 Dog Bar Atlantic City featuring I Am Young Hitta 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Must be 21+. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Tickets include open bar & champagne toast at midnight! What: Boogie Nights New Year’s Event Celebration Where: Boogie Nights Tropicana Atlantic City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 8:30 p.m. Website: boogienightsac.uvtix.com Ring in 2024 Boogie Nights style inside the Tropicana Atlantic City! Enjoy a two-hour open bar from 9 to 11 p.m., live countdown from Times Square with balloon drop at midnight, special performances and non-stop entertainment from the Boogie Nights crew! Doors open 8:30 p.m. Who: Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis Where: Resorts Casino Hotel Superstar Theater When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. Tickets: resortsac.com/entertainment/elvis-tribute Dean Z, Entertainer of the Year and star of the hit internationally touring production, “Elvis Lives” is bringing his all- new high energy Elvis tribute

show to Resorts Casino Hotel. The Ultimate Elvis boasts a powerful 11-piece band, horn section, incredible background vocalists and immersive video content for a truly unforgettable concert experience! What: The Hook & Superfrico NYE Party Where: The Hook & Superfrico Caesars Atlantic City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Website: https://spiegelworld.com/ spiegelworld-nye Hoist the mainsail and anchor down at Atlantic City’s most sought-after soirée, The Hook NYE Party. Chart

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funny, adults-only homage to Atlantic City’s glorious golden age of live entertainment variety show with a prix-fixe dinner at Superfrico, a specialty New Year’s Eve celebratory cocktail, and all the Spiegelworld surprises. What: New Year’s Eve Dinner at Rhythm & Spirits Where: Rhythm & Spirits on Tennessee Avenue When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Website: rhythmandspirits.com/ events Charles Soreth will be joining forces with Lee Sanchez to curate the ultimate dinner experience. Enjoy a three-course pre-fixe menu, or order a la carte. Doors open for dinner at 5 p.m. Teddi Fusco will be taking our stage at 9 p.m. As always #teamtenn will be serving up some of the best cocktails in the city as you dance the night away. What: New Year’s Eve Celebration at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Where: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Atlantic City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 5 p.m. Website: rhythmandspirits.com/ events Grab your friends and live your best life. BEAT THE CLOCK: $5 menu starting at 5 p.m., $6 menu at 6 p.m. and so on! OPEN BAR for just $50, enjoy their open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight, but the open bar package is optional! All guests are more than welcome to join throughout the night without the open bar wristband. Music by DJ Carl Chase. What: The Yard at Bally’s One Big New Years Eve Party Where: The Yard at Bally’s When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Website: casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city/events-calendar.aspx Count down and celebrate New Year's

Eve at The Yard, an indoor/outdoor venue offering a $75 package including open bar and hors d'oeuvres from 9 to 11 p.m., followed by a cash bar, beer specials, and live music from Go Go Retro! Ring in 2024 at The Yard! Get your tickets now at TicketWeb.com. What: Nola’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Where: Ocean Casino Resort When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. Website: www.theoceanac.com/ entertainment/dining-event/nolas-new-years-eve-celebration Ring in 2024 at Nola’s Bar & Lounge – and cheers to the new year! Make this New Year’s Eve an unforgettable night at Atlantic City’s nightlife destination. Enjoy a premium hosted bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and a complimentary glass of champagne for the big toast at midnight, along with live music all night! Purchase your tickets in advance for the lowest price available. Limited tickets available at $60. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Entry not guaranteed after 10 p.m. dependent on occupancy. Re-entry not guaranteed. Hosted Bar: Certain exclusions apply. What: Josie Kelly’s Irish & American New Year’s Eve Bash Where: Josie Kelly’s Public House When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 6 p.m. Website: josiekellys.com/event/irishamerican-new-year Tom Brett & Bill Felix will kick off the evening! Sing along if you know it! Celebrate the ball will drop in Ireland at 7 p.m. EST with a complimentary Irish toast for all guests. Expect fabulous dinner specials presented by Chef Thomas Ritzel and Sous Chef Carlos Mendoza in addition to them regular menu at 9 p.m. The Turtle Heads will take the main stage for a signature Rock N’ Roll Dance Party and to ring in The Midnight Hour in America. No Cover. No Reservations. First come, first served.

↘Continued on 38 December 28, 2023

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↘Continued from 36 What: First Night Celebration in Ocean City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 4 p.m. until midnight fireworks shoot of 5th Street Beach Website: firstnightocnj.com 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 go to firstnightocnj.com for more information. Who: Elegant Dining for NYE at Harbor Pines Golf Club & Estates Where: Harbor Pines Golf Club & Estates When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Website: www.harborpines.com/rsvp2 Celebrate the New Year with elegant dining at Harbor Pines. There’s an À la cart gourmet menu, live entertainment for romantic dancing, and more. Reservations available at https://www.harborpines.com/rsvp2/ Call or go online to book 609-927-0006, Ext. 23

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What: NYE at Cardinal Restaurant Where: Cardinal Restaurant Atlantic City When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Website: www.cardinal-ac.com/nye Enjoy three courses and a champagne toast at midnight. Plus get a special gift! It’s $75 for this delicious pre-fixe menu, and stay out after dinner at their lounge bar for a special New Year’s Reverse Happy Hour. Menu & Booking at https:// www.cardinal-ac. com/nye

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Where: Showboat Resort When: Sunday, Dec. 31 Time: 9 p.m. (VIP DOORS OPEN 8 p.m.) Website: www.showboatnye.com This bash comes complete with a fivehour open bar (six hours for VIPs!), multiple party venues, live concert

(House of Blues venue), incredible and unique lounge (former Foundation Room), live band room with light show, and VIP area with catered buffets. Join us at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City! Enjoy the ball drop live from NYC Times Square. Check out multiple rooms with different atmospheres including a huge club, DJs, live concert, and bands on stage! This is the best deal in Atlantic City for New Year's Eve for people wanting something fun and different. Plus it benefits the Trauma Survivors Foundation. Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!

December 28, 2023

Atlantic City Headliners

Saturday, December 30 Pitbull 8 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena The Rat Pack is Back 9 p.m. Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Sunday, December 31

Pitbull 10 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Friday, January 5

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra 8 p.m. Music Box at Borgata Dean Z 9 p.m. Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Friday, January 12

Ludacris 9 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Eddie Griffin 9 p.m. Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, January 13

Sidewalk Angels feat. Rob Thomas 8 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Atlantic City Jazz Fest 7 p.m. Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Sunday, January 14

Charlie Wilson 8 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena All Stars of Hip Hop Mixtape ‘24

▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Friday, January 19

Dancing with the Stars Live 8 p.m. Borgata Event Center

Saturday, January 20

Bad Friends w/ Andrew Santino & Bobby Lee 9 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

▶8 & 11 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City Forever Donna Summer Tribute starring Rainere Martin 8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, January 27 Extreme with Living Colour

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom The Ultimate Elvis Presley Tribute 4 & 8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Sunday, January 28

Theresa Caputo 8 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino An Evening with Oscar De Leon

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Friday, February 16 Tedeschi Trucks Band

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 311 9 p.m. Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Ron White

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Saturday, February 17 Tedeschi Trucks Band

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour 8 p.m. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Scott Keo

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Sunday, February 18 Flogging Molly

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The Ultimate Elvis Presley Tribute 4 & 8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Friday, February 2

Tom Segura: Come Together

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Saturday, February 3 Tom Segura: Come Together

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena DaBaby, NLE Choppa, Chinese Kitty 8 p.m. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Tusk: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Friday, February 9

Static-X and Sevendust 7:15 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, February 10 Stevie Nicks 8 p.m. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Hannah Berner 8 p.m. Sound Waves at Hard Rock

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December 28, 2023

Sparkling wines for the New Year’s celebrations

By David Setley

o holiday is more associated with popping a bottle of bubbly than New Year’s Eve. In fact, toasting the New Year has been customary for more than 1,500 years. After the Revolutionary War, Americans began making toasts (sometimes as many as 13!) at all major celebrations as an act of patriotism. This tradition has been an integral part of ringing in a new year since the early 1800s. As we reflect on 2023 and anticipate 2024 with hope, allow me to shed light on the history of the bubbly beverage and provide some recommendations for your Dec. 31 festivities. Champagne, the most famous sparkling wine in the world, has become something of a deonym — a brand or specific product that has become synonymous with the entire product category. When people think of bubbly beverages, they often reference Champagne. However, to carry the name “Champagne”, the wine must be produced in the Champagne region of France. It also must utilize only the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes. Initially, Champagne is produced much the same way that still wine is. After being bottled for a while, however, the cork is removed so that additional yeast, flavorings and

(sometimes) sugar can be added. The bottle is then re-corked and a second fermentation begins with the newly created carbon dioxide contained in the bottle. This process, known as the Méthode Champenoise or the Méthode Traditionnelle, originated in the Champagne region and is what produces the bubbles that distinguish sparkling wines from still wines. Dom Pierre Pérignon, a 17th-century Benedictine monk from France, is credited with inventing sparkling wines. Legend has it that upon first tasting the bubbly wine, he exclaimed: "Come quickly! I am tasting the stars!" Although the accuracy of the quote and even some details of the origin story are questioned historically, the invention and standardization of the Méthode Champenoise process is attributed to Dom Pierre, along with one other very important contribution to the wine world. It was he who discovered that white wine can be made from red grapes by removing the skins, stems, and seeds from the juice during wine production. Pretty amazing guy! For his efforts, one of the world’s most famous and valuable Champagne wines bears his name. Dom Pérignon, though delicious, may be a bit of a stretch for the budget. However, if you can swing it, New Year’s is the perfect celebration to pop that cork! For those of us looking for a more reasonably priced option, there are plenty of wonderful Champagnes to choose from at a wide range of prices. In the Champagne region, Premier Cru is a certification of superior quality and has been awarded to less than 15% of the appellations in the region. For an outstanding and reasonably

priced Premier Cru Champagne, try the Gonet-Médeville Champagne 1er Cru Brut or the Fresne Ducret-Les Nouveaux Explorateurs Champagne 1er Cru Brut. Also worthy of your consideration are Veuve Clicquot and Nicolas Feuillatte - Blue Label Brut. See? You can absolutely enjoy French Champagne without breaking your budget. Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, is another lower-priced option for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Similar to the rules of Champagne, Prosecco must be produced in the Prosecco appellation of the Veneto Wine Region of Northeastern Italy and must be made from the Glera grape. It is a myth that Proseccos are always sweeter than Champagne. Although sweeter options are available, most are quite dry. Dryness is indicated by the word Brut. The driest is Extra Brut, followed by Brut. DemiSec is the sweetest. If you are looking for maximum dryness in your Prosecco, the Bele Casel Asolo Extra Brut Prosecco is a great choice. The aromas are fresh with notes of golden apple and a touch of grapefruit. Or, for a wonderful, reasonably priced Brut Prosecco, try the NaoNis Prosecco DOC Brut. This lovely effervescent wine has an intense stone-fruit taste, with a fine and long-lasting finish. The aroma is a bouquet of fruits and flowers. Lastly, for a Prosecco that comes in a bottle as sparkly and festive as the wine itself, try the Billa! Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé. Cava, Spain’s contribution to sparkling wine, is produced in the Penedès appellation of the Catalonia region near Barcelona and is made

from the grapes that are native to the region: Macabeu, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Cava has the flavor of ripe tree fruits, light notes of Meyer lemons, and a touch of almond and ginger on the finish. The Caves Naveran-Cava Brut is a classic Cava option that is produced from organically grown grapes and is vegan-friendly. Dibon Cava and Freixenet Cava are also excellent options. If you haven’t tried a Cava yet, take this as your invitation. For low-calorie and low-alcohol options, try either the Dancing Vines– Light Secco Brut or the Rosé. They are only 60 calories per glass and just 5% alcohol. If your preference is to toast the New Year with a non-alcoholic beverage, I have a great option for you from the Rheinhessen region of Germany. The Wolffer Estate Spring in a Bottle has a flavor similar to rosé Prosecco with well-balanced flavors of peach and strawberry and a surprising level of minerality. It really is an excellent non-alcoholic sparkling beverage that allows you to share in all of the festivities with none of the alcohol. No matter how you choose to greet the New Year, I hope you have a very happy and healthy New Year and a safe celebration. As always, if you have any questions or comments, contact me at dsetley@passionvines. com or stop by the Somers Point store. Until 2024, 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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Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, December 28 Atlantic City Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Karaoke Night w/ Joe Collins 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge NGXB. 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Dahve 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Dane Anthony 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Coast 2 Coast 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s Cole Moore 6 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Queen Jayne’s Cosmic Charlie 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 29

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Surf Haven, The Customers, Chuck Acid, Te Vista 8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Anthony Della Barba 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Pat 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Stephanie Owens 5 – 8 p.m. Luke Carlos O’Reilly 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 Big Bang Baby 7 p.m. Audio Riot 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Megan Knight Duo 6 – 10 p.m. Breck 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Priceless 5 – 8:30 p.m. Kristen & The Noise 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Wave at Golden Nugget Flashback Fridays: Chicago Rewind: Chicago Tribute 9 – 10:30 p.m. 600 Huron Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s DJ Freezie 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Black Car Gina Trio 6 p.m. Fight Back Home 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca CJ Sooy 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Sean Loosh 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay No Clue Trio 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Josie Kelly’s NJ British Invasion 8 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Saturday, December 30 Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Danny Eyer 8 – 11 p.m. 5 N. Shore Rd. Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Mums the Word 7:30 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.

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Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Geri Mingori 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Gary 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Jeremy Raves 5 – 8 p.m. Dan Jose 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 Yani 7 p.m. Kicking Sunrise 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Lisa Bouchelle Trio 5 – 9 p.m. Sidestory 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Glenn Roberts 8 – 11 p.m. 133 S. Tennessee Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Fat Mezz 5 – 8:30 p.m. 3AM Tokyo 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ Philly Will 5 – 9 p.m. The Loop 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Indelible Groove Trio 6 p.m. Laura Lee Band 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca One Hot Mess 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Cheezy & The Crackers Duo 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Northfield Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club Ralph Michaels 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 1 Leo Fraser Dr. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Twisted Livin Band 8 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave. Josie Kelly’s Born to Run Down a Dream 8 – 11 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Sunday, December 31

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Emo Night NYE Hosted By DJ David Earl 9 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts Geri Mingori 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Gary 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Council Oak Lounge Anj Granieri 5 – 8 p.m. ESQ Trio 8:30 p.m. – 12:25 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

December 28, 2023

Golden Nugget Bar None 6 p.m. No Pressure 10 p.m. 600 Huron Ave. Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Nola’s New Years Eve Celebration w/ Lost in Paris & DJ Sajen 9 p.m. 500 Boardwalk The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Dane Anthony Band 1 – 4:30 p.m. The Loop 5 – 8:30 p.m. The Cliffs 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Yard at Bally’s DJ 5 – 9 p.m. Go Go Retro 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Sean Patrick Duo 6 p.m. Brandon Ireland Band 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca No Clue Duo 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern The Company 8 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Big Foot Band 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Radio Revolution 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s DJ 9 p.m. 900 Shore Rd. Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music 1 – 4 p.m. Irish & American New Year w/ Tom Brett & Bull Felix The Turtle Heads 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Danny Eyer Band 3 – 7 p.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Friday, January 5

Margate Bocca Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys 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.

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club DJ KJ Butta 9 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Wave at Golden Nugget Flashback Fridays: Countdown to Ecstasy: Steely Dan Tribute 9 – 10:30 p.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Yard at Bally’s DJ Freezie 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Margate Bocca Bob & Nicky 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave.

Thursday, January 4

Saturday, January 6

Tuesday, January 2 Somers Point Josie Kelly’s DJ Special K 5 – 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, January 3

Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze 6:30 – 9 p.m. 108 N. Dorset Ave.

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Back to the Core: A Metalcore Journey 8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s DJ Redline 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Night Anthem 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Margate Bocca One Hot Mess 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave.

Sunday, January 7 Somers Point Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music 1 – 4 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, January 10

Atlantic City Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino So Fetch! Mean Girls Party 9 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys 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.

Monday, January 1

Atlantic City The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Dane Anthony Band 4 – 7:30 p.m. Billy Walton Band 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Margate Bocca DJ Live Wirez 1 – 4 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave.

December 28, 2023

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Atlantic City jazz festivals, now and then By Bruce Klauber

“The Atlantic City Jazz Fest 2024 Winter Edition,” coming to the Superstar Theater at Resorts Casino/ Hotel on Saturday evening, Jan. 13, promises to be a memorable evening

of soulful music. Some jazz purists may take issue with the true jazz leanings of the headliner – North Philadelphia’s hippest trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw; and “The Queens of Soul Jazz,” Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene, but the music history books show that this crossover, genre-bending type of musical thinking is nothing new to jazz. The late Philadelphia pianist/composer Bobby Timmons beautifully combined elements of soul, gospel, and jazz, as did Ramsey Lewis later on. And artists like Philadelphia saxophone

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legend Grover Washington, saxophonists David “Fathead” Newman and Hank Crawford, guitarist/singer George Benson, and a host of others perfected it. And if we want to talk about real “crossover” pioneers, we must include the shore’s very own Michael Pedican, Jr. on the list. Trombonist Jeff Bradshaw is an interesting case. Bradshaw, who is fond of saying that he “wanted to make the trombone hip,” had his early training in a North Philadelphia church that used a brass section as a part of its traditional worship services. He first started on baritone horn and sousaphone, but ended up playing what he viewed as a “neglected instrument,” the trombone. By all accounts, Bradshaw didn’t evolve via the traditional route of straightahead jam sessions in nightclubs. Around 1994, Bradshaw was often in the company of Philadelphia music genre benders like DJs Jazzy Jeff and King Britt, and the ubiquitous percussionist/producer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Those associations led to recording dates with the likes of Eryka Badu, Jill Scott, The Roots, Earth, Wind and Fire, and even Michael Jackson. By 2002, he was recording as a leader and had become quite the draw on the concert and festival circuit. The bottom line is, the man can play. Like the New Orleans-based showman, Trombone Shorty, who also combines elements of soul, funk, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues, with traditional New Orleans jazz, Bradshaw has helped bring deserved attention to an instrument too often thought of as only a part of a marching band. Jeanette Harris and Althea Rene, aka “The Queens of Soul Jazz,” also

took the non-traditional route to becoming headliners on the smooth/soul jazz circuit, though both were originally trained traditionally. Saxophonist and sometimes-pianist Harris is a Berklee College graduate who toured with the late Teena Marie on Marie’s final tour. Flutist Rene, daughter of saxophonist Dezie McCullers – one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers – studied at Howard University. After spending 10 years as a Wayne County deputy sheriff in Detroit, she left law enforcement to become a musician full time. And in 2013, she hit the jackpot with her single, “In the Flow,” which is said to be the first No. 1 Billboard Magazine hit to feature a flutist (jazz statisticians take note: flutists Bobby Humphrey and Hubert Laws came close). Patty Jackson, of Philadelphia radio’s WDAS-FM, is hosting this event. As of this writing, one gets the sense that more artists will be added to this show before the performance date of Jan. 13. But tickets are now on sale, and can be purchased directly at the Resorts Promo Booth via Ticketmaster, or by calling 856-418-9128. The idea of an Atlantic City Jazz Festival is nothing new. This is the fourth year of the festival in its current incarnation as a soul/smooth jazz confab. Artists featured through the years have included Pieces of a Dream, Bob James, Gerald Albright, and Marion Meadows. Though these newer shows are billed as “jazz festivals,” presumably because there is more than one artist on the bill, the real jazz festivals were usually multi-day affairs, often held outdoors. These were outgrowths of

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December 28, 2023

the first Newport Jazz Festival, presented by George Wein in Newport, R.I., in July of 1954. As the concept evolved, festival sponsorships – beer companies, radio stations, banks, cigarette companies, electronics manufacturers, etc. – became the norm. It may be difficult to imagine now, but in 1960, from July 1 through July 3, almost 20 legends of jazz were presented, without corporate sponsorship, on the stage of The Warner Theatre, 2015 Boardwalk. The brainchild of promoter Sid Bernstein, who produced several rock and jazz festivals in Atlantic City through the years, the headliners included Count Basie, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Dave Brubeck, Sarah Vaughan, Gerry Mulligan, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, Art Blakey and more. Can you imagine? Local Jersey Shore promoters Estelle and Elzie Street produced a festival at Gardner’s Basin in 1979 (billed as “the biggest jazz festival in the history of New Jersey”), and came back a year later at Boardwalk Hall with sponsorship by Schmidt’s Beer, and once again in 1981. Artists included Maynard Ferguson, Nancy Wilson, Herbie Mann, Buddy Rich, Mongo Santamaria, Billy Eckstine, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Melba Moore, Grover Washington, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. We will not see – or hear – their likes again. Blue Note: Pianist John Colianni, who recently and tragically passed away at the age of 61, was a technically astonishing player who was fluent in virtually every style of jazz piano, from ragtime and stride, to be-bop and free jazz.

Though best known via his international tours with Mel Torme’ and Lionel Hampton, Colianni’s professional career actually started in Atlantic City. Colianni spent his senior year at Atlantic City High School when his family relocated to the shore circa 1974. His playing first caught the attention of former Billie Holiday pianist Carl Drinkard, then living at the shore. Not too long after, Colianni visited vibraphonist/bandleader Lionel Hampton backstage after a Hampton Atlantic City appearance, and that led to an audition, then to three years and three albums with the swing legend. John was a player who loved a challenge and reveled in challenging others to keep up with him technically. I’d like to think I was successful at that during the times I played with him. He was a special man and a special player, and he’ll be missed.

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Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and a working jazz drummer and vocalist since childhood. He served as Technical Adviser on the Oscar-winning film, "Whiplash," and on the 2018 Mickey Rourke film, "Tiger." He has been honored by Combs College of Music and Drexel University for his "contributions to music journalism and jazz performance."

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Looking back at the 2023 casino entertainment scene in Atlantic City

By Chuck Darrow

W hile most of us, it can be assumed, are looking ahead to the new

year, we figured one last glance in the rearview mirror is merited. And since this column is primarily dedicated to casino entertainment, it behooves us to look at some of the more memorable show biz happenings of 2023. But be advised, this is not a “best of” survey; the only way to legitimately compile that list would have been to see every show that took place the past 12 months. And that is a feat that is as impossible as it is admirable.

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So, without further ado, here’s a look at some of the more noteworthy moments of the 2023 casino entertainment scene.

Caesars gets "Hooked"

There is no debating the biggest deal of the year was the summer debut of "The Hook", the X-rated variety pageant at Caesars Atlantic City. Thanks to "The Hook", Atlantic City has a casino production that follows the Las Vegas model: A permanent, exclusive-to-the-city presentation housed in a venue built specifically for it. The content breaks no new ground—the program is a reliable (and wildly entertaining) blend of Cirquestyle acts and raunchy humor that its producer, Vegas-based Spiegelworld, has spun into box-office gold in the Nevada desert. But it does represent a new era of AyCee show biz. The hope here is that it is proving successful enough to inspire other properties to build/create their own one-of-a-kind, year-round attractions.

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In the mid-and-late-2000s Trump Taj Mahal Casino-Resort (now Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City) hosted a series of one-off concerts at which iconic pop/rock acts were joined by other famed musicians. Last month, creator/producer Barry Summers revived the idea at Ocean Casino-Resort by saluting the 55th anniversary of the debut album by pioneering jazz-rock outfit Chicago. The event also featured such artists

as Robin Thicke, Chris Daughtry and guitar wizards Steve Vai and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. The two-night stand was an impressive affair, marked by compelling performances of standards and deep cuts both of wehich were often reinvented to play to the guest performers’ strengths. Adding to the fun was spectacular high-tech staging.

Two notable turns

Thanks to producer Allen Valentine, Atlantic City’s long tradition of casino revues continued in 2023 with several shows, two of which were highlighted by stellar individual performances. The 10th annual edition of “The Burlesque Show” at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa found Chris Morris, the comic who replaced the irreplaceable Jeff Pirami (who died in 2020), finding his footing and carving out his own hilarious turf which followed in Pira-

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mi’s raunchy footsteps, but was unique in its own way. And over at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the snappy variety show “Euphoria” included the brilliant clowning of Mark Gindick, whose wordless (but hardly silent) shtick was a hoot-and-a-half.

Comedy gold from Fey and Poehler

In June, “Saturday Night Live” alumni and BFFs Tina Fey and Amy Poehler turned in a for-the-ages set at Hard Rock. The pair wowed with the scope and breadth of their talents, from sketch-playing to standup to improv. Of all of the 2023 turns we personally witnessed, this one ranks at the top of the heap.

Rife with potential

There is no doubt that 2023’s comedy “It Boy” is Matt Rife, the 28-year-old gagster from Ohio whose social-media videos have garnered hundreds of millions of views. Of course, that was before the kerfuffle caused by some material about domestic violence that was included in his recent Netflix special. Our verdict: The talent is there, but the content was a little too sophomoric at times.

Santana sparks controversy

From a purely musical standpoint, there was nothing with which to quibble about July’s two-night Hard Rock stand by guitar god Carlos Santana (with the possible exception of the song sequencing, which found him opening with all but a couple of his most beloved numbers, instead of saving them for the end, as is usually the case with musical performers).

But he did raise eyebrows with his remarks about transgender people. During his July 29 set, Santana said: “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he said. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right, because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it.” “Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.” Santana subsequently issued an apology on Facebook that read: “I am sorry for my insensitive comments. They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs. “I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended.” But, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, a day later he deleted it and replaced it with a four-line poem that read: “the energy of consciousness generates its own kind. hate begets hate love begets love.”

End of the line at Borgata?

As noted in this column before,

2023 appears to be the year that Borgata--which has hosted such A-plus-listers as David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, The Who and Robin Williams—abdicated its position as the city’s show-business leader. Not only did the quantity of headliner bookings significantly diminish this year, but so did the quality; now Hard Rock is the undisputed “gold standard” of AyCee entertainment, with Ocean often grabbing big names as well. With the exception of comedy titans Jerry Seinfeld and Sebastian Maniscalco, there were no real “wow-factor” bookings this year at

Borgata (though we were delighted to see our favorite contemporary comic, Anthony Jeselnik there in July). And it certainly won’t be surprising if both those stars find new Atlantic City addresses when their Borgata contracts expire.

One more thing:

From me and mine to you and yours, have a healthy, joyous and peaceful 2024! See you at the casinos! Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

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What will the live music scene look like at the Jersey Shore in 2024? Cigar Box Stompers play Rhythm & Spirits in AC on Jan. 13

Tune In, Turn On By Doug Deutsch

hat some of South Jersey area’s top music promoters are up to for 2024 follows. This is our last column for 2023; we’re back Jan. 11. “As old as we baby boomers are, our heart is in classic rock ‘n’ roll, the traditional blues, New Orleans rhythm and blues, late swing to rock ‘n’ roll and funk,” says longtime Jersey Shore promoter Carmen Marotta of Tony Mart’s Presents renown. Marotta, with wife Nancy, presented Summertime Blues/New Orleans-themed shows on the AC Boardwalk and in Somers Point

(Curtis Salgado, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Gary U.S. Bonds, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux) and more. “Entertainers like Devon Allman and Tedeschi Trucks are becoming the rock stars of the Americana Jam Rock scene, supported by Generation X audiences. These 30- to 60-year-olds are the active fans who attend, and support shows rooted in our older traditions.” “The South Jersey Jazz Society will have a variety of music events to offer our fans in 2024,” promises SJJS’s VP and Artistic Director, Joseph Donofrio. “Our Spring Music Series will be three separate days with dates and artists TBA. The third date of this series is ‘Jazz on the Beach.’ “In the past we have had Cigar Box Stompers Play Rhythm & Spirits in AC on January 13. the likes of Tito Puente, Jr. and Edgardo Cintron,” Donofrio continthemed event. SJJS also sponsors Speaking of which: TABH’s Scott ued. “The Winter Series will start in Tom Angelo's All-Star Jazz Series, Cronick was omitted in last week’s late October. It will be a three-day which happens twice a month column for the “Best Promoter” catthroughout most of the year at Gregegory. Sorry we forgot you. Jason ory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Goldfarb at Near Dark EntertainPoint. The Jazz Society has built a ment, you, too. unique and diverse fan base that is “NorStep is busy in 2024, with devoted to supporting jazz. It enerthree rock shows: Jan. 13, 20, and gizes us to secure world class jazz 27 at Rhythm and Spirits (in Atlanartists for our faithful followers.” tic City),” says promoter Stephen “2024 is our 10th anniversary at Weiss. “April brings festival season the Lizzie Rose. Our upcoming seaand a re-imagined 420 Fest. Atlantic son will have a mix of new artists and City Beer and Music Festival moves many of our perennial favorites back back inside in April and once again in the Music Room. There will be NorStep will host 12 original bands some big surprises in the year ahead, on the acoustic stage. Look to the so check out our website and FaceOrange Loop to be the hub for indebook page to see what's happening. pendent entertainment with multiple We think the entertainment scene as places offering entertainment.” far as 2024 goes looks positive,” says On a personal note, thanks to Cindy and Bob at Shore Local for LRMR head honcho Lou Reichert, publishing a great magazine each who runs the unique live original week, and thanks for reading the music room in Tuckerton. “As the scene grows, I’d love column. Happy New Year. originality in the arts to grow with it, more venues offering opportuniDoug is the owner/operator ties for original artists to showcase of Doug Deutsch Publicity their music,” opines Elephant Talk Services, which since 1995 has Indie Festival promoter, Jerry Rybeen servicing nationally touring an. “More promoter collaborations, acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also more people out supporting local hàs experience writing for the owned, small businesses and more one time shore-based weekly responsibility in the press/radio to publication, Whoot! He also was a cover local events/local original artteam member with Chip Braymes ists in their article rotations. Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to “Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Atlantic City. He can be reached understands this,” Ryan continued. at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail . “I’m thankful for the opportunity to com and www.facebook.com/ host two Elephant Talk Indie Music dougdeutschpublicity. Festivals at their venue in 2024.”

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Need a quick party appetizer? Crostini to the rescue

By Tammy Thornton

ow that we are full of cookies and cheese, one more event calling for party food awaits us before we make all of those healthy resolutions. New Year’s Eve parties usually pull out all the stops, with trays of decadent desserts and bite-sized treats luring us like the sirens. Whether you play the role of hostess or guest, you may find yourself looking for a last-minute appetizer to make for this biggest party of the year. One of my go-to appetizers can be adapted to use ingredients from your refrigerator or pantry. First, you start with crostini (or “little toasts” in Italian). Preheat your oven to 400°. Take a long baguette and cut it into slices. Place these in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Pour about half of a cup of extra virgin olive oil into a bowl. If making a sa-

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vory appetizer, add a clove treat for the eyes as well as of minced garlic. Using a the taste buds. pastry brush or fork, lightly Like all good party dab olive oil onto each side foods, crostini can be made of your bread slices. Bake ahead. Anything you can prepare in advance wins your bread slices for 5 to 10 minutes or until they are the hostess prize. Crostini golden brown, flipping the can be baked and salted a day or two ahead, then slices over halfway through (once they have cooled) cooking. Right after removstored in a ziplock bag. ing the tray from the oven, lightly sprinkle with table Keep the topping separate salt or kosher salt. until just before serving so that your little toast Now comes the fun part; be creative with limitless interesting combinations. While these little crostinis Crostini with mascarpone cheese, can be eaten alone for blueberries, honey, and lemon zest. a crunchy treat, when it comes to parties, you are going to with a chiffonade of want to add a yummy topping. Soft basil. For a sweet cheese that can either be melted or crostini, spread with spread makes a perfect addition to mascarpone cheese your crunchy crostini. Goat cheese, and add cut grapes, cranberry sauce, or whipped feta, ricotta, mascarpone, strawberries. Blueand cream cheese all work well for spreadable cheeses. Brie or mozzaberries, apples, and rella are great candidates for meltpears would also be Goat cheese and tomato crostini with a balsamic glaze reduction. able cheeses. After the cheese, top amazing on crostini. with fresh fruits, jams, vegetables, Use toppings that counter each othdoesn’t lose that gratifying crunch. or meats. Some favorites that come er, such as cream cheese with hot If you have everything ready to go to mind are a medley of colorful pepper jam. Prosciutto with fig jam in advance, assembling them will be cherry tomatoes, chopped and mixed and goat cheese or ricotta would a snap. make a delectable appetizer. A little What’s your favorite last-minute chopped arugula would add a nice party food? We would love to hear In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More peppery taste to counter the tangy, from you. Send your comments, Important To Choose The salty, and sweet flavors of the other questions, and pictures to: shoreloRight Agent To Represent You! ingredients. calgardener@gmail.com. Over 40 Years of Real Estate After you’ve topped your crostini Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You! with interesting combinations, drizzle Tammy Thornton lives with her everything with honey or a balsamic • ABR-Accredited Buyer husband, children, and crazy Representative- Expert Negotiator glaze. This adds an extra layer of pets while enjoying a life of To Get You The Home That You fanciness to dress up your party dish. Want ! gardening, cooking, and going to • CRS-Certiﬁed Residential Finally, top with a sprig of rosemary the beach. Specialist-To Optimize The or thyme. Your appetizers will be a Highest Sales Price For Your Home and Get SOLD Quickly! • GRI-Graduate Realtor Institute-Continuing Education and Technology Like No Other! • MRP-Military and Relocation Specialist-Proﬁcient in All Aspects of Veteran and Active Military Real Estate! • Full Time Awarded Professional Realtor Since 1985 • NJ Real Estate Broker Since 1989! • Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.

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How to survive the Polar Bear Plunge By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

ongratulations! If you are reading this, you are thinking about jumping into freezing-cold ocean waters. That is quite a feat. The Polar Bear Plunge has been a Jersey-Shore staple for almost one hundred years. On January 1st of every year, millions of Americans bring a sense of adventure into their next era and ring in the New Year with fun and community connection. You’ll want to do a little preparation before the big day to ensure safety and well-being. No one wants to be soaking wet, shivering and stranded on the beach. Here are a couple tips to help you have the best Polar Bear Plunge ever: Dress Appropriately You’ll wanna put some thought into your plunging outfit. Focus on function, meaning that you’d be better off choosing a swimsuit with more coverage than a skimpy bikini. Remember that you’ll likely be running! Make sure to pack a change of dry, warm clothes for after the plunge to help your body readjust. Lots of plunge veterans wear silly costumes,

so if you’re an experienced polar bear, try something silly! Bring a Buddy Buddies are very important for the Polar Bear Plunge. A friend on the sidelines can hold your belongings, take pictures, and care for you in case of an emergency. Offer to buy your girlfriend a warm coffee if she accompanies you, but the whole beach feels

like a party, so she might be down either way! Watch Others Before Plunging If this is your first time, you won’t know how your body will react until you’ve tested the waters, literally. Let the champions sprint to the ocean when the whistle blows, and pay attention to any drop offs or sandbars, and how deep each participant goes.

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There is no shame in waiting for a minute before joining in on the fun! Pack It All Make sure to bring a change of warm clothes, a towel, and a warm drink to help your body recover. A pair of shoes like Crocs or Sanuks will make getting on and off the beach easy. If you have one, bring a GoPro camera to capture the shenanigans in and out of the water. Know Yourself Experts suggest that if it's your first polar bear plunge, try a cold shower before the big day to see how you react to cold water. Athletes have been practicing cold exposure therapy and swear by its benefits. If you are not a polar bear throughand-through, set a goal to jump in the ocean up to your waist, then run out. If you aren’t afraid, consider even dipping your head underwater. Do not spend more than two minutes in the water to avoid hypothermia. Have Fun! The Polar Bear Plunge has become a coastal tradition because it's an adventure! It’s a great way to take a risk and get a little uncomfortable. Don’t get too caught up in the details and try to live in the moment. What a great start to the new year!

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Delivering Christmas to children in need By Heidi Clayton

was thrilled to team up again with the amazing Toni Jordan of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and my “alma mater,” the Atlantic City Police Department, to deliver Christmas to children in need. This year ACPD Chief Sarkos assigned Sgt. Kevin Law to the task of getting the gifts delivered to the kids, and thanks to Kevin having a let’sdo-this attitude, we managed to pull off a spur-of-the-moment party for the kids. Being a police officer, while not always fun, safe, or enjoyable, provided me with a relatively secure financial life where I never worried about being homeless or not having food. As a woman, I cannot imagine being homeless and having to raise a child or children alone. While I don’t have the answers to fixing these social problems, I believe

that showing these mothers and kids that someone cares, particularly around Christmas, can give them hope for better days ahead. Starting my dog training business has brought such wonderful and giving people of all kinds into my life, and my business’ success is all due to these people, and for that I am so grateful. Since life is good, I have continued to do what I can for Toni and the families at the mission. Toni is tasked with going to the kids and getting a list of what they want for Christmas, not need. My goal is to deliver every single wish to the kids. This year, thanks to the sheer generosity of my partner in crime, Barbara, our family, friends, and my amazing Four on the Floor clients, we were able to help 11 children have the Christmas that every kid should have. When we were discussing delivery of the gifts, Kevin mentioned that he missed having the Christmas party we used to have prior to the pandemic. I told him if he could find a location and dedicate some manpower to getting the kids there and of course, making sure Santa could stop by, I would love to throw a party. Within minutes, Kevin secured

the Atlantic City Moose Lodge, made contact with Santa, and off we went to getting the party together. In the midst of planning, Kevin learned of a family in the city that quite frankly has nothing. When he told me the three kids were sleeping on the floor and needed winter coats, I said let’s invite them to the party, get their sizes and help them. I put out a call for help and again, my Four on the Floor family and friends stepped up and, between financial donations, and the amazing Gravitz Family, actually went clothes shopping for them. We were able to buy toys and clothes for the kids and get some things for the parents as well. Every wish was covered and we were able to make gift bags for the moms to brighten their day. On Friday, Dec. 22, we decked the halls of the Moose Lodge and met the families for an actual Christmas party which was by all accounts a success. We ate, we chatted, and of course, the highlight was Santa arriving in the ACPD SWAT Tank to give the kids their gifts. The look on the little girl's face when she opened a laptop that she never in a million years thought she would get, was priceless. Seeing the look of shock on the 14-year-old boy’s face who sleeps on a floor when he was told the bicycle was for him, was worth driving to three stores to find the right bike. Kevin, Julie, and I were talking post-party about how, for these kids, this party was Christmas. Without Toni, and all of the people who truly want to help others, they would not have had a Christmas. So on behalf of Sgt. Kevin Law, Barbara Gutjahr, and Julie Lawler of

the Moose Lodge (who is just awesome by the way), we cannot thank everyone who donated money, gifts, and food for the party enough.

On a personal note, I am so grateful to all of my clients who, without a second thought, donated money, gifts, and food to help these kids. From the Four on the Floor staff of IchiBan, Sushi, Fuji, Miki, and myself, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Any questions please feel free to email 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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henever people of a certain age gather and share their memories of growing up in the Atlantic City area, the conversation inevitably turns to fondly remembered restaurants. Sure, people recall Captain Starn’s, Hackney’s, Abe’s Oyster House, Sid Hartfield’s on the Boardwalk (my family called it “Sid Heartburn’s”), or Hi-Hat Joe’s in Chelsea. But almost always, the group ends up talking about Lou’s in Ventnor. “Fondly remembered” is one thing, but if a restaurant can actually be beloved, Lou’s was it. The memories presented here come from those who visited Lou’s over the years and saw fit to share their thoughts on social media. Located at 5011 Ventnor Ave. at the corner of Ventnor and Nashville avenues, Lou’s opened in 1946. Helen Adelman and her first husband, Lou, bought the property with the idea of opening a delicatessen. According to Adelman’s 2007 obituary, she passed at the age of 97. In the beginning, she started making soups and Lou made the sandwiches. After a time, Lou’s was a restaurant with a complete menu,

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serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, with seating for, according to Adelman, 350. Lines stretched around the corner during the summer months. It became a family affair, with Adelman’s parents, children and nephews all working in the kitchen or on the floor. Shortly before her passing, Adelman said, “It was really amazing to see the people, all of whom seemed to know each other. There will never be another Lou’s. It was truly an institution.” “Helen was always dressed to the nines with her flaming red hair and was the most amazing hostess. Besides teaching and supervising all the cooks, she was on the restaurant floor with the customers making certain that everything was perfect. Helen loved her customers.”– Andy Edelman “We ate at Lou's every Thursday night! Getting to our table took an extra 15 minutes. It was the place to go to, and we stopped to talk to everyone on the way to our table. When my dad died suddenly in 1964, they sent a huge deli platter, etc. for shiva to my mom. The relationships that formed with regulars were wonderful!” – Barbara Kaplan Moskowitz, Atlantic City High School, Class of 1957 “I have so many stories about my time at the beach with my Aunt Bessie Orloff, who was my grandmother Pearl’s sister. She lived in Ventnor, a few blocks from Lou’s restaurant. It was the custom for us to go to Lou’s every Saturday throughout the year. She would be adamant about being

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In the end, though, if books are ever written about things like this, Lou’s likely closed, sadly, because history had passed it by. Less than one year after Lou’s was boarded up, a real estate notice appeared in the local press announcing Planning Board approval of La Costa at the site, a 32-unit condominium project. But the project never happened. Today, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home stands where the restaurant was located. That’s progress; but in this case, it’s not a fitting end to Lou’s, a place that was a legend. there at 4:45 p.m. so we never had to wait in line. So many fond memories.” – Philadelphia/New York fashion consultant Stephen Kerzner “If you spent any time down the shore (in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate or Longport) in the 1960s through the 1980s, Lou’s was a ‘must go’ family restaurant on Ventnor Avenue. My family would eat dinner there on many Saturday nights before driving uptown to take a stroll on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. My favorite was fried shrimp, french fries and a chocolate milkshake. Yum! – David Joseph Tulsky “Lou’s had the best cheesecake. Does anyone out there know where I can find the recipe?”– Gail S. Rose “I loved the coffee milkshakes, so thick and delicious; a spoon could stand up straight in one!”– Steve Danzing “My grandparents spent every summer in Atlantic City and Ventnor and when we visited them we always went to Lou's. As a child I ate many fried shrimp there.” – Jessica Baskin Taylor “It wasn't Saturday night unless we ended up at Lou's, sometimes at 2 a.m. Best toasted cinnamon buns ever.” – Donna Lipshutz Levinson “We ate here often when we were down the shore up until the restaurant closed. I think about it every time I walk or drive by the empty lot.”– Tali Segal “Always went to Lou’s when in the area. The lines were around the corner.” – Carole Greenberg “I called Anthony Kutschera, an expert on Atlantic City history, to ask him about the Knife & Fork Inn as he remembered it. He told me he dined there on a summer day decades ago when the air-conditioning wasn’t working well, so he took off his jacket. The owner, Mack Latz, came over and said, ‘Nothing doing.’ My mother wouldn’t have liked that (and) would have lit into Mr. Latz. Mostly, we ate at Lou’s, in Ventnor, an informal, Jewish-style place. I never complained

December 28, 2023

because Lou’s fulfilled my childhood culinary fantasies – it served knockwurst.” – Award-winning food writer Alan Richman “Our house in Ventnor was just a block or so from Lou’s, a famous casual restaurant where the line always snaked along the sidewalk, especially on weekends. It was a cross between a Jewish deli and full-service restaurant where customers could get anything from corned beef on rye to a jumbo salad to a simple hot meal. A tall glass of lemonade always included a cherry floating at the bottom.”– Philadelphia restaurant critic Phyliss Stein-Novack In my 60-plus years in the entertainment industry, I’ve probably known and loved hundreds of restaurants. And sure, I remember some of them with a thought like, “Gee, wasn’t it great back in the day?” But with the possible exception of Day’s Deli and Famous Delicatessen in Philadelphia, I have never experienced a restaurant – a venue that serves food, to be clear about it – that has elicited so much passion, so much feeling, and so many wonderful and vivid memories. There probably isn’t one definitive reason why Lou’s shut its doors sometime in 2006. Stephen Caputo, who worked at Lou’s, said the passing of the final owner, Al, was the beginning of the end. But according to Donna Senoff, who worked there in the 1980s, “They closed because there was a fire. The insurance picked up the restaurant repairs, but the rental apartments upstairs weren’t up to code and it was too costly to repair. They sold and the next owners opened up a restaurant called Agapé. The restaurant opened in October and needless to say didn’t fare too well.” Another Facebook poster, Stewart Mash, added, “The new owners who opened Agapé were Seventh Day Adventists and they wouldn't open on Sunday.”

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Bill creating penalties for underage drinkers goes to Governor Murphy’s desk

By Nikita Biryukov

he Senate approved legislation Thursday that would create fines for underage drinkers, reversing a prohibition enacted when lawmakers approved a bill creating the state’s legal marijuana market in 2021. The bill, which won passage in the Assembly in June, would see underage drinkers subject to a $50 fine and a complaint summons, the equivalent of a disorderly persons offense. Legislators backing the bill said the new rules are needed to address parties in towns along the Jersey Shore that local officials have condemned as chaotic and disruptive, and to allow authorities some measure of enforcing the state’s drinking age. Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), who chairs the Legislature’s Latino caucus, was the only lawmaker to vote against the measure. The bill saw no debate on the floor and now heads to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk. It also would raise the bar for police officers to face civil rights law-

suits over interactions with underage drinkers or smokers. Police unions have criticized the 2021 marijuana law for a provision that allows these kinds of charges, saying it discourages officers from taking any action against minors even if they know they are breaking the law. The bill approved Thursday would require such charges to come with evidence that a police officer acted to intimidate or discriminate against a person on the basis of their protected class, like race, gender, or sexual orientation. Activists have pushed against the bill, warning it would increase teens’ contact with the criminal justice system and saying existing laws are enough to enforce state drinking laws. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey is among those opposed to the bill. Ami Kachalia, a campaign strategist with the group, said it is “deeply disappointed” in the Senate’s action. “Instead of passing punitive and ineffective policies, New Jersey should be increasing its investment in public health solutions. We urge Governor

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Legislators backing the bill said the new rules are needed to address parties in towns along the Jersey Shore that local officials have condemned as chaotic and disruptive. Photo by Lori M. Nichols Murphy to veto this bill and commit to protecting youth across New Jersey,” Kachalia said in a statement. The move marks a reversal for Trenton Democrats, who barred criminal charges and parental notifications for underage drinkers and marijuana users when approving legislation that launched New Jersey’s

legal marijuana market in 2021. Lawmakers approved legislation allowing parental notification just one month later, but the prohibition on criminal charges has endured longer. The bill leaves intact the prohibition on criminal charges for marijuana smokers. Credit: New Jersey Monitor

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When investing, watch the movie By Eric Reich

magine walking into the room and looking at the television only to see a severed horse’s head in a man’s bed. If you didn’t know what you were actually watching, or if you are a huge animal lover like me, you would quickly change the channel assuming there was a deranged horror movie on. While this might be a perfectly normal assumption, the brief scene you just witnessed lacks context. The reality is that what you actually saw was a pivotal scene in one of the best movies ever made, "The Godfather". By not watching the entire movie, you may well have missed out on a cinematic masterpiece. By now you are thinking, when did the financial guy become a movie critic? I thought he wrote about retirement, investments, etc. Well, here is where the correlation between in-

vestors and the person who walked into the room and saw that famous scene come together. Short-term investment performance is exactly like walking into a room and seeing a movie scene without context. “I bought this investment 6 months ago or 12 months ago and it’s done nothing but gone down! I could have made at least 5% in a money market and risked nothing.” “I think I should sell out of the investment.” The investor walked into a movie scene without any context. Yes, there are times when short-term near riskless investments do well, but those are the exception, not the rule. I have 220+ years of data to back that up. The reality is that well-researched, risk investments that are left alone to grow over time based on your risk tolerance may likely outperform the short-term “feel-good” overly safe investments. Typically, that outperformance can be dramatic. When compounded over many years, the difference can be life-changing. I understand the natural negative reaction to poor short-term investment performance, even more so if you are not an experienced investor and are gun-shy about investing in the first place. The reality, however,

is that if you just take the time to “watch the whole movie”, you might see that the investment you made could turn out to be better than you ever expected. Don’t judge a longterm investment by its short-term performance, but rather give it a chance to do what it is intended to do. I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse (see what I did there). Give your investments time to function as they should over a longer time period, and you’ll likely thank me later. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions

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

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Shore Local Trivia

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2. Pleasantville legend Max Manning was a: a) Boxer b) Baseball Player c) Singer d) Football Player

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5. How many covered bridges (or replicas) can be found in Atlantic County? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) None 6. What was name of the low bridge that ran parallel to the Parkway bridge that connected Atlantic and Cape May County? a) Great Egg Harbor Bridge b) Cape Atlantic Bridge c) Somers Point Bridge d) Beesley’s Point Bridge

3. What band/artist that played Atlantic City has sold the most concert tickets over the years? a) Frank Sinatra b) The Rolling Stones c) Jimmy Buffett d) Bruce Springsteen

7. Oceanville is a part of this township on the mainland. a) Egg Harbor Twp. b) Upper Twp. c) Galloway Twp. d) Hamilton Twp.

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4. This town is named after the mythical town in the Legend of King Arthur. a) Avalon b) Margate c) Brigantine d) Ventnor

5. B. Two. A replica covered bridge in Birch Grove Park, Northfield and Smithville. 6. D. The Beesley’s Point Bridge is now gone. 7. C. Oceanville is just south of Smithville in Galloway Township.

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1. What is the name sunken ship with its remains just off the beach in Ocean City? The mast was long visible from the boardwalk. a) SS Minnow b) Mayflower c) Sindia d) Titantic

1. C. Sindia. It actually ran aground. 2. B. He was a pitcher with the Newark Eagles. 3. B. The Rolling Stones’ have played concerts for over 50 years. 4. C. The mythical King Arthur was believed to be buried in Avalon, England.

OLIVIA

Test Your Local Knowledge

Answers to Trivia Puzzle:

NAME:

SHORE FUNNY What do you get if you cross a snowman and a witch? A cold spell What happens when a baby snowman has a temper tantrum? He has a meltdown. What kind of cycle can you ride in the snow? An Ice-Cycle. Why was the snowman rummaging in the bag of carrots? He was picking his nose. What did the snowman and his wife put over their baby’s crib? A snowmobile 12-31-24

12-31-24

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SUDOKU Solution on page 62

ACROSS 1. Great divide 6. Priestly vestment 9. Took to court 13. Haile Selassie's disciple 14. 10 decibels 15. *Appletini's ____ schnapps 16. Rose oil 17. Maui garland 18. Birth-related 19. *Old Fashioned liquor option 21. *Gin+vermouth rosso+Campari 23. Not him 24. Bye, in Palermo 25. VA.gov beneficiary 28. Puerto follower 30. Like Ferris Bueller 35. Exclude 37. "____ Your Enthusiasm" 39. Green-light 40. Tiny coffee cup, or ____-tasse 41. Cut mission short 43. Not final or absolute 44. Makes a sweater 46. Wing-shaped 47. Bird, in Latin 48. One with drug dependency 50. Do like a frog 52. A U.S. time zone 53. Dance with #17 Across 55. Anatomical duct 57. *It usually comes in a conical glass 61. *Popular cocktail mixer 65. Spy's other name 66. Knicks' org. 68. Give a speech 69. Clan emblem 70. Party barrel 71. Clean a spill (2 words) 72. Part of pump 73. Sargasso or Barents 74. Same as apse

DOWN 1. Sticking point, in alimentary tract 2. Possesses, archaic 3. *Bellini with ____ Spumante 4. Squirrel away 5. a.k.a. felt-pen 6. Competently 7. M tley Cr e's Tommy ____ 8. Russian pancakes 9. Practice in the ring 10. As far as (2 words) 11. Distinctive flair 12. Place for a hero 15. Fluffy sweater material 20. "All My Children" vixen ____ Kane 22. 2010 Movie "____ Pray Love" 24. Toyota model 25. *Moscow Mule spirit 26. Make corrections 27. Shy 29. *____ Libre 31. Forearm bone 32. Not dead 33. Honkers 34. *Lemon or orange piece 36. South American monkey 38. Highlands hillside 42. Crossbeam 45. Religious split 49. 252-gallon wine cask 51. *Tequila+grapefruit juice+sparkling water 54. Kind of golf course 56. Razor sharpener 57. S.A.T. section 58. Balm ingredient 59. Baptism or shiva, e.g. 60. Asian weight unit 61. John Galsworthy's "The Forsyte ____" 62. Nukes 63. Sewing case 64. Gym set 67. *____'s Knees See Solution on Page 62

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cean City was founded in 1879 by the Honorable Simon Lake, Rev. S. Wesley Lake, Rev. Ezra B/ Lake, Rev. James E. Lake, Rev. William H. Burrell, and Rev. William B. Wood. The decisions they made in 1879 and 1880 laid the foundation for America’s greatest family resort. The founders knew that for the town to grow and prosper it had to be accessible to people from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. During the first year, they organized the Pleasantville and Ocean City Rail Road Company. A railroad was laid from Pleasantville to Somers Point and on Oct. 26, 1880, trains began to make daily trips to Somers Point. Passengers would exit the train and board a steamboat for the short trip across the bay to Ocean City. Nov. 24, 1884, was a special day in Ocean City. It was on that day that the West Jersey Railroad began operating trains from Sea Isle City into Ocean City. The railroad crossed Corson’s Inlet entering the southern end of Ocean City, continuing north to Eighth Street station. By the summer of 1885, there were three train routes to Ocean City: Philadelphia to Atlantic City, to Longport, steamboat to Ocean City; Philadelphia to Somers Point, steamboat to Ocean City; and the allrail route, Philadelphia to Ocean City, through Sea Isle City. William B. Wood, president of the

The Pleasantville and Ocean City Rail Road Company was organized in 1880 and a railroad built from Pleasantville to Somers Point. A steamboat ferried passengers to the Fourth Street wharf in Ocean City. This drawing was in the 1882 Annual Report of the Ocean City Association. Ocean City Association, wrote the following in 1885: “It must be plain to all that we have passed the crises in the history of Ocean City. Our existence, development, rapid advancement, is no longer a problem—it is an assured fact. We have astonished even the railroad men as well as others, the snort of the iron horse and the shrill whistle of the locomotive will hereafter be familiar to our people.”

Solutions to page 61 puzzles. Check yourself!

December 28, 2023

Beginning your New Year home ownership adventure

Real Estate Matters By Elisa Jo Eagan

s we enter a new year and set plans for 2024, one goal that might be on your list is becoming a homeowner. Buying your first home is akin to embarking on a grand adventure. Despite being thrilling, navigating the ins and outs of the process can feel overwhelming. From setting a budget to securing a mortgage loan, there are numerous factors to consider along the way. Keep these five tips in mind throughout your journey. 1. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent Connecting with a supportive real

estate agent who understands your needs, requirements and specific search criteria is crucial. They'll guide you through every step of the firsttime home buying process, offering advice, protection, negotiation and connections to qualified professionals, including local mortgage company representatives to make financing your dream home possible. 2. Check Your Credit Score Your credit score significantly impacts buying a home. It determines approval for a mortgage loan with the best interest rate. Use tools like Credit Karma to monitor your cred-

December 28, 2023

it, understand its factors and work towards improvement, with the help of your mortgage company representative. 3. Be Realistic About Affordability Setting a realistic budget involves listing necessities like bedrooms and bathrooms separately from extras like specific home features. Many first-time buyers gradually upgrade their homes, fulfilling their dream piece by piece. 4. Gather All Necessary Documents For mortgage prequalification, gather essential documents like pay stubs, bank statements and W-2s from the past two years. Organizing paperwork in advance avoids last-minute scrambles for additional information.

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5. Get Preapproved for Your Loan Once your credit score meets requirements and necessary documents are submitted, enter the preapproval stage. Preapproval gives you confidence while making offers and places you on par with other bids. Remember, like any adventure, the destination is the most rewarding part. But enjoy the journey of being a first-time homebuyer - it's a one-time experience. Happy Home Hunting! There's no place like owning your own home! For all of your real estate advice and questions, call/text Elisa at 609703-0432 or see TheRealEstateGodmother.com. Remember, there is no place like owning your own home. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

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