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Valentines Day and Super Bowl Happenings Restoring The World's Largest Instrument AC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plans Pondering a Mob Museum South Jersey's First TV Station

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tlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. announced the Atlantic City Aquarium, which has been closed since 2020, will reopen on July 1, 2024. This much-anticipated event follows an extensive period of renovations, both interior and exterior, aimed at revitalizing and upgrading the facility. The completion of the interior renovations marks a significant

milestone in the Aquarium's refurbishment journey, with the exterior renovations now in the works. These external improvements are made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan. The reopening of the Aquarium is expected to be a major draw for both locals and tourists, offering renewed opportunities for educational and interactive experiences with marine life.

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February 8, 2024

What's love got to do with it?

From the Editor

can almost hear the echo of Tina Turner's iconic question from the ’80s, reverberating through time. The answer, as it turns out, is everything. Love is our greatest superpower. It is that unseen yet omnipresent force that weaves through us and connects us to one another. It's in the cup of coffee my husband hands me first thing in the morning for more than 30 years. It's why I'm writing this from my mother's hospital room, where I have been sitting with her for more than eight hours now. As we approach this season of love, it's easy to get caught up in the idealized romance – the electric spark of a first kiss, the magnetic pull between two souls discovering their affinity, and the thrill of a budding relationship. Yet love, in its true essence, goes far beyond these initial flames.

Love grows. It matures, expands, and transforms in the most unexpected ways. It's the lifelong companionship of a devoted couple, the pure, unconditional bond between a mother and her newborn, the familial ties that bind us to those we consider kin, by blood or by choice. I saw this kind of enduring love in my parents’ 65-year marriage. As they got older they disliked how often they had to visit the doctor. To make the situation more enjoyable, they would schedule one another's doctor appointments in the late afternoon so they could go directly to their favorite diner afterwards. Each of us carries a unique love story. Mine began on a blind date with Bob in 1989, when we were in college. The moment we saw one another, something seemed to click. We both can recount the minute details of that night. He still talks about the blue sweater I was wearing. Sparks flew, leading us to marriage and, years later, to the overwhelming love we felt with the arrival of our children, and witnessing our parents transition into doting grandparents.

Issue 269

However, love isn't just about the highs. Our college days were filled with a lighter, care-free love, which evolved as we embraced parenthood and faced life's practical challenges. With a mortgage and three babies close in age, we had many practical challenges before us. There was a lot to worry about, but still, more to celebrate. I stayed home with the kids in the earliest years and together, we found creative ways to save money and make it work. In 2020 we faced the tragic loss of our son and we learned that great grief is the price we pay for great love.

Love can be painful; it can ebb, leading to heartaches and goodbyes, and sometimes, it paves the way for new beginnings. True love though is a deep, enduring connection that stands firm against life's storms. So, what's love got to do with it? In the quest for a fulfilling life, love is the cornerstone. It's our purpose – to love and be loved in return. The LGBTQ+ community's mantra, "Love always wins," resonates deeply with me. Under all the layers of conflict, anxiety, and difference, we uncover love at our very core, the most potent and splendid aspect of our existence. This Valentine's Day, regardless of where you are or whom you're with – a partner, child, friend, family, or a cherished pet – I hope you embrace and celebrate love in all its forms. Thank you for choosing to read this issue of Shore Local Newsmagazine. May your February be filled with love, warmth, and joy.

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 Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com 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 by Peter Hammond.

Mo re N e w s , Podcasts at wwFwe.Satures, Video an d horeLocalNews.com Publishing Every Thursday.

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Advertising Inquiries (609)334-1691 or Shorelocalads@gmail.com The opinions expressed by our columnists are independent of Shore Local's owners, staff and advertisers.

February 8, 2024

Boardwalk Hall’s pipe organ is coming back to life

By Steffen Klenk

tlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is one of the most historic arenas in North America. The venue, formerly known as Convention Hall, became the world’s first all-purpose

indoor entertainment and convention venue. Some of the most well-known names in music have performed in

the main arena, from The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen to Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones. It has hosted the Miss America Pageant, countless sporting events, boxing matches, and the 1964 Democratic National Convention. At one point, the building had a seating capacity of 41,000 people. As you arrive up the escalator, onto the concourse and along the arena

listen to the beautiful sounds emanating throughout the building. While it takes a quarter of a second for the sound to travel from one end of the arena to another, the organist has the worst seat in the house. “The sounds from the front right stage chamber are instantaneous, but it’s nearly a third of a second before you hear what the left chamber has voiced,” Banks explained. Throughout its lifetime, some of the most well-known bands and musicians have toured this iconic musical instrument, including the band Phish and their keyboardist, Page McConnell. Celine Dion’s musical director, Scott Price, performed a rendition of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Even Beyonce was photographed sitting at the console prior to her sold-out show in 2013. Did you know that Boardwalk Hall houses two pipe organs? The Adrian Philips Theater comes equipped with a magnificent W.W. Kimball Organ. Completed in 1930, the organ was officially dedicated on May 25 of that year and was originally designed to provide the soundtrack to silent movies. It has 55 ranks of pipes controlled from a four-manual console which sits atop the main entrance.

floor, you get a tiny glimpse of its architectural grandeur and marvelous ceiling draped in colorful lights. But there is much more to Boardwalk Hall than you may imagine. It is also home to the largest pipe organ in the world. In 1929, construction began on what would become the world’s largest musical instrument. Designed by New Jersey state Sen. Emerson Lewis Richards, the organ was built by the former Midmer-Losh Organ Company, based in Merrick, Long Island, N.Y. The company made more than 40 theater organs in the 1920s in the age of silent films when organs were standard in most arenas. Scott Banks is the membership and events coordinator of the Historic Organ Restoration Committee. Banks said that one of the initial challenges was building an organ to fill more than 5.5 million cubic feet of enclosed space in the arena. “Human bodies absorb a lot of sound,” he said. “The instrument was built in the size and scale to accommodate the original capacity.” What makes this incredible organ unique is its vast Scott Banks and Nathan Bryson stand in front of the size. The organ itself is situ- Midmer-Losh Organ, situated on stage in the main ated in eight chambers, two auditorium. Photos by Steffen Klenk of which are placed on each side of the proscenium arch at the Upon hearing these beautiful stage. About half of the organ’s pipes instruments for the first time, you rest along each side of the arena. would think you were hearing an There are also two chambers that entire symphony orchestra perform sit along the first arch closest to the at once. Both organs provide a wide stage. All 33,132 pipes are controlled range of musical styles and genres by a seven-manual (seven-keyboard) with an immersive sound that can console which sits on the right side of only be described as breathtaking. the stage. It has a total of 1,235 stop Hearing the instruments played live tabs which control the 449 ranks, or is a treat not just for enthusiasts, but voices, of the organ. anyone who enjoys the raw power If you ever heard the organ, whethand emotion of music. er at a recital, concert, or sporting ↘Continued on 8 event, you can’t help but stop and

February 8, 2024

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“The work in that chamber goes as needed while we do the hard work around the rest of the instrument,” he said. Nathan Bryson is the curator of organs at Boardwalk Hall. A native of Brevard, N.C., Bryson began studying piano at a young age and previously volunteered on the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. Through his work on that instrument, he became familiar with the Midmer-Losh, and began working as curator nine years ago. Bryson says work is now underway to restore both side chambers, which have not been played in several decades. “Most of the two main chambers are completely functioning; we have enough sound in the front, so we’re starting to work on the sound above the auditorium,” Bryson said. Restoring the world’s largest pipe organ is no easy task. The entire project is being done by fewer than a dozen volunteers, who graciously provide their skills and services to the organization. Each of the individuals, from the assistants to technicians, is skilled in their field of exNathan Bryson, Curator of Organs, inside the pertise and is dedicated to massive pipe organs. Photos by Steffen Klenk bringing this piece of musical The Historic Organ Restoration Committee has been working diligently to restore the massive Medmir-Losh organ to its former glory. Right now the organ is 37 percent fully restored and 64 percent playable. Banks says most of the upkeep has been done on the right stage chamber surrounding the organ’s core tone.

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history back to life. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Historic Organ Restoration Committee hosts a free daily recital and tours at noon. Their weekly Curator’s Tour takes you on a guided tour inside the massive pipe organ on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. between April and December. You can learn more about the committee’s upcoming initiatives, purchase tour tickets or donate via the website, boardwalkor-

gans.org. You can also keep track of their progress on social media at www.facebook.com/BoardwalkOrgans. On Friday, April 5, the Historic Organ Restoration Committee will host a one-of-its-kind concert featuring multi-talented organist and rising social media star Anna Lapwood. At the age of 28, she has quickly ascended into music history, becoming the youngest director of music for the Cambridge University Choir. Her performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London and New York’s St. Thomas Church have attracted audiences far and wide, with more than 21 million views on TikTok. Lapwood has recently been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster, http://boardwalkhall. com or by calling the Box Office at 609-348-7512. Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

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February 8, 2024

Annual Run/Walk for Autism eyeing new participants

By Steffen Klenk

“Any day you can do something for children with disabilities, it’s a good day.” It is a saying that Mike Monichetti has echoed since the inaugural Run and Walk for Autism in 2009. From year to date, the event has generated more than $1 million for organizations and families in South Jersey. In its 16th year, thousands are anticipated

February 8, 2024

to join the festivities this Presidents Day weekend on the Promenade in Sea Isle City. The event was founded by Monichetti, founder of Mike’s Seafood and a longtime Sea Isle resident. He and his wife, Jeannie, have four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Since forming the run and walk, spokesperson Kevin Capone says the family has dedicated their lives to helping other families find the necessary resources, especially in our region. “A lot of people with children who have disabilities don’t know where to turn.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 36 children are identified as being on the autism spectrum. In New Jersey, the official ratio is 1 in 35 children. In a time when many families and special needs individuals are looking for services, Monichetti wants to ensure that young adults have the services they need. Proceeds from the event will benefit special services school districts, autism support groups, and families throughout Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties.

Last year, the event returned in-person after a two-year hiatus from the pandemic. With its new space at Excursion Park and easy access to the Promenade, an estimated 4,000 people attended the event, raising $150,000 for autism-related efforts. Capone says even in tough times, the public has found ways to support the mission. “Whether they’re someone who has a child on the spectrum or a regular customer of Mike’s Seafood, the public has been very supportive.”

The run and walk will officially take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, at noon, on the Promenade and JFK Blvd. After the event, attendees are invited to meet under the heated tents at Excursion Park for an awards ceremony, live music, door prizes, food, and activities for the kids. Online registration for the run and walk is open until Friday, Feb. 16, at 4 p.m. You can also register in person before the event. For more details and information, please visit polarbearrunwalkforautism.com.

Discovering the Weymoth Furnace By Steffen Klenk

everal months ago, during the peak of fall foliage, I discovered one of the most unique hidden gems in all of South Jersey… the Weymouth Furnace. Located off Route 322 in Hamilton Township, this 11-acre park is home to several walking paths, a picnic area, and is a starting point for canoeing, kayaking and tubing along the Great Egg Harbor River. Once known as Weymouth Forge, the land was owned by West New Jer-

sey Society until the year 1800, when the area was purchased by a partnership with George Ashbridge and Charles Shoemaker. In 1801, the state granted permission to dam the Great Egg Harbor River to accommodate iron works and other waterworks. One year later, iron production was well underway. During the War of 1812, production shifted to the supplying of weapons for the United States. This included the production of cast cannons and cannonballs.

By the 1850s, the tract of land contained a forge, furnace, sawmill and gristmill. This area also had a Methodist church, a mansion for the owners, blacksmith shop, wheelwright, and up to 20 houses for workers. The forge was in production for nearly 60 years, with the iron produced smelted from local bog iron furnaces fueled by charcoal. Production at this facility mainly consisted of cast iron water pipes, but not limited to stoves, pipes and nails.

In the 1860s, the Weymouth Forge no longer could compete with updated coal powered forges in Pennsylvania. In 1862, the Forge was reportedly destroyed in a fire. By the later part of the decade, the land consisted of two paper mills. The Weymouth Paper Mill came to fruition in a wooden structure, while the Atlantic Paper Mill building was made of stone. Together, the two plants produced paper made out of manila rope, rags and old bagging. By the mid-1880s, wood pulp was primarily used to produce paper. Both mills went out of business in 1897. By the 20th century, the land was sold and the site was left in disarray. The buildings that once stood on the thriving property began to collapse, and a brake in the dam caused the nearby mill pond to drain. Ultimately, the stone building became a victim for thieves and vandals. To this day, much information about this Pinelands community remains a long-lost mystery, leaving many to imagine what this area looked like more than two centuries ago. While much of the Furnace has been erased from history, several remnants can be seen. The brick chimney and arches still stand to this day, while stone remnants from the paper mill remain fenced off. In 1966, Atlantic County acquired the land and re-opened the area as a public park. Today, the site is open to visitors as an attraction to walk, take pictures, and explore the last remains of this once versatile community. The Great Egg Harbor River runs directly behind the furnace. It is important to note that swimming in this part of the river can be dangerous, with waters as deep as 20 feet in several locations. It is best advised to swim near lifeguards, in locations such as The Cove at Lake Lenape, which is open seasonally.

February 8, 2024

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Green Thumb Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Somers Point Senior Center. New members are welcome from all across our region. The group celebrates gardening with community beautification projects and educational programs to protect our natural resources. For the February meeting, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) presented a program on building rain barrels. For more information about the garden club, contact Pam at (609) 519-3517.

tepping out on a frigid February morning, when our chapped hands feel like frostbite is beginning to set in, it’s hard to imagine that spring is just around the corner. Fortunately, gardeners are a hopeful bunch. They know that visions of fresh pea pods and unfurled flower petals will turn into reality before you can say, “perlite vs. vermiculite”. During this period of anticipation, there is no time for idleness, so they must plan. For there are summer bulb catalogs waiting to be perused, seed packets needing to be ordered, and perfect color combinations that must be converted from dreams to graph paper. In South Jersey, like-minded members of garden clubs have already begun to meet together to brainstorm, ACUA presenter, Melanie Thorn demonstrated how to plan, and inspire each make a rain barrel to the Green Thumb Garden Club on other. Check out some Feb. 6. Pictured from left to right: Melanie Thorn, ACUA of the local clubs in our and garden club officers, Pam DeMarco - President, Lisa area to find others with Gasper - Vice President, Lee Portnoy - Secretary, and Sally a passion for garden- Pietrofitta - Treasurer. ing. The Offshore Garden Club meets The Little Gardens Club of Atlantic from January to April on the fourth City began in 1922 and has grown to Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. encompass members from all around at the Linwood Public Library. Then the South Jersey area. They meet in they reconvene from September central locations such as the Mays to November. Throughout the year, Landing Library meeting room or they have various programs and the Belcoville Firehouse. The group workshops, including a bus trip in meets monthly year-round, hosting May. For the Feb. 28 meeting, they speakers on a variety of interesting will be making botanical soaps with topics, such as Pinelands preservathe Perch Cove Soap Company. tion and growing plants hydroponicalLooking ahead to March 27, the ly. They also have several trips during group plans to make moss terrariums the year. This spring, they plan to visit with Joe Alvarez. If you would like the Sunset Flower Farm in Woodbine more information about meetings or as well as the Pennsbury Manor in workshops, contact Janet Toland at: Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The club golfer_nurse@hotmail.com. hosts an annual garden tour which

February 8, 2024

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Sisters from Ventnor enjoy one of the basket design workshops at Bayview Garden Nursery. will be July 14, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information about this garden club, visit their Facebook page: The Little Gardens Club. The Sweet Scents Garden Club holds monthly workshops and hosts speakers throughout the gardening season at the Bayview Garden Nursery in Northfield. Volunteers from the group maintain the Memory Garden at Birch Grove Park and help keep up the grounds around the Historical Casto House. They are always looking for new members to join their group. For more information about membership or upcoming events, email: colleen@bayviewnurseries.com or joni@bayviewnurseries.com or call Bayview Nursery at (609) 641-0648 ext. 10. The Inlet Hydrangea Trail Volunteers (IHTV) formed in May of 2022. This group envisioned Hydrangea Trail 2.0, which originated with the goal of reestablishing the Hydrangea Trail that began in the 1940s. The vol-

unteer group has been hard at work beautifying neighborhoods and revitalizing Atlantic City with community involvement that began in Gardner’s Basin. The group also offers garden education opportunities through a program with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Contact: GardensofAC@ gmail.com for more information about this Hydrangea Trail volunteer group. Joining a garden club is a great way for novice and experienced gardeners to come together and exchange ideas and inspiration. If you would like more information or would like to have your garden group featured, please send your inquiry to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

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By Ava Holly

International Motorcycle Show thrills enthusiasts in Atlantic City

he Showboat transformed its 1st-floor garage into a bustling mini convention center this past weekend, from Feb. 2-4, hosting the International Motorcycle Show. Organized by Jam-On Productions, the event drew crowds and exceeded expectations with its wide array of attractions. The show floor was a paradise for motorcycle aficionados, featuring everything from stylish bandanas and diverse patches to alcohol-infused desserts. Attendees had the chance to win prizes, including a coveted show keychain, and were welcomed with a unique patch upon entry. The event's popularity was evident, with an estimated 1,000 visitors exploring the exhibits over the three-day period. Highlighting the event were the motorcycles themselves, particularly those that had garnered awards for excellence, with accolades adorning an entire wall. Vintage motorcycles made a notable appearance alongside a bike simulator, offering a realistic riding experience. The merchandise on sale

ranged from trendy T-shirts to specialized motorcycle gear, with a free copy of Motorcycle Monthly available for enthusiasts. The show wasn't just about the bikes; it was also a vibrant community gathering. An art exhibit, a diverse range of helmets, and brightly colored motorcycles like the green Triumph and the orange and yellow bikes caught everyone's eye. The event also facilitated networking, allowing riders to meet new companions and even enter their bikes in competitions for cash and prizes. Jam-On Productions, known for orchestrating comprehensive motorcycle shows and the world's largest motorcycle swap meets since 1973, brought this event to life. T.J., the executive producer, shared his enthusiasm for the show's success and its role in attracting thousands to the area annually, expressing hope for its return.

The event's success was not only a testament to the vibrant motorcycle culture but also highlighted the organizational prowess of Jam on Productions and the Showboat's versatility in hosting such large-scale events. Kayla Pitzo, responsible for the Showboat's

special events, played a crucial role in the smooth execution of the show. For more information on future shows and to stay updated, visit www. motorcycleswapmeets.com or contact info@internationalmotorcycleshow. com.

Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com

February 8, 2024

Valentine's Day group vow renewal ceremony at Absecon Lighthouse

bsecon Lighthouse is hosting its annual “Evening of Romance & Renewal” on Valentine's Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14. Couples are invited to take part in a group vow renewal ceremony by a nondenominational minister in the Keeper's Cottage at 6 p.m., followed by a champagne toast of congratu-

lations and romantic dancing to the live music and beautiful sounds of classic love songs and standards, presented by Lisa Camp of Groove Heart. What better way to set the mood for a romantic dinner out in Atlantic City afterward? A donation minimum of $40 per couple includes the ceremony, tower climb, live music and dancing, and champagne toast,

but couples are asked to "give from the heart," as this is a fundraising event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event concludes at 7 p.m. You are invited to make a reservation by calling the lighthouse at 609-449-1360. For more information about Absecon Lighthouse and its programs call (609) 449-1360 or visit us on the web at www.abseconlighthouse.org

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Yellow diamonds for Valentine’s Day tic recipes on my website (www. joestablefortwo.com). It is from the Italian Regional Cooking cookbook by famous Italian cookbook author Ada Boni. (The recipe has been tested and minor updates made for today’s cook.) As a side note, lemons started being cultivated in Genoa in the middle of the 15th century. In fact, it’s said that the best lemons come from the Amalfi Coast, although the Sicilians would take issue with that. Italians use lemons in both sweet and savory foods, and since cornmeal also is popular (think polenta) it’s only natural the two would come together in this recipe. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day! Be well and have fun. Buon Appetito!

By Chef Joseph Massaglia

ove is always in the air for Italians, but even more so at Valentine’s Day, which in Italy also is known as La Festa Degli Innamorati. One legend has it that Valentine's Day actually originated during the Roman Empire as a holiday on Feb.14 to celebrate Juno, the Queen of Roman gods and goddesses. She is also the goddess queen of women and marriage. Another legend refers to St. Valentine, a priest, or some believe a bishop, who defied the Roman Emperor’s orders banning converting people to Christianity and secretly marrying lovers during wartime, which was against the law. He’s also believed to have sent cut-out paper hearts or notes to either a jailer’s or a judge’s daughter that he reportedly cured of blindness, signing the hearts simply “Valentine.” He was martyred and buried at a Christian cemetery north of Rome on

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Feb. 14 in the third century. And since 496 A.D., Feb. 14 has been observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine (Saint Valentine's Day). Speaking of love, many couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day, and

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the ring usually contains a diamond. Anthropologists believe this tradition originated from a Roman custom in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands' ownership. So, in one way or another, we have to thank the Romans for this holiday dedicated to love. This Valentine’s Day, I’d like to tell you about a sweet diamond recipe from the Veneto region of Italy. Called yellow diamonds, these delicious, lemony cookies made with cornmeal, golden raisins, lemon zest and pine nuts will be a delightful taste break from all the chocolate desserts and candy you will be tasting. This recipe is one of 600 authen-

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2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups fine cornmeal ● 3/4 cup golden raisins ● 2/3 cup rum ● 3 large egg yolks ● 3/4 cup granulated sugar ● 2 teaspoons vanilla ● 1 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly ● Pinch of salt ● Grated zest of 1 lemon ● 1/3 cup pine nuts ● Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Heat oven to 375 °F. Sift flour and cornmeal together into a bowl; set aside. Soak the raisins in the rum until swollen, about 20 to 30 minutes.; drain and pat dry. (Note from Joe: Don’t throw away the rum. Sip on it while making the cookies!) Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla together until smooth, thick and lemon colored (about 1 minute). Gradually add the melted butter, flour mixture, salt and lemon zest. Mix or knead until you get a smooth dough; knead in the raisins and pine nuts. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to about a 1/2-inch thickness and cut into small diamond shapes. (A cookie cutter works well too.) Place on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake about 12 to 13 minutes or until golden, reversing sheets halfway through. Cool on cookie sheets about 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm or at room temperature. About 5 dozen 2-inch cookies. ●

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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:

Romantic classics to enjoy together

any people feel the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to enjoy an evening at home with the one they love. A quiet dinner followed by a romantic movie can make for a relaxing, memorable Valentine's Day. Romantic films pluck at the heartstrings and leave few dry eyes in the house. This genre has produced many unforgettable moments in film. While many people have their go-to romantic films, it can be fun to rethink those preferences and watch something new. The following are just some of the films dubbed "the most romantic movies" by sources such as AMC, TimeOut magazine, Rotten Tomatoes, and Flavorwire. ● Beauty and the Beast (1991): This animated classic tells the tale of a prince who is disfigured into a beast to outwardly represent his internal ugliness. Only true love can break the spell, which seems

unlikely until the lovely Belle comes into the beast's life. Fans of the animated film have another opportunity to fall in love again with the live-action retelling of the story. ● Say Anything (1989): In a tale of first love, Lloyd seeks to capture the heart of Diane, who is an unattainable high school beauty. The movie includes a now-famous pivotal scene when Lloyd holds up a boombox playing Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes". ● The Notebook (2004): Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, this modern cult classic is set in 1940s South Carolina. The movie is the tale of a poor man who falls in love with a rich young woman, only to be separated by

their social differences. However, true love ultimately prevails in the end. ● When Harry Met Sally (1989): Close friends Harry and Sally have known each other for years and ponder if engaging in an intimate relationship would ruin the friendship. ● Gone With the Wind (1939): This sweeping epic is set in the antebellum south during the American Civil War. The story of Scarlett O'Hara's tangled love affairs has been popular with film fans for nearly 80 years. ● Sense and Sensibility (1995): This film is a dramatic interpretation of Jane Austen's novel published in 1811. Sudden financial struggles force the Dashwood sisters to move to a distant cottage. Locals develop romantic feelings for the ladies in this story that is considered an early example of the romantic novels of today. ● The Princess Bride (1987): Wesley and Buttercup begin with a

tumultuous servant-master relationship. But their love blooms only to have Wesley be called away, leaving Buttercup to believe he has died. The two ultimately reunite in this classic and often hilarious tale of romance. ● Casablanca (1943): A nightclub owner in Casablanca is reunited with his old flame, only to discover she is traveling with her husband. During World War II, Ilsa wants her rebel husband to escape to America, but her renewed feelings for Rick leave her struggling with what to do.

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Events and Happenings

Thursday, February 8 Somers Point Poetry Society

▶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 a conversation of poetry. For more information, visit http://somersptarts.weebly. com, or contact somersptarts@ gmail.com.

Friday, February 9 The Barber of Seville

▶7:30 p.m.

joy live music by saxophonist Carl Cox and the Jim Ridl/Andy Lalasis/ Bob Shomo Trio. Free admission and no reservations are required. All concerts will be held in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall. More information is available at www. oceancitylibrary.org.

Monday, February 12 Winter Story Time Yoga

▶10 a.m.

Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City This event is best for ages 3-5 years. Bring a yoga mat or towel and meet in the Children’s Activity Room. More information is available at www.oceancitylibrary.org. Yoga and Meditation in EHT

Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Ferris Dr. Galloway Performed by the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, this full-scale, traditional production of Rossini’s popular comic opera with international soloists, beautiful sets and costumes, and a chorus and orchestra of area artists. Tickets and information can be found at www. stockton.edu/pac.

Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township Join Inland for an evening of stress-free yoga. Attendance is free. Register online at inland-fsc. org.

Saturday, February 10

Tuesday, February 13

Saturday Matinee with the ACFPL Film Society

▶2:30 p.m.

Noyes Arts Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City Join Noyes Arts Garage and Atlantic City Library’s Film Society for a free afternoon film screening and discussion. There will be light refreshments provided for participants. Register at noyesmuseum. org.

Sunday, February 11

Chief Arthur Brown Scholarship Super Bowl Pre-Party

▶2 – 6 p.m.

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. 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, en-

February 8, 2024

▶5 p.m.

Family Nights at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City It’s Family Craft Night at the library. Make crafts for Valentine’s Day. More information is available at www.oceancitylibrary.org.

Wednesday, February 14 Douglass Day

▶12 p.m.

Scarpa Building at Stockton University 3711 Atlantic Ave. Atlantic City Stories of Atlantic City and the Noyes Museum of Art at Stockton University will celebrate and honor the birthday of Frederick Douglass with a transcribe-a-thon. This transcription project will focus on typing out the correspondence of Frederick Douglass in order to make the documents more accessible to the public. Community members and students will work together to contribute to this project. Lunch will be provided for participants. Valentine’s Day Lunch Around Town & Movie with JFS

▶12 – 3 p.m.

Nucky’s Kitchen & Speakeasy 5211 Ventnor Ave. Ventnor Enjoy a leisurely lunch with

↘Continued on 20 19

↘Continued from 19 friends while supporting a local restaurant. Order off the menu and pay individually. Following lunch, stroll into Ventnor Square Theatre and select a movie you would like to see. RSVP by Feb. 9 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org. Evening of Romance & Renewal

▶5 – 7 p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. Atlantic City Couples are invited to take part in a group vow renewal ceremony by a nondenominational minister in the Keeper’s Cottage at 6 p.m. followed by a champagne toast of congratulations and romantic dancing to the live music and beautiful sounds of Lisa Camp of GrooveHeart. A donation minimum of $40 includes the ceremony, tower climb, live music and champagne toast.

Couples are asked to “give from the heart” for this fundraising event. For reservations, call (609) 4491360. Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

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

Thursday, February 15 Holocaust Survivors Synagogues of Atlantic County

▶10:30 a.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate Josh Cutler, Executive Director of the Board of Jewish Education of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, hosts an interactive presentation packed with nostalgic stories and photographs of local Historic Sur-

vivors Synagogues. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by Feb. 12 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Friday, February 16 Memoir Workshop

▶10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures, history, and ancestry with award-winning author Harriet Levin Millan. A laptop or pen and paper is needed for the workshop. RSVP by Feb. 13 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

Saturday, February 17 Winter Warrior Challenge

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ocean City Civic Center 6th St. & Boardwalk A new Presidents Day Weekend event will bring families and local

businesses together in Ocean City in the heart of winter. The event will be run out of Civic Center and include four components: an obstacle course race for children, an obstacle course race for parents and individuals, team challenges such as a fire truck pull, and an indoor festival for participants and spectators with local merchants, restaurants, and services. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Ocean City Nature and Environmental Family Fun-Day

▶9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ocean City High School Cafeteria Hosted by the Ocean City Environmental Commission, this year’s fifth annual event will include a wide range of hands-on, interactive, fun and educational experiences for both children and adults. Tentative activities include recycling crafts, free takeaways, nature and environmental exhibits, zoo and marine animals, and plenty of activities. Enter through the high school’s main entrance on Atlantic Ave. Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/ Walk for Autism

▶12 p.m.

Excursion Park JFK Blvd. & Promenade, Sea Isle City Join Mike’s Seafood for their 16th Annual event to support individuals with autism. After the run and walk, meet in the heated tents at Excursion Park for live music, an awards ceremony, door prizes, magicians, and face painting for the kids, along with a buffet. For more information or to register, visit www.polarbearrunwalkforautism. com. Book & Movie: Hidden Figures

▶2 p.m.

Longport Public Library 2305 Atlantic Ave. Read the inspiring biography “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly and join Longport Library for a film screening and discussion. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more. Electronic Recycling

▶9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing Join Atlantic County 4-H for their electronic recycling fundraiser. E-waste, Inkjet printer cartridges, and trophies are accepted. More details are available at www. ac4hfair.org/electronic-recycling.

Health and Wellness

Cancer: Thriving and Surviving

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

Shore Cancer Center Shore Rd. & Medical Center Way, Somers Point

February 8, 2024

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. 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 Basics Program

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

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 men-

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tal 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.

others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org, or call (609) 741-5125. Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Feb. 21, 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) 402-6966 for more information.

St. Joseph Church 608 Shore Rd. Somers Point Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into

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

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Major projects, clean & safe initiatives highlight Mayor Small’s Atlantic City 2024 ‘State of the City’ Address

n Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. delivered his annual "State of the City" address during the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association (MBCA) Foundation Winter Luncheon at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. This year’s theme was "Atlantic City 2024: Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, We’re on the Move." Here are the highlights of the presentation.

City Projects and Development

The Atlantic City Aquarium will reopen for the first time since 2020 on July 1, 2024 once exterior renovations are complete. Interior renovations are finished. Money for the exterior comes from American Rescue Plan funding. Construction begins this April on Pop Lloyd Stadium and the City Hall Courtyard. The new Pop Lloyd baseball field will feature artificial blue turf, new dugouts, locker rooms, restrooms and fences with a scoreboard attached, and will have a multipurpose field for various sports. The Courtyard will be named "Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza"

in honor of the late Lieutenant Governor. Highlights include the addition of benches, beautiful trees and shrubs, a rain garden, a fountain, improved lighting and a covered walkway above the main entrance to City Hall, which will be gated. The project also features a redesigned main parking lot and north parking lot. Atlantic City is getting two new dog parks on Photos by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics different sides of the city, with the first one, "Altman Dog Infrastructure Park," opening in 2024. Meetings Phase I of the Atlantic Avenue are ongoing with DEEM Enterpris"Road Diet" from Maine to Tennessee es on a Bader Field redevelopment Avenues is now complete, with Phase agreement, which the city remains II conduit installation now underway. hopeful will happen sooner than latPhase II paving, striping and traffic er. Construction will start this year light synchronization from Tennessee on The James Hotel in the city’s to Albany Avenues is scheduled to Orange Loop section, which will begin in the early fall. Construction house Kelsey’s, moving the popular will also begin this fall on the Pacific restaurant from Pacific Avenue to Avenue Traffic Light Synchronization the Boardwalk. project from Albany to New Hampshire Avenues. Paving begins this spring on Baltic Avenue from Maine to Missouri Avenues. The design phase of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard paving project from Rt. 30 to Mediterranean Avenue starts this year. The city received a $6M grant from the United States Economic Development Authority for reconstruction of the Atlantic City Boardwalk from Bellevue to Missouri Avenues, and the city is aggressively seeking significant funding from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s $100M Boardwalk Preservation Fund, announced last summer.

Clean, Safe & Smart

The City of Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Board of Education

have a principal agreement in place to add a police officer in every K-8 school and two officers in Atlantic City High School throughout the entire school year. These officers will be hired through the $3.75M Community Oriented Policing Ser vices (C .O. P. S) Hiring Grant the city

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. has been awarded. An additional ten officers hired through the grant will be dedicated to Pacific and Atlantic Avenue patrols. The ten officers in the schools will move to Atlantic and Pacific Avenue patrol during the summer when school is out of session. The Police Department plans to reestablish the ACPD Motorcycle Unit this year, while intensifying police presence in areas affected by violence to start 2024. Installation continues on 1,000 state-of-the art cameras in every Atlantic City neighborhood which will aid the ACPD in

February 8, 2024

businesses will be a major focus in 2024 thanks to a microloan program, small business assistance program and economic development project. Council voting will soon be conducted electronically at Council Chambers. All Atlantic City employees, through a partnership with Stockton, are receiving Microsoft Office training.

Education and Opportunity Photos by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics crime reduction efforts. Other Safer City technology initiatives include the expansion of License Plate Reader capabilities, firearm recognition system, ShotSpotter expansion and securing citywide WiFi. In 2024, the Atlantic City Anti-Violence and Reentry Services programs will enhance neighborhood engagement, foster collaboration with local organizations and create more job opportunities for at-risk youth and young adults, among other goals. In 2023, the city hired two social workers, a Drug Prevention and Recovery Specialist and a Social Services director to help address homelessness. In 2024, the State of New Jersey is sending a Homeless Czar to Atlantic City, and ten Community Service Aides will be hired to assist the homeless team by moving homeless individuals along, and helping those individuals seek services, particularly along Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, Renaissance Plaza and Gateway School. The Boardwalk Improvement Group (BIG), which was formed to address homelessness and other quality of life issues in Atlantic City, will be fully staffed and implemented Memorial Day Weekend. Ten new members will be hired in the Department of Public

Works thanks to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), while the department will continue its community cleanup initiative in 2024.

Youth and Seniors

On top of the many successful programs and activities introduced in 2023, the Atlantic City Youth Services (ACYS) and Atlantic City Recreation (AC Rec) divisions will be offering even more in 2024. AC Rec will introduce additional diverse programs such as golf, cricket and karate for youth. The city has partnered with Major League Soccer for a special soccer program for city kids. The midnight basketball league for youth will return this year and a new skatepark will be introduced. ACYS, which focuses on activities outside of sports, plans to hold a Summer Bash and Carnival for youth, while introducing SAT prep workshops and more activities for youth with disabilities. The city has also partnered with the Atlantic City Ballet for a new program for kids ages 7-14 at Boardwalk Hall. The Atlantic City Senior Services division will introduce a senior book club, CPR classes and monthly market trips for Atlantic City residents 55 and older, while making the annual

Senior Gala bigger and better than ever before.

City Department News

The Department of Revenue and Finance will look for another tax decrease in 2024, while making more aggressive investments ($1.4M turned into $9.9M in 2023). The Solicitor’s Office will look to continue a trend of coming under the budget under the Small administration ($3.9M saved in the last four years). The Atlantic City Fire Department plans to reoccupy Station 3 (Indiana and Grant Avenues). Atlantic City will be marketed like never before in 2024, with a focus on the neighborhoods, thanks to a marketing grant that will allow the city to utilize a videographer for promotional efforts. Small

Educational programs for Atlantic City residents in 2024 will include the 3rd cohort of the Atlantic City Infrastructure Program (ACIP), plus the return of the Mayor’s Office Small Business Academy, Investment Cohort, Credit Repair Program and Ernest Tans Trucking School. A welding program and program for first-generation nurses will also be introduced, while 100 new Atlantic City residents will be receiving $10,000 each through the Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship. A lottery program for first-time Atlantic City homebuyers and small businesses will start this year, which will include set asides for affordable income levels. More details will be announced on this program in the coming months. Mayor Small promised the city’s Winter Wonderland Parade, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 will be “the biggest parade in the great city of Atlantic City since Ms. America.”

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Atlantic City’s first television station was ahead of its time

By Bruce Klauber

fter World War II, the number of new television stations taking to the airwaves grew so quickly that the Federal Communications Commission issued a moratorium on licensing new stations. The main issue, circa 1948, was that too many stations were broadcasting on the VHF band – channels 2 through 13. Interference was the rule making television reception poor, including at the shore. The freeze on new licensing began in October of 1948, and lasted until July 1, 1952. During those years, unless they invested in a rooftop antenna system, shore residents who wanted to watch television had to deal with poor reception from chan-

nels 3, 6, and 10 out of Philadelphia. At that juncture, the entire state of New Jersey could only receive a relatively decent signal from one television station: Newark’s Channel 13 , which would later become one of the cornerstones of the PBS Network. Enter Fred Weber and Blair Thron of Neptune Broadcasting. Neptune, in those years, owned WFPG-AM and WFPG-FM radio at the shore (those stations, still on the air today, are now owned by Townsquare Media). When the ban on licensing new stations was lifted, Weber and Thron believed the time was right for a Jersey Shore-based television station. On Oct. 29, 1952, Neptune was granted construction permits to build a television station. Neptune’s headquarters were en-

larged, and new transmitting equipment was purchased and installed. Weber and Thron were impatient, and somehow, after a mere 51 days of work, WFPG – Channel 46 on the UHF television dial – went on the air, becoming South Jersey’s first television station. It was only the second UHF station in the country to hit the airwaves. While all this may have been cause for celebration, there were problems from the outset. The main issue was how shore viewers could watch Channel 46 on their television sets. It wasn't until 1962 that Congress passed what was called The All Channel Receiver Act, which mandated that by April 30, 1964, all television sets had to include a UHF tuner capable of receiving channels 14 to 83. Until then, televisions that could receive the UHF signal were rare and were only offered as a highgrade option requiring an expensive converter. A WFPG test pattern went on the air on the evening of Dec. 21, 1952. At 10:45 that night, the station ran what they called “a commercial film,” followed by the broadcast of shows

from the four VHF television stations on the air from Philadelphia at that time: NBC, CBS, ABC, and occasionally, the ill-fated Dumont Network. Facilitating the broadcast wasn’t easy. The station had to arrange for microwave signals to transmit to Atlantic City from the main Philadelphia signal. But it worked, and within 90 days WFPG was said to be on for some 90 hours per week. Daytime programming would come later. This sounds impressive on paper, but just who, if anyone, was out there watching? Could shore viewers figure out how to tune in WFPG and how many homes were even able to receive the UHF signal? WFPG hired C.E. Hooper, then a part of the A.C. Nielsen ratings company, to take a survey. The results of the survey were not great. Although 68.5 percent of shore residents

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owned a television in 1952, only around 6 percent had installed a UHF antenna. An additional 4 percent said they were ordering UHF converters. In total, 8,200 homes at the shore could tune in shows like “The Life of Riley” on WFPG. Despite the reception and technical issues, 8,200 homes meant something, and competition was competition in the TV business, even in 1952. It was Weber and Thron’s assertion at the time that Philadelphia stations got wind of the survey and what WFPG was doing, and began telling prospective advertisers that their signal was not only better than that of Channel 46, but that TV owners need not be concerned about upgrading in order to receive a UHF station. Evidently, the advertisers believed what the Philadelphia television sales people were saying. By May of 1954, the Philadelphia stations basically put Channel 46 out of business. Having won the war, in that same year, Philadelphia stations WCAU, WFIL, and WRCV all moved their towers to the Roxborough, Pa., area – the highest point in the Greater Delaware Valley – or built taller towers. By 1957, the shore was receiving relatively high-quality television signals from the Philadelphia stations, and Atlantic City was officially declared a part of the Philadelphia market.

It was a noble experiment and Weber and Thron were clearly ahead of their time. Although they were visionaries, even they would likely be astounded by what has happened in the television market some 70 years after Channel 46 hit the shore airwaves. While UHF television as we once knew it has long been a memory, and “The Life of Riley” may not be on the television schedule these days, the shore still has a semblance of a television presence today. WMGM-TV has been around in various guises since 1966. It was an NBC station for years, but that partnership ended in 2014 because of the overlap of broadcasts from NBC affiliates in Philadelphia and New York. In its years as an independent station, WMGM had its own news

operation and produced several original shows, including one hosted by the fondly-remembered Atlantic City journalist, David Spatz. Now owned by Univision, WMGM Channel 40 is still on the air. You may not have heard of it, but WACP Channel 4 is a religious station located in Millville, but licensed in Atlantic City. It’s been on the air since 2012 and was added to the Comcast lineup in the same year, with programming consisting of infomercials, kids’ shows, and home shopping programs. Three years ago, WACP was purchased for $10 million by Tri-State Christian television. WMCN, broadcast via Channel 44, was originally licensed in Atlantic City in 1981 as a UHF station. It has changed hands several times, and produced some original programming through the years, including news shows hosted by former Philadelphia news anchors Dawn Stensland and Don Tollefson. In 2018, the license was transferred to Princeton. Since 2021, the majority of WMCN’s current programming has been provided by the SHOPHQ home shopping network. Atlantic City’s best-known television program, “Summertime on the Pier,” was never broadcast or produced by a shore-licensed television station. Hosted by the late and great

broadcasting personality, Ed Hurst, and broadcast live from the Steel Pier, “Summertime” first went on the air in 1958 and was broadcast on Philadelphia’s WRCV television. Through the years, the ever-popular program was broadcast by WCAU, WPHL, and WFIL television. It continued, as “The Steel Pier Show,” until 1978. Sadly, no films or tapes of that famed show are known to still exist. Today, most of the Jersey Shore is served by the Comcast cable company. Just as a lark, I tuned in to Channel 46 to see what’s broadcast over that station right now. Broadcasting on Channel 46 is the TLC network, which originally was “The Learning Channel,” until it was purchased by Warner Bros./Discovery in the late 1990s. The TLC Network is now broadcast to more than 95 million homes in the United States – a far cry from the 8,200 homes that received Channel 46’s broadcasts of “The Life of Riley” in 1952. How far we’ve come. Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.

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Downbeach police get expert training on interacting with autistic people

By Julia Train

entnor City Police Department welcomed Alex W. Mann, 23, from Chester County, Pa., on Jan. 30 to spend a day as an honorary lieutenant. Mann, who was diagnosed with autism at three years old, started visiting police departments in 2018 and has since become known for training officers on how to handle someone on the spectrum when they’re in the field. At first, his trips weren’t for teaching officers about autism. He started as a way to show his solidarity to the jobholders. “I just wanted to be a bright light with all that bad rap they were getting,” Mann said.

After two years of visits, in 2020 he was asked by a friend who’s a sergeant in Philadelphia to teach recruits at a police academy in Montgomery County. Now he teaches regularly at five academies and police departments in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with a 30-minute slide show he created about how officers should respond. His training includes tips and advice coming from a person on the spectrum which officers can use

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on the street such as de-escalation techniques, and signals to look for that show someone might be on the spectrum. After visiting the Margate City Police Department, Mann was greeted outside of the station and led on a tour. It was his 459th police department visit. He was gifted with a custom uniform to add to his collection, which contains several hundred. Mann was given a tour of the “almost castle-like” building. He was shown the booking area, detective bureau and control room. His tour was followed by a group photo in the courtroom with all the officers, detectives and command staff on duty. The Pennsylvania native was then taken on a ride around Ventnor and shown points of interest, like the new fishing pier. Mann concluded his day by grabbing a treat with Ventnor City officers at Peace Pie. In five years he’s been to hundreds of departments across the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California, Delaware and Maryland; some departments even invited him to talk to officers about autism awareness. Even though Mann has never been

pulled over, he believes it’s important for police officers to know how to deal with those on the spectrum if or when they get pulled over. He said if it were him, he would let the officer know that he’s autistic, but added that disclosure isn’t common. In his training, he mentions signals police can look for to indicate if someone is autistic and tips such as: Be aware that they may need time to process what’s going on before they can even interact, speak in a calm voice, and be patient. “These tips that I'm giving actually are things that help me in my daily life that can also apply to helping an autistic individual that the police are interacting with,” he said. 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

February 8, 2024

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Return of rivalry games creates special moments

We Mend Broken Clubs

By David Weinberg

he Wildwood High School and Wildwood Catholic Academy basketball teams will be playing some important games later this season. The Warriors girls and boys squads are in the hunt for Tri-County Conference division titles and could also contend for South Jersey Group I championships. Barring an upset, the Crusader girls will be playing in the Cape-Atlantic League tournament final and will be factors in the State Non-Public B tournament. But they just played their biggest game of the year. Wildwood and Wildwood Catholic might go on to earn league, sectional and/or even state titles. They could get police escorts through town and hang banners from the rafters of the gymnasium. But trust me on this. Ten, 20, 30 years from now, when the players, coaches and fans are asked about their favorite memories of the 2023-24 basketball season, they will recount the excitement, thrills and chills they got while playing one another at Wildwood High last Saturday. Fans from both schools crammed into the Warriors’ cozy gym to watch the renewal of a rivalry that stretches back decades. Nearly 300 more spectators – including me - followed the action on CapeAtlanticLive.com. “We knew it was going to be crazy coming in here,” Crusaders forward Ava Vogdes told CapeAtlanticLive after WCA’s 61-55 victory. “It was just awesome to be in the gym and in that atmosphere. I loved it. I grew up watching this rivalry, so it was amazing to finally be able to play Wildwood in front of that kind of crowd.” Both games were tense, exciting contests that ended with Wildwood Catholic winning. The Crusaders overcame an amazing, 37-point performance by Warriors junior guard

Macie McCracken to earn a 61-55 win. In the boys showdown, WCA senior Charlie Dunner scored a teamhigh 18 points in a 60-55 victory. Jordan Fusik led Wildwood with a game-high 19 points, including five three-pointers. “The atmosphere was crazy,” Dunner told CapeAtlanticLive. “The gym was jumping. I played against a lot of those guys growing up, so it was awesome to be able to do it again.” It was the first meeting between the two boys programs since they met at Wildwood Convention Hall in the Boardwalk Classic in December of 2017. The drought was even longer for the girls game. The Crusaders and Warriors hadn’t played since the Boardwalk Classic in 2015. Explanations for the hiatus vary. WCA was one of the state’s top teams for a time behind coach Dave DeWeese and standouts such Caleb Fields, Taj Thweatt and Jahlil White.

The Crusaders girls program got a boost a few years ago when Sacred Heart closed its doors. Coach Steve DiPatri took over at Wildwood Catholic and was joined by future Michigan State player Kennedy Johnson. Wildwood, one of the state’s smallest public schools, could always hold its own in girls basketball behind coaches Dave Troiano and Teresa Cunniff, and terrific players like Lisa Schultz, Monica Johnson, Lana Harshaw, Teresa Polini (Cunniff) and the three McCracken sisters – Mackenzie, Maddie and now Macie. The Warriors boys team has also had its share of talented players such as Tylee Thomas and Jon Greene, and has annually been a South Jersey Group I contender behind coach Scott McCracken, but sometimes lacked depth.

February 8, 2024

Current athletic directors Steve Lerch (Wildwood) and Mike Rennie (Wildwood Catholic) deserve kudos for ironing out the wrinkles that developed in recent years and rekindling one of the area’s special rivalries. “I know there are a lot of people who talk about competitive balance when it comes to schedules,” DiPatri told CapeAtlanticLive. “But I say, let the local teams play each other. This is what high school sports should be about. Look at what just went on in that gym. It was great.” I agree wholeheartedly. When it comes to scheduling, coaches and officials sometimes place too much emphasis on finding out-of-conference and out-of-area opponents in an effort to collect as many power points as possible for the state playoffs. It's understandable, but strengthening one’s schedule too often comes at the expense of some of the area’s biggest and best rivalries. Lower Cape May Regional and Middle Township are prime examples. Because they were ridiculously put in separate divisions of the West Jersey Football League, the teams had to find creative ways to keep the Anchor Bowl alive and were unable to do so last fall. As a result, the Caper Tigers and Panthers did not play for just the second time in at least 50 years.

Similarly, Lower Cape May’s and Middle’s boys basketball squads are not playing this season. Fortunately, the situation appears to be improving. Besides Wildwood and Wildwood Catholic renewing their rivalry, the Anchor Bowl will be back in September. The WJFL realigned its teams for the 2024 season. Lower and Middle are both in the Liberty Division and will meet at LCM on the weekend of Sept. 11-12. It’s not Thanksgiving, but it’s better than nothing. Hopefully, it leads to more rivalries getting renewed, especially in bas-

ketball. Anyone over 50 who grew up in Cape May County got to experience a magical time in high school sports. Winter nights in the late 1960s and early 1970s were spent in steamy, packed gymnasiums watching unbelievable games featuring Charlie Wise (Lower), Floyd Shelton (Wildwood), Craig Roberson (Middle) and Bill Fisher (Ocean City). My dad, who was a baseball and football coach at Lower in the 1960s and early '70s, took his three sons to almost every Lower Cape May boys basketball game in 1971-72, when Wise, Randy Scott, Duke Anderson,

Chill Out at the Library The Place to be This Winter

Terry Welsh and Mike Johns were taking on Middle, Wildwood, Wildwood Catholic, Ocean City and the rest of the CAL. Those games were must-see events. If you wanted a seat for a 7 p.m. game, you had to get there by 4 or you were usually out of luck. A few years later, Dad got to watch his boys play football and baseball against LCM’s Cape May County rivals. Those games are always among the topics of conversation whenever the LCM Class of ’76 gets together. Final scores, accolades and accomplishments fade with time, but the bonds formed and the memories created during those games last forever. Congrats to Wildwood Catholic and Wildwood for creating those moments for their basketball teams last Saturday. 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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Three game day recipes that’ll make you feel like you’re tailgating from your couch By Sarah Fertsch

t’s the big day. You’ve got your favorite jersey on and are surrounded by friends who are as excited as you. Your team is winning and you’ve never been happier. The perfect game requires the perfect food. Try something new that’s sure to wow the crowd. Here are a few recipes that’ll impress your guests and make game day even sweeter:

Nacho Dip

Ingredients: ● 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese ● 1 can of refried beans ● 1 package of cream cheese ● 1 jar of the salsa of your choice ● 1 lb of ground beef, cooked ● 2 tbsp of garlic powder ● 1 tbsp of onion powder ● 3 tbsps of salt ● 1 tbsp of pepper Dump all ingredients into a crockpot. Cook dip on medium heat for six hours, until the dip is melted together. Enjoy with tortilla chips or pretzels for dipping!

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Teriyaki Wings

Ingredients: ● 3 lbs raw chicken wings ● 1 cup of whole milk ● 2 cups of all-purpose flour ● 4 cups of canola or peanut oil ● 2 cups of teriyaki sauce ● 1 cup of soy sauce In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More Important To Choose The Right Agent To Represent You! Over 40 Years of Real Estate Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You!

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½ cup of fish sauce ½ cup of honey ● 3 tbsp of garlic powder ● ¼ cup of brown sugar ● 3 tbsp of salt Pour oil into a large pot and place on the stove over medium heat. Allow to heat until oil reaches 375 degrees. Coat wings in whole milk, then in flour. Shake off any excess flour and place wings into hot oil for 7-10 minutes. Once wings are tan and crispy, remove wings from the fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Combine soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, fish sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Toss wings (once cooled) in the bowl ● ●

with sauce. Heat again, if needed, and enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Ingredients: 1 large package of frozen fries 2 tbsp of olive oil 8 cloves of garlic, diced 3 tbsp of garlic powder 3 tbsp of onion powder 3 tbsp of salt 1 tbsp of pepper 2 tbsp of rosemary 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese On a large sheet pan, place fries and garlic cloves. Toss in olive oil and bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Once the fries are cooked, let cool for a few minutes. Pour fries in a large mixing bowl and toss in spices and cheese.

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What's happening in Ocean City

Winter Warrior Festival and Nature Family Fun Day Set for Feb. 17

egistration is open for a great new Presidents Day weekend race event that will bring families and local businesses together in Ocean City in the heart of winter. The Winter Warrior Festival will be staged from Ocean City Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, and provide fun and wintry challenges to adults, children and teams representing local businesses and groups. With the Ocean City Environmental Commission sponsoring its annual free Nature and the Environment Family Fun Day next door at the Ocean City High School cafeteria on the same morning, the dual events provide a great way to escape cabin fever in mid-February. The Winter Warrior Festival will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 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. The festival is free to attend, and you do not need to be a participant in any of the races. It will be indoors at the Civic Center, and local merchants food vendors will have goods, crafts and food for sale. ● Kids Obstacles: A fun, non-competitive course includes a rock wall, hazard walls, cargo net, agility poles, teeter plank, monkey bars, floating steps, tire run, and

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noodle tower. “Winter Warrior Challenge”: Show your grit on a cold 2.5-mile course with 10 obstacles. Look for things like sand mounds, tires, teeter-totters and monkey bars along the way. This race is reserved for participants ages 14 and older. All survivors receive an exclusive Winter Warrior Challenge finisher T-shirt.

“Winter Warrior” Team Challenges: Teams of four from local businesses, organizations, churches and other groups will compete in events such as a fire-truck pull and tire-flip relay. ● “Winter Warrior” Festival: As the events go on outside and for a post-race celebration, local merchants, restaurants and services will set up inside the Civic Center for a mid-winter festival – offering an early taste of the long-awaited summer. Registration for all events is open now, and discounted fees will be available through 4 p.m. Feb. 14. For com●

plete information and registration, visit ocnj.us/OCNJWinterWarrior. The Nature and the Environment Family Fun Day is scheduled for 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. The free event is sponsored by Ocean City’s Environmental Commission and held in partnership with the Ocean City Free Public Library and the Cape May County Park & Zoo, the Wetlands Institute and Rutgers University Agricultural Extension. The tentative lineup of participants includes: ● Hands-on activities ● Small zoo animal interaction ● Marine life interaction ● Recycling arts and crafts ● Nature and environmental takeaways ● Demonstrations, exhibits, experts and take-aways for the whole

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family Bringing back the original Jersey tomato – lecture & seed giveaway (Rutgers Univ.) Environmentally friendly shellfish replenishing – demonstration (ACT Engineers) Protecting the watershed and cleaning up the bay – demonstration (AmeriCorps) Trash decomposition and the environment (Ocean City Environmental Commission) The ins and outs of recycling (Cape May Municipal Utilities Authority) How to compost (Ocean City Environmental Commission) Native plants exhibit (Ocean City Environmental Commission) Energy efficiency (South Jersey Gas) Energy efficiency (AC Electric) Water efficiency (New Jersey American Water) Solid waste and wastewater management (Cape May Municipal Utilities Authority) Electric-vehicle charging

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The Flanders Condo Association donates $10,000 to the Ocean City Historical Museum

n Tuesday, Jan. 16, Association President and Director of Hotel & Banquet Operations, Peter Voudouris, presented proceeds from The Flanders Hotel’s recent Centennial event to the Ocean City Historical Museum. The Flanders Hotel marked 100 years of hotel excellence with a gala event celebrated on Nov. 17, with 500 guests in attendance. “A Century Unveiled: Embracing the Past, Inspiring the Future”, featured an exquisite array of cuisine, live music, and entertainment offerings, with many attendees dressed in period finery. All

Ice Sculpture at celebration

Centennial partygoers in roaring twenties attire

was set against the elegant backdrop afforded by "The Jewel of the South Jersey Shore", The Flanders. The festive event flowed in from the 11th Street entrance, up through all ballrooms and adjoining halls of The Flanders, and with delight offered at every turn. The Garden Room was dedicated to The Flanders storied history, featuring artifacts

from The Flanders own collection and illustrated with displays created by the Ocean City Historical Museum. Proceeds from the event were slated for donation to the museum. Accepting the check on behalf of the museum were Karl Wirth, Museum Coordinator, Museum Board Presidents S. John Loeper and Babs Stefano, and Board Treasurer and

Museum Curator, Carol Dotts. The Ocean City Historical Museum is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1964 and located within the Ocean City Community Center. The Flanders donation will be utilized to forward the mission of the OCHM: to delight, inspire and educate the public about the story of Ocean City, NJ, and to collect, preserve, and promote items relevant to its heritage, traditions and memories. The museum is open to the public year ‘round, and admission is free.

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February 8, 2024

Family Corner: Valentine’s Day ideas for everyone

By Krystle J Bailey

s I spoke with a friend this week and we gushed over how much our children had grown up since the last time we reconnected, she whispered with a twinge of sadness, “If there’s one thing I could do differently, it would have been to spend more time.” As a new parent, everyone reminds you not to blink, or the passing of time will be expedited. Suddenly, your newborn is walking and talking, then before you know it, they’re off to school. It would be nice if that’s where time stopped feeling like it was slipping through your fingertips, but the sayings about time are true - it certainly waits for no one. As we approach Valentine’s Day, I recall fond memories of making Valentine’s Day boxes and signing cards with my sweet first-grade daughter. When we walked through Target last

week, and I asked if she needed anything for Valentine’s Day at school, she kindly and lovingly reminded me that those days are behind us. Beyond a certain age, there is no longer a need for 24 cards signed to each classmate or meticulously decorated tissue boxes ready for the candy collection. In my experience, each stage of parenting comes with new joys if you allow them. I’m thankful for the sweet memories with my rapidly growing kids, and while I miss the good old days, I’m actively working on keeping myself leaned into the present moment as we make new memories. Instead of buying one more stuffed animal from a big-box store this year, I encourage you to lean into the greatest gift of all-time. Here are five family Valentine’s Day ideas to inspire togetherness.

Nature Walks

The recent warm weather has been inviting us back into nature. This Valentine’s Day, spend time with the family on one of the local bike or hiking trails. Around South Jersey, there are surprising hidden gems to enjoy, including the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, Wharton State Forest, Lake Lenape

Park, and Birch Grove. Visit one of these beautiful locations and spend time searching for colorful leaves, ice patterns in the water, unique rocks, or scavenger hunt items. For the older kids, bring out a good camera or their new iPhone and encourage creative expression through photography.

Skate the Day Away

Skating is a time-tested date for couples and families alike that is sure to inspire laughter and a feeling of exhilaration as you breeze through the air with the people you love. Check out Young’s Skating Rink as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, or visit Renault’s Vinter Wonderland for a brand new South Jersey ice skating experience.

Family Reading Night

Everybody may dislike reading out loud in school but around snacks and cozied up with family sounds a little more inviting. Choose a book that the whole family will enjoy and take turns reading a captivating story to one another. Use character voices and dramatization for a little extra fun. A few books to consider include “The Witches of Moonshyne Manor,” by Bianca Marais; “Under the Whispering Door," by T.J. Klune; and “The Most Likely Club,” by Elyssa Friedland.

Family Writing Night

If reading isn’t inspiring the fun, try writing! Take turns writing pieces of a fictional story created by you and the people you love. Have the little ones illustrate the book, get creative with rhyming words, and encourage free-flowing creativity. Whether you make it a mystery or a silly story, it’s

a Valentine’s gift that will keep on giving for years to come.

Poetry Party

Roses are red Violets are blue Finish the poem With words just for you

Pull out the arts and crafts and gather the family around for a poetry party. Whether you write a piece together or write something for each other, Valentine’s Day is the perfect invitation to express your love through poetry. Happy Valentine’s Week! Krystle J Bailey is the author of Nourish: A Journey to Loving and Embracing the Woman Within, host of The Coolest People in the World Podcast, and co-host of Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. She is a regular contributor for Shore Local Newsmagazine and co-host of Shore Local Women’s Network. Krystle can be reached at linktree.com/krystlejbailey.

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Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

here are some really fun happenings on the calendar so make sure to support your local venues and get your tickets in advance. You don’t want to miss out on any fun! Oh, and feel free to tag me in your photos and videos. What: A Mardi Gras Aﬀair-French Quarter Flavors Where: The Claridge Hotel

When: Friday, Feb. 9 Time: 7-10 p.m. Website: www.Claridge.com Savor the essence of the French Quarter! Join The Claridge Hotel for a delectable dinner, live entertainment and be transported to Bourbon

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Street. Embrace the carnival spirit. Come ready to dance adorned in your most dazzling Mardi Gras costume! What: Atlantic City Figure Skating Club x Renault Winery Princesses on Ice Where: Renault Winery When: Feb. 9-11 Time: 6-6:30 p.m. Come out to Vintner Wonderland and watch your favorite princesses perform on the ice! This event is presented by ACFSC and Renault Winery. 2/9 Elsa (solo), 2/10 Elsa & Ana, 2/11 Rapunzel (solo) What: Fame University Valentine’s Day Edition Where: The Royce Social Hall-Tropicana’s The Quarter When: Friday, Feb. 9 Website: theroyceac.com Tickets: NO COVER with COLLEGE ID $4 Drafts, $5 Wells, $6 Shots, Discounted Bottles. Who: The Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://www.northbeachminigolf. com/ Theresa Caputo, The Long Island Medium, will be exhibiting her talents at Ovation Hall. Who: Stevie Nicks Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino | Etess Arena

When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/stevie-nicks Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music with the legendary Stevie Nicks. Who: Comedian Hannah Berner Where: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino | Sound Waves When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/hannah-berner In 2022, she was named one of Just For Laughs “New Faces of Comedy.” Hannah is an advocate for mental health, animals, and napping. Don't miss her at Hard Rock Atlantic City. What: Saturday Matinée with the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Film Society Where: Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Website: http://www.acfpl.org/events-menu/ film-society.html (FREE EVENT) Join the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Film Society on Saturday, Feb. 10 for a free afternoon film screening and discussion. There will be light refreshments provided for participants. Also, subsidized event parking for the WAVE Garage can be purchased for $4 CASH ONLY.

February 8, 2024

What: Valentine’s Cooking Class Where: The Claridge Hotel When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: 6 p.m. Website: www.Claridge.com Price: $78 per couple Join this couples’cooking class led by master chefs and embark on a flavor-filled journey. You and your sweetheart will create a dreamy, creamy herb risotto with wild mushrooms and cranberries! After class, enjoy a romantic evening with an intimate dinner for two at The Twenties Italian Restaurant, included in the experience. Who: The Jersey Shore Medium Linda Shields Where: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall When: Saturday, Feb. 10 Time: Noon, lunch at 1 p.m. Website: https://tennaveac.com/ tickets/210-linda-shields Tickets: $55 Come enjoy an all-inclusive lunch and show with Linda Shields, “The Jersey Shore Medium,” at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. Linda is a nationally recognized medium who specializes in communicating with those who have passed away. Her show will make you laugh, cry and leave you astonished with the messages she receives from those you love.

What: NFL Sunday Where: Island Bar at Showboat’s Island Waterpark When: Sunday, Feb. 11 Time: 2 -11:45 p.m. Website: https://www.islandwaterparkac. com/ Tickets: $55 Join them every Sunday for $.50 wings, $5 burgers, $5 drink specials. What: Veterans Appreciation Day Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Tuesday, Feb. 13 Time: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Website: resortsac.com/resorts-veterans-appreciation-day The second Tuesday of every month is Veterans Appreciation Day at Resorts! Each month every vet who shows military ID will receive a gift and some incredible deals! Celebrate the Big Game throughout the city. Some places may be sold out so it’s important to check their respective websites before showing up.

The Yard at Bally’s is offering giveaways, $29 beer buckets and game day cocktails. There will be a Tailgate Party at The Yard 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 with a buffet for $34.99 pp featuring all of your favorite tailgate food. Or head to The Big Game viewing party at Bally Bet on Sunday, Feb. 11 starting at 6 p.m. Exclusive seating options include Pizza and Wing Buffet starting at $50 for counter seating, $75 for recliners and $100 for a 4-top

↘Continued on 38

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↘Continued from 37 table, plus $3 draft beers! casinos.ballys.com/atlantic-city Ocean Casino Resort is oﬀering food and drink specials that will keep you fueled up all game day long. Viewing locations will be at The Gallery Bar, Book and Games, Balcony Bar, Topgolf Swing Suite and Villain & Saint. There’s also “The Big Game” hotel package with an overnight stay in a contemporary king room and a $30 food and beverage credit to The Gallery and Balcony Bar. www.theoceanac.com/big-gameocean Resorts Casino Hotel has over 50 large-screen TVs to catch every touchdown. There will be specials at DraftKings Sportsbook, Margaritaville and Dougherty’s Raw Bar. Plus, compete with friends to win up to $100 slot cash and more in games throughout the resort. resortsac.com/entertainment/biggame-football Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall will have 75-cent wings, $5 burgers, $2.50 Yuengling drafts, $3 Miller Lite drafts, $10.64 oz. Miller Lite pitchers, and $8 Miller Lite draft and Jameson shot combo. There will also be free pizza during halftime during the Big Game,

and a catering menu will be available as well. www.tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub is hosting a party at noon featuring smoked pulled pork or chicken sandwiches topped with coleslaw and BBQ sauce for $12.99. Super Bowl Sunday at The Wild Wild West at Caesars is ready for all football fans. There will be gamey

fun, fan caves, VIP areas and a selfserve beer wall. Fans can catch all the heart-pounding action and win big with some touchdown-worthy food offerings via the Atlantic City Snack Shack and drink specials and activations for all superfans. Drink, bet and stick around for a DJ takeover during halftime and post-game parties! The Roost Pub & Grill at Harbor Pines is set to host a laid-back yet spirited Super Bowl soirée. With five flat screens and enticing offers like $10 draft pitchers, $3.50 bottled beer, and delectable discounts of $5 off select apps and $2 off flatbreads. The venue guarantees a warm and inviting atmosphere for fans. New specials include $4 drafts, $3.50 Miller Light and Yuengling, $5 and $6 wines and $8-$10 specialty drinks. Culinary delights like the Italian Pork Sandwich, Meatball subs and exclusive dinner

specials will also be available. Situated within Harbor Pines Golf Club and open to the public, this venue offers a cozy setting for fans to gather and enjoy the game. www.HarborPines.com Good Dog Bar in Atlantic City is set to elevate your big game experience with a specially curated, one-of-akind Gameday Menu. With giveaways and prizes throughout the game, this hotspot boasts 13 flat screens and an incredible atmosphere. Secure your spot by reserving a table now. Call 609-808-3038 or book a table via the reservation platform Resy. www.gooddogbar.com The Island Bar at Showboat Resort. Located at Island Waterpark inside Showboat Resort, the Island Bar opens its doors at 5 p.m. for a free game day event. Immerse yourself in the game with $3 draft beer, $4 aluminum bottles, 50-cent wings, and $5 nachos. Groove to live DJ performances, relish exciting giveaways, and experience an atmosphere that promises an unforgettable game day celebration. www.showboathotelac.com The Boiler Room in Cape May for a culinary touchdown at The Boiler Room. Delight in Super Bowl-themed food specials, including Home Team Wings, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and the 2017 Super Bowl Champs pizza. The venue offers half-priced drafts during the game and exclusive game-day cocktail specials which are sure to be a hit. www.caperesorts.com/capemay/ boiler-room

Buy Tickets! Want Discounts? Become a member. Starting at only $75

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!

February 8, 2024

Primal Men and the Blue Ocean Strategy Views from the Shore By Brian Cahill

hile teaching my marketing class at Stockton University, I was discussing the importance of USP: unique selling proposition. When giving examples, I instantly thought of Dave Pena and Val Feo from Pena Productions. I first met Dave when we worked together to bring Boogie Nights to Atlantic City and it has since become an institution in the resort’s nightlife scene. I later had an opportunity to work with Val and Dave on a hospital fundraiser with a zodiac-based show called “An Evening Under The Stars.” Like Boogie Nights, that show was unique and we were able to raise a lot of money for patient care at Shore Cancer Center. So, what’s Pena Production’s formula for success? The “Blue Ocean” strategy.

February 8, 2024

The Blue Ocean strategy is to identify a void in a market, and then create a new opportunity. For example, before Boogie Nights there were no AC nightclubs targeting the 30+ crowd, so their retro club was an instant hit. People enjoyed the horoscope show because there was nothing like it. Pena Productions believes the magic starts with the name and logo. Next is identifying what the audience

Val Feo and Dave Pena of Pena Productions wants, and securing the right venue. Dave and Val make it their priority to always exceed expectations. It's their goal for people to walk away with a positive experience, so much that they spread the word long after they leave. According to Dave Pena, “You are only as good as your last weekend, so Val and I are constantly planning, preparing, and calculating our next move.”

“Energy is the key. It’s the basis for everything and anything in the entertainment world,” continued Pena, “Unlike a restaurant which has menu items that can be taught cook to cook, you can’t teach energy. That’s why we surround ourselves with intensely creative people who share our passion for making the magic happen every night.

↘Continued on 40

↘Continued from 39 This constantly fuels us to imagine what next weekend has in store.” Val and Dave’s next dip into the Blue Ocean is the Primal Men Male Revue coming to Kiss Kiss Nightclub

wait to see their reaction.” Primal Men debuts Feb. 17th at Kiss Kiss Nightclub and will continue every Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. with preshow cocktails and the revue starts

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at Tropicana in Atlantic City. “We're bringing back male entertainment to Atlantic City in an exciting, new way. This show is heavily choreographed, it's sexy, it's fun, there's comedy and most importantly there's escapism. That's what this city was built on, a playground for adults and we're bringing it back to its roots with Primal Men Male Revue.” says Pena. The animalistic logo and the raw name set the stage. It's the perfect match for various audiences, including bachelorette parties, girls’ nights out, and even divorce parties. “Kiss Kiss Nightclub has awesome sound, lighting, and even a signature catwalk,” said Pena. “Its energy is how we like it- it’s on high volume from the moment we start and never lets up. Audiences are going to love the show, and we can’t

at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25 for general admission and include entry to Kiss Kiss Nightclub after the show. There are other premium packages available including VIP seating which is $35, and the Ultimate Primal VIP Package which includes a VIP booth, hot seat, and group photo with men from Primal Men for $45. You must be 21 to attend. Tickets are available at www.primalmenlive.com Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

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February 8, 2024

At The Shore Since '44 800 Shore Rd. Somers Point (609) 927-3663 Call Ahead for Take-out 16 Beers on Tap including 4 Seasonals

DON'T FUMBLE - ORDER AHEAD! SUPERBOWL SUNDAY FEB. 11 FOR EXPEDIENT TAKE-OUT ORDERS ORDER NOW! CALL 927-FOOD (3663) Please don’t wait until Superbowl Sunday to order, your desired pick up time may not be available!

Ordering your WINGs or BBTs DRY, with the sauce on the Side, SPEEDS UP YOUR ORDER!!! WINGS (WORLD FAMOUS!):

Single Order (10 Pieces) Chicken Little (30 Pieces) Rooster Jack (50 Pieces)

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Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, February 8

Atlantic City Council Oak Lounge Ginger Coyle 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Luap 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Dane Anthony 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Liquid A 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk XO Bar at Resorts Karaoke with DJ Joe 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Gregory’s James Commander’s One Man Band 6 – 8 p.m. 900 Shore Rd.

Queen Jayne’s Kim & Nate 6 – 9 p.m. 264 New Rd. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ Pete Glaze 6:30 – 9 p.m. 108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, February 9

Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Live Karaoke 8 p.m. 5 N. Shore Rd. Atlantic City 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Steve Luhmann 6 p.m. Kristina Pruitt 9:30 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Anchor Rock Club Hip-Hop Night: New Age v. Classic 11 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Council Oak Lounge DJ 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos

Big Foot Band 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Kono Nation Duo 7 p.m. 3AM Tokyo 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Indelible Groove Duo 6 – 10 p.m. No Standards 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Gypsy Wisdom 5 – 8:30 p.m.

WINTER SPECIALS CHICKEN PARMESAN 18

CHICKEN MARSALA 18

over fresh fettucini in marinara sauce

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

CRAB CAKE PLATTER 25 with French fries and coleslaw

8 OZ HANGER STEAK 21

BACON WRAPPED MEAT LOAF 21

over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus

over garlic mash & asparagus topped with mushroom gravy

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

SALISBURY STEAK 18 over garlic mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with mushroom gravy

SAUSAGE & RICE STUFFED PEPPER 18 topped with cheddar cheese over mashed potato and grilled asparagus

DESSERT A LA CARTE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE 8

Split Decision 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Wave at Golden Nugget Back in Black: AC/DC 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 & Saint at Ocean Casino Matt Adams Trio 9:30 p.m. 500 Boardwalk XO Bar at Resorts Dance Force 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Chaz 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill Chris Yoder Duo 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 500 St. Andrews Dr. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Sean Loosh 7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Big Foot Band 7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Saturday, February 10

Atlantic City 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Steve Luhmann 6 p.m. Jeremy Oren 9:30 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Anchor Rock Club Valentine’s Emo Night w/ David Earl 9 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Council Oak Lounge Dan Jost Trio 6 – 9:30 p.m. DJ

February 8, 2024

Atlantic City Council Oak Lounge Luke Carlos O’Reilly 5:30 – 9 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

February 8, 2024

Monday, February 12

Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Red 7 – 11 p.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock The Benderz 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

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

Tuesday, February 13

Wednesday, February 14

Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Patty & Bugzy 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Yani 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Split Decision

Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Acoustic Wednesdays 8 – 11 p.m. 5 N. Shore Rd. Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Fat Mezz 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Margate Bocca Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys 7 – 10 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle 7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave. Events subject to change.

VALENTINES DAY SPECIALS WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14TH - SATURDAY 17TH Four Days of Romantic Dinners

MAPLE SALMON over sun-dried tomato goat cheese risotto

12 OZ SIRLOIN

over mashed potato and asparagus, topped with caramelized mushrooms and onions.

BRAISED SHORT RIBS

over mashed potato and grilled asparagus, topped with Bleu cheese cream and sauteed mushroom ragu

WEDNESDAY 2 /14 Phil Stocker 5:30-8:30

FRIDAY 2 /16 Andy Berlin 5:30-8:30

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Sunday, February 11

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 Jim Shaw 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave.

LIVE MUSIC

10 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Hard Rock Café Dueling Pianos 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino The Benderz Duo 7 p.m. Pulse 11 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Sidearm 5 – 9 p.m. Don’t Call Me Francis 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Garden State Radio 5 – 8:30 p.m. Billy Walton Band 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk The Royce Social Hall Dr1ft. 9 p.m. 2831 Pacific Ave. The Yard at Bally’s DJ Rashaun 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Gab Cinque Band 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Element K Trio 9:30 p.m. 500 Boardwalk XO Bar at Resorts Beth Tinnon 5 – 8 p.m. DJ Gary 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Margate Bocca One Hot Mess 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern James Howell 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 Big Daddy Duo 4 – 7 p.m. The Company Band 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave.

HEART SHAPED STRAWBERRY MACAROONS

tomato fennel sauce

ﬁlled with strawberry ganache

Friday, February 9

Atlantic City Headliners

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

Saturday, February 10 Stevie Nicks

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Hannah Berner

Official Tedeschi Trucks Band After Party feat. Dumpstaphunk

▶11:59 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Kool & The Gang

▶8 p.m.

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

▶8 p.m.

Sunday, February 18

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Theresa Caputo Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino An Evening with Oscar De Leon Tropicana Showroom

Friday, February 16 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Scott Keo Superstar Theatre at Resorts

Flogging Molly

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Valentines Soul Jam

▶8 p.m.

▶7 p.m.

▶9 p.m.

▶4 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

Saturday, March 2

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena 311 Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Ron White Borgata Event Center

Saturday, February 17 Tedeschi Trucks Band

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Motown Forever The Music Box at Borgata

Disco Night Fever Mania

Tedeschi Trucks Band. Photo by Tom Briglia

Friday, March 8

▶7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Jubin Nautiyal

▶8 p.m.

▶9 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

▶8:30 p.m.

▶8 p.m.

Saturday, March 9

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Starship feat. Mickey Thomas Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Bert Kreischer

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Tony Orlando Superstar Theater at Resorts Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey

▶8 p.m.

Tamia & Joe

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

▶8 p.m.

Atlantic City Headliners

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Napoleon Dynamite Live

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes

▶8 p.m.

▶Saturday, June 15, 8 p.m.

Friday, March 15

▶Friday, July 5, 9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

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Saturday, March 16

One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel

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February 8, 2024

Sold-out AC Wing Fest 2024 continues winning tradition By Scott Cronick

The biggest Atlantic City Wing Fest may have been the best yet.

More than 1,300 people from the tristate area assembled at the Golden Nugget on Saturday, Feb. 3, for the seventh annual celebration of all things chicken wings. When it was all over, more than 30,000 wings made by a record 21 South Jersey restaurants were consumed. Ten contestants got really messy dunking for wings in giant wooden bowls of blue cheese, the Fat Boy Munch Club was well repre-

ORDER

sented and The Billy Walton Band rocked the house. No complaints were had as the area’s best restaurants and pubs offered the most creative and finger-licking wings and dipping sauces to go with awesome music, fun contests, awards, craft beer, cocktails and more! While attendees vowed to eat as many of the 21 wings they could handle – some went up for seconds and thirds, by the way – the restaurants in attendance were hoping to get some of the hardware separated into three categories. First up, the Fat Boy Munch Club consisting of me and Ryan Loughlin handed out more than a half dozen specialty awards. Then, everyone in attendance was given a poker chip

to vote for their favorite restaurant offering of the day. Finally, three sequestered judges and food experts from Philadelphia ripped into all 21 and scored them to come up with the three Judges Choice winners. Atlantic City Wing Fest 2024 was certainly one for the culinary record books. Support Wing Fest restaurants by going to their joints – eat in or takeout – for the Super Bowl, and

SO MERS PO INT & EG G HARBO R TO WNSHIP

Photos by John Loreaux

February 8, 2024

●

make sure you buy Wing Fest 2025 tickets when they go on sale in the fall so you don’t get shut out again!

Wing Fest 2024 Winners

Judges Choice ● 1st Place: Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Resort, Sriracha Agave Wings with Pineapple Bourbon Dipping Sauce ● 2nd Place: AC Burger Co. At Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, Ethiopian Spiced Wings with Crunchy Cucumber Salad ● 3rd Place: Il Porcellino Italian Market, Cacio e Pepe Roasted Chicken Wing with Calabrian Chili Glaze Eaters Choice 1st Place: Michael Patrick’s from

●

Golden Nugget, Garlic Buffalo Wings with Smoked Paprika Blue Cheese Aioli ● 2nd Place: Villain & Saint ● 3rd Place: MotleyQue NJ, Twisted Thwings with Motley Kick BBQ Cream Fat Boy Munch Club Awards ● Best Overall Dipping Sauce: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Korean BBQ Wings with Kimchi Blue Cheese ● Fancy Pants Dipping Sauce: Rose’s Garden Grill, Yo Mom Ee Wings with Yo Dad Ee Blue Cheese ● Fancy Pants Wing: Ossu at Tropicana Atlantic City, Yakitori Grilled Wings with Buttermilk and Chive Blue Cheese ● Damn! Those Wings are Hot: Yes-

terday's Creekside Tavern, Caramel Bourbon Wings with Alabama White Sauce

February 8, 2024

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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LaPizzatega

Restaurant & Pizzeria

Veal • Chicken • Seafood • Pizza • Pasta • Subs Salads • Party Trays • Gluten Free Pizza & Pasta

Serving Up Quality and Value for nearly 30 Years

Photos by John Loreaux

Best Wing and Dipping Sauce Combo: Holy City Publick House, Chiodi Wings with Poblano Ranch Most Dapper Display (tie): Yesterday’s; Dos Caminos at Nugget, Pastor Marinated Honey Chipotle Wings with a Charred Scallion Crema; Professional Chef's Association of South Jersey, Caribbean Jerk Wings with Spicy Caribbean Ranch Dressing Best Classic Wing (tie): Hooters of Atlantic City, 3 Mile Island Wings with Rockin’ Ranch Dipping Sauce; Draftkings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino Hotel, Traditinal Buffallo Wings with Blue Cheese and Pickled Celery

Dining Room Fully Open Take Out - Delivery Catering For All Occasions

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653-8442 47

Tony’s Baltimore Grill hosts tattoo and brunch event

By Gabriella Bancheri

ocal event curator and Ventnor City local Julia Vain is at it again, and she’s getting even more creative. On Sunday, Feb. 4, Tony’s Baltimore Grill

(TBG) in Atlantic City hosted yet another iconic event, bringing together locals and tourists alike. Julia and the TBG team worked with Dylan Gregory of Diving Horse Tattoo to offer free tattoos to selected TBG patrons. Since I had the opportunity of working this event, I got the chance to witness the dedicated local support from the community and chat with

Amazing Mexican Food Locals are Raving About!

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some loyal TBG patrons—an array of hilarious, kooky and high-spirited characters (myself included). This boozy brunch featured an arsenal of creative cocktails and irresistible snacks served while patrons hung out at the bar to wait for their chance at a free tattoo. Union Hall Arts, which is situated in the TBG complex right next door to the bar, hosted Dylan’s pop-up tattoo shop to stamp a handful of lucky winners. The venue, a cozy art hub for creatives, features walls lined with inspiring pieces by local artists and hosts an array of events and classes. Many of the partygoers shared that they’d been to several of Julia’s events. They continually return because, well, she throws a great party. Others are fans of the bar itself, and some people even came from Philly just to attend the event. Owners of the local AC-based brewery, The Seed, came out to show some support for their neighbors, drink with fellow fans of the events, and get tatted to make the mark of good times with even better people.

The event also featured one of The Seed’s brews, a delicious dark lager, and locally loved Alibi gin even made its regular appearance on the menu in a sassy quasi-aperitif packed with flavor and made with a variety of homemade simple syrups. With events like these, TBG really helps locally grown initiatives shine—and it’s certainly cultivating a great drinking crew. From artists to event planners to breweries, this spark and community engagement is just the thing that helps communities thrive. You might want to stick around for Julia’s next trick—a collaborative event with Alibi gin and Florida Cold Cuts, a deli and artisanal shop located on Ventnor Avenue in Ventnor. TBG will also be hosting this one, so be sure to keep up with them on Instagram. Although working with the TBG team as a bartender was a great experience, part of me is glad I can be on the other side of the bar next time! Follow @juliavain and @tonysbaltimoregrill to keep up with their events and collabs. 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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February 8, 2024

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

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 609-572-7362. Join us for a night of luxury and giving back at one of South Jersey’s standout events of the year.

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February 8, 2024

OVERLOOKING THE BAY

Postcards From The Past

Sweets for my sweet, wine for my valentine

By David Setley

Merry-Go-Round Bar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, now condominiums in Atlantic City. Nucky Johnson lived on the 9th floor.

alentine’s Day is around the corner. It’s a prime opportunity to show your significant other how much you care. For my wife and I, Valentine’s plans are pretty simple: a nice meal, wine (of course), and something sweet. Chocolates are top of mind for most as the quintessential Valentine’s gift, with or without the frilly, heart-shaped box. Read on for a few recommendations of wines that pair well with various chocolates. If dark chocolate is in your shopping cart, the classic option is to pair it with a Port wine from the Douro Valley of Portugal. Port wine is a fortified wine, meaning it is wine that contains a distilled spirit, such as brandy. Port wine has been produced in and around Porto, Portugal since the Roman Em-

pire. The first Port Wine House — that is still in existence today, I might add — was established in 1638 by a German named Christiano Kopke. Port wine is made from the same indigenous grapes of Portugal that many of the red wines from the Douro and Dao wine regions are made of, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca and others. Port wine begins production similarly to any other red wine. However, when an alcohol level of approximately 5-6% and a high residual sugar content is reached, the wine is refrigerated as a means of stopping the fermentation process. At this point, the 40% alcohol distilled spirit is added, resulting in a rich, relatively sweet, high alcohol (approximately 20%), dessert wine. Consider the Niepoort- Ruby or Tawny Port. This fortified wine is full-bodied and rich, with notes of black fruit and cherries. They are both an outstanding compliment to dark chocolate and won’t break the bank. If you prefer a non-fortified wine, a Petite Sirah from California would work nicely with dark chocolate as well. I highly recommend the J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah from Paso

February 8, 2024

Robles. This wonderful dry red wine has an outstanding dark fruit flavor that pairs with dark chocolate perfectly. In my opinion, Petite Sirah is a varietal that California produces better than any other wine region. Valentine’s Day is a great time to give it a try, especially with dark chocolate! My top pick is the Adega Cartuxa - Evora Tinto Reserva 2017 from the Alentejo region of Portugal. If you have read some of my previous articles, you may recall my discussions of Alicante Bouschet, the principal grape in this wine. It is a very rare teinturier grape that has red, not white, flesh under the skin. The red wine produced from this grape is bold and dry with well-structured and velvety tannins. Aging in Burgundy-style French oak barrels for 18 months imparts this wine with notable tones of vanilla and baking spices. Delicious! If milk chocolate is more to your (or your significant other’s) liking, no worries. I have two great Italian options that will make your mate say, “Sii il mio San Valentino.” First, Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso, a Tuscan Sangiovese red wine, pairs very well with milk chocolate, as well as with pizza or charcuterie. This is a great choice if you and your partner prefer a full-flavored, dry red wine with a lighter body. On the other hand, if fuller-bodied wines are your preference, I recommend the il Bruno dei Vespa Primitivo from Salento, Italy. Primitivo is the grape varietal known as Zinfandel in California. Primitivo represents the Old World version. Therefore, it is a bit more restrained than its New World sibling. Thus, Primitivo shares the stage with milk chocolate very well. The flavor profile has notes of raspberry and vanilla, creating a match that is reminiscent of chocolate-covered cherries. I am

confident either of these wines would delight your Valentine. For those of you whose valentines prefer white chocolate, I have a white, a red, and a rosé option for you. For a white wine, I recommend the Ratzenberger - Bacharacher Riesling Kabinett, from Mittelrhein, Germany. It is a wonderful off-dry Riesling with outstanding minerality and a light tropical palate that pairs incredibly well with white chocolate. For a red wine, my recommendation comes from the Beaujolais region of France, the home of one of the more misunderstood grape varietals in the world: gamay. Gamay is an excellent dry, lighter-bodied wine with a light red fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with white chocolate. The palate is raspberries and cherries, which work wonderfully with this sweet. I recommend the Jean-Paul Brun L’Ancien Beaujolais, Vielles Vignes. Or, you could choose the Esprit Du Lac, a Greek rosé wine made from the Xinomavro grape. This wine has light flavor notes of strawberry and peach. If I were asked to bring a wine that pairs with a white chocolate dessert, this rosé would be my top selection. The chocolate choices you and your significant other have are limitless. I hope this article has shown you that your wine choices are as well. Contact me with any questions or comments at dsetley@passionvines. com, or stop into the Somers Point store. Until next time, happy wining, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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AC casinos looking for big score on Super Sunday With sports books now an integral part of the public casino-going experience, it should be no surprise that local casinos are even more focused on celebrating the de facto national holiday. As such they are planning various festivities and offerings. Here is a look at some of what’s happening this Sunday:

By Chuck Darrow

f there is one day of the year every casino executive in Atlantic City—and everywhere else gaming halls do business—have circled on their calendars it’s the national day of wagering and gluttony known as Super Bowl Sunday. Evidence both anecdotal and empirical through the years suggests it can have a major impact on a casino’s bottom line. Of course, it is a huge day for sports books—online and brickand-mortar—but even before the advent of legal sports betting in New Jersey in 2018, it was a big deal: For decades, it’s been common practice for gambling dens to invite their highest-rolling high rollers for a weekend of revelry that usually includes appearances by individuals with connections to the NFL (ex-players, broadcasters, etc.).

Bally’s Atlantic City Bally’s Game Day special is a $29 beer bucket available at the Yard. Caesars Atlantic City The action takes place in the Caesars Sportsbook at Wild Wild West. However, it won’t be cheap to join the revelry: Seating runs from $225 per person for a “stadium seat” to $1,750 for the ultra-luxe “fan cave” experience (includes a $250 foodand-drink credit). For tickets, go to allevents.in (search for “Super Bowl Sunday at Casears”). Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Through Sunday, those placing an in-person bet of $50 or more (on any game or prop bet) will receive a free order of wings from Hard Rock Café.

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The Gallery Bar, Book & Games at Ocean Casino Resort is one of the Atlantic City betting parlors expected to be packed on Super Sunday. Photo Credit: Ocean Casino Resort The Café will also be offering specials on a number of popular items including wings, baby back ribs, nachos and buffalo sliders. Drink deals include five bottled beers for $25, and 25 bottled beers for $100. Additionally, guests can upgrade any draft beer to 20 oz for only $1. Harrah’s Casino Resort The Super Bowl Sunday Tailgate at The Pool runs from 3 to 10 p.m. The bash includes a free buffet, a DJ, games (with prizes), giveaways and more than 40 screens on which to watch the game. Admission is free, but tickets must be obtained at eventbrite.com (search for “Sunday Tailgate”). Ocean Casino-Resort Ocean’s mixologists have obviously been busy the past week or so: There will be four Sunday-only cocktails served (all priced at $14) to honor the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and their AFC rivals (and Taylor Swift’s favorite team), the Kansas City Chiefs. They will be offered at several locations including The Gallery Bar Book; Games; Villain & Saint; Topgolf Swing Suite and Nola’s Bar & Lounge: ● San Francisco Gold Rush Cable Car ($14): 1.5 oz. Captain Morgan rum; .5 oz. Orange Curacao;.5 oz. simple syrup. Served in a martini glass with cinnamon/sugar mix rim. ● San Fran Sunrise: 2 oz. Aperol; 1 oz. Tito’s Vodka; 1 oz. fresh lemon juice; .5 oz. simple syrup; 2 oz. soda water; dash of grenadine; rocks and lemon wheel or twist. ● Kansas City Big Red: 2 oz. Teremana; 2 oz. pomegranate juice; 1 oz. fresh lime juice; ¾ oz. Triple Sec; ¾ oz. simple syrup; lime garnish. ● The Arrowhead: 1.5 oz. Bulleit rye; 4 oz. ginger beer; 4 dashes Angostura bitters; 1 queeze of lemon juice; garnished with lemon and served over ice in a Collins glass.

Resorts Casino Hotel The “Big Game” (which is what those entities that haven’t shelled out mucho dinero for the legal right to use the phrase “Super Bowl” call it) will be screened on some 50 TVs in several venues including DraftKings Sportsbook; Margaritavile; 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and XO Bar. At DraftKings, $50 (per person) gets seating in either the restaurant area or back lounge. There will be an all-day special in the betting parlor featuring $3 Miller Light and Yuengling drafts. The other viewing areas also have various discounts on libations. Boys will be girls If you’re seeking something completely (and we mean completely) different on Sunday, look no further than Hard Rock Café. That’s where The Rock will kick off (pun intended) the 15-Sunday series of “Brunch Is A Drag” extravaganzas. Each week’s rave-up (seating at 11 a.m.) will be themed, with this week’s motif being “Mean Girls.” The $65 tab includes a buffet brunch, full show with a cast of queens and a post-performance meet-and-greet. For tickets, go to dragqueenentertainment.com. Queen crowned Borgata Poker king And speaking of Queens, a tip of the fedora to Bethlehem Pa.’s Alex Queen, who copped the grand prize at the recent Borgata Winter Poker Open and in doing so, took home $613,063. Queen a full-time poker pro, was one of 689 contestants who each anted up $3,500 to compete in the event that was the capstone of the WPO, which began New Year’s Day and included a total 22 separate tournaments. Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

February 8, 2024

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3:30p 6:30p 9:35p

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February 117 Min

ANYONE BUT YOU VALENTINE ENCORE

132 Min

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM 147 Min

ARGYLLE

147 Min

ARGYLLE IMAX

115 Min

Sun 11

Mon 12

Tue 13

Wed 14

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BOB MARLEY ONE LOVE

176 Min

PG13

4:00p 8:00p

PG13

12:00p 2:20p 4:40p 7:10p 9:30p

DUNE 2021 REISSUE IMAX 109 Min

LISA FRANKENSTEIN

124 Min

PG13

MADAME WEB IMAX

123 Min

PG13

1:00p 3:45p 6:40p 9:20p

1:10p 3:00p 5:10p

12:10p 2:30p 4:50p 7:10p 9:45p

12:50p 3:35p 7:00p 9:40p

Sat 10

Sun 11

MEAN GIRLS

99 Min

MIGRATION 113 Min

THE BEEKEEPER

125 Min

WONKA

Thu 15

12:10p 2:35p 5:00p 7:25p 9:50p

12:00p 2:20p 4:40p 7:10p 9:30p

1:00p 4:00p 7:00p 9:45p

Newly Renovated 5211 Ventnor Ave. (609) 830-3566 Fri 09

February 125 Min

1:50p 7:25p

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1:45p 4:25p 7:05p

4:35p

1:40p 4:20p 7:15p

ARGYLLE

149 Min

POOR THINGS

140 Min

THE IRON CLAW

Tue 13

AMERICAN FICTION

147 Min

Mon 12

Wed 14

Thu 15

Scan for ongoing schedule

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Punxsutawney Phil, Super Bowl kick off the spring real estate market

Real Estate Matters By Elisa Jo Eagan

ith a rollercoaster football season coming to a close at the grand finale of Super Bowl LVIII, we are one step closer to spring. The weather may be cold outside, but the real estate market is at least warm and in many cases, red hot. When assessing and preparing to place your home on the market, many believe, and statistics show, that springtime is the best time to put your plan into action to be prepared and ahead of the game. Real estate is often compared to a sporting event. We are now in the first quarter of the game and the first quarter of the year. We are hitting the ground running in 2024 as the dynam-

ics of the market are always changing. Slim Pickens – High Demand, Low Inventory Thd local housing market in the beginning 2024 here has an inventory shortage. Northfield, Linwood, Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, Mays Landing – all Mainland communities; and Ventnor, Margate, Longport – all shore communities of Atlantic County, and in Ocean City, Upper Township and in the surrounding areas are still experiencing demand that exceeds supply. Optimize the Sale Price of Your Home Now There are buyers that are ready, willing qualified and waiting on the sidelines to purchase who will pay top dollar for your home. The fact is if you want to cash in, now is definitely the time. Be mindful that the dynamics of the real estate market are always changing and specific to your own personal situation. Even though the prices have increased for most properties, the good news is that the interest rates have actually decreased since this time last year and the interest rates are now settling down even more as we enter

this new year. Economic indicators for 2024 remain strong and will get reviewed each quarter when the Federal Reserve meets. With the recent stock market record highs, today's interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are still in the overall historically low category. There are still many incentives and first-time home buyer loan programs and grants that are available to qualified buyers, as well as 100 percent financing for qualified veterans to purchase. Area monthly rent prices have escalated and are in many cases higher than your monthly mortgage payment would be, so it is time to get preapproved for your mortgage before the

perfect home comes up for sale on the market. You want to be ready. Once the Super Bowl has ended, the official kick off to the spring real estate market begins. Even though we may still get some snow on the ground, real estate is alive and well. Now is the time to buy or sell. Welcome Home 177th Thanks be to God for the safe return and welcome home to my son, Master Sgt. Michael P. Kelly II, of the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. We are grateful that he, and his team of over 300 local airmen and airwomen, are back safe and sound from their tour of duty in Saudi Arabia to their families and loved ones! Prayers for the health and safety of all of our military and God Bless America! 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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February 8, 2024

The case for an Atlantic City Mob Museum By William Kelly

here isn’t an Atlantic City Mob Museum, yet, but there should be one. The Las Vegas Mob Museum is now the most popular tourist attraction in Vegas outside of the casinos, even though the history of the mob there pales in comparison to Atlantic City. While mobsters didn’t arrive in Las Vegas until Bugsy Siegel built his Flamingo Hotel-Casino in 1946, Atlantic City has a history of mobsters dating back to the 1890s, and is infamous for the long reigns of such noteworthy city bosses as Enoch “Nucky” Johnson and Hap Farley for most of the 20th century. The Vegas Mob Museum even celebrated the 1929 Atlantic City Conference of crime bosses from around the country in an exhibit focusing on Al Capone’s attendance at the proceedings. The conference was ostensibly held to celebrate Meyer Lansky’s wedding, but the actual reason was to decide what to do with Capone: the mob boss behind the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago which killed seven and brought unwanted scrutiny on all of the mobsters. Lansky kept a low profile because he wasn’t Italian like most of the mobsters; he was a Jewish accountant who handled the mob’s money. The organization, at least in New York City, was run by old-timers they called “Mustache Petes,” who were at war with one another. Lansky was childhood friends with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Bugsy Siegel, who were in the mafia and were preparing to take over the rackets after the Mustache Petes killed each other off. Luciano called for the 1929 conference and arranged for it to be held in Atlantic City, which was known as an “open” city where Nucky Johnson ran things. Luciano invited all the big-city mob bosses from around the country to be there. The new Convention Hall on the Boardwalk had just been completed, and the mobsters mostly stayed at the President Hotel at the south end of the Boardwalk. They met casually at bars and restaurants, and walked along the beach in small groups so the sounds of the breaking waves drowned out their conversations. The main topic was what to do with Capone, who brought the heat down on all of them by killing off Bugs Moran’s gang in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre that same year. While they discussed what to do with him,

February 8, 2024

Capone reportedly hid out in the men’s locker room of the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield. Another topic on the agenda was a permanent solution to mob violence. Luciano advocated Lansky’s proposal – to run their businesses like major corporations do, complete with a board of directors. If there were a problem between different city mobs, the board would negotiate a solution. They were called the National Syn-

dicate of Organized Crime or just the Syndicate, while the board was called the Commission. Luciano was appointed the chairman, while bigcity bosses would have “sitdowns” together including bosses from Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Tampa and Havana. Most of their profits at the time were generated by bootlegging. The end of prohibition was coming which meant that they would have

to get into other businesses. Lansky proposed gambling: big-time casino gambling beginning in Florida and Havana where Lansky had connections with the Cuban dictators, especially Fulgencio Batista. Lansky arranged for legal Havana casinos to be located only in large hotels, and the Syndicate bosses would own all those hotels, mainly patronized by American tourists. As for Capone, he had to take the rap for the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and do jail time. So he took a train to Philadelphia where he was met by a friendly policeman he knew, turned over his revolver, and was arrested for having the weapon. Given a one-year sentence handed down by a boughtoff judge, Capone was incarcerated at Eastern State Penitentiary, now a popular Philadelphia museum, where his cell is a prime tourist attraction. He was allowed to have rugs, a lounge chair, a comfortable bed, a radio and had food catered to him until he was released after nine months on good behavior. Luciano was also arrested and put in jail, but during World War II he made a deal to help US Navy Intelli-

↘Continued on 56

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↘Continued from 55 gence protect American docks and shipping from Nazi saboteurs, paving the way for the successful invasion of Sicily. He was released from prison because of his patriotic assistance to the war, but he was forced into exile, first going to Havana, then a popular tourist and gambling destination for Americans, where they held another conference before Luciano retired to Italy. When the Mustache Petes faded away, Luciano took control of New York where there were five mafia families. Other areas with representatives on the board included Angelo Bruno of Philadelphia, Carlos Marcello of New Orleans, Russell Buffalino of Northeast Pennsylvania, Sam Giancana of Chicago, and Santo Trafficante of Tampa and Havana. Each one of these bosses was given a percentage of the casino profits – illegal casinos in Saratoga, N.Y., Florida, and legal casinos in Havana and Las Vegas. When the Flamingo, Bugsy Siegel’s hotel casino in Las Vegas, opened in 1946 and quickly foundered, the mob bosses were tired of his excuses and bankrolling him. He owed them $10

million, an unpayable amount, so on the orders of the Commission he was killed – shot in the head by a sniper as he sat in the Hollywood apartment of his girlfriend, Virginia Hill. With Luciano gone, the five New York mafia families fought among themselves and Sam Giancana assumed a leadership role, obtaining control of all the mob rackets west of Chicago including Detroit, California, and Las Vegas, where his right-hand man, John Rosselli, was put in control.

Old man Joe Kennedy owned many of the Canadian whiskey and Caribbean rum companies, which were legal in those countries. Kennedy sold his liquor to American

bootleggers in the prohibition era, including Nucky Johnson and Sam Giancana, and he owned a piece of the Cal-Neva Lodge casino hotel near Lake Tahoe. He sold his Tahoe interests to Giancana who had his friend, Frank Sinatra, front for him as the owner. Sinatra brought in his trusted friend, Skinny D’Amato, to run the

casino. D’Amato owned the 500 Club in Atlantic City where Sinatra often performed. D’Amato’s family ran the 500 Club while Skinny was in Nevada. Sinatra was also pals with Joe’s son, Senator John Kennedy, future president of the United States. They drank, smoked cigars and had romantic ties to the same women, including Judith Campbell, who was also Giancana’s girlfriend. When JFK ran for president, Sinatra provided his theme song, “High Hopes,” and D’Amato helped JFK win the critical West Virginia primary to get him the nomination. Giancana ensured that Illinois would go with Kennedy in the election. Sinatra was put in charge of providing the entertainment for Kennedy’s inauguration and helped arrange for Atlantic City to get the 1964 Democratic National Convention when it was assumed Kennedy would be renominated. Events would play out differently, however. Judith Campbell served as a courier between JFK and Giancana, and even visited the White House. But when FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover found out about the relationship, he warned the president through Kennedy’s brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, that the FBI was onto the relationship and that it was unwise and dangerous. So Kennedy broke off his association with Campbell and Giancana, as well as Sinatra. Giancana and Sinatra didn’t like having a falling out with the president, whom they helped get elected, especially when

JFK’s brother began to prosecute the mobsters. Then, just like Bugsy Siegel, JFK was shot in the head by a sniper and killed. While Lee Harvey Oswald was blamed for the crime, Giancana and Rosselli were considered suspects, and Rosselli was murdered shortly after testifying in a secret congressional session about the assassination. Giancana was killed shortly before he was to testify. All of this is the subject of a major motion picture, now in production, titled “2 Days, 1963.” Directed by David Mamet, it stars Al Pacino, Sylvester Stallone, Shia LaBeouf and Courtney Love. So when the Super Bowl is played in Las Vegas this weekend, the most popular tourist attraction besides casinos and football will be the Las Vegas Mob Museum where you can learn all about the history of organized crime, the Syndicate and the Commission and how it all began in Atlantic City. The Mob Museum, which opened in 2012, is a nonprofit corporation, but is very successful, charging $25 admission and featuring photos, films and lectures. Such a museum should be established in Atlantic City, with seed money from the Atlantic City Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and a building furnished from unused property owned by the city. Right now there is no Atlantic City Mob Museum, but there should be and can be, if the powers that be deem it worthwhile. NOTE ABOUT SOURCES – Information about the 1929 conference of mob bosses in Atlantic City can be found on the Las Vegas Mob Museum website. Background on Joe Kennedy, Sam Giancana, Cal-Neva Lodge, Judith Campbell and JFK is from Seymour Hersh's “The Dark Side of Camelot.” The best source on Skinny D'Amato, Frank Sinatra and the 500 Club is Jonathan Van Meter's “The Last Good Time.” Billkelly3@gmail.com

February 8, 2024

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105 Roosevelt Blvd • Marmora, NJ 08223 • 609-486-5073 www.ReichAssetManagement.com Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

Prevent falls with these helpful tips By Dr. LaToya Roberts

t is no surprise that hip fracture among older patients can be devastating in most cases. Such injury profoundly affects the physical, mental, functional and social well-being that patients used to have. According to the National Institute of Health, some reports show that up to 50% of patients with a fall and related hip fracture die within six months, and many of those who survive do not recover their baseline independence or function. Therefore, fall prevention is paramount (year-round) with these helpful hints! 1. Wear proper fitting footwear with a slip resistant sole. 2. Take care when entering and exiting vehicles, and be mindful to notice where your foot placement is, in relation to the curb or sidewalk. 3. Observe uneven surfaces and walk on designated walkways and

sidewalks. 4. When walking outside, keep your hands out of your pockets. This helps with balance and proprioception. With cold winter months, invest in good quality gloves to wear so hands can be kept free. 5. If you are prescribed an assistive device for walking, then use it; a cane or walker

left in the car or at home doesn’t do any good to anyone! 6. Secure loose rugs and mats, avoid ones with tassels or that have uneven, bumpy texture. Personally, I’d rather get rid of them altogether because the risk of falls far outweighs any benefit. 7. Remove or secure any loose

cords on the floor. Please do not hide cords under rugs. Hiding cords under rugs dramatically increases the trip and fall risk. 8. Keep entryways clutter-free especially from shoes that may be strewn across the floor and keep floors dry. 9. Utilize railings and avoid carrying boxes or baskets when going up and down stairs. 10. Watch out for indoor pets like the clingy fur baby that likes to be around your feet or in your lap. Take note of where they are at all times. 11. Those robotic assistant vacuums are high on the trip list. Have them set to assist when you’re out of the house

or remain in a designated room until it’s not in use anymore. 12. Refrain from climbing on top of chairs and table tops. Similarly, avoid sitting on objects not meant to be sat on or in. 13. Keep regularly used items within easy grasping reach. Step stools, although useful, may be very dangerous and result in unnecessary injury. 14. Talk with your doctor about medications that may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy after, and take precautionary measures to minimize activity afterwards. 15. Finally, in the event that a fall occurs, have an alert system in place. Understand that while maintaining one’s independence is very important, it’s okay to rely on others too. Make a to-do list for family or friends to help with tasks that may put you at risk for falls. Remember your quality of life is as important as the quantity of it. 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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Early spring is on the way!

By Bill Quain

espite the title, this week’s column is not a weather report. It’s a continuation of my look into the three traits you need for success: money, sunny and honey. This is my second column on “sunny.” Let me tell you how it came about. If you do want to catch up on all my “money, sunny and honey" columns, check out shorelocalnews.com. For money and honey, get sunny! Just a quick review. Money is easy to understand – you need it to be successful. Honey is your relationships. Sunny is your physical, mental and emotional health. Think of a sunny disposition or attitude. As I woke up this morning, I came face-to-face with another kind of “sunny”. You see, I am writing this column on Friday, Feb. 2. We all know

what day that is, right? Groundhog Day! If Punxsutawney Phil (aka “The Seer of Seers, and the Prognosticator of Prognosticators”) sees his shadow this morning because it’s sunny, we are in for another six weeks of winter. According to Alexa (my voice assistant that is sitting on my desk as I write), the Groundhog Day ceremony on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA began in 1886. I must confess that in all these years I never really watched one of them, except for the ceremony-after-ceremony showing in the famous movie “Groundhog Day.” This morning, I broke with tradition, and sat riveted to the television, for the entire ceremony. I have to say, it is really a lot of fun! If you missed it, I’m sure it’s on YouTube. Consider it one of “Bill’s Picks” for February 2024. When the Grandmaster of the Inner Circle put Phil on the stump this morning, there was a great hush to see whether Phil saw his shadow or not. The crowd awaited with anticipation for the reading of the Sacred Scroll, chosen by Phil himself. No, I’m not making this up. When the prediction was read aloud (not by Phil, but by someone from his “inner circle” – who looked a little like a groundhog), the crowd erupted in joy, as the scroll

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proclaimed that Phil had not seen his shadow, and that spring was arriving early! Isn’t sunny bad for Phil’s prediction? OK, it does seem a little ironic that I am writing a column about “sunny,” when the sun would cause Phil to see his shadow, meaning another six weeks of winter. However, the thing that turned my frown upside down was when a member of the inner circle stated that the weather was something we couldn’t control, but the atmosphere was. That is, Phil created a positive atmosphere around himself that gave people hope, happiness and optimism. This is why I’m writing this column today. Be sunny, and create your atmosphere. Folks, I want you to be like Phil. You see, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. You have no control over that. However, you have complete control over the atmosphere that surrounds you, and the people you come into contact with every day of your life, not just on Feb. 2. It doesn’t matter if you see a shadow or a bunch of men in top hats along with an adoring crowd. The atmosphere you generate will touch the lives of everyone around you. Atmosphere is not about the weather. Here’s another irony. It turns out that Phil sees his shadow almost every year. Google, Alexa and the newscaster I watched this morning all disagree on the actual statistics, but it seems that Phil saw his shadow (and therefore predicted doom and gloom) in all but 20 out of the last 138 years! However, it was also reported that everyone every year left the ceremony in a good mood, just because of the good-natured puns and whimsical characters that abound around Punxsutawney Phil. Hey, even the mean, unhappy and snarky reporter played by Bill Murray in the “Groundhog Day" movie turned into a fun-loving good guy after repeated exposures to Phil. It never mattered what the weather was like. It was always the atmosphere. Don’t be afraid of your shadow. Folks, here is my message. Don’t be afraid of your shadow. Spread a sunny atmosphere! Remember, the “sunny” you are building and spreading doesn’t come from the outside. It comes from the inside. Remember the movie. Keep on improving. If you haven’t watched “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray, I want you to do it tonight! (Unless you are read-

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH by Bill Quain ing this column on Feb. 11, there is no football anymore until next year!) Bill Murray’s character doesn’t get it right the first time, and neither will you. Becoming sunny isn’t easy. There’s a lot of negativity out there, and maybe a lot of it is coming from you. Do an “assess your atmosphere” check. Think about the mistakes you make every day. Then starting on your personal Groundhog Day, stop making them. Don’t try to get rid of every

one, every time. Just make progress. How will you know when you get it right? Everyone around you will tell you! Tell us about building sunnier atmospheres. As always, I’d love to hear from you. Just drop me an email at bill@ quain.com. Let me know how you’ve changed the atmosphere. Stay tuned for next week’s final column on “sunny”. The six words on a Boardwalk bench will be “Sunny: be attractive. It’s the law”. 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.

February 8, 2024

Identifying leash reactivity or aggression By Heidi Clayton

ne of the most common behavioral issues I am contacted regarding is leash aggression or reactivity. Which word is applicable depends on the dog standing in front of me. Aggression can be defined as being “hostile or injurious to humans or other animals.” There are so many moving parts to diagnosing a dog as aggressive or reactive. In my experience, reactivity and aggression usually go hand in hand. Unchecked reactivity can lead to aggression so the actual word used to define the behavior can be somewhat interchangeable. Here I will address leash reactivity and what to look out for if you think you have a leash-aggressive dog. Most leash-aggressive or reactive dogs I work with are not aggressive most of the time under the definition. Instead, they are poorly trained. These

dogs have little to no impulse control when off leash and zero when on leash. Triggers for reactive dogs can include seeing another dog, person, or sometimes cars. When dogs see these triggers, they can lose their minds in fear. Alternatively, maybe they legitimately do not like other dogs. Dogs that have triggers on a leash are telling the trigger to either go away because they are afraid or come closer to fight them. In either case, reactivity can absolutely look like aggression. If not handled correctly, it can lead to a dog biting the person at the other end of the leash. So many people think that walking the dog more will “socialize” them or habituate them and the reactivity will get better on its own. That is rarely the case. Most dogs escalate without proper training protocols going into place. In my opinion, the over-the-top reactivity becomes their routine. If your dog gets nuts on a walk to the point of turning around to snap at you or grab the leash in frustration, you need to first identify what is the cause of the reactivity. For example, it could be genetics or poor socialization training. Then slowly build new behaviors. That period may include not

walking your dog for some time. If your dog has fear-based reactivity, that may result in your dog panicking and trying to get away on a leash. If your dog feels trapped and unable to escape the cause of their fear, it is actually rather cruel to continue walking them without training them to be more comfortable in their own skin first. Dogs with this fear can be pushed into biting you, a person or a dog that is trying to approach them. You should never put your dog in a position to do that. Signs of stress or anxiety in a dog include excessive yawning when the dog should not be tired, sudden scratching or licking at fur or private parts, tails tucked or rigid, ears forward with a “thousand-yard stare” in the eyes, hackles up, and of course growling or barking while lunging to

the end of the leash. Dog bites that occur when on a leash are often a result of the dog being pushed into situations they had no business being put in. If you think your dog is reactive or aggressive on a leash, I always suggest making mental notes or a list of what behaviors worry you and what triggers result in those behaviors. Then get a trainer or speak with your vet armed with that list. Putting another set of eyes on the problem is always helpful. A great resource on leash reactivity is a book written by Patricia McConnell called “The Feisty Fido”, available in print or as an e-book. If you have any questions, please feel free to email heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net. Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

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February 8, 2024

ACROSS 1. Unfathomably deep chasm 6. Lawyer group 9. Factoid 13. Non-flat area 14. Loquacious person's gift 15. Member of clergy 16. Kitty sounds 17. Mesozoic one 18. All thumbs 19. *Who's Pieces? 21. *Life ____ 23. Comic book cry 24. Evening in Roma 25. Boar's mate 28. Bank deposit 30. Actress Ali or singer Tim 35. Flying saucers 37. Yeahs' opposers 39. One of the Muses 40. Ancient region of western Europe 41. *Sweet bear 43. In a little while, old-fashioned 44. Like a neon sign 46. Fashion's "New Look" inventor 47. Weasel's cousin 48. Cash in credit card points, e.g. 50. "Good grief!" 52. The Old Man's turf 53. Tucked in 55. Sine ____ non 57. *"Gimme a break" bar 60. *Egg with a surprise 63. Southwestern hut 64. Step on it 66. Small Asian ungulate 68. What radiology and biology have in common 69. Chihuahua's cry 70. a.k.a. Ernest? 71. Japanese money, pl. 72. Blitzed 73. Industrious

DOWN 1. Similar to an adder 2. View from a moving train 3. Yesteryear 4. Shopping ____ 5. Creates disorder 6. Forever and a day 7. *Hershey made the first American milk chocolate one 8. Belittle 9. Have supper 10. Tennis serving whiz 11. Memorial Day solo 12. "The ____ of Racing in the Rain" 15. Fast and lively 20. Increasing 22. Location of ulna 24. Hindered 25. *Principal candy ingredient 26. Allowed into a bar, e.g. 27. Past tense of will 29. Glorify 31. SI unit of mass 32. Raja's wife, pl. 33. Do penance 34. *Famous fictional bar 36. ____ gin 38. Smoke plus fog 42. Baghdad resident 45. Not strongly 49. CEO's deg. 51. Fertilized 54. C2H5 56. "J'____" by #46 Across 57. Green superfood 58. Desktop picture 59. Facebook photo links 60. Not disregarded, as in a promise 61. Marine eagle 62. Surprise at a speakeasy 63. *Almond-induced state 65. Cardinal 3 67. Bovine hangout See Solution on Page 66

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Can I afford to retire?

By Eric Reich

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t is not uncommon at all for people looking to retire in the not-too-distant future to question whether they can actually afford to retire. In the absence of a clear understanding of what their future retirement income will look like, most of those folks hoping to retire will simply choose to work longer out of fear of the unknown. This is similar to when those who are already retired spend too little in retirement because they just don’t know how much they can safely afford to spend in retirement. Therefore, they err on the side of caution and underspend. Many times, the fear of not knowing if they can afford to retire is compounded when markets are close to all-time highs. The concern is that if the markets correct, they won’t have as much money as they do now. They are already nervous about having enough retirement savings to live on today, let alone if the market drops 20-30%. So how do you know if you’ll have enough? First, log onto SSA.gov and set up an account to get your current Social Security statement. You’ll want to know what you can expect as a monthly benefit. Don’t forget that you will likely need to reduce that number some to account for Medicare part “B” premiums, taxes, etc. If

you are married, then you will want your spouse to do the same. Once you have these, you can determine what each of you can expect as a monthly benefit. Sometimes you or your spouse might find that 50% of your benefit is higher than your own. If that’s the case, you get the higher of those options (this assumes a full retirement age benefit, claiming earlier or later affects those numbers). Many times near retirees underestimate what their Social Security benefits will be in retirement which causes them to question if they can afford to retire. Now that we know what your benefits will be, we need to look at your investment portfolio. We caution people not to assume that a very conservative portfolio is better in retirement than a moderately aggressive one. The reality is that with interest rates as low as they are, simply moving everything into very lowrisk investments might not get you the income you require. Likewise, you can’t just “keep doing what you’ve been doing” either. Changes to the portfolio will likely need to be made. I would advise that removing several years’ worth of required income from the stock market may be a good idea to protect your retirement income against a large market correction in the early years of retirement, which can help mitigate the sequence of return risk. If you are able to reduce your sequence of return risk, then you may be able to spend a larger percentage of your portfolio each year than if you don’t protect against that risk. Lastly, it’s important to understand what you actually need to

Solutions to pages 65 puzzles. Check yourself!

February 8, 2024

spend in retirement. While many expenses may go down such as healthcare premiums, 401k contributions, commuting costs, etc. others may go up. Now that you have more free time than you had while you were working, expenses such as dining out, travel, recreational activities, etc. may likely increase. Getting your hands around what you will need and knowing where you can cut expenses is important before retiring. Don’t worry if you aren’t 100% sure what that required monthly income is. The reality is that it will change every few years as your retirement evolves. Just have a good idea of what you absolutely need for fixed expenses, and an idea of what you’d like to have for fun, entertainment, travel, etc. Many times once people considering retirement go through this exercise, they start to get a clearer picture of what retirement might look like. They will be in a better position to make an educated decision about whether or not they can afford to retire. Don’t hesitate to have your financial advisor or even your CPA help you with some of these calculations. The more informed you are, the bet-

ter the decisions you can make about your upcoming retirement. 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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