SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | February 1, 2024

Free February 1, 2024

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

ENDLESS SUMMER Boy surfs 1,345 consecutive days and counting

Flock to Atlantic City Wing Fest Ten Ways to Celebrate Galentine's Day Winter Reads to Cozy Up With Jonathan Pitney's Railroad to Nowhere

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Bill to ban smoking in casinos advances in Senate

By Sofie Nieto-Munoz New Jersey Monitor

A

tlantic City workers who support a ban on smoking inside casinos cheered and applauded lawmakers Monday afternoon after a state Senate committee finally advanced a longstalled measure that would approve the ban. Lamont White, a casino dealer for over 38 years, noted that Monday represented the first meeting of the Senate’s health committee during the new legislative session, which began earlier this month. “I think that’s a really good sign,” he said.

Bill sponsor Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) has sponsored a bill to ban smoking in casinos in every legislative session for 18 years, and this was the first time a Senate committee has advanced it since 2007. Casino workers in favor of the ban have lobbied for years for the Legislature to pass the bill. “I’m grateful I’m able to help them out,” Vitale said.

The committee’s five Democrats all cast votes in support of the ban and its three Republicans either voted no or abstained. The bill’s future remains unclear without the vocal support of

legislative leadership. Gov. Phil Murphy has said he would sign the bill if it landed on his desk.

Supporters of the measure argue the state should have prohibited smoking in casinos long ago. Smoking was banned in most indoor places in 2006, but that ban exempted casinos.

Currently, smoking is allowed on 25% of a casino’s gambling floor.

The bill’s critics voiced the same concerns they previously have: that banning smoking in casinos could lead casinos to lay off workers if they see fewer customers. A study commissioned by the Casino Association of New Jersey suggests over 2,500 jobs could be lost if the bill goes into effect.

Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) said a bill he expects to introduce would allow for enclosed smoking rooms where casino workers can voluntarily accept shifts, in addition to a phased-in ban.

Casino workers said Monday they are not discouraged by the long road the bill has to passage. “It’ll be an uphill battle because the tobacco and casino industry do not want to lose,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights.

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3

Lost in the Amazon

From the Editor

A

s we get older, we tend to marvel at all the ways the world has changed. Differences in the systems that we’ve come to know and trust over the years can be unsettling – to say the least.

I feel that way about television.

The multitude of streaming options, mixed with on-demand and pay per view overwhelms me. I long for the days when we only had to choose between channels three, six or ten.

Nowadays, by the time we pick a show from the one million choices before us, I'm ready for bed!

As my dad got older, he didn't bother with most forms of technology – with one exception. He loved Alexa, Amazon's voice-controlled virtual assistant. She could answer questions and most importantly, play music.

My brother set my father up with an Amazon Music premium account so he could hear all his favorite songs. Dad loved it!

As time went by though, a problem arose. The credit card attached to the account had expired. With payment denied, he no longer had access to his favorite Johnny Cash songs. So Dad did what seemed perfectly reasonable; he called Amazon with the new credit card number.

Have you ever tried to call Amazon? Climbing Mount Everest may be an easier feat! Nearly exclusively digital, they direct customers to “chat” online or email, rather than call. After hours on hold and a lot of tele-prompts, my father did finally get a human voice.

Instantly, he was instructed to authorize his account. “Would you like me to email or text you a code?” asked the representative. “Huh!” exclaimed my father. They may as well have been speaking Greek.

“I'm 87 years old, I don't email or text,” he explained. When she said she couldn't help him then, he insisted on speaking to the supervisor. This went on and on for about a week. Eventually the supervisor’s

Issue 268

supervisor said “Sir, what you really need…is help!”

That's when he came to me.

We authorized this and plugged in codes and eventually got it all figured out. To my mother's dismay, “Ring of Fire” and all his favorites were once again blaring throughout the house.

Now, a couple months later, I'm having a similar problem; this time with an online holiday return. I go through the process that seems easy enough, but when I think it is nearly complete, my account suddenly freezes. It happens again and again, leaving me baffled as to why.

I have to authorize this and that and reset my password, just to get back to square one.

My husband reminds me that this is yet another reason why buying locally from actual people is the way to go. I have to agree.

Traditional, local shopping from real people offers a solution that resonates with many (including me) who find themselves frustrated by the impersonal and often convoluted nature of online transactions.

That initial temptation to click a screen for the convenience factor is certainly outweighed when the

need arises for any form of customer service.

Additionally, shopping and dining locally boost our community in many ways. It keeps our dollars in the area that we love and call home, supporting our friends and neighbors, rather than a huge company based far away.

As you page through this issue of Shore Local, please take note of the advertisers featured throughout.

They are the shops, restaurants and service providers that make up the fabric of our community. Their support makes this publication possible so please show them your support and love. And don't forget to tell them that you saw them in Shore Local!

Your opinion is important to us. Please email shorelocalnews@ gmail.com or call (609) 705- 5323 with your story ideas, opinions and feedback. We promise a human will answer with no tele-prompts or demands to “chat” online.

Wishing you and yours a fabulous week and start to this new month.

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, Bill Quain, Gabriella Bancheri, Dr. LaToya Roberts

Cover photo of Carter Doorley of Brigantine by his mom, Dawn Doorley.

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4

February 1, 2024

Local Brigantine teen surfs 1,345 consecutive days

By Gabriella Bancheri

I

Tube feature showing him trudging through snow to reach the ocean.

The surf odyssey began when Carter, then nine, faced the lockdowns of early 2020. With most outdoor activities halted, his mother, Dawn Doorley, started taking him to the beach, sparking a challenge that evolved from a 100-day goal to the impressive streak we see today.

n Brigantine, a remarkable young surfer, Carter Doorley, has achieved an astounding feat by surfing for 1,345 consecutive days as of Monday, January 29. Starting his journey in March 2020, the thirteenyear-old has braved every condition—be it snow, sun, rain, or shine—to maintain his streak, now nearing four years.

Carter's unyielding commitment shines through especially considering the recent challenging weather conditions, including nor'easters and snow accumulations. His dedication is vividly captured in a You-

Beyond his personal achievement, Carter has used his journey to contribute to the community, partnering with food pantries, participating in beach cleanups, and supporting various charities—all before even reaching his teens.

Carter's consistent practice has not only enhanced his skills but also allowed him to compete in prestigious surf competitions like those organized by the National Scholastic Surfing Association and the Eastern Surfing Association.

The next chapter in Carter's journey is Camp Shred in California, the world's largest surf demo, where he will promote his initiative and interact with professional surfers.

Despite the logistical challenges described by Dawn as akin to a "fulltime job," the support and dedication of Carter and his family underscore a

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powerful narrative of perseverance and the incredible achievements possible with familial support.

Carter's story is not just about surfing; it's a testament to what young individuals can achieve with determination and the backing of dedicated families. For those interested in following Carter's adventures, his Instagram @cartercatcheswaves offers a glimpse into his inspiring journey.

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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Delayed Turnpike, Parkway toll increases set for approval

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voters ahead of November’s election, when all 120 seats in the Legislature were on the ballot.

A spokesman for Murphy declined to comment on Tuesday’s Turnpike Authority meeting. Murphy’s chief of staff, Diane Guiterrez-Scaccetti, also serves as state transportation commissioner and previously chaired the Turnpike board.

Cost increases are not relegated to the Turnpike, the Parkway, and NJ Transit. Motorists using Hudson River crossings controlled by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey saw a 63-cent increase toll hike this year. And drivers into New York will also soon be charged a new toll once congestion pricing goes into effect — a $15 fee for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street.

It is not clear when the Turnpike and Parkway toll increases would go into effect if approved on Tuesday.

Feeney said it will be discussed during the meeting.

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ew Jersey Turnpike commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on a 2024 budget that includes a 3% toll hike, less than a week after NJ Transit announced it plans to increase fares up to 15% starting in July.

The planned toll hikes come months after Gov. Phil Murphy halted them amid criticism from Democrats who were running on a platform of affordability ahead of November’s legislative races.

If the Turnpike Authority’s budget is adopted Tuesday, the average New Jersey Turnpike toll would increase by 15 cents to $5.11, and the average Garden State Parkway toll would rise by 5 cents to $1.57, according to Turnpike Authority spokesman Tom Feeney.

When the Turnpike board first adopted its budget in October with the toll hike, Murphy vetoed it, saying he was not satisfied with the justification for toll increases and needed more information on whether they were necessary. Turnpike commissioners in 2020 approved a plan to have automatic toll increases of up to 3% annually.

Murphy’s veto came after Democratic legislative leaders, including Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, called on him to keep tolls from rising. Republicans criticized the move, accusing Murphy of trying to win over

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Super Bowl Tailgate to benefit new A.C. Lifeguard Museum

By Steffen Klenk

B

efore next Sunday’s kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, Dock’s Oyster House in Atlantic City is the place to be for a special cause. The Chief Arthur R. Brown Memorial Scholarship Foundation and former New Jersey State Senator Chris Brown will host its annual pre-Super Bowl Tailgate Party.

This year, all proceeds will benefit the newly formed International Lifeguard Museum, to be housed locally at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Brown says discussions for the museum began last year with former Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) Executive Director Sean

February 1, 2024

Pattwell. “Since Atlantic City was the first municipality to have a beach patrol, it makes sense for the city to house a lifeguard museum.” Brown also acknowledged the need for more non-gaming attractions within the city.

The project has enlisted the assistance of Tom Sykes of SOSH Architects and

William Downey of Brownstein Law Firm, both of whom have devoted their time, energy, and assistance to design the layout and incorporate the museum respectfully.

The Foundation was formed in 1992 to preserve the memory of Arthur R. Brown, former Chief of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. “He dedicated his life to serving families and tourists,” says Chris Brown. Now in its 32nd year, over $400,000 in scholarships and financial aid have been awarded to South Jersey residents and organizations. Notable donors have included the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, the Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation, Vest-A-Cop, the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Atlantic County Chapter,

and Atlantic City Beach Patrol Classic boat races.

Each year, the Super Bowl Tailgate Party attracts support from the hundreds who attend in person and beyond. Brown says that even during tough economic times, the community has found it in their hearts to support the foundation’s mission. “The kindness and goodwill of the people of Atlantic County is unparalleled.”

The 32nd Annual Super Bowl Tailgate Party will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Dock’s Oyster House, 2405 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City. Tickets are $20 purchased at the door and will include a buffet, a free mug with $1 beverage refills, and door prizes.

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.

9

Get ready Cookie Monsters: Crumbl Cookie is now open in Mays Landing

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

I

was driving down the Black Horse Pike on Saturday when I saw a long line in front of a store in Mays Landing. When I pulled into the parking lot, there must have been 75 people in line to buy cookies at the new Crumbl Cookie Store, located at 4300 Black Horse Pike.

I have never seen an opening like this, and the line kept growing. I am not one to stand in line, but I had to find out what all the excitement was about. The wait was worth it.

The line moved quickly. I was greeted by a very pleasant young lady, and then I must have seen 20 people busily working to fill the orders from the people who were anxiously waiting.

The aroma was unreal.

I must have gained 1,000 calories just standing there.

I ordered four delicious cookies. They were presented in a beautiful pink box, which could very well serve as a great gift box.

Being a diabetic, I could only cheat and eat one, but my mother couldn’t say enough about how great the cookies are.

This remarkable franchise business was started in Utah just seven years ago by two cousins: Jason McGowan, CEO; and Sawyer Hemsley, COO. Now there are more than 900 locations nationwide, with even more internationally.

After doing some research they concluded that the cookies on the market were mediocre at best. The cousins began a quest to make the perfect cookies.

They began by attempting to create the world’s best tasting chocolate

chocolate mallow cupcake and many more, which are rotated in and out. They are all made in front of the customers with the finest ingredients. To top it off, they are all presented in beautiful pink boxes.

The Mays Landing store is owned and operated by Darrell and Karen Doucette who own three other locations. Darrell came down to Mays Landing and discovered the ideal location which has great neighbors including Starbucks,

chip cookies.

Today the selection of cookie varieties has expanded to include dozens of flavors including Oreo, New York Cheesecake, vanilla crumb cake,

Pinky Nails, and soon to be Jersey Mike’s.

I spoke with Molly Nagy and Chris Gora who manage the store. They were extremely enthusiastic about the tremendous reception they have received. Molly told me the store motto is “cookie quality, customer experience, and cleanliness.” My initial impression is that they have exceeded their motto.

They have plans to eventually get involved in fundraising and catering.

In the meantime, put the Crumbl Cookie on your to-do list, then hit the gym. Their phone number is 609837-7797.

Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

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The contributions of Dr. Jonathan Pitney

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The Father of Atlantic City and The Railroad to Nowhere

By Mari D’Albora Dattolo

T

he mid to late nineteenth century was a period of immense development for South Jersey, most notably in Atlantic City. Much of the development is thanks to a local physician, Dr. Jonathan Pitney, who had an idea to promote the island of Absegami (meaning “little water”).

Born in Mendham, New Jersey in October 1797, the doctor studied medicine at Columbia University. He practiced for two years at the Staten Island Hospital before moving one hundred miles south to Absecon, NJ in 1820. During his career as a physician, Dr. Pitney would often travel by horseback through the sand dunes of Absecon Island to visit his patients. In doing so, he imagined Atlantic City as a premier health resort. He was convinced that the island offered the perfect climate with its restorative healing properties of sea air and saltwater. He shared his idea with General Enoch Doughty, a successful merchant and landowner.

Meeting in Doughty's store on Shore Road in Absecon, they wrote the first draft of a railroad company charter.

Working with businessman Richard Summers by his side, history would rightly recognize Dr. Pitney as the visionary behind the development of the seaside retreat. Richard Osborne, an Irish-born civil engineer, would design a grid system following the example of Philadelphia to make the streets easier to navigate.

Avenues would be named after the world’s oceans, intersecting with streets named after America’s states and numbered up to twenty-seven in the latter part of the century. In 1852, Richard Osborne's designs for

the envisioned city were submitted to Philadelphia’s railroad investors.

With the approval of The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) board, Dr. Pitney coined the name “Atlantic City” for his 11.92 square mile city by the sea.

Many skeptics labeled this concept the "Railroad to Nowhere". Unconcerned with the public's perception, the doctor was determined to build Atlantic City into a destination location. The shorebound railways would be vital to the success of both the city and state’s future tourism industry.

In the progression of Atlantic City’s development, Dr. Pitney became the designated postmaster and recorder of shipwrecks. He led the fight to have Atlantic County divorced from Gloucester County in 1837, then advanced to a position as Atlantic County's delegate to the

State Constitutional Convention in 1844. Another of his contributions was his successful attainment of a Congressional grant in the sum of $52,436 ($1,870,000 by 2020 standards). It was his intention to have a 171 feet tall lighthouse constructed where the Atlantic Ocean met the back bays at the Absecon Inlet. His motivation came by way of a deadly storm off the Jersey coastline in April 1854.

The shipwreck of “Powhattan” was north of Absecon Island, resulting in the loss of over 300 European passengers and crew. Victims’ remains were scattered on the beaches of both Ocean and Atlantic counties.

February 1, 2024

Of the more than one hundred lost that washed ashore in Atlantic City, half were buried in Smithville Methodist’s churchyard and the other half were buried in a mass grave directly across from Dr. Pitney’s House. Both locations are still accessible. Today, the historic Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City retains its position as the tallest maritime navigational structure in the state of New Jersey.

In March 1853, New Jersey granted the Camden and Atlantic Railroad Company, a subsidiary of PRR, a charter to build and operate a rail line between the Delaware River and (the renamed) Absecon Island. The unveiling would commence on July 4, 1854, welcoming eager travelers from cities all along the eastern seaboard, including U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant in 1874.

Fifteen rail stations were constructed between Camden, Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The railroad, true to the promise made by Dr. Pitney, created a land boom. Several hotels opened within two years of the inaugural train, including the Surf House, Congress Hall, and the Mansion House. The greatest benefit of the railroad was the attainability for all Philadelphians, who would no longer have to endure a day-long ride in an open stagecoach to reach the seaside.

The final spike on the second cit y-to -shore railroad, Philadelphia and Atlantic City, was driven in July 1877. By the time the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad launched in the summer of 1880, the boardwalk had already been part of the landscape for ten years. 20,000 Philadelphians were traveling to Atlantic City each weekend during the high season with a year-round population of 14,000.

On June 16, 1880, with fanfare only a few in South Jersey had ever witnessed, the “Queen of Resorts” was officially opened. The first West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad (WJA) excursion carried stockholders, members of the press and VIPs including George Wood, President of the WJA. They arrived in four new passenger coaches at the intersection of the beach and Florida Avenue. Thanks to visionary Dr. Jonathan Pitney, Atlantic City was quickly becoming America’s favorite seaside resort and playground, as well as the nation’s first vacation destination.

Tragically, just weeks later on Aug.

11, 1880, the WJA Excursion would experience a deadly collision in Mays Landing, NJ on the return from Atlantic City. Thirty lives would be lost from Philadelphia’s Irish neighborhoods, primarily as a result of scalding injuries sustained from the

locomotive’s steam engine.

Dr. Pitney did not live to hear of this tragedy. However, the railroad’s overall legacy remained positive despite this.

Although Dr. Pitney wouldn’t live to see all that developed as a result of his ingenuity, history remembers him fondly as the “Father of Atlantic City”. The doctor was able to see his vision become a reality by bringing in the railroads that built a city. He would die in his Absecon home four months following the close of the Civil War, on Aug. 7, 1869.

For more information on Atlantic City’s early years, check out "Between the Shore and the City: Tragedy in Mays Landing" by Mari D’Albora Dattolo. For more information on Dr. Jonathan Pitney, visit his home, beautifully restored as a Bed & Breakfast at Jonathan Pitney House 57 N Shore Rd, Absecon, NJ. You can contact the Bed & Breakfast at this phone number: 609-748-0536. You can also email them at the following address: info@jonathanpitneyhouse. com.

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13

Signs of hope from the not-so-dormant garden Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

W

hen you look out your window, the garden appears to be sleeping. In reality, however, a quiet storm rages beneath the earth, hidden from sight. Venture out into the brisk weather with attentive eyes, and you’ll spy a flurry of activity that’s going unnoticed from the confines of our houses. Like the cast and crew behind the curtain, key players are preparing scenery and rehearsing their lines before the opening day stage production. Yes, spring has been set in motion, and only the naive believe that the garden is slumbering.

Go ahead, move a rock or lift a clump of leaves. Dig your trowel into the defrosted earth — you know you’ve been looking forward to this moment of getting your hands dirty again. You’ll expose forgotten bulbs searching for light, squirming worms,

Over 50Years of Goodness

and roots stretching their legs. Tiny creatures who have been hard at work tunneling through the soil will scurry away in search of safety. While winter always seems to last too long above ground, a quick look below unmasks a whole world that’s been thriving under our feet.

Take a walk around the late winter garden.

You’ll find daffodils poking through the soil, excited about their big debut. A closer look reveals that these early risers are already in full bud, eager to announce a new season.

These harbingers of spring can’t be held back, despite snow or dropping temperatures. Don your reading glasses to see new growth on rose stems. Even the forsythias can be caught offering a sneak peek of the new season. Though the big show is months away, the anxious yellow flowers can’t help stealing a glance on a sunny day.

Blooming prematurely isn’t without its risks for some. Just ask the disappointed camellia flowers that confidently bloomed in January when

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ball. For them, this is no time for idleness, as this is their moment to hold court. They will have plenty of time to rest in the summer when they will take leave for their beauty sleep.

As we lift our eyes, we will see hydrangea buds eagerly anticipating spring, not to mention the surrounding trees above, biding their time, and lying in wait. So

temperatures were mild. They were cruelly reminded that winter is still ruling on the throne as temperatures dipped into the teens. Their brown flowers serve as a reminder that for today we must be patient a little longer. Fortunately, understudy camellia buds wait in the wings for their own big moment to shine. They may test the waters again in a few weeks.

A few stepping stones away, we notice forgotten pots of cold-hardy pansies blooming their little hearts out. They laugh at the cold and will soon be joined by their grape hyacinth friends who welcome snow like a comforting blanket. Keep a keen eye out for the primroses, crocuses, and winter aconites, which will add more fanciful colors to this new year’s nature walk. We almost missed the elegant ladies called hellebores as they bow their demure heads. But their shyness quickly passes as they flaunt their sophisticated dresses, making them the envy of the winter

too, we must be patient a little longer. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Though the waiting is difficult, wait we must, until the proper time. Signs of the spring garden emerging give us evidence of hope. We must have faith that brighter days are ahead.

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

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14

February 1, 2024

Charley Gondorff and ‘The Sting’ in Atlantic City

By William Kelly

W

hen the hit movie “The Sting” came out in 1973, featuring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as big-time con artists and confidence men, University of Louisville Kentucky linguistics professor David Maurer thought he had been stung.

Maurer wrote a book “The American Confidence Man,” which was later republished as “The Big Con.” It describes his decades-long study of the slang of the underworld – thieves, pickpockets and con artists. In the course of his studies, Maurer met and became friendly with a number of confidence men who considered themselves above the thieves and pickpockets because they played out acting roles, and never stole anything, but rather, had their “marks” as they called them, give them the money.

In the movie, a small-time thief and con artist played by Robert Redford, looks up Gondorff, who had a reputation for being a big con artist extraordinaire, and convinces him to teach him the ropes of the “Big Con.”

Small cons are whatever you can get from a mark by playing threecard monte, coin under the cups tricks, dice and card swindles – all small-time stuff, taking whatever the mark has on him. But the big cons are elaborate swindles where a “roper” targets a mark, brings him to the “inside man” at a “big store” who gives the mark “the convincer,” and sends him out to get large amounts of money that they take from him on a sure shot scheme.

The mark is convinced to be part of a scam, thus “you can’t cheat an honest man.”

According to Maurer, there are three basic big con games: a boxing scam, a stock swindle scheme and the horse racing wire. The latter is portrayed in the movie “The Sting” where the mark is convinced the Western Union wire service middle man holds up the results of horse races from around the country for a few minutes, long enough to place a sure bet on the winner.

The boxing ring, the stock office

and the wire betting office are all held at makeshift studios called The Big Store, and are set up to be broken down as soon as the sting is stung. The mark is “blown off,” and the money is split among the actors who each have a role to play, with the “inside man” – Gondorff in the movie, played by Newman, having the biggest role.

According to Maurer, “The inside man must use a method suited to his mark at hand. All good inside men have a way with marks. The Yellow Kid had a way with marks that was unbelievable. Charley Gondorff had about the same thing, and it enabled him to beat most of the marks who

were roped for him….Inside men play for so many different types of men and study them carefully. They abide by what they learn.

They study out different angles from which to approach the mark, then experiment with them until they are perfect.” Maurer says it is mainly psychological manipulation.

Maurer says that Charley Gondorff was originally from New York, but worked as a bartender in Atlantic City in the 1920s, where he ran a big con operation for a number of years.

He also had two brothers, Fred and George, but George didn’t have “the grifter’s sense” that his brothers had.

Maurer writes: “Training and experience are of course important, but without grift sense they count for little, as can be seen from the Gondorff Family. Two of the brothers, Charley and Fred, were rated at the top of their profession, while brother George, who worked under the very best tutelage, never succeeded. ‘George was always a blank as a grifter,’ said a former roper for Charley. ‘His brothers were tops,

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February 1, 2024

Paul Newman (Gondorff) and Robert Redford in the movie "The Sting", based on the book "The Big Con" by David Maurer. but he just didn’t have the grifting sense’.”

One key aspect of pulling off a big con sting is making sure the law doesn’t interfere, and the police must be on the take. Putting in the fix, as they said in the lexicon that Maurer compiled, was to make sure you paid off the right cop. So there were two types of policemen, “the right copper,” who took a bribe, and “the wrong copper,” who wouldn’t.

In Atlantic City when Gondorff was there, that was no problem, as Nucky Johnson was in charge.

Gondorff probably went right to Nucky himself and gave him a big percentage of the total take, which in big cons can be many thousands of dollars. That had to be shared with the chief of police and the men on the beat on the street.

There was one condition that was promised and met; the ropers would not target any locals who lived or worked in Atlantic City, and only go after marks from out of town, vacationers and mainly conventioners.

The Boardwalk was already known for its shady games of chance, and the best of the barkers who brought people into the games became ropers for the big con, hanging out at bars, restaurants and casinos with an eye out for potential marks.

According to Maurer, Gondorff moved around a lot, and was probably only in Atlantic City for a few years before moving on, as after a while people got to realize what was happening.

When I read David Maurer’s book “The American Confidence Man,” which was also later published as “The Big Con,” I immediately recognized that it was the basis for the movie “The Sting,” as it was all there in one place, even explaining the de-

February 1, 2024

tails of how the big con games were played out by the actors.

So I called the Louisville Kentucky University where Maurer taught, asked for the linguistics department, and talked to a professor there, who told me that David Maurer had passed away a year or so before. He was his assistant and now had his position.

I asked the new professor if Maurer’s book was the basis for the movie “The Sting,” and he said it sure was and told me the story.

When Maurer saw the movie “The Sting,” he waited until the end for the credits, and when they didn’t mention his name or his book, he went to his lawyer and filed a civil suit against the producers for not giving him proper credit or residuals.

The screenwriter, David S. Ward, who won an Academy Award, claimed he never read Maurer’s book, but when Maurer’s lawyer asked the screenwriter to come up with one other published reference to Gondorff, besides Maurer’s book, he couldn’t do it and the judge ruled in Maurer’s favor, obtaining a screenwriter’s share of the profits, but still apparently not getting the credit he deserved.

They also kept the story from news outlets like Variety and Hollywood Reporter, so you are probably reading about it for the first time here.

Paul Linebarger, who wrote the US Army manual on propaganda, and taught CIA officers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, had his secret agent students read Maurer’s book “The Big Con,” in order to learn how to successfully conduct clandestine and covert intelligence operations.

“The Sting” theme from Maurer’s book was also adapted into a successful British TV series (20042012) called “Hustle,” which featured “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” actor Robert Vaughn as the roper, and Shakespearean actor Adrian Lester as the inside man, expanding the big cons into new, modern technological territories.

The “grifter’s sense” best exhibited by Atlantic City bartender Charley Gondorff is still an integral element if making any big con scheme work.

While small con thieves still proliferate in and around Atlantic City, the FBI itself used a big con scheme to take down corrupt government officials in a fake Atlantic City casino deal that was made into a movie, “American Hustle.”

Along with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting” remains one of the most popular movies Paul Newman and Robert Redford ever made.

17

Multiday Events

Events and Happenings

Have a Heart for Veterans

▶Now – Feb. 8

2409 Bay Ave. Ocean City United Methodist Communities is asking for the public’s support by donating items for gift bags to be delivered to veterans at Meadowview Nursing Home. Accepted items include wrapped Valentine heart candy boxes or bagged candy that is sealed, individual packs of crackers, cookies, Tastykake, trail mix, pretzels, potato chips, and cheese curls, along with items that are red, such as socks or gloves, T-shirts of any size, hats, sweatshirts, and gift cards to local restaurants, Wawa, Walmart, Dunkin’, etc.

Anyone interested in participating in this cause may contact UMC Hous-

ing Administrator Kathy Speer at (609) 399-6702.

Holy Trinity 16th Annual Greek Winter Feast

▶Fri. Feb. 2 – Sun. Feb. 4

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 7004 Ridge Ave. Egg Harbor Township Enjoy traditional Greek dancing, authentic Greek food, and homemade Greek pastries. Plus, enjoy group dance performances and a live DJ on Saturday night. Church tours will be available. Save the date for Friday, Feb. 2 from 5 – 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, 12 – 11 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dine-in and take-out available.

Visit www.holytrinityeggharbor. com to learn more and view the full menu.

Friday, February 2

Saturday, February 3

▶3:30 p.m.

▶1 – 4 p.m.

Bingo at the Library

Longport Public Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Time to try your luck at bingo, available for all ages. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Glimpse: Putty Dance Project

▶7:30 p.m.

Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Ferris Dr. Galloway Join Lauren Putty as she brings the mastery of improvisatory dance and live jazz music to life in “Glimpse”. Integrating familial images with original live music and the dance experience. Tickets and information can be found at www. stockton.edu/pac.

Atlantic City Wing Fest

This all-you-can-eat wing festival will allow you to taste wings from over a dozen local restaurants, with music by the Billy Walton Band, and awards. Vote on your favorite and see who wins. For more information, visit www.goldennugget.com/atlantic-city. Click on the Entertainment tab and scroll down to Atlantic City Wing Fest.

Valentines Concert at the Library

▶2 p.m.

Longport Public Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Join Longport Library for an afternoon concert featuring singer and pianist Jeffrey Uhlig. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Sunday, February 4

Michael Pedicin Concert Series

▶2 p.m.

Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City Michael Pedicin presents “An Homage to the World’s Important Jazz Saxophonists”. This week, enjoy live music by saxophonist Chris Farr and the Jim Ridl/Andy Lalasis/ Bob Shomo Trio. Free admission. No reservations are required. All concerts will be held in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. More information is available at www.oceancitylibrary. org.

Opening Reception for The Links & New Artist Partners

▶2 – 5 p.m.

Noyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City Join Noyes Arts Garage for an opening reception as The Links Inc. presents the work of folk artist Michelle Foster Lucas, who speaks of people and culture through her contemporary works.

CelloGayageum

▶2 p.m.

Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Ferris Dr. Galloway “CelloGayageum” is a unique intercultural musical duo consisting of cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Gayageum player Dayoung Yoon. Tickets and information can be found at www. stockton.edu/pac.

Pal-N-Tine’s Day Paint Party

▶3 – 6 p.m.

American Legion Post #28 560 New Jersey Ave. Absecon Join the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance for an afternoon of paints, paws, beverages, and light fare. Paint your favorite photo of your pet. All levels are welcome. For more information or to register, visit www. abseconarts.com.

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February 1, 2024

Monday, February 5 Family Movie Night

▶5 – 7 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township Enjoy a classic film on the big screen. You bring the family, and we’ll bring the popcorn. The event is at no cost and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Please register by calling (609) 569-0376 or email inlandfsc@gmail.com.

Tuesday, February 6 Village Film Society

▶10:30 a.m.

Join cinematic film buff Tom

Celandine for a discussion about the Oscar-winning motion picture “Casablanca”. RSVP by Feb. 2 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

Green Thumb Garden Club

▶7 p.m.

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

Wednesday, February 7 What Do You See?

▶10:30 a.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Stroke

Orthopedics

Multiple Sclerosis

Balance

Parkinson's Disease Schroth Scoliosis Pelvic Floor

Pre & Post Surgery

Join local award-winning artist Shirley Belitsky as she takes us on a journey through color, technique, and brushstrokes. RSVP by Feb. 2 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Tech Help at Ocean City Library

Somers Point Pinochle Club

1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City If you have a tech issue, need help setting up a new device, or are interested in accessing digital library materials, Ocean City Librarian Kyle can assist you. Advance registration is required. Schedule an appointment or learn more at www.oceancitylibrary. org.

▶7 p.m.

▶3:30 – 6 p.m.

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

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

Girl Shy: A Silent Film Comedy Showing Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Join the Historic Organ Restoration Committee for a presentation of the 1924 film “Girl Shy”, starring

↘Continued on 20

We are here for your therapy, fitness & wellness needs!

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Pilates (One-to-One) Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s

Strength, Balance & Endurance Training Yoga

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Call our office or check our website for more information!

314 CENTRAL AVENUE LINWOOD, N.J. 08221 www.bodyinbalancerehab.com 609-365-8499 February 1, 2024

19

↘Continued from 19 Harold Lloyd and Jobyna Ralston, featuring Ian Fraser on the Kimball organ. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster and the Boardwalk Hall box office.

Thursday, February 8 Somers Point Poetry Society

Chief Arthur Brown Scholarship Super Bowl Pre-Party

▶2 – 6 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd. This community poetry club is open to residents of Somers Point and surrounding communities wishing to participate in the criticism and conversation of poetry. For more information, visit http://somersptarts. weebly.com, or contact somersptarts@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 10

Health and Wellness

▶10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

▶Tuesdays through Feb. 20, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Adult Art Workshop Series: Landscape Painting

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd. The Somers Point Arts Commission is pleased to offer a series of four Landscape Painting Classes this season. Instructors Alissa Petrella and Ginny Swift will guide each class with step-by-step instructions on how to paint a beach-themed acrylic painting. Registration is free to attend though donations will be gratefully

▶Thursday, Feb. 8 – Mar. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 11

Dock’s Oyster House 2405 Atlantic Ave. Atlantic City Hosted by the Chief Arthur R. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Tickets are $20 purchased at the door and will include a buffet, a free mug with $1 beverage refills, and door prizes. Proceeds from this 32nd annual event will benefit the newly-founded International Lifeguard Museum, housed locally at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

▶6 p.m.

NAMI Basics Program

accepted. First come, first served.

For more information, please email somersptarts@gmail.com.

Cancer: Thriving and Surviving

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. Participants who complete the series will receive

a $25 Wawa gift card. Class size is limited. Interested individuals should register by calling (609) 653-3923.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Call Diane Conover at (609) 4026966 for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meeting

▶Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.

This support group is open to individuals with a loved one who is affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Starr at the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County offers three online meetings each month, with both day and evening options available. To receive a link, contact Gail Christian at (609) 652-3800 ext. 0301 or email gchristian@mhanj.org.

NAMI Atlantic Cape May is pleased to announce their 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, taking care of yourself and handling stress in a positive way.

This free program will be held via Zoom. Registration is open now. For more information, email nami1557@ gmail.com, or visit www.namiacm. org.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph Church 608 Shore Rd. Somers Point Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125.

Do you have an upcoming event?

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

VISIT LUCY THIS WINTER! Homemade Chocolates since 1972

Say It With Candy When you're not sure what to give, you can't go wrong with homemade chocolates from Jagielky's.

OPEN WEEKENDS 11am-4pm in Jan, Feb& March Open President’s Day, Monday, February 19

1 Lucy Plaza (9200 Atlantic Ave.) Margate, NJ 08402 (609)823-6473 www.LucyTheElephant.org

Guided Tours Through the Interior of Lucy Every 45 Minutes

Choose from our Valentine boxes, baskets, towers or trays or make your own.

Get your order in for Valentine's Day and we will ship anywhere in the U.S.

Order online at jagielkyscandy.com Or call Ventnor 5115 Ventnor Ave. 609 823-6501 20

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TAKE $1 OFF ADMISSION OR RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR GIFT SHOP PURCHASE *Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase and may not be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Discount is limited to four (4) admission tickets. Gift Shop discount excludes the purchase of selected jewelry as well as Steven Winkelstein (a.k.a. “The Winkle”) and Aunt Evelyn books. Coupon expires December 31, 2024. Valid in-store only. Coupon Code: SL The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

February 1, 2024

Understanding moles: A guide to early detection of skin anomalies

By Dr. LaToya Roberts

W

ith age, the emergence of moles, freckles, and sunspots becomes increasingly common, highlighting the need for vigilant self-examination.

Dermatology experts emphasize the importance of monitoring skin changes, employing a simple yet effective method known as the ABCDE rules to identify potential warning signs of skin cancer.

The ABCDE criteria serve as a straightforward checklist for assessing moles: ● Asymmetry - A mole that has one half unlike the other could be a red flag. ● Border - Watch out for moles with irregular, blurred, or jagged edges. ● Color - A mole exhibiting multiple colors or uneven shades may warrant attention. ● Diameter - Moles larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, should be examined. ● Evolving - Any change in a mole's size, shape, or color over time is a cause for concern.

Regularly checking your skin for any changes is crucial. Documenting

these changes with photographs can be particularly helpful in tracking the evolution of any suspicious spots.

It's important to note that any mole or skin lesion that differs significantly from others in terms of shape, color, texture, or size, or exhibits symptoms like itching, crusting, or bleeding, should be promptly assessed by a healthcare professional.

Early detection plays a key role in the effective treatment of skin cancer. Therefore, individuals are encouraged not to overlook any mole or skin lesion that appears unusual or "suspect" in any way. Consulting a physician for a professional evaluation is always the best course of action when dealing with potential skin anomalies.

LaToya Roberts, DO practices internal medicine at Harbor Internal Medicine. Her office is located in Bayside Commons suite 105, 501 Bay Avenue.in Somers Point.

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February 1, 2024

21

There will never be another space like Drips

By Raymond Tyler

A

s a member of the Atlantic City Arts Commision, it is my pleasure to attend opening events for artistic venues that enrich our Shore Local community.

I enjoy being there for large-scale venues like the opening of Boogie Nights at Tropicana. I also take pleasure in supporting smaller venues like Union Arts Hall. I am always glad to be included in events at Stockton University or The Noyes Arts Garage.

But the duty I hate the most is when venues, and movements, end and I have to attend.

Saturday, Jan. 27, marked the end of one of the most important venues/ movements in this area. Saturday night I attended a thank you party for everyone who enjoyed the space that was and is Drips Art X Fashion, located at 134 New Jersey Ave. in

22

Absecon.

One could call Drips an art gallery or studio. One could also refer to the 1966 Batmobile as a means of transportation. But one would be leaving out that the Batmobile was the freakin’ coolest car a kid had ever seen to that point in history.

Drips is the most creative space South Jersey has ever seen. It reminds me of the great underground galleries I enjoyed in New York in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Remember when Mom and Dad said, “Don’t draw on the walls?” Drips looks like the owners said: “These are

our walls and we are giving them all the life that paint can give.” The walls in Drips are bursting with painted masterpieces of all expressions of visual art.

More important and exciting than the walls is the actions that took place within the walls of Drips.

I love Drips and I am sad to see it go because Drips gave access to true artists. By “true artists” I mean creators who are taking risks and creating dangerously; whose art will be more remembered than “liked.”

A true artist is not someone who can draw Tom and Jerry better than Hanna and Barbera.

True art is not being able to draw a picture that rivals a photograph. True art is when a creator creates without knowing exactly how the paint will land on the canvas or how the brush will brush.

What made Dr. J and Michael Jordan exciting to watch was not the fact that they did the same dunks perfectly over and over. One of my favorite stories is when Dr. J explained a breathtaking move he pulled off against The Lakers by saying that he went in the air and had to figure out where he was going to go in the moment. When you watched Doc and MJ, you held your breath because you didn’t want to miss what they were about to create within the space of a basketball game.

Drips is a space for artists who are growing in the moment as well as established veterans. Drips is the space to see talented, skillful artists, poets, DJs and more figuring it out in the moment. I have never had a night at Drips where I was not amazed or that was predictable.

I am sad because there will be one less place for artists to have access. For a reasonable fee a creative

person could manage their book signings, host a food tasting, set up a pop-up art exhibit or just have a great private party with “hella vibes.”

Saying goodbye to Drips is like the arts community losing a limb. There will be other studios and galleries still standing. There will, however, never be another space like Drips. Sooner than I care to think about it, we'll refer

to Drips with the same bitter sweetness that we remember Club Harlem.

I can only say that the party on Saturday was exciting. I will always remember Drips Art X Fashion with the same excitement I have recalling the legendary Lincoln Futura that was driven every week on that ABC program with Adam West.

As an artist, columnist and member of the Atlantic City Arts Commision, I want to thank Drips owners Rene “June” Ortiz and John Morris.

The gallery manager had this last message. “A message for the artists and patrons that supported Drips: Thank you for your support and don’t ever stop creating.”

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

February 1, 2024

Enjoy the romance of the rails....on the rails....with the Seashore Lines!

You and your special guest can enjoy a historic, comfortable and fun train ride as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine!

The Valentine's Express will depart from Richland on Friday, February 9, and Tuckahoe on Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11.

The 75-plus minute round trip will be just the right amount of time to enjoy a selection of rst class hors d'oeuvres (hot and cold), desserts and refreshments!

Live musicians, chocolate and owers add to the fun of a memorable event!

The Valentine's Express is a BYOB event, and adults only over 21 years of age will be permitted onboard.

We hope to see you....on the Seashore Lines Valentine's Express!

For information and to purchase tickets, visit:

Ocean City’s first lifeguard A Look Back at Ocean City

By Fred Miller

T

he Ocean City Beach Patrol will be celebrating their 126th anniversary this summer. Let’s look back at Ocean City’s life-saving pioneer.

Joseph P. Krauss was Ocean City’s first lifeguard and an early leader in water safety. He began his lifesaving career in 1893 patrolling the beach

between 8th and 11th streets. Bathers in the 1890s were used to seeing him rowing between Brower’s Bathhouse and the Excursion House helping swimmers get back to shallow water.

Until 1898, Krauss’ only financial reward for his lifesaving work came from donations and endof-the-summer benefits held by the hotels.

During the summer of 1898 the need for professional bather protection became apparent, and City Council appointed three men to patrol the surf. The men hired were Krauss, George W. Lee and William Scull. They were on duty everyday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and were paid $40 a month.

Council named Krauss captain of the lifeguards, a position he held until 1910. During that period, the patrol grew as the town grew, and the Ocean City lifeguards’ good reputation also grew.

In 1901, Krauss designed a lifesaving buoy and reported, “With our buoy the victim has three chances to be rescued. He can throw his arm over it, take hold of one of the loops around it, or grab the line attached to it, and six people can be brought in with one of them.”

In 1906, Krauss put up a large tent on the 10th Street beach which was used as the lifeguard headquarters, and to treat bathers with beach related injuries.

The professional bather protection contributed to the popularity of Ocean City. A 1906 publicity booklet bragged about the city’s safe bathing beach reporting, “Efficient beach guards are always on hand to aid any who may need help.”

In 1910, Mayor Lewis Cresse made Krauss superintendent of lifeboats, and Alfred R. Smith captain of the lifeguards. The two men guided the lifeguards until 1920 when Smith resigned. Mayor Joseph G. Champion appointed Jack G. Jernee captain.

Krauss remained on the patrol until his death on February 10, 1924. He was 79 years old.

Funeral services were held at the Prescott Cadman Funeral Parlor.

Captain Jernee decorated the parlor with flowers, rescue buoys, oars, and lifeguard pictures.

Rev. John B. Handley, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, conducted the funeral service. The pallbearers were Jack G. Jernee, Alfred R. Smith and Fred Hedelt, representing the Ocean City Beach Patrol, and Ross Collins, Michael Pileggi and Joseph Gifford, representing the Patriotic Order Sons of America.

Lifeguard Hedelt, driving a city vehicle pulling a lifeboat, led the funeral procession to Port Elizabeth where the burial took place.

Krauss has been inducted into the Ocean City Beach Patrol Hall of Fame, and a plaque with his likeness is on display in the lifeguard museum.

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February 1, 2024

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Hosts 16th Annual Winter Feast in Egg Harbor Township

T

he much-anticipated 16th annual Greek Winter Feast, hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, is set to bring warmth and vibrant cultural festivities to Egg Harbor Township. The event, which promises a weekend filled with authentic Greek cuisine, traditional dances, and community spirit, is open to all, with no entry fee required.

Scheduled to take place at the Spiros Malaspina Community Center Gymnasium on the church premises at 7004 Ridge Ave., the feast kicks off on Friday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 10 p.m., continues on Saturday, Feb. 3, from noon to 11 p.m., and concludes on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Attendees can look forward to a dinein experience in a festive atmosphere, with takeout options also available for those on the go. Additionally, free parking will ensure convenient access for all visitors.

In a gesture of community service and giving back, the Holy Trinity youth are spearheading a canned goods and nonperishable items collection drive to benefit the Community Food Bank of South Jersey. Guests are encouraged to bring donations, which can be

dropped off at a designated location at the event's entry.

The Winter Feast will feature an array of attractions, including group dance performances, especially on Saturday at 7 p.m., and a DJ-hosted Taverna evening from 7-11 p.m. Church tours will also be available for those interested in exploring the architectural and spiritual heritage of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

The menu, curated with love and care by the community, promises an authentic Greek dining experience, from savory dishes to homemade

pastries, ensuring a culinary journey through Greece's rich flavors and traditions.

The Greek Youth Association

(GOYA) of Holy Trinity is also using this opportunity to collect donations for the Atlantic County Food Bank as part of their annual Souper Bowl fundraiser, further emphasizing the event's spirit of community service and support.

Father George and the Holy Trinity Church family extend a warm invitation to everyone in the community, promising a weekend of joy, cultural celebration, and fellowship. For more information, guests can contact the church at 609-653-8092, ext. 5, or via email at ekramvis@comcast.net.

New arrivals daily.

February 1, 2024

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What's Happening in Ocean City

T

Registration for Ocean City Race Events opens Feb. 1

ickets go on sale Feb. 1 for Fashion Show and Children’s Theater Series If your New Year’s resolution includes getting back in shape, why not set a goal by registering for one of Ocean City’s 2024 race events?

From the new Winter Warrior Challenge on Presidents Day Weekend through the popular fall OCNJ Half Marathon and Trail of Two Cities, the city’s Recreation Department sponsors a series of races that feature spectacular views of the ocean, bay and boardwalk. Registration for the Winter Warrior event is open now, and registration for all other events opens on Thursday, Feb. 1.

The 2024 schedule is as follows: WINTER WARRIOR CHALLENGE (Feb. 17): A new Presidents Day Weekend event will be run out of Ocean City Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, and include four components: an obstacle course race for children, a “Winter Warrior” obstacle challenge for parents and individuals, team challenges such as a fire truck pull, and an indoor festival for participants

and spectators. Registration is currently open.

OC CON SUPER HERO RUN (April 6): Be a superhero in this costumed one-mile run that's part of OC CON weekend. Event also includes a kids' Super Hero Obstacle Dash.

OCNJ TRIATHLON/DUATHLON (May 19): Friendly event includes a quarter-mile pool swim (timed separately), 2-mile run, 16-mile bike and another 2-mile run. Event includes a duathlon option.

EMERGENCY RESPONDER 5K (June 8): Ocean City will bring back

a 5-kilometer race that used to be known as the Police Chase.

LABOR DAY RUN (Sept. 2): Traditional end-of-summer event includes a 5-mile beach run or 1-mile fun run/ walk.

OCNJ HALF MARATHON (Sept.

22): Ocean City's premier race event showcases the boardwalk, downtown and ocean views along a fast and flat course. Event includes a 10-miler and a 5K. TRAIL OF TWO CITIES 5K (Nov. 2): Unique point-to-point race travels from Ocean City to Somers Point

Chill Out at the Library The Place to be This Winter

with spectacular views along the causeway.

For complete information and registration for all races, visit www. ocnj.us/race-events.

GIRLS WEEKEND FASHION SHOW TICKETS GO ON SALE FEB. 1 The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return to the Ocean City Yacht Club on Friday, April 5, 2024, and tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1.

The annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops

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26

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February 1, 2024

and modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments. The Fashion Show kicks off a long weekend of shopping, dining and class activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.

Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, prizes, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses by visiting the Downtown OCNJ Facebook page or calling 609-399-1412.

Tickets for the Fashion Show are $35 each and will be available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets.

SUMMER CHILDREN'S THEATER SERIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE ON FEB. 1 The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company will feature five fully-staged family musicals for its 2024 Summer Children Theatre Series at the Ocean City Music Pier. The shows are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday mornings July 2 through July 30, 2024.

Show tickets will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1.

All tickets are $11 in advance and $13 on the day of the show. To

purchase in advance, visit oceancitytheatrecompany. com. For information on a subscription package to the entire series, email info@ oceancitytheatrecompany. com The 2024 Children's Theatre Series will feature the following shows: JULY 2: GARFIELD, THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE – Garfield, a chubby and sarcastic tabby cat, fantasizes about having the most amazing birthday in the history of birthdays. Unfortunately, all of his friends seem to have forgotten. Feeling rejected, Garfield ventures out to find excitement, but he soon realizes that home is where the heart (and the food) is.

JULY 9: CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Musical) – Based on E.B. White's loving story, this treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

JULY 16: DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! – Based on the award-winning children’s book, audiences can now hop on board for an unforgettable ride.

Featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.

JULY 23: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS – Seven dwarves, a beautiful girl, a jealous queen, a magic mirror, and a poisoned apple create a diabolical combination in this musical adaptation of the classic Grimm fairy tale.

JULY 30: THE PERFECT DOG – Inspired by the New York Times bestselling author John O’Hurley’s book, this show tells the story of Sam, a 12-year-old perfectionist who searches for a flawless dog to enter in the town’s dog contest. In the end, Sam and Max learn that there is no such thing as perfect, but there is such a thing as being perfect for each other.

COMING UP THIS WINTER WINTER WARRIOR FESTIVAL (Feb. 17): A new Presidents Day Weekend event will bring families

and local businesses together in the heart of winter. The 2024 Winter Warrior Festival on Feb. 17 will be run out of the Ocean City Civic Center and include four components: an obstacle course race for children, a “Winter Warrior” obstacle course race for parents and individuals, team challenges such a fire-truck pull, and an indoor festival for participants and spectators. Visit ocnj.us/ OCNJWinterWarrior for more information and registration.

NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FAMILY FUN DAY (Feb. 17): The Ocean City Environmental Commission will sponsor a free family-friendly Nature and the Environment Family Fun Day 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 in the Ocean City High School cafeteria. This year’s fifth annual event will include a wide range of nature and environmentally focused hands-on, interactive, fun and educational experiences for both children and adults.

MARKET MADNESS (March 9-10): The annual Market Madness days on March 9 and 10 will bring together all of Ocean City’s favorite stores under one roof at the Ocean City Music Pier for two days of preseason shopping specials. The Music Pier will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

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10 ways to spend Galentine’s Day and kick it – breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies,” she explains in the episode.

The best part of the holiday is that you don’t need to be in a relationship to celebrate it, even though you don’t need to be in one for Feb. 14, either.

By Julia Train

G

ather your gal pals! Galentine’s Day, the best day of the year, is almost here!

No, that’s not a typo. It’s a real holiday…kind of.

What’s Galentine’s Day?

The unofficial holiday, celebrated on Feb. 13, wasn’t created by a greeting card company. It was actually created by a fictional character.

Galentine’s Day dates back over a decade to a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation”, titled “Galentine’s Day,” where Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope gathers all her gal pals to celebrate their friendship and each other over waffles.

“It’s only the best day of the year!

Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and we just come

How to celebrate the holiday

The holiday is the perfect time to celebrate your love for your friends and yourself. Stuck on what to do?

Here’s a list of 10 ways to spend Galentine’s Day: 1. Hold a book exchange Round up your girlies and tell them to bring their favorite book and a treat.

2. Have a self-care night You can do this either alone or with your girls. Make a list of all the relaxing self-care you wish to do, like a hair mask, everything shower, face masks and mani-pedis. Pop open your favorite wine or make a festive cocktail while performing your at-home spa night. Finish it off with a good movie or book.

3. Host a game night You can either get all your girls to bring their favorite game or buy them specially for the night. Get some refreshments and let loose! Some game

ideas are Monopoly, Just Dance, Rock Band, Cards Against Humanity and my personal favorite game to play with the girls: For The Girls.

4. Celebrate with wine and “The Bachelor” (or rom-com) This is another idea that can be spun for a solo night or one with your friends. Put on the TV show “The Bachelor” or a romantic comedy for a fun night in.

5. Go to brunch Mimosas! Need I say more? Go to Romanelli’s Garden Cafe on a Sunday and you’ll get your refills for $1 until 2 p.m.

6. Plan a Girl’s Night Out There’s always the classic GNO: dinner, drinks and dancing in Atlantic City!

7. Throw a themed party Message the ladies and come up with some ideas for what you guys would want to be the theme. Some theme ideas include pajama party, Y2K, or even a show that you’re all obsessed with.

For example, you could pretend you’re the main characters in “Gilmore Girls” and act like them. In the show, Rory and Lorelai would get all the junk food and takeout they could think of and watch classic movies all night with Luke’s coffee.

8. Have a coffee date Want a more low-key way to celebrate with your girls? Pick a coffee shop and meet up!

9. Host a wine tasting Gather your friends together and ask each of them to bring their favorite wine and a snack that pairs well.

When everyone is gathered, have a wine tasting!

10. Attend fitness classes Want to do something more active? Try a fitness class together, like yoga, Pilates or cycling!

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you do to celebrate the holiday. Galentine’s Day was created to celebrate women and friendship.

So, as long as you’re letting your friends (and yourself) know they’re loved, it’ll be a special day anyway.

Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies.

At school, she writes and is news editor for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates.

She’ll be graduating in the spring.

Connect with her on Instagram @ juliatrain

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Motels in Margate? No room at the inn

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Facing Margate’s famous beach and ocean and convenient to all Atlantic City's famous resort activities!

– Ad in The Press of Atlantic City, June, 1967

L

et’s say that your family is visiting Margate or Ventnor, and once there, the family has decided to spend the weekend. Lodging options? Call the Carisbrooke Inn or Surrey Beach House bed and breakfasts in Ventnor and hope there’s a room available.

The Dolphin Motel, located on the 9600 block of Madison Avenue in Margate, had a private beach.

Those are the choices, as there are no motels or hotels in Ventnor or Margate. It’s been that way for more than two decades.

From the early 1950s, and perhaps before, through the 1980s, the Margate map was dotted with dozens of motels and motel/apartments. Many of them really didn’t disappear. They morphed into the condominiums we see today on Ventnor, Atlantic, and Pacific avenues.

Sadly, the only pieces of history still in evidence of these charming little places exist in the scrapbooks of those who collect vintage postcards

The Monaco Motel in Ventnor was demolished in August 2013.

of the Jersey Shore. What we do know is that the motels were not the garish, neon-lit places found in Wildwood.

One of the oldest, dating back to the 1930s, was the Gables Hotel and Grill on Washington Avenue and the Bay. But by and large, the more “modern” Margate destinations promoted in-house features like kitchenettes and air conditioning, as well as the proximity to the beach.

For instance, the Sea and Surf Motel, 9609 Ventnor Ave., promoted a swimming pool, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchenette, laundry room, and a relatively new feature for

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the time, cable television.

Seagate Motel Apartments, at 9201 Atlantic Ave., noted that each unit had a private bath and what they called “electric kitchens” and “radiant heat.”

Margate’s Dolphin Motel, on the 9600 block at Madison Avenue, was evidently quite the big deal for the time. Open year-round, it was billed as “Margate’s newest ocean front motel, with all suites facing directly on the beach.” Other features were private balconies, kitchenettes, televisions, maid service, parking, private beach, and yes, beach chairs were included in the rates.

A Facebook user recalled the Dolphin as “not a bad little motel, really.

It was close to the water with a nice beach. Unfortunately, the Dolphin has been replaced by a truly hideous apartment block.”

Given its proximity to Lucy the Elephant, and because the condominium still uses the motel name of yore, many remember when Margate’s White Sands, at 9010 Atlantic Ave., was a motel. White Sands’ advertising in the 1980s promised something a cut above standard motel accommodations.

“The White Sands is a beautiful, ocean front resort motel located in fashionable Margate,” the ad read, “and only minutes from all Atlantic City’s activities. Designed for informal living and warm hospitality.

Completely air-conditioned. One- and two-bedroom apartments with complete kitchens, wall-to-wall carpeting, a telephone and television in every suite, an ocean front recreation room with ample free parking and golf privileges.” And the White Sands was open all year.

Another feature of note that was not mentioned in the White Sands promotional literature is that the legendary Lenny’s Hot Dogs was only a few feet away.

Other Margate motels that have been turned into condos include the Holiday Motel at the corner of

February 1, 2024

Jefferson and Pacific avefamily vacations back in facade, had become an eyesore in nues, Seashell Motel on the the day. (A 1967 home Ventnor, easily seen from the Boardmovie posted on Youwalk and beach.” corner of Winchester and Washington avenues, and Tube features the family Thankfully, there are plenty of great places for families to stay in the Thunderbird West Motel, of Lawrence W. Haas on summer vacation at 9401 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City, Ocean City, Brigantine Oceanaire). It was conOne veteran Margate and elsewhere at the shore. But if you resident recalled another verted into a condo, now want to stay overnight in Ventnor or lively motel that was not on called 5300 Boardwalk, Margate, you’re out of luck. For the a beach block. The Aruba sometime in the early moment.

Correction to our recent column Motel, on the corner of Pa1980s. cific and Coolidge avenues, Ventnor’s Monaco on the stars of jazz with Atlantic City connections: Two eagle-eyed offered rooms at the bargain Motel, located between rate of $30 nightly.

South Little Rock and Shore Local readers noticed the omisThere is not just one rea- Gables, located at Washington Avenue and the Bay in Margate.

South Weymouth avesion of two drumming giants: Born in Atlantic City, drummer Sol son for the disappearance of dated back to the 1930s. nues on Ventnor's beach motels in Margate. Changing block, was, in all probabilGubin worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra and Natalie Cole to demographics, changing all for the idea, and said at a 2018 that ity the last of the Margate times, the changing economy and “Margate once had plenty of hotel and Ventnor motels still standing Perry Como and Tony Bennett. when it was finally demolished in Peter Erskine, a Somers Point nathe issue of rising property values motel units, but over the years, most contributed to the change. were converted into condos. The lure August of 2013. tive whose photo has long adorned As Margate Mayor Michael Collins of big money was too much to ignore.

A Press of Atlantic City piece at the all-star wall at White House Subs, told me, “I believe that most of the Margate City leaders, as well as other the time noted the following: “Monais best known for his work with Chick Corea, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenchanges were due to market condiJersey towns, allowed this to happen. co Motel's sign was still standing tall Tuesday next to the mounds of bent tions and the real estate market. I am Many believe this was short-sighted. ton, and the ground-breaking fusion in my early 40s and yet still remember The move increased the tax ratable metal, collapsed concrete and other group Weather Report. many motels throughout Margate, base, but it also killed mid-week busiconstruction debris at the property's and yes, the landscape has changed ness. Many shore towns are virtually ongoing demolition site. For decades, Bruce Klauber is the author of considerably.” empty Monday through Thursdays the Monaco Motel had been a popular four books, an award-winning Margate City Controller John during the summer.” place for vacationers to stay. But in music journalist, concert and Scott Abbott remembered when the No matter. It was pretty clear that the last decade or so, the business record producer and publicist, changeover started. “The conversion Margate residents and the Margate and its 52-unit building began deproducer of the Warner Brothers to condominiums began in the 1970s,” Homeowners Association didn’t want clining, and about five years ago, the and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" year-round operation came to a halt.

Abbott explained, “and followed a it. One resident spoke up, asking, film series, and performs both as Since then, the vacant building, with trend which I believe first started in “What happened to our residential a drummer and vocalist.

Florida. Developers swooped in and community by the sea? A proposal its boarded-up windows and failing bought up the motels and converted for boardwalks, Congo Falls Golf, a them. Big money was made. What 50,000-square-foot water park, and knocked out motel use was the ability now this idea?” In the end, Island to break up the units and sell them House, 9600 Condominium, Ventuindividually. It came down to selling ra’s Greenhouse, and Margate Towers one building or selling, for example, remain as they were. So does the rest 30 units in a building.” of Margate.

Ventnor didn’t have as many moThe record speaks for itself. In 1981, a “Motel Study” prepared by tels as Margate, but those of a certain Roger Rubin and Associates for the age who were guests at those motels Margate City Commissioners, noted – or those who just used the swimthe following: “In the 1970s decade, ming pools – remember them well. not one new motel permit was issued The Sands, at 6100 Boardwalk in or requested. In the same decade, Ventnor, was built in 1959, and was over 1,200 multi-family units, mostly initially geared toward a Jewish cliof high quality, have been created by entele. It was converted to condos new construction and/or conversion sometime in the 1980s, and the units or rehabilitation. In the same decade, were initially bought by people who primarily from 1978-1981, hundreds had stayed there when it was a motel. of motel units have been converted The Bahama Motel at 5400 Boardwalk at Surrey Avenue, was to year-round residential use.”

Indeed, a Margate ordinance advertised as an “ultra modern mopassed in 1983 limited vacation renttel” in its heyday of the mid-1960s. als to a week or more. Rentals of less The Bahamas featured heat and air than seven days were prohibited. conditioning, television, a high-fidelity In 2018 there was talk of bringing sound setup, room phones, free parkback hotels/motels on a limited baing, coffee shop, card and game room, Personalized Seasonal sis, specifically as a part of Margate’s spacious sundecks, and an Olympic Service Items Island House, 9600 Condominium, sized pool.

Margate Towers, and even Ventura’s Oceanaire Resort Motel/ApartGreenhouse. The “boutique hotel” ments, located “directly on the Visit our climate controlled 21,000 square foot facility! idea floated was that 20 percent of ocean” as the ads declared at 5300 New Dealers Welcome! Come spend the day! the units in those properties would Boardwalk at Little Rock Avenue, be available for lodging on a weekly called itself “Ventnor’s newest” when 150 S. New York Road (Route 9), Galloway, NJ or daily basis. it opened in the early 1960s. Owned 609.652.7011 • DaysofOldeAntiques.com John Amodeo, now Margate’s and operated by the Placentra family, Jersey Shore's Largest Со-Ор • Open 7 Days а Week • 1Oam-6pm commissioner of public safety, was Oceanaire was the spot for a lot of

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A.C. Boxing Hall of Fame announces 2024 class

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ber 27-29 as the newest inductees into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

Maldonado is among nine former fighters to be chosen for induction, along with Mark Breland, Gerry Cooney, James “Buster” Douglas, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Sergio Martinez, Sharmba Mitchell, Paul Williams and Eva Jones-Young.

Martinez and Williams staged two epic fights at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Williams won the first meeting via majority decision in 2009. Martinez scored a stunning, second-round knockout in the rematch a year later.

Atlantic City.

The Vineland resident fought 21 times on the boardwalk. The vast majority of the bouts took place between 1982 and 1985, when Atlantic City was considered the “Boxing Capital of the World.” It’s hard to dispute that title, considering the resort staged an incredible 521 bouts in that four-year span, including James "Buster" Douglas,, knocking out Mike Tyson.

139 in 1982 and 143 in 1985.

He actually enjoyed two careers.

In between, Martinez won the Maldonado, whose given name is WBO and WBC middleweight belts Marvin Walker, staged an incredible with a unanimous decision over Kelly Pavlik there and also scored an 11thcomeback in 2005 after a 20-year layoff. round knockout over Darren Barker He will be back in Atlantic City in the same ring in 2011. once again in September, when he Cooney had memorable fights with Michael Spinks and George will join 20 other former fighters, trainers, referees and other officials Foreman in Atlantic City in 1987 and 1990, respectively. His final fight was at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Septem-

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a second-round loss to Foreman at Boardwalk Hall on January 15, 1990.

Both Spinks and Foreman are in the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

Trainer Bruce Blair of Egg Harbor Township and local boxing writer Guy Gargan from Ocean City were chosen in the special contributor category with trainer James “Buddy” McGirt, manager/promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, matchmaker Eric Bottjer and media member Randy Gordon.

Blair worked with a number of local fighters in his career, including former junior-lightweight and lightweight contender John Brown of Atlantic City, who is in the ACBHOF. Gargan, a longtime writer for the Press of Atlantic City, covered bouts with fellow Hall of Famers and Press writers Dave Bontempo and yours truly.

McGirt was a staple in Atlantic City as both a fighter and trainer. He fought 14 times there in the 1980s and 1990s, then later served as the late Arturo Gatti’s trainer during his memorable bouts at Boardwalk Hall.

Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis, longtime Showtime Boxing executive Jay Larkin and referee

Eddie Cotton will be honored posthumously.

Boxers Joey Giardello, George Godfrey and Eric Seelig will be inducted in the new Pioneer category that was created last year.

Giardello won the world middleweight title with a 15-round decision over Dick Tiger at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall on Dec. 7, 1963.

Local NFL update Vineland High School graduate Isiah Pacheco is headed back to the Super Bowl.

Pacheco, a second-year running back for the Chiefs, will be playing in the big game for the second straight year when Kansas City faces the 49ers in Las Vegas in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.

He played a major role in the Chiefs’ 17-10 victory over the Ravens in last Sunday’s AFC Championship game. His 2-yard TD run in the second quarter broke a 7-7 tie and proved to be the winning score.

Pacheco rushed for a game-high 68 yards and a TD and also caught four passes for 14 yards.

Pacheco will become the first local player to appear in more than

Today the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) unveiled 21 honorees chosen for induction into its Hall of Fame. The 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 27th, to Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

Fighters: James Buster Douglas, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell

Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young Contributors: James “Buddy” McGirt {Trainer}, Bruce Blair {Trainer}, Sampson Lewkowicz {Manager/Promoter}, Eric Bottjer {Matchmaker}, Randy Gordon {Media}, Guy Gargan {Media} Posthumous: Howard Davis Jr. {Fighter}, Jay Larkin {TV Executive}, Eddie Cotton {Referee} Pioneers: Eric Seelig {Fighter}, George Godfrey {Fighter}, Joey Giardello {Fighter}

one Super Bowl. Wildwood’s Randy Beverly (SB III, Jets), the late Brison Manor of Bridgeton (SB XII, Broncos) and Ocean City’s Doug Colman (SB XXXIV, Titans) all played in one Super Bowl.

Eagles add coaches

The Eagles began their offseason rebuilding project earlier this week by opting to retain head coach Nick Sirianni and add two new coordinators.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman decided to keep Sirianni despite the team’s late-season meltdown that resulted in six losses in their final seven games, including a jolting, 32-9 loss at Tampa in the first round of the playoffs.

“I think the important thing to look at is how we can move forward,” Roseman said. “I’m not diminish the 1-6 stretch at the end, but we were

26-5 over the last 31 games. That is hard to find a head coach in this league who has that record of success.

“I think we were 33-11 up to that point with Nick. We’ve made the playoffs three straight years. Again, not OK finishing 1-6, but it is hard to find somebody who can do those sorts of things.”

Instead of canning Sirianni, they fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai, defensive play-caller Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson in favor of Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore, respectively.

Fangio served as the Dolphins defensive coordinator this season after working with the Eagles as a consultant in 2022 and a three-year stint as the Broncos’ head coach (2019-21).

Moore was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator this season after serving in that role for four years with the Cowboys.

David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.

Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.

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By Gabriella Bancheri

Winter reads to cozy up with

T

emperatures have dropped, and the snow has made its 2024 debut—and for those of you not into extreme winter sports or shoveling your driveway, fear not. I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations that make great companions for cozying up at home this chilly season.

Mystery/Thriller/ Psychological fiction Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh It’s December in the '60s. Eileen is working a dead-end job and taking care of her abusive father. Her life seems to be frozen in a lake of despair. Until she meets Rebecca, and a thirst for escape is ignited, as well as a question of what is real and what isn’t—what Eileen can control and what she can’t. Buckle up for this wild ride through the icy roads of the unknown. ● The Secret History by Donna Tartt For fans of dark academia, this character-driven psychological fiction novel is an iconic winter read. Greek mythology, bacchanalia, and murder— you’ll curl up with these characters and stay forever; you’ll love them, you’ll hate them, you’ll wish you never met ●

them and miss them when they’re gone. TSH is perfect for those looking for some escapist literary fiction. ● The Push by Ashley Audrain This one will grip domestic and psychological thriller fans from the first page. "The Push" is the story of one seemingly perfect family’s demise, told from the isolated point of view of an emotionally neglected mother. This is a more niche read, with themes of motherhood and family, and questions of whether some kinds of evil simply exist outside of our control.

Contemporary Fiction

Beartown by Fredrik Backman The “hockey literature” genre is a massive hit in the current book world, and "Beartown" is no exception. This story places the hope of a town in a young boys’ ice hockey team and explores the effects it has on the community. This book will give you all the chilly winter vibes over the backdrop of a cozy small-town story. For those who are looking for a heartwarming sports story rather than a hockey romance, this is definitely for you.

●

Romance ●

Book Lovers by Emily Henry Calling all romance readers and, yes,

you guessed it, book lovers: this one is the perfect combo of love and literature you’ve been waiting for. Literary agent and powerhouse Nora Stephens meets the cold and standoffish book editor Charlie Lastra.

The two prioritize work to a fault and have relationships with the city that they don’t want to break—until they start to fall for one another. This enemies-to-lovers story by the contemporary writer taking the romance world by storm will surely satiate all your romance needs, with plenty of humor and heart to accompany it.

Literary Fiction

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar A tale of art, loss, and displacement, "Martyr!" tells the story of Cyrus, an alcoholic poet obsessed with the idea of martyrs as he begins to unravel his late mother’s past. His discoveries prompt him to question everything he knew about his mother and ultimately rebuild his memories of her as someone entirely different from the woman he knew. In this feat of literary fiction, Akbar begs questions of identity and how we make meaning of our lives.

Classic Literature ● Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë I know, I know, we all know about Miss Eyre, but how can you go wrong with this absolute classic? Set on the cold, vast English moors, this tale of doom and gloom definitely captures the mood of the moment. Brontë gives readers those chilly wintery images, but she’ll also spare you from time to time with the iconic images of the warm, burning hearth and cozy family homes. This one will capture the hearts of the historian, the romance reader, and the escapist of all ages. ●

SATUR

DAY

Closed

Sunday

Nonfiction

Educated by Tara Westover If you haven’t read this one, I highly recommend taking this time indoors to add it to your repertoire. "Educated" is an inspiring memoir about one woman’s quest for an education and escape from her deeply complex survivalist ●

2/29/24

34

Mormon family. This one takes you through some bone-chilling realities while offering (albeit very few) sunny reprieves. This one will stick with you long after you’ve finished it.

Sci-Fi

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Ishiguro’s writing is ethereal, reflective, and downright beautiful—it’s the perfect prose to delve into and get lost in for hours. This is the story of three childless, parentless friends who grew up shut out from the rest of the world. The classic boarding school trope meets sci-fi in this tale of what it means to be an outsider. If you’re feeling a little lonely during what can be a quite isolating time of year, these characters can empathize with you. ●

Historical Fiction

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell Told before the colorful and ornate backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, the story follows the young duchess, Lucrezia de Medici. The narrative is told through a dual timeline that slowly and methodically builds to the crux of the plot: that Lucrezia’s husband intends to kill her. This one was one of my top three reads of 2023, and it is a beautiful work of fiction perfect for those in search of a sunny setting to escape the current climate. ● The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo When a detective is hired to uncover the truth about a woman’s body found frozen in the snow, a story of mystery and folklore emerges to blur the lines between the material world and the spiritual. Set in 1908 Manchuria, China, the New York Times bestselling author gives us a story with all the ingredients for a perfect winter novel. It’s out Feb. 13, so be the first to get your hands on this one before the cold spell is broken. ●

February 1, 2024

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Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

T

here are some really fun happenings, so make sure to support your local venues and get your tickets in advance. You don’t miss out on any fun! Oh, and feel free to tag me in your photos and videos.

What: Scott’s Beer Club | Beers, Buddies & Bites with the Bucket Brigade Brewery | Co-Hosted by The Beer Guy Mark Haynie

Where:Tennessee Avenue. Beer Hall When: Thursday, Feb. 1 Time: 7-9 p.m.

Tickets: $20 for 4 tastings Website: www.tennaveac.com/tickets Grab your friends and head to Tennessee Avenue for a night of beers

and bites. Scott Cronick and the “beer guy” Mark Haynie are excited to host Scott’s Beer Club at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall featuring Bucket Brigade. Featured Beers & Bites by Chef Charles Soreth will be announced soon!

Presented by WMGM Rocks 103.7FM, Atlantic City, Wing Fest will combine all of the things we all love: All-you-can- eat wings from 21 South Jersey restaurants, craft beer, cocktails, contests and live music by The Billy Walton Band.

Who: Tom Segura Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess Arena When: Friday, Feb. 2 & Saturday, Feb. 3 Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/tom-segura Tom's unique comedic style and storytelling have earned him a massive following and critical acclaim. Don't miss this opportunity to see a true comedy icon live on stage.

Who:Tusk,Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Where: Harrah’s Resort When: Saturday, Feb. 3 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.caesars.com/harrahsac/shows Billed as the world’s No.1 tribute to Fleetwood Mac, TUSK returns to Harrah”s.

What: Atlantic City Wing Fest Where: Golden Nugget When: Saturday, Feb. 3 Time: 1- 4 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city/entertainment/upcoming-events/atlantic-city-wing-fest

36

What: Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar Series Featuring George Poveromo Where: Resorts Casino Hotel When: Saturday, Feb. 3 Time: 9 a.m.

Website: https://resortsac.com/ entertainment/saltwater-sportsman-national-seminar-series Featuring George Poveromo along with teams of top national and re-

February 1, 2024

gional angling authorities. Meet Nick Honachefsk, Matt Upton, Captain Kyle Chudzinski, Captain Mike Villanova, Captain Tom Frey, Sloane Endick, Captain Tom Daffin, Harry Vernon III, Captain Alan Wenzel, Captain Steve Purul, and Captain Al Crudele III. There will be after-seminar parties from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Atlantic City Bass Pro Shop.

Who: Tommy Davidson Live in Atlantic City Where: Resorts Casino When: Sunday, Feb. 4 Time: 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Website: www.acjokes.com Get ready for an unforgettable night as FNO Event Culture brings you the hilarious Tommy Davidson live in Atlantic City. Take the Ocean Tower Elevators and the theater is located on the TC Level.

What: Brittany Lynn’s Valentine’s Day Queen Cabaret Where: Resorts Casino Hotel When: Tuesday, Feb. 6 Time: 5 p.m. mixer 6 p.m. show Website: www.resortsac.com/entertainment/ drag-queen-show-atlantic-city Hosted by Brittany Lynn with special guests Brittany Marie, Billy Cavallo, Miss Redd, and DJ Da Boo Boo. What: Girl Shy: A Silent Film Comedy Showing Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall | Adrian Phillips Theater When: Wednesday, Feb. 7 Time: 7 p.m.

What: New Jersey’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Swap Meet & Bike Show Where: Showboat Hotel When: Friday, Feb. 2 - Sunday, Feb. 4 Time:10 a.m.

Atlantic City Indoor Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet & Show. Feb 2-4, Fri. 108, Sat. 10-8, Sun. 10-5.

Tickets: $25 Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/girl-shy-a-silent-filmcomedy-showing If you’ve ever wanted to support the pipe organ restoration committee, this is a great way to do so. Head to this silent film comedy showing, featuring Ian Fraser on the Kimball Organ.

Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!

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Friday, February 2

Atlantic City Headliners

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 Tusk: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Friday, February 16

Jubin Nautiyal

▶8 p.m.

Saturday, March 9

▶8:30 p.m.

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Tamia & Joe

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 311

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

▶9 p.m.

On-Sale This Week

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Ron White

▶Friday, May 24, 8 p.m.

Friday, February 9

Borgata Event Center

▶Friday, July 12, 9 p.m.

▶7:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 17

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Static-X and Sevendust 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 Theresa Caputo

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino An Evening with Oscar De Leon

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Heart

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Jim Jeffries

Tedeschi Trucks Band

▶8 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

▶Saturday, July 13, 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 18

▶Friday, August 9, 9 p.m.

Scott Keo Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Official Tedeschi Trucks Band After Party feat. Dumpstaphunk

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Kool & The Gang

▶7 p.m.

▶11:59 p.m. ▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Impractical Jokers

Tedeschi Trucks Band. Photo by Tom Briglia

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Flogging Molly

Ovation Hall at Ocean Air Supply Ovation Hall at Ocean The Best of the Eagles

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Valentines Soul Jam

▶Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Motown Forever

▶Friday, April 12, 8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

▶Friday, April 12, 9 p.m.

▶4 p.m.

Saturday, March 2

Tropicana Showroom Deon Cole

The Music Box at Borgata Carpenters Legacy Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Musiq Soulchild & Eric Benet

Disco Night Fever Mania

▶Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Starship feat. Mickey Thomas

▶Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m.

▶8 p.m. ▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Friday, March 8

One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Tropicana Showroom Robyn Schall Harrah’s Atlantic City Victor Manuelle

▶Saturday, May 5, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena The Australian Pink Floyd Show

▶Friday, June 21, 9 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom All tickets on sale Fri. Feb. 2, 10 a.m.

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February 1, 2024

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Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, February 1 Atlantic City Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Pat Conlon 8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Dane Anthony 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s Haley & Tim 6 p.m.

900 Shore Rd. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze 6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, February 2 Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Live Karaoke 8 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Amazing Mexican Food Locals are Raving About!

Tacos - Burritos Quesadillas

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

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

Atlantic City 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Jeremy Oren 6 p.m.

Kristina Pruitt 9:15 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Anchor Rock Club The Winter Jam 9 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave. Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Indelible Groove Duo 7 p.m.

Night Anthem 11 p.m.

500 Boardwalk The Wave at Golden Nugget LoVeSeXy: Prince 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. Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino Black Car Gina Trio 9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Egg Harbor City Renault Winery Philly Keys 6 – 11 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill Brian McConnell 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

SALE

Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Kevin Burns 7:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Chris Yoder Band 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s Live DJ 9 p.m.

900 Shore Rd. Josie Kelly’s Tom & Bill 6 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Saturday, February 3

Atlantic City 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Jeremy Oren 6 p.m.

Nina Zeitlin 9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Anchor Rock Club Deadyellow, Prevailer, As Beings 8 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

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ALL YOUR SMOKIN & VAPIN NEEDS 801 TILTON RD. NORTHFIELD 444 W. ROUTE 70, MARLTON February 1, 2024

Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Amanda and Teddy Duo 7 p.m.

Garden State Radio 11 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Samantha Irwin 8 – 11 p.m.

131 S. Tennessee Ave. The Royce Social Hall DJ Dnial 9 p.m.

2831 Pacific Ave. The Yard at Bally’s DJ Redline 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The Event Horizon 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave. Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino Brandon Ireland Trio 9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca DJ Live Wirez 7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Chris Lax 7:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Northfield Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club Ralph Michaels 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Leo Fraser Dr. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Twisted Livin’ 4 – 8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 6

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

600 Huron Ave. Somers Point Josie Kelly’s DJ Special K 5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd. 99 Reasons 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Sunday, February 4

Atlantic City Kelsey’s Tony Day & Across the Globe 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

1545 Pacific Ave. Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dueling Pianos 8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk Margate Bocca Doug Jennings 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay The Notion 3 – 7 p.m.

450 Bay Ave. Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music 1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, February 7 Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Acoustic Wednesdays 8 – 11 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

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. Gregory’s Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series 7 p.m.

900 Shore Rd. Events subject to change.

Monday, February 5

Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Red 7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

TRIVIA TUESDAY NIGHTS OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY NIGHTS KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS

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February 1, 2024

41

Primal Men Male Revue debuts at Tropicana Casino's Kiss Kiss Nightclub

Cheers to Great Savings!

Help Us Clear The Shelves HUGE SAVINGS Pennies Above Cost Selection of Beers & Whiskey also on Sale Holiday Gift Basket Clearance

G

et ready for a night of exhilarating entertainment as the Primal Men Male Revue takes the stage at Kiss Kiss Nightclub, located in the Tropicana Casino. The show, titled "Unleash The Wild," promises an unforgettable experience with its dynamic dance routines, advanced lighting, power ful music, and immersive video imagery. Aimed at showcasing the essence of male entertainment, the event is set to captivate audiences with its blend of sensuality, energy, and humor.

The premiere of Primal Men Male Revue is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, and will continue to enchant audiences every subsequent Saturday night.

The doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with the show commencing at 8:00 p.m..

Ticket options cater to various preferences, starting at $25 for general admission, $35 for VIP seating, and $45 per person for The Ultimate Primal Men Package, which includes VIP booth seating, a hot seat during the show, and a group photo opportunity with the cast. Additionally, all ticket holders gain complimentary entry to Kiss Kiss Nightclub following the performance.

David Pena, the visionary behind

the show, commented, "We're revitalizing male entertainment in Atlantic City, offering an innovative and captivating show. Primal Men Male Revue is not just about the allure; it incorporates extensive choreography, humor, and a sense of escapade, re-

flecting the city's foundational spirit as a playground for adults."

For those interested in experiencing this unique blend of entertainment and escapism, tickets can be purchased at [www.primalmenlive. com](http://www.primalmenlive. com) or by contacting the Primal Men hotline at (609) 996-3374. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the wild side of Atlantic City nightlife with Primal Men Male Revue.

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February 1, 2024

Community Food Bank of NJ and Let Us Eat, Please, Inc. to host annual fundraiser at Atlantic City Boat Show

T

he Community Food Bank of New Jersey's Southern Branch, in collaboration with Let Us Eat, Please, Inc., is proud to present the 9th Annual Captain's Table VIP Reception.

This much-anticipated event is set to take place at the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show on February 29, 2024, from 6 PM to 8

PM at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The reception promises an evening of gourmet cuisine, premium cocktails, and an exquisite selection of desserts, all contributed by over 20 renowned chefs from Southern New Jersey.

Attendees will have the pleasure of tasting signature dishes from some of the region's most celebrated restaurants, along with fine spirits from local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The event will also feature

live entertainment, making it one of the most unique and enjoyable evenings in South Jersey.

In addition to the sumptuous culinary offerings, a VIP Reception ticket grants all-day access to the boat show on February 29, where guests can explore over 400 types of watercraft, ranging from luxury yachts to personal watercraft, suited for various budgets and lifestyles.

The Captain's Table Reception serves as a significant fundraiser, with all proceeds equally benefiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey - Southern Branch and Let Us Eat, Please, Inc. These funds are crucial for supporting hunger relief initiatives in the local community.

Tickets for the event are priced at $125 per person, which includes entry to the boat show on the day of the event.

For those interested in supporting this noble cause, tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at [https://give.cfbnj.org/CaptainsTable](https://give.cfbnj.org/CaptainsTable). For more information, please contact Donna Vecere at dvecere@ cooperlevenson.com or call 609-5727362. Join us for a night of luxury and giving back at one of South Jersey's standout events of the year.

ROMANELLI'S Garden Cafe'

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

Bring Great Taste To Your Event!

Food Truck & Catering Service Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner from 7:30 am to 9 pm Closed Tues.

Open un�l 10pm Weekends

(609) 652-0179 romanellisgardencafe.com

279 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ February 1, 2024

43

The Old World and The New World of wine

By David Setley

M

y goal through these articles and in the store has always been to broaden your wine knowledge by introducing you to wines throughout

the world. You may have even heard me refer to a wine as being “Old World” or “New World.” It’s a distinction that warrants further discussion.

Old World wines are those produced in countries where winemaking was initially born and raised. Archaeologists determined that the earliest evidence of winemaking occurred over 9,000 years ago in the Transcaucasia area of the Middle East, near the Caucasus Mountain range. This is roughly in the modern-day country of Georgia, near the Black Sea. The Phoenicians became the first people to actively trade wine

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to countries throughout the Mediterranean Sea from their home area of what is now Lebanon, Israel, and Syria.

The Greeks then became the dominant wine merchants of the world, until the rise of the Roman Empire when Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, and others began making wine.

All of these Western European countries, in addition to Hungary, Croatia, England, and others are considered the “Old World” in wine terms. By default, all other winemaking countries, including the United States, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc., are considered “New World.”

Geography is certainly interesting, but what does it mean to you or me as we shop for a bottle of wine? You may recall prior articles about terroir.

Terroir explains how the soil, climate, terrain, and winemaking traditions of various geographic locations are reflected in the wine in your glass. Each country, each region of that country, and each subregion within that region has a unique terroir. Think about Southern New Jersey, for instance. A local weatherman, Nick Pittman, uses the phrase “Cape May Bubble” to describe why Mays Landing may experience morning temperatures that are 10 degrees cooler and afternoon temperatures that are 10 degrees warmer than Ocean City, even though the two are merely 15 miles apart. Why? Location, location, location! In wine, climate, differences in soil composition, proximity to large masses of water, and elevation can make significant differences to wine grapes as they grow and mature.

Now let’s talk about three significant taste differences between Old World and New World wines. First, Old World wines tend to be lighter-bodied than New World wines. Keep in mind that the winemaking traditions of a country or region are part of terroir. In Old World countries, such as France, winemaking traditions have evolved over a millennium. One such tradition is to produce wines with lower alcohol content and tannins. In New World countries, like the United States, most traditions have only evolved over a couple of centuries.

New World consumers largely desired bold, fuller-bodied wines with more tannins and higher alcohol. Let’s take Pinot Noir as an example. The Le P’tit Renaudat Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley of France and the Montinore Estate Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley of Oregon are both excellent wines of the same varietal. If you pour a glass of each and observe them side-by-side, however, you will notice that the color of the French wine is lighter and the aroma is less intense. The wine legs on the Montinore are more pronounced,

indicating more body and higher alcohol. Indeed, the alcohol of the French wine is 13% vs. 13.3% for the Oregon wine. It may not seem significant, but it is certainly noticeable.

The second significant difference between Old and New World wine is that New World wines tend to be more fruit-forward. Most wines have a fruit component to their flavor profile, but Old World wine tends to be less intense in fruit flavor and have greater levels of earthiness or minerality. Continuing with the Pinot Noir example, you would notice that the Montinore’s flavor is dominated more by the cherry flavor, whereas the French wine is dominated more by earthy, forest floor, and mushroom notes. Let’s look at a second example with Sauvignon Blanc. Two great examples are the New Zealand (New World) Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc and the French (Old World) Domaine de la Tonnellerie Sancerre. As you pour a glass of each, you will notice a more pronounced aroma of citrus, specifically grapefruit, in the New Zealand wine. In the French Sancerre, the fruit aroma is less pronounced. When you taste the wines, the Old World French wine is less fruity with notes of wet stones and fresh grass. The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is dominated by citrus flavors.

The third significant difference is that Old World wines tend to be less bold in flavor and aroma, but more astringent in mouthfeel. To illustrate these differences, take an Italian Primitivo, such as the Vespa Salento Primitivo from Southern Italy, and compare it to the Et Cetera Zinfandel from California.

Guess what? Zinfandel and Primitivo are the same grape! It is believed that the Primitivo grape originated in Croatia and gained prominence in the Puglia region of southern Italy. In California, winemakers adopted the name “Zinfandel” for the grape. Pour a glass of each and notice that both wines are rich and relatively full-bodied. You’ll then notice that the Primitivo (Old World) is less fruit-forward in both aroma and taste than the Zinfandel (New World). Take a second sip and observe that the Old World wine has a much drier mouthfeel than the New World wine. In addition, notice the restraint of the aroma and flavor of the Primitivo. The Zinfandel is much bolder. It’s a perfect example of the differences between the two.

Until next time, happy wining!

David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

February 1, 2024

Fool Moon Theatre Brings ‘Love Letters’ to Margate Community Church

T

he Fool Moon Theatre Company is set to present A.R. Gurney's cherished play, "Love Letters," at the Margate Community Church on February 3rd at 7:30 p.m. and February 4th at 2 p.m. Located at 8900 Ventnor Avenue, with the entrance on Thurlow Avenue, the play promises an evening of emotion and nostalgia.

"Love Letters" is a poignant exploration of the lifelong, complex friendship between Andrew Ladd and Melissa Gardner, whose relationship unfolds through their exchange of letters over 50 years. This tender and sometimes comedic story delves into themes of missed opportunities and the enduring nature of friendship.

February 1, 2024

The production will feature Mark Sarto and Rosanna Consalvo Sarto in the lead roles, both of whom are celebrated local actors with significant theatrical accomplishments. "Having Mark and Rosanna on board brings a dynamic energy to the play. Their portrayal of the characters will resonate deeply with the audience," said director Paul Herron.

Rosanna Consalvo Sarto, portraying Melissa Gardner, is known for her recent role in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and has a rich background in acting and directing. Mark Sarto, playing Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, has been acclaimed for his versatile performances both on stage and on screen, including appearances on Nickelodeon, NBC, and HBO. Tickets for "Love Letters" are priced at $30 for regular admission and $25 for seniors, available in advance on Eventbrite. Payment

methods at the door include cash, check, and Venmo. For group sales, interested parties can text 609-4570903.

For more information about the Fool Moon Theatre Company and their upcoming production of "A Bad Year for Tomatoes" this May, visit their website at https://www. foolmoontheatre.org/ or follow them

on Facebook.

This heartwarming production of "Love Letters" promises to be both a revelation for newcomers and a nostalgic experience for those familiar with the play, underlining Fool Moon Theatre's commitment to bringing quality theatrical experiences to the community.

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Atlantic City Wing Fest 2024 is this weekend’s hot ticket

By Scott Cronick

H

ow can Atlantic City Wing Fest, which sells out every year, become even better in 2024?

Add more wings, of course!

The annual event, which is once again sold out for Saturday, Feb. 3, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, will feature a record 21 of South Jersey’s best restaurants and pubs offering the most creative and finger-licking wings and dipping sauces to go with awesome music, fun contests, awards, craft beer, cocktails and more!

If you were smart enough to get your tickets early – and after consecutive sellout after sellout, you better buy early at this point – you will not only be able to eat wings

that range from the mild to hot to Asian- and Caribbean-inspired to sweet to spicy and everything in between, but The Billy Walton Band, one of the most rocking cover bands in the tri-state area, will make its Wing Fest debut!

Those who bought Early Admission Tickets get to arrive at noon, giving them a jump on those with General Admission tickets, who will be able to join the festivities at 1 p.m.

Golden Nugget will offer a stellar bar featuring specialty cocktails and craft beer, and there may even be a few retail vendors to kick things up a notch this year.

Please remember to support all 21 contestants vying for Wing Supremacy with wing orders for the Super Bowl.

If you are attending, you can choose your favorite wing of the day since you will also serve as a judge.

Attendees will receive a poker chip to vote for your fave. Just drop it in the token box at the restaurant’s wing booth, and they will be all counted to see who wins three Eaters Choice Awards.

There are also several special Fat Boy Munch Club Awards by Journalist Ryan Loughlin and Wing Fest Founder, Organizer and Journalist Scott Cronick, including Best Overall Dipping Sauce, Fancy Pants Dipping Sauce, Fancy Pants Wing, Damn, Those Wings Are Hot!, Best Wing and Dipping Sauce Combo, Most Dapper Display and Best Classic Wing.

And now for the most important awards: Three judges (see sidebar) from the Philadelphia area will rate all of the wings in a blind judging procedure that will determine the Top 3 Judges Choice Awards, including Wing King (or Queen).

Sean Patrick, a stellar DJ and personality from 103.7-FM WMGM Rocks, will co-host the event with Cronick, and sponsors for 2024 include Visit Atlantic City, OceanFirst Bank, Paris Produce, Golden Nugget and WMGM Rocks!

Atlantic City Wing Fest will certainly be one for the culinary ages.

Here are the 21 wing contestants and their offerings so you can do a little homework before the big day.

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A.C. Burger Co. & Deli at Harrah’s Resort When you come to Atlantic City Wing Fest, you certainly get your money’s worth in a lot of ways. And one of those ways is to experiment and try flavors you never even heard of before. At the top of the list is the entry from A.C. Burger Co. & Deli at Harrah’s, which is offering something Wing Fest – or maybe any wing competition in the country – has never had: Ethiopian Spiced Wings with Crunchy Cucumber Salad. The wing will feature a sauce consisting of coconut milk, curry tomatoes and Barbere, an Ethiopian spice mixture that will also be in the dry rub Harrah’s team is using to really pack the flavor. And instead of a dipping sauce, their talented team is accompanying the wings with a crunchy cucumber salad with chives and cilantro as well as some jalapeno for heat. We love it!

(A.C. Burger Co. & Deli is located inside Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.

Go to Caesars.com)

Atlantic City Wing Fest Where: Ballroom, Golden Nugget Atlantic City When: Saturday, Feb. 3., Noon to 4 p.m. for Early Admission Ticket Holders, 1 to 4 p.m. for General Admission Ticket Holders Price: SOLD OUT! No tickets will be sold at the door. Do not buy tickets from any third-party ticket company or anyone unless you know them personally; they are likely fraudulent tickets and will be rejected at door.

Sponsors: WMGM Rocks 103.7FM, Visit AC, OceanFirst Bank, Golden Nugget, Paris Produce Online: Like Atlantic City Wing Fest on Facebook

Bill's Bar & Burger at Golden Nugget Bill's Bar & Burger always scores well thanks to its traditional approach.

Their wing is sweet and savory and hits the spot, and its straightforward blue cheese has the perfect combination of blue cheese crumbles, mayo, sour cream and some seasonings.

The awesome American comfort joint inside Golden Nugget may be best known for their burgers, but their wings are killer, too. Sometimes, a simple, old-school approach is just what the Wing Doctor ordered.

(Bill’s is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to GoldenNugget.com)

Careme's Restaurant at the Academy of Culinary Arts Last year, the Academy of Culinary

February 1, 2024

Arts had a great idea to show them that the food industry in a different way by introducing them to an event like Wing Fest. It was such a success story that they are doing it again!

With Academy Director Joe Sheridan guiding them, student teams once again competed in a wing-off, and the winners from 2023 won again in 2024. Students Bill Fence and Julio Gomez came up with Korean Barbecue Wings featuring brown sugar, Gochujang, oyster sauce, tamari and ginger root, plus a Kimchi Mayonnaise Sauce to dip ’em in. Now, the students will work at Wing Fest where they can be proud of their creation, and yes, have fun! And, who knows, maybe these wings will end up on Careme’s menu later in the semester if they win some awards!!

(Careme’s is located at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. Go to Atlantic. edu/aca/Caremes)

Cuzzie's Pizzeria Kitchen Chef Charles Soreth at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall collaborated in the lab with Culinary Mastermind and Cuzzie’s Pizzeria Kitchen Co-Owner Lee Sanchez for this Italian-inspired submission, which fits the theme of the Tennessee Avenue-based pizza and sub joint. Cuzzie's Pizzeria Kitchen shows its roots with Smoked Tomato Wings featuring roasted tomato, garlic, onion, brown sugar and molasses, accompanied by Garlic Parm Aioli with roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, mayo and some secret goodness. Sounds – and looks - delizioso!

(Cuzzie’s is located at 131 S. Tennessee Ave., Atantic City. Go to CuzziesPizzeria.com.)

Dos Caminos at Golden Nugget One of the newcomers to the Nugget making their Wing Fest debut is Dos Caminos, which is really showing its Mexican roots and creativeness, offering one of the most unique wings and dipping sauces you will find at this

February 1, 2024

year's event. Dos is bringing Pastor Marinated Honey Chipotle Wings with a Charred Scallion Crema. Wing Fest has never had anything like it before, and we can't wait to see what everyone things about them, including our independent judges.

(Dos Caminos is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to GoldenNugget.com)

Live Music by The Billy Walton Band

February 3 2024

Th a nk You Fo r

!

All Your Support

DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino Hotel When you think wings, you think football, and is there a better place to grab some wings and watch some football, including next week’s Super Bowl, than DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino Hotel? Executive Chef Robert Levenson and Executive Sous Chef David Wong put together an amazing - yet simple - wing recipe that will aim to prove that traditional is the way to go when it comes to winning Atlantic City Wing Fest.

DraftKings Buffalo wings feature a mixture of some killer hot sauces and lots of butter, and they will serve it with some pickled celery and a relatively straightforward blue cheese dressing, which DraftKings regulars rave about. In the past, the judges have skewed more traditional in their votes, so we will see if this move is as strategic as it is delicious!

(DraftKings is located inside Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Go to ResortsAC.com)

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City When you have Gordon Ramsay in the house – with two restaurants, actually – you should use that to your advantage. And Caesars Atlantic City, which could have also come up with something cool with its other new brand, Nobu, as well, is going with Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill wing recipe, which has been tasted and

Golden Nugget Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY WING FEST CONTENDERS AC Burger Co. & Deli at Harrah's Resort Bill’s Bar & Burger at Golden Nugget Careme’s at Academy of Culinary Arts Cuzzie’s Pizzeria & Kitchen Dos Caminos at Golden Nugget DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino Hotel Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City Holy City Publick House Hooters of Atlantic City Il Porcellino Italian Market Island Waterpark at Showboat Michael Patrick’s Brasserie at Golden Nugget MotleyQue NJ Ossu Asian Tavern at Tropicana Atlantic City Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey Romanelli’s Garden Cafe T U O SONLoDMore Rose’s Garden Grill s t e k Tic le Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Availab Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Resort Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

↘Continued on 48 47

↘Continued from 47 tested around the globe and met with critical acclaim. The Brown Ale and Molasses Glazed Wing offers just a bit of heat thanks to some fresh jalapenos perfectly balanced with sweetness from the molasses and diced apples topped with some blue cheese crumbles to complete the experience. While Ramsay won’t be at Wing Fest, Caesars Food & Beverage Vice President Bill Fritz will be, and that’s enough to put Caesars over the top.

(Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is located inside Caesars Atlantic City.

Go to CaesarsAC.com)

Holy City Publick House One thing about Atlantic City Wing Fest is that it's always full of surprises.

One of those surprises came last year when an out of towner - for the second time Wing Fest has been in

existence - came out of nowhere to win the 1st Place Judge's Award along with some others. That was Holy City Publick House from Gloucester City.

The boys from Gloucester are back defending their Wing Fest championship, wisely sticking to the wings that brought them home the big winner's plaque: Chiodi Wings, a killer concoction made with maple syrup, fresh garlic and parsley, cayenne peppers and even some parmesan cheese, accompanied by a new dipping sauce, Poblano Ranch, with mayo, buttermilk, poblano peppers and a bunch of secret spices. Will Holy City repeat?

Not if the other 20 restaurants have anything to say about it!

(Holy City is located at 332 Jersey Ave., Gloucester City. Go to HolyCityPublickHouse.com)

without Hooters involved? And, luckily, Atlantic City Wing Fest attendees have never had to wonder since Hooters has been loyal to Wing Fest since Day One thanks to their awesome GM Ronnie Disalvo and his fantastic team. Hooters devotees have learned that the brand known for its beautiful servers along with its stellar pub food has tons of choices when it comes to wings, and Hooters always offers something different at every Wing Fest, whether it was their awesome chipotle honey style or signature traditional styles. The attractive servers are just a bonus. This year, Hooters from the Tropicana Atlantic City will bring their 3 Mile Island Wing Sauce, a fantastically flavored recipe that also packs a punch thanks to its jalapeno peppers, aged cayenne and red pepper. Dunk those spicy thangs into their Rockin’ Ranch Dipping Sauce to cool things down.

(Hooters is located inside the Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to NortheastHooters.com)

Il Porcellino Italian Market One of our great participants is the new Il Porcellino Italian Market in Egg Harbor Township. But Robert Hettmannsperger, Carey Strecker Hettmannsperger and their team are no strangers to the event as they have participated since its inception with Essl's Dugout.

Il Porcellino will offer a Cacio e Pepe Roasted Chicken Wing with grated parmesan, Italian parsley and

The Judges

Jonathan Deutsch Hooters What would a wing contest be

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No one looks forward to judging wing events more than Jonathan Deutsch. The lead judge of Atlantic City Wing Fest knows food so well that he decided to teach others about it for a living. Deutsch is not only a professor of culinary arts and food science at Drexel University, he is not only the director of Drexel’s Food Lab, he not only is the director of Food Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs at Drexel, but is also a columnist for Restaurant Business magazine and has authored and/or edited about 10 books, including “Barbecue: A Global History.”

“It’s always a pleasure to see the culinary creativity of A.C.’s best chefs as they make wings from perfectly executed classics to never-seen-before flavor innovation,” said Deutsch, who, by the way, is also a classically trained chef. “It’s an honor to judge, which gives me a seat at the most exclusive 21-course tasting menu in the world!”

And, just for good measure, Deutsch also plays the tuba. But not as well as he cooks.

Brian Lofink

Bran Lofink sums it up pretty well why he should be a judge at Atlantic City Wing Fest: “I’ve been mastering the art of wing cookery my whole life…I was born for this competition!”

’Nuff said. But just to add to his resume, the Philadelphia-based chef is a regular judge at previous wing eating competitions and is the Culinary Director for Simons, Frank & Company, a restaurant group known for their amazing Philadelphia-area eateries such as Khyber Pass Pub, Royal Boucherie, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Royal Tavern, Triangle Tavern, Cantina Los Caballitos and Cantina Dos Segundos. The man can cook. The man can eat. The man can judge.

Kriti Sehgal

New to the Wing Fest Judging Table is Kriti Sehgal, a woman who enjoys wings so much that she has agreed to hang with Deutsch and Lofink for a whole afternoon.

Sehgal founded Pure Fare, a fast casual grab and go cafe/market in Philadelphia, in 2011. Pure Fare provides innovative grab-and-go solutions for the food service industry.

Kriti is a 2020 James Beard Fellow and 2019 RAD Girls Entrepreneur of the Year. Prior to successfully launching Pure Fare into a wholesale and concessions business, Kriti was running her brick-and-mortar, fast-casual restaurants in the heart of Philadelphia for 10 years. Her concepts won over 7 Best of Philly awards and Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program, Employer’s Award, 2013. She loves learning about culture through food and how food brings people together!

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February 1, 2024

a Calabrian chili glaze that is sure to impress everyone while showing wings can have an Italian flair, too.

(Il Porcellino Italian Market is located in the Cardiff Plaza Shopping Center, 6701 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township.. Go to Il-Porcellino. com)

Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City If you haven’t been to the Island Waterpark at Showboat, we aren’t sure what you are waiting for, but if you have been there – or plan to go – you will experience a tropical oasis right in the middle of Atlantic City. PC Event Services, the restaurant company behind a slew of restaurants at Showboat – wants your tropical experience to be complete by offering the best Island Style Jerk Wings you will have this side of Jamaica. The Island Waterpark is keeping things real with no dipping sauce, letting all of the flavors of that Carribbean-style jerk seasoning do all the talking they need to appeal to you and the judges. With the weather being what it has been this winter, we need all the

up with some sour cream for some tasty results. Smoke ’em if you got ’em! And with an ’80s rock ’n’ roll theme inspired by Motley Crue, how can you not be a fan?

(MotleyQue NJ is a roaming food truck that will be at the next event near you. Find MotleyQue NJ on Facebook.)

tropical reminders we can get.

(PC Event Services operates numerous restaurants inside Showboat Atlantic City. Go to PCEventServices. com or ShowboatHotelAC.com)

Michael Patrick's Brasserie at Golden Nugget Michael Patrick’s Brasserie is always a big winner when it comes to audience votes, and they will once again also keep things relatively traditional, except their Garlic Buffalo Wings will kick things up in the garlic department while also offering a little sweetness to the mix thanks to some fresh honey. Dip those puppies into the creative and awesome Smoked Paprika Blue Cheese Aioli, and you have another winning recipe for MP. (Michael Patrick’s is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to GoldenNugget.com)

MotleyQue NJ MotleyQue NJ, an awesome food truck that specializes in unique, nontraditional barbecue such as their deep-fried pulled pork and stuffed chicken and waffles, made their Wing Fest debut last year, scoring some major points with judges and attendees for their Twisted Thwings, taking home 3rd Place Judges’ Choice. Like the defending champs Holy City, why mess with success? So, MotleyQue is back with the Thwings, which are seasoned, smoked Mighty Thighs that are dry rubbed with sugar and spices.

Their dipping sauce – appropriately named Motley Kick BBQ Cream – is particularly interesting as they take their BBQ wing sauce that is mixed

Ossu Asian Tavern One of our favorite restaurants in all of Atlantic City is Ossu, an Asian tavern that has heavy Japanese influences, offering some of the best sushi you will have in the city along with some great riblets and Bao Bun creations. At the top of Ossu’s favorites list is their Yakitori Grilled Wings. Overseen by Director of Culinary Demetrios Haronis, Ossu’s Yakitori wings are lathered in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sriracha, brown sugar, sesame oil and some other

↘Continued on 50

The Band

The Billly Walton Band

Atlantic City Wing Fest is known for its entertainment value as much as it’s known for its wings.

The Billy Walton Band, which makes it Atlantic City Wing Fest debut in 2024, joins a long list of amazing acts that have previously performed at the annual wing extravaganza, including LeCompt and The Anthony Krizan Band with Sandy Mack featuring Krizan, a former guitarist for the Spin Doctors.

If you’re looking for your typical cover band that you find at many events, The Billy Walton Band is anything but.

However, if you are looking for an amazing, rock ’n’ roll band fronted by one of the most dynamic female singers in the tri-state area trading vocal duties with Walton, also known for his guitar-slinging abilities, then The Billy Walton Band should definitely impress.

Walton, an accomplished guitar

February 1, 2024

master from the Jersey Shore, is a rock soldier, earning his musical stripes in the rock trenches playing lead guitar for many years with Jersey icon Southside Johnny.

Along the way he has headlined all over the world and has shared the stage with music legends including Little Steven Van Zandt, Gary U.S. Bonds and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

The five-piece includes Destinee Monroe, a relatively new addition that has brought Walton’s band to the next level. Walton and Monroe are flanked by William Paris on bass and vocals, Eric Safka on Hammond B3 and keys, and Justin Hetrick on drums, offering a mix of classic rock and blues covers and originals.

Known for their high-energy live shows and devoted fan base, The Billy Walton Band is the perfect next chapter for Atlantic City Wing Fest.

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↘Continued from 49 secret ingredients to make it one of the best wings in the city. Pair that with a Buttermilk and Chive Blue Cheese, and you know what heaven tastes like.

(Ossu Asian Tavern is located at Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to Caesars.com)

Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey Think of this as the supergroup of chefs coming together under one banner, kind of like when Chris Cornell joined the members of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave. The Professional Chefs Association features some of the best award-winning chefs that represent all restaurants in the area, generally donating their time to events to help raise money for charities and people in need. This time they are showing

off their joint culinary skills to raise awareness for their group, as well as their big Chefs Gala coming up on Feb. 25. Chefs Larry Alexander, David Goldstein and the entire Association went to the lab and came out with Caribbean Jerk Wings featuring everything from garlic and scallions to Scotch Bonnet Peppers to ginger and nutmeg. Dip those in some Spicy Caribbean Ranch Dressing with some pineapple for sweetness, and you will see how this chefs supergroup rolls.

(For more information on the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey and their anniversary gala, go to ACFPCASJ.com)

Romanelli's Garden Café When Romanelli's Garden Cafe Owner Drew Huggard entered Wing Fest for the first time in 2023, he didn't know what he was in for.

What he discovered was that he and his staff had one of the most fun working days of the year, impressing

longtime customers, attracting new ones and even winning some Wing Fest hardware. This year, Huggard and his Romanelli's family will try to duplicate their success with their new invention, Sticky Korean Wings. The secret recipe includes Gochujang chili, brown sugar, honey and even some rice vinegar - along with some other top-secret stuff - so expect a sweet, savory and very different experience when you hit the Romanelli's Garden Cafe table. And Huggard is opting to not offer a dipping sauce this year, because he wants the wings to speak for themselves. Challenge accepted!

(Romanelli’s Garden Café is located at 279 S. New York Road, Galloway. Go to RomanellisGardenCafe. com)

dle of a tiny Northfield strip mall that creates weapons of mass destruction thanks to the family culinary team of Frank and Rose Trifiletti and their sons Frank Jr. and Nick. After a year or two off form Wing Fest, the family got together for another weapon that is sure to do some damage at Wing Fest. The always eccentric and hilarious Frank Sr. named his wings the Yo Mom Ee Wings, a play on their newly created umami wings, accompanied by – you guessed it – Yo Dad Ee Blue Cheese. I would tell you what’s in both of them, but I have been sworn to secrecy. And since I routinely rely on Rose’s for their chicken cutlets and chimichanga, I can’t risk breaking that trust. Just be certain that Rose’s wings are a thing of beauty.

(Rose’s Garden Grill is located at 2605 New Road, Northfield. Go to RosesGardenGrill.com)

Rose’s Garden Grill One of my favorite go-to places for lunch and dinner on the mainland is Rose’s, a quaint sub shop in the mid-

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Chef Charles Soreth at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall loves wings and loves Wing Fest. One of his creations – the Sweet Soy Wings – did so well at a previous Wing Fest they are now part of the Beer Hall’s permanent menu. Soreth is going the Asian route this year again with Korean BBQ Wings featuring some heat as well as some sweet with everything in there from hot sauce to honey to chili garlic sauce. You can appropriately dip those Korean wings into Kimchi Blue Cheese, a play on Soreth's regular menu items including the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich as well as the Kimchi Hot Dog. Will his 2024 submission be a new menu item when it’s all said and done? We sure hope so!

(Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is located at 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Go to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com)

WINTER SPECIALS CHICKEN PARMESAN 18

SALISBURY STEAK 18

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with mushroom gravy

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

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

BACON WRAPPED MEAT LOAF 21

8 OZ HANGER STEAK 21

over garlic mash & asparagus topped with mushroom gravy

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

CHICKEN FRANCAISE 18 over fresh fettucini in a white wine lemon butter sauce

SAUSAGE & RICE STUFFED BOURBON BACON THICK CUT 12 PEPPER 18 APP A LA CARTE

DESSERTS A LA CARTE CANDY CANE CREME BRULEE 7 CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE 8

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CHICKEN MARSALA 18

topped with cheddar cheese over mashed potato and grilled asparagus

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Resort My wife and I like to hang at Ocean Casino Resort as much as possible.

And when we do, we generally end up at Villain & Saint, one of our favorite

February 1, 2024

restaurants inside any Atlantic City casino. Villain & Saint have scored major success at nearly every single Wing Fest that has been had, and no one takes this contest more seriously than one of Ocean’s top chefs, Jorge Barreto Jr., who will wow everyone in attendance with his Sriracha Agave

Wings. If you see the trend of sweet and heat going together at Wing Fest, you are on to something, and these wings featuring Thai chili sauce, sriracha, agave nectar and chopped cilantro are special. While they are a

repeat submission for Villain & Saint, their dipping sauce is brand new and sounds scrumptious: A Pineapple Bourbon Dipping Sauce features exactly what you think it would, plus some brown sugar, sriracha and honey, a perfect match for their sriracha agave wings. Expect more success for Villain & Saint!

(Villain & Saint is located inside Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City. Go to TheOceanAC.com) Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar It’s no secret that my love affair for Wingcraft star ted from the day it was born. With killer burgers, an awesome tap list, fantastic meatloaf and wings and tenders that more than live up to its name, Wingcraft stands out as not just one of the best restaurants in Atlantic City, but one of the best pubs in the state. This year, Owner Nick Ballias and his creative team have come up with Blueberry Habanero Wings, a promising invention that features fresh blueberry compote, some heat

from habanero peppers and lots of love. Dip that sweet goodness into their new Goat Cheese Crema – one of the more inventive and interesting dipping sauces submitted this year – and Wingcraft could be on stage accepting some awards very easily.

(Wingcraft is located inside Tanger Outlets, 2010 Baltic Ave., Atlantic City. Go to WingcraftAC.com) Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern If you haven't been to Yesterday's Creekside Tavern since new ownership from the Deauville Inn took over, you are really missing out on some amazing food ... and the wings are a big part of that experience. Thanks to Chef Anthony T.J. Ricciardi and their awesome team that includes Judy Brenna Felicetta, Yesterday's

is back showcasing some awe s o m e creations. This year, Chef T.J. is really going to wow judges with something very cool and different - Caramel Bourbon Wings - accompanied

by Alabama White Sauce, a mayo-based dipping sauce that has some spices and vinegar and even some smoke! Wow! (Yesterday’s is located at 316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora. Go to YesterdaysTavern.com) Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades.

He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

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653-8442 51

Hard Rock steakhouse offers new nightlife wrinkle

By Chuck Darrow

T

he calendar may say “mid-winter,” but things are definitely heating up on the nightlife landscape at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

This Friday and Saturday will see the introduction of a new concept for the casino’s Council Oak Steaks & Seafood: A disc jockey who, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight, will be playing tracks to create an environment far different from that which can be found at Lobby Bar, the casino’s main party pit.

The extremely popular Lobby Bar’s environment is that of a raucous rave propelled by high-energy, groove-intensive “party bands” like Don’t Call Me Francis and the unit fronted (and named for) local lounge institution Dane Anthony. That, insist Hard Rock execs, is exactly what Council Oak’s lounge won’t offer.

“We’ll have a DJ who’ll bring his ‘old-school’ records and create a really cool vibe,” offered Peter Brattander, the Rock’s vice-president of food and beverage.

“We're excited about the DJ because a good DJ can really feel the room, and we think after the concert, or after dinner, it's a great place to stay and have a cocktail and sit at the bar and watch the people walking by.

“It’s the weekend; you're excited to be there, excited to be in Atlantic City and that just kind of drives the vibe.”

According to Michael Woodside, the gaming hall’s vice-president of entertainment, the idea is that the Council Oak lounge is designed to be more sophisticated— grown-up, if you will—than Lobby Bar. “I think the vibe at Council Oak is not going to be so much a ‘dancing vibe,’ but more, think Boz Scaggs and a craft cocktail,” said Woodside. “It’ll be a place with great background music you can bring a date to and have a great cocktail. It will have a great energy. It’s about the energy of the whole space—a beautiful lounge.”

Indeed, the room—which is definitely one of AyCee’s lesser-ap-

expertly and exactly followed my specific requests and directions).

Then it was back to the tub, followed by a typically stellar dinner at Council Oak (the Lobster Mac & Cheese lone is worth the trip, as is the two-pound lobster grilled in a Josper coal oven).

A great night’s sleep (in a room with a panoramic view of the Boardwalk, beach and ocean) provided the perfect end to a pretty darned-good day. Hard Rock Atlantic City may not be in the Caribbean or South of France, but it was definitely a pretty convenient option for escaping reality, if only for less than 24 hours. preciated spaces, is a little gem. It’s separated from the property’s firstfloor concourse by a sizeable rectangular bar. The opposite end of the room boasts a small, slightly elevated platform (more about that below).

Between the bar and the stage are 10 tables and plenty of room for dancing, should the mood strike.

The overall goal is to give visitors-especially those who attend headliner performances--another post-show option in addition to heading to Lobby Bar, the casino, hotel room or home.

As for the stage, it has been used Thursdays through Sundays for a few weeks as a showcase for small musical groups. That format will remain, with live music being presented every Thursday and Sunday evening.

And if those who avail themselves of the Council Oak’s Thursday-through-Sunday-night activities have an attack of the munchies, rest assured they won’t go hungry: The “late-night” bar menu features the Oak Burger (a cheeseburger with fries); steak frites; mussels Posillpo; fried shrimp; tuna tartar; calamari; Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail.

A much-needed getaway

Actually, checking out the Council Oak lounge (where I enjoyed the sounds of a jazzy trio called ESQ) was my final stop at Hard Rock last Saturday.

Between the recent miserable weather and general nonstop craziness in the world, a one-day vacation was definitely in the cards, and Hard Rock was absolutely the prescription for what ailed me.

My day began with a soak in the crazy big (we’re talking like 30 feet long) hot tub at Rock Spa, followed by a stress-busting (and muscle-soothing) 50-minute Swedish massage (props to my therapist, Andrea, who

52

Penn & Teller coming ‘home’

We certainly can’t leave Hard Rock without sharing the awesome news that Penn & Teller will be performing there (in the Sound Waves theater) May 16 and 17.

Although neither Jillette (western Massachusetts) nor the mono-monikered Teller (Philadelphia) hail from Absecon Island, Atlantic City is, in a real sense, their professional home.

That’s because the brilliantly hilarious (or is that hilariously brilliant?) magic-and-comedy team began their ascent to superstardom in earnest some 35 years ago when they made their casino debut at the defunct Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino.

Before that 1988 gig, the duo had established itself nationally as a “cult-act” that appealed to a primarily young-and-hip crowd. But the late Joel Fischman, who was the Plaza’s director of entertainment, had a hunch that the pair’s oddball act would connect with an older, more-mainstream audience. It took some convincing, but P&T—who were pretty certain Fischman had taken leave of his senses--finally relented and agreed to the booking.

Their debut’s success there—and that of subsequent plaza gigs--led to a residency at what was then Bally’s Las Vegas (now the Horseshoe), which they followed with a move, 23 Januaries ago, to the Rio Las Vegas—where they remain to this day, performing their one-of-a-kind act five-night weeks some 40 weeks a year. Last fall, they signed a contract extension that will keep them at the Rio at least through the end of 2026.

For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.

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

February 1, 2024

Chris Farr in Michael Pedicin’s free homage to saxophonists at OC Library

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

M

ichael Pedicin, Jr., has been a presence on the Atlantic City music scene for decades in many capacities. His latest musical offering finds Pedicin paying homage to many of the great jazz saxophonists of the last six decades at the Ocean City Public Library (OCPL), in a fourpart series beginning this Sunday, Feb. 4, with saxman Chris Farr (pictured above) performing.

Successive weeks will see performances by Carl Cox (Feb. 11), Louis Taylor (Feb. 18), and Adam Niewood (Feb. 25). Start time for each event is 2 p.m. Admission is free. The band includes bassist Andy Lalais and drummer Bob Shomo. The concerts

will be held in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. The OCPL address is 1735 Simpson Ave. Pedicin was originally set to perform the music himself by greats such as John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Dexter Gordon, Atan Getz, Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, and others with his well-respected rhythm section, but had to bow out due to a hand and wrist injury.

“In addition to the live performance on each February Sunday at 2 p.m., the concerts will be livestreamed as well,” says Pedicin. “At the end of each seventy-five-minute performance, myself and the other musicians will spend fifteen to twenty minutes answering any questions about the music and players represented and/or discussed. We will welcome you at the Ocean City Free Public Library!”

For additional information on this fine music series, visit: www.oceancitylibrary.org.

News ‘N’ Notes: While we’re on the subject of jazz, don’t miss the Tom Angello All-Stars (led by the renowned drummer of the same name,

plus Steve Beskrone on bass and Bill Schilling on piano) with special guest vocalist Suzanne Cloud Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Gregory’s in Somers Point (7-8:30 p.m.) It’s free for South Jersey Jazz Society Patrons, $10 for SJJS members, and $15 for non-members.

Cloud is a past executive director of Jazz Bridge, which sponsors and supports the Philadelphia jazz and blues communities in many ways.

Cloud is currently the director of the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project. Gregory’s is located at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point. Tickets/info: https://southjerseyjazz.org/ Atlantic City continues to be a big destination for Legacy R&B/hip-hop acts, all performing at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. This Saturday, Feb. 3, finds a solid multi-artist bill of DaBaby, Chinese Kitty, NLE Choppa and others. Tickets/info: https://www. boardwalkhall.com/. Anchor Rock Club on New York Avenue presents its always-popular Emo Night with David Earl spinning angst-y anthems Saturday, Feb. 10, and there’s no cover.

Mezzin’ Out: Fat Mezz, young (all under 30) rockers who perform cool versions of predominantly classic rock tunes and are booked throughout the Tri-State area, most of which are practically twice as old of any of the band members, have also been making noise lately with their original music. They recently released a

well-received single, “Sleeping with The Fish,” and are heading to Memphis this week (through Feb. 7) to record some originals at Memphis Magnetic Recording. Locally, catch Fat Mezz in the Hard Rock Lobby Bar on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

In Closing: The big two-night Tedeschi-Trucks Band/Little Feat shows at Hard Rock Casino Hotel (Feb. 16 and 17) just got a little more interesting with word that celebrated New Orleans-based funksters Dumpstaphunk will perform at an after-party in the Hard Rock’s Sound Waves on Feb. 17 at midnight (tickets $25 via Ticketmaster). Anchor Rock Club, meanwhile, features the always-popular Billy Walton Band playing their originals, also a Tedeschi Trucks after-party, Saturday, Feb. 17 (10:30 p.m., tickets $13).

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Largest IMAX Screen in NJ

Leather Reclining Seats 331 Tilton Rd. Northfield (609) 830-3566 Fri 02

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Schedules Subject To Change - Info on Each Movie and Updated Schedules at www.Squaretheaters.com

Tips for creating a house hunting checklist

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

B

eginning your house-hunting journey can be exciting, but it may also conjure up feelings of uncertainty. Creating a well-thought-out checklist will help you set realistic expectations both financially and personally, and help make the process go as smoothly as possible. Consider using these tips to add to your own house-hunting checklist: Obtain a Pre-approval Letter The first step is obtaining a pre-approval from your mortgage company to determine what you can afford. This helps narrow the playing

field as you search for homes in your price range. Note: The pre-approval letter is usually required to make an offer to purchase.

Investigate Loan Options Being educated on the various mortgage options should be at the top of your house-hunting checklist. Conventional, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) loans are some of the options that may be available to you.

In addition, be sure to investigate the various types of interest rate programs, such as a fixed-rate 30-year

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conventional loan, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), or shorter-term loans like 10-year, 15-year, or 20-year, which may provide lower interest rates.

All will dictate your monthly principal and interest payments.

Begin With an Internet Search The internet is a great way to begin your home-buying journey. It allows you to research and familiarize yourself with the areas you may be interested in, helps streamline the process, makes it easier for your agent to understand your needs, and makes your home search more productive.

To help narrow your home search, identify the type of community or neighborhood that matches your desired lifestyle. For example, if you are an empty nester, perhaps you want to downsize to a smaller space and move to a 55+ community that offers a lively social environment, or if you have a young family, your preference may be to purchase in a neighborhood where your children can play and socialize with other children.

Location Location, Location, Location. For

Elisa Jo Eagan

most people, this is the driving factor when deciding where to live. Do you need access to public transportation, or do you need to be near an airport, hospital, or military base for work?

Adding this to your house-hunting prep can help you focus on locations that best fit your needs.

Make a Must-Have List Make a wish list of all the features you want in your home. First, determine what kind of home you want: single-family, townhome, condominium, or perhaps even a new build.

Generally, it’s quite difficult to get everything you desire, so consider breaking it down by categories: must-have (non-negotiable), would-

like, and can live without.

If, for example, a garage is a must-have, but having a basement is negotiable, you can remain focused on the must-haves, and avoid touring homes that do not meet your criteria, saving you and your agent time.

Prepare a Home Inspection Checklist When viewing a property, be sure to bring a checklist as you tour the home.

Examine all areas of the house as best as possible including the HVAC system, roof, electrical, and plumbing. It’s your responsibility as the buyer to ask questions and look for anything that may dissuade you from purchasing the home.

You can also request a copy of the survey of the property to be sure no easements or property encroachments exist, and check with the city or town for any plans that could be perceived as negative, both of which may affect the future value of the home.

Keep a List of Homes Visited It can be a lot to take in when visiting several homes in a short period of time. You can prevent confusion by taking copious notes while touring each home. Be sure to jot down the

pros and cons of each, as you may choose to revisit one or more after having seen and compared them to others.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep Don't be distracted by homes needing cosmetic updates. As long as the home is structurally sound and the overall bones of the house are satisfactory, the aesthetics can be changed when you become the new owner.

Creating a checklist as you start your house-hunting venture will help you focus on the items that are most important, such as your desired location, must-haves, and price range through pre-approval from your lender.

With hugs, kisses and warm regards.

For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609703-0432. Learn more at www.TheRealEstateGodmother. com.

For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

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Meet the breed: The poodle

By Heidi Clayton

W

henever I am asked to recommend a good family dog, I always recommend the poodle. No, I am not talking about a doodle!

I mean the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed known as the poodle.

Let me clear something else up: No breed is hypoallergenic! There are breeds such as the poodle that are non-shedding and have predictable coats because they are purebred.

Mixing anything doodle with a poodle of any size does not mean you will get the non-shedding coat. There is no way to tell what coat your doodle mix will get (as well as temperament). The poodle breed, however, not only has a reliable coat but an amazing temperament to match.

The poodle is the National Dog of France. In France, they aren’t referred to as the “French poodle”. Instead, they are

60

known as the Caniche Dog or the Duck Dog. The poodle originated in Germany more than 400 years ago. These dogs were bred to be excellent swimmers and duck retrievers with incredible agility and supreme intelligence.

Poodles were also known to transition from avid swimmers to relaxing like royalty in the manor after a hard day of hunting, which made them popular among the nobles of France.

Poodles’ most common style of grooming reflects their history as strong swimmers. The continental clip seen in the show ring served the purpose of protecting vital organs and joints when swimming in cold water. Reducing the amount of hair allows poodles to swim more freely.

The AKC describes the poodle as “carrying himself, proudly, very active, intelligent, and has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.”

When moving, the poodle carries their heads and tails up, which can appear snooty. Being a swimming breed, they look as if they are swimming effortlessly

through the water even when moving on land.

Poodles excel at agility and obedience. Many show poodles also have AKC Hunting and Retrieving titles. The poodle is extremely intelligent and is quick to please you if you are consistent with what you ask of them.

In my opinion, poodles are great for first-time dog owners and for dog owners who have family obligations. Poodles do not need to be the focus of life every minute of every day. I find their temperament to be easy to live with and to train.

Before anyone panics about the coat of a poodle, I promise it is easier than that of any doodle or poo mix because the poodle coat is predictable.

Poodles have hair that, much like our own, never stops growing. At about 9 to 16 months, it will change in texture.

When that happens, you may want to keep the coat clipped shorter if you are not up to frequent brushing to keep matting to a minimum. Watching a poodle breeder clip and groom a poodle before a show is like watching an artist in action,

but most poodle owners prefer to keep them clipped short while keeping “pompons” (which is the correct phrase in the poodle world) on the tail and ears. Since poodles grow hair, not fur, they have a reduced level of dander flying around the house. However, again, no breed is hypoallergenic.

Whether you want a standard poodle that stands from about 22 to 27 inches, a miniature that is about 13 to 15 inches, or a toy that is 10 inches or less at the shoulder, the poodle is my breed of choice for being a great family pet. Go to the Poodle Club of America to find a reputable breeder who will produce a reliable and predictable coat and temperament.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.

Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

February 1, 2024

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VIKING PATRIOT SAINT CARDINAL JAGUAR

The Atlantic City area is a mecca for cover bands.

Some specialize with a look and a sound just like the original rockers. Who are these bands a tribute to?

1. Tumbling Pebbles 2. The Sandy Lads 3. Knives and Daisies 4. The Windows 5. Immigrant 8. Kiss 9. The Monkeys 10. Red Hot Chili Peppers

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6. The Posers 7. Crushing Apples 8. Hug 9. The Chimps 10. Spicy Jalapenos

4. The Doors 5. Foreigner 6. The Pretenders 7. Smashing Pumpkins

X

ANSWERS 1. Rolling Stones 2. The Beach Boys 3. Guns and Roses

Pro Football Teams Named After

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A Spanish magician has a grand magical show and at the end he says he will disappear after counting to three. He starts to count, “Uno, dos…” then he vanished without a tres.

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Every year it’s Dublin.

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ACROSS 1. *Starr of Super Bowl I and MVP 5. Epsom or Evian-les-Bains 8. Mexican money 12. Gulf V.I.P. 13. Biblical pronoun 14. Competitive musher, e.g.

15. Saintly glow 16. From the sky and often damaging 17. Early anesthetic 18. *Halftime show performer 20. Photo editing option 21. T. S., poet 22. Chi forerunner 23. *Team with most consecutive Super Bowl appearances 25. Swindles 29. Even, to a poet 30. Slanting characters 33. Cough syrup balsam 34. Travels by air 36. "What's up ____?", asked by Bugs Bunny 37. Southeast Asia org.

38. German currency 39. Wb, pl.

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42. Substitute, two words 44. Express a thought 46. Hitherto 47. Winter "fever"?

49. Brown on "Doctor Who" 51. *He has most Super Bowl appearances as a coach 55. Plural of #38 Across 56. Norse deity 57. Joie de vivre 58. *3-time Super Bowl champ, Russ ____ 59. Pasturelands 60. Ready for picking 61. Black and white treat 62. *Another form of Super Bowl entertainment 63. Command, with "at"

DOWN 1. Thai currency 2. Wet nurse 3. Rub the wrong way 4. Gardener's little helper 5. British soldier's parade hat 6. *P in PAT 7. "____ Lang Syne" 8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances 9. Reverberating sound 10. Slowly leak 11. NHL great 13. Opposite of atheist 14. Short version 19. ____ Island off Manhattan 22. Nervous twitch 23. Knockout 24. Below, prefix 25. *Player with most Super Bowl points scored 26. Warm down-slope wind 27. Distress signal 28. Phoenix team 29. Flock members 31. Port of Yemen 32. Tennis shot 35. *Jim Nantz's partner 37. Savory jelly 39. A must for a comedian 40. Williams and Wright 43. Natural theology 45. Answer to "Where are you?", two words 47. Surrendered land 48. Spy's other name 49. Feline vibration 50. Albany-Buffalo canal 51. Cowboy's necktie 52. Pelvic parts 53. Big letters 54. Proposal joint 55. "I" mania

See Solution on Page 66

February 1, 2024

63

Pay down debt or save more?

By Eric Reich

O

ne of the most common questions I get is should I pay off my debt or should I save more? While this can be very client specific, today I thought we would cover a few general ideas on the subject.

First, you should consider the following factors: your age, debt level, asset level, income, desired retirement age and income goal in retirement.

Generally, I’m a fan of paying off the highest interest and non-deductible debt first. This means credit cards; get rid of those things! I often advise clients to use all available extra cash to help get rid of the highest interest first and then move onto the next highest.

I suggest you still continue making contributions to your retirement plan.

If you need more cash flow to do this, then look for ways you can cut back.

Do you really need a $6 coffee? Look at

where your ATM withdrawals are being spent. That’s a big one. Many people can easily cut a lot of expenses out of their budget by simply looking at each one in detail.

Once you cut the expenses, look at ways to earn extra income. Can you rent out a room? Ask for a raise? Turn a hobby into a small side business?

Every little bit helps! Use all of this extra money to get rid of “Bad Debt”.

Bad debt is debt on things that lose value over time and don’t give you a tax break. “Good Debt” by comparison is the use of leverage on things that go up in value like a house or rental property.

Do I pay off my mortgage with extra money? That one can be harder than it looks on the surface. Financially, it doesn’t usually make sense to pay off a mortgage in today’s interest environment. If you have a 4% mortgage, which the interest on may be deductible, then it might only cost you as little as 2.75-3% net of the deduction. If you can invest money for retirement in the market for a long period of time and earn a return even close to the equity market’s return, say 8%, then why pay off 2.75% debt at the expense of 8% savings. In that example, you are making 5.25% on the difference between

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what you are paying out and what you are taking in. If you simply can’t sleep at night knowing you have a mortgage in retirement, remember, just because the answer is right financially, doesn’t mean it’s the right answer for you.

Sleeping at night is more important than always maximizing finances.

The key on the saving more side of the equation is knowing how much your current savings are going to be worth in retirement, and more importantly, how much income will that savings provide you with. Once you know that, you can determine if savings or debt reduction is more important in your situation. Don’t forget to add in Social Security too. For a married couple, that can add up to $70,000 to your annual income in retirement.

Another way to increase retirement income is to wait 1-2 extra years to retire. That equals more savings and less time drawing down your assets.

This illustration is hypothetical and there is no guarantee that similar results can be achieved. 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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Sunny: Playing the hand you’re dealt SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain

By Bill Quain

T

his is the fifth week in my “Money, Sunny and Honey” series. Money, sunny and honey are the three categories of your life that you must get right if you want to be successful. Money, the subject of my previous three columns, is easy, right? You need it, and you need a fair amount of it in order to be successful. “Honey”, which we’ll be talking about in a few weeks, is your relationships. Clearly, to be successful, you need strong, dependable relationships. This week we’ll talk about “sunny”, and why you need it to play the hand you are dealt. By the way, if you want to catch up on the entire money, sunny and honey concept, you can check out my past columns at www. shorelocalnews.com.

Sunny: physical, mental, and emotional health Defining “sunny” is a little more complex than defining your financial situation (money) or your long-term relationships (honey). Sunny is your physical, mental, and emotional health.

These are the things that give you a “sunny” disposition or outlook on life.

Let’s talk about the three subcategories of “sunny”: 1. Physical Health Get yourself healthy by eating right, exercising, staying away from drugs, not drinking too much, and doing sim-

ple things like washing your hands and getting enough sleep. Now, this may involve making a change or two.

About three years ago, after my cousin had a heart attack, I followed his advice and completely gave up eating processed sugars. Wow, what a difference! As a long-distance runner, I had been getting shooting pains in my legs, mostly from inflammation. Cutting out sugar not only took care of that problem, but I also lost 25 pounds! Building and maintaining physical health is an integrated practice. Ignoring just one of the practices for physical health can create a cascading effect.

2. Mental Health Mental health is a mixture of controllable and uncontrollable factors. If your body has a chemical imbalance, you have to deal with that. If you have issues in your life that require professional help, seek out that help.

That said, you can often improve your mental health by maintaining and building your physical health. Hey, it isn’t a guarantee, but being physically fit is a big help. Remember, mental health is a matter of balance. Try to lower your stress levels, and keep your energy levels high.

↘Continued on 66

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↘Continued from 65 3. Emotional Health Some people will say that emotional health is a part of overall mental health.

I don’t see it that way. To me, emotional health is almost all controllable. We largely choose our attitudes and actions. Emotional health comes from maturity and experience. It is learned.

Having said that, we are often the products of our upbringing and environments. However, no matter where we come from, we can choose where we are going. An emotionally healthy person is stable, dependable, caring, and honest. They bring calm and trust to situations.

What about the cards you’re dealt?

In life, nothing is fair. We all get dealt a set of cards, and we must play the cards we’re dealt. We can’t discard them. If you’ve ever played five-card poker, you know that you can throw away up to three of the five cards you’re dealt, and hope for a better “draw.” If you have two aces, a three, a nine and a jack, you might keep the aces and hope to draw some more. But, that’s not how real life goes. It definitely isn’t how “sunny” is built!

If you are born to a poor family, or a broken home, or have health problems, those are your cards. Importantly, however, it isn’t where you have to finish!

Of all the three categories necessary for success, “sunny” (physical, mental and emotional health) is the thing you must adjust in order to have money or honey.

Success: Maximize the hand you’re dealt!

I’m blind. No, that’s not an exaggeration. I am really blind!

When my hand was dealt, I got a joker. However, I made a decision in my life. I was going to play that joker as if it was a wild card.

Do you know what a wild card is? In a poker game, the dealer can declare a certain type of card as a wild card, which means it can be used as any card you want it to be. If you have a hand with four aces in it, plus a wild card, you have an unbeatable five aces!

With the hand I was dealt, there are things I would never be able to do, like drive a car. However, not being able to see changed my life in many positive ways. It made me determined to build a life that was maximally adapted to my disability. I became a college professor, which is the best and easiest job for a blind person to have. Even more importantly, it is a very satisfying job.

At 71, I’m still employed, making good money and working with energetic young people. It’s all because I turned that joker into a wild card and played it well.

So tell me, what’s your deal?

How have you maximized your “sunny”? Were you dealt a full house or a throwaway hand? Share your thoughts and experiences by shooting me an email at bill@quain.com. I’d love to hear from you, and I’ll bet the way you played your hand will be interesting to other people as well.

As I say each week, “I’ll see ya in the papers!”

Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www. billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.

Solutions to pages 63 puzzles. Check yourself!

66

February 1, 2024

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