SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | April 4, 2024

Spring Events Bloom Stranding Center Releases Seals

Recalling the Movie Palaces of the Past Solar Eclipse Coming to a Sky Near You

Atlantic County bridge replacement receives national recognition

Atlantic County’s $12.5 million reconstruction of Old New York Road over the Nacote Creek Bridge in Port Republic has received national distinction for exceptional engi -

neering excellence by the American Council of Engineering Companies. The project will be recognized at an awards program on May 15, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

“This is an exceptional honor

for which we are justifiably proud,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Road improvements cause temporary inconveniences which are not always popular with the public, despite their need. This type of recognition should bring all of us a great deal of satisfaction.”

The new bridge maintains the original alignment and incorporates additional shoulder widths of 5’ for a total roadway width of 34-ft. It also includes a sidewalk on the southbound side of the bridge. A reconfiguration of the Pitney Road, Riverside Drive and Old New York Road intersection was constructed as part of the project to address safety and traffic flow.

The county contracted with Michael Baker International for the project’s engineering design services.

April is Autism Awareness Month

From the Editor

Autism awareness has been front and center in our lives since 1994, when our firstborn child, James (Jamie), was born.

Today one in every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. That is up from one in 44 the previous year, and up from one in 500 when our son was diagnosed in 1996. Back then, the only autism awareness that existed came from the blockbuster film “Rain Man” with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. While not great, it was a start.

Thirty years later, we have come a very long way. Mothers and fathers have fought, cried, and worked relentlessly, struggling to make schools and communities accepting and inclusive of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Yes, there is always room for im -

provement, but today information, support and opportunities are readily available. Students with ASD often learn side by side with their neurotypical peers. There is a wide array of activities for those with autism and more inclusiveness than ever before.

Those were things that Bob and I dreamed of for our son. With little available in those years, Bob, an avid surfer, did what came natural to him. He took Jamie out in the ocean on a surfboard.

Immediately Bob noticed that the movement of the water, with its ever-changing currents, was calming to Jamie, perhaps giving him the sensory input his nervous system craved. It quickly became Jamie’s favorite thing to do and it was a great bonding activity between father and son. Although some people with ASD are extraordinary surfers, Jamie never stood up on his board. That was okay. He still took pride in his time paddling with his dad, and we lovingly called him the “Big Kahuna.”

With hopes that we could share the “stoke” or enjoyment of surfing with others on the autism spectrum, in 2014, we launched Heart of Surfing. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is now in its 10th year, contin -

PJ'S Coffee located at 1201 New Rd in Linwood, is accepting donations for local autism organization, Heart of Surfing during the month of April.

ues to offer free adaptive surfing for families with ASD every Saturday all summer long at the Jersey Shore. Although adaptive surfing is our main focus, Heart of Surfing offers yearround activities for families with ASD, including sensory-friendly roller and ice skating, and adaptive skateboarding clinics, plus other special events.

Our dream of this organization became reality because of tremendous support from the community. From the volunteers, to the beach patrols, fire departments, surf shops and our platinum sponsor, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Bob and I are incredibly thankful for it all.

Most recently PJ’S Coffee in Lin -

wood has teamed up with Heart of Surfing. You can make a donation to Heart of Surfing throughout the month of April every time you go in to grab your favorite cup of coffee. Additionally, on April 18, PJ’S is hosting a special event with a band and raffle items to benefit our organization. All proceeds that day will generously be donated to Heart of Surfing. So please stop by PJ’S Coffee, not only to grab your favorite delicious beverage, but to show your support for autism as well! For more information visit heartofsurfing.org or call 609705-5323.

Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local. Your input means a lot to us. Please email shorelocalnews@ gmail.com or call 609-334-1691 with your comments, story ideas, or request to advertise or receive more information. Shore Local is made possible by our loyal advertisers.

As you peruse through this publication, please take note of them and show them some love. Be sure to tell them you saw them in Shore Local.

Wishing you a wonderful and drier week ahead.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Solar eclipse coming to a sky near you

By Julia Train

Get your eclipse viewing glasses out! “The Great North American Eclipse,” as it has been dubbed by

a variety of media outlets, will be visible to a large swath of the country on Monday, April 8, and won’t happen again for another 20 years in August of 2044.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.

Compared to 2017’s eclipse, the path of totality is almost 60 percent

wider and the duration of the eclipse is about 60 percent longer, according to astrophysicist Fred Espenak, with some locations on the path experiencing up to four and a half minutes of complete darkness. New Jersey residents will experience a partial (90 percent) solar eclipse as we are not in the path of totality.

After crossing Mexico, the eclipse will enter the United States through Texas. Its path of totality will cross the country from 2:09 p.m. to 4:35 p.m., EDT, and will be at its peak at 3:23 p.m. going through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

During the time our area will experience the eclipse, the sky will darken for several minutes and the air will get cooler.

also make your own eclipse viewer. The Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University is also giving away viewing glasses while supplies last. Look them up to learn more.

USA Today has assembled a variety of resources to get the most out of your eclipse experience including an interactive map showing eclipse times and a virtual simulation by zip code. See https://shorturl.at/btzCY.

Now, how should you go about viewing the astronomical phenomenon? It’s simple. Assuming the weather is cooperating, go outside to an area where the sky won’t be obstructed. If you want to make absolutely sure your view is perfect, try driving north to an elevated area.

It’s essential to wear your eclipse glasses to prevent cornea damage. You can find them online for as little as $2 and as much as $200. You can

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

Boys & Girls Club showcases innovation at STEAM Expo

Kindergartners through eighth graders showed off their prowess in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math at the 5th Annual STEAM Expo on Wed., March 27, 2024 at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

The STEAM Expo featured interactive demonstrations and talks by Boys & Girls Club members who have been working in the club’s STEAM program. Projects included Lego building adventures, robot coding, hydraulics, and more.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is proud of our STEAM event, bringing together the wonders of sci -

ence, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics for our vibrant community,” said Dr. Charles A. Wallace II, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “Our commitment to fostering innovation and creativity drives us to host these types of engaging events, where families and individuals of all ages can explore, learn, and be inspired. From interactive workshops to captivating demonstrations, our STEAM team is committed to offering unforgettable experiences that ignite curiosity and celebrate the power of knowledge. Ted, Aldair, Morgan, and Daniella are the best and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team here at the Club.”

Attendees had a chance to interact with the exhibits, including making their own “squishies.”

ACGBC staff members Morgan Mohammed and Daniella Gomez explain how the project works.

A Retrospective on South Jersey History

George May and the story of Mays Landing

By Stefen Klenk

From Smithville to Sea Isle City, and Brigantine to Buena Vista Township, South Jersey is filled with a rich history that dates back centuries. What were once small towns have since been transformed into vibrant communities. Here is a look back into May Landing’s history, with details on the town and how it got its name, its most notable residents, and events that have changed the course of our area.

Situated in the heart of Hamilton Township, Mays Landing is a com -

New Jersey, and a blacksmith, moved to our area with his wife, Susan Thompson, and began purchasing land from Edmund Iliff.

Originally from Blackbird, Delaware, Iliff was a merchant who had purchased two tracts of land near Babcock Creek, where he set up a saw mill and a pair of dwelling houses. Iliff passed in 1749, and his property went up for auction that summer. His estate was purchased by George May for a cost of only seven pounds.

George May continued to purchase land throughout Babcock Creek and in the immediate region into the 1760s, until his death later that decade. The land he had purchased was later sold at auction, with the town and area subsequently renamed Mays Landing a short time afterward.

munity that sits along the Great Egg Harbor River and Lake Lenape. The community is named after Captain George May, who, in the 1740s, was appointed as a surveyor and agent for the West Jersey Society. May, who was a former native of Burlington,

The town of Mays Landing was a major trading port in its early years. A shipyard was set up along the Great Egg Harbor River, where ships and vessels were constructed. Mays Landing played a key role in the shipbuilding industry throughout the 19th century, along with other coastal communities in Atlantic County, with shipyards also set up in Absecon, Brigantine, and Port Republic.

One important piece of infrastructure for Mays Landing during the 1880s was the railroad. At one point, passenger service was offered between the city and Newfield, but was abandoned in 1858. In November 1879, construction began on the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad, a rail line that would provide

service and excursion trips between Atlantic City and Camden. The West Jersey Line began full operation in June 1880 and would remain in operation through the 1950s. Today, a portion of the line is used as a bike trail that extends through Mays Landing and Egg Harbor Township.

Just seven weeks after opening, a major incident had occurred. On Aug. 11, 1880, over 1,000 members of St. Anne’s Church in Philadelphia were returning from a day-long trip to the shore when an oncoming locomotive rear-ended the train. The collision, which occurred over the Great Egg Harbor River, led to several casualties. Many of the townspeople in Mays Landing assisted in the rescue efforts, offering their homes to the injured.

Many documents surrounding George May can be found at The Hamilton Township Historical Society. Located at 49 Mill Street in Mays Landing, their museum is open Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.2 p.m., and features a rotating display featuring collections from past and present businesses and notable residents, along with a permanent display fixture. For more information, call 609-909-0272, or visit their website at hamiltonhistorical.org.

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.

Grand opening celebrates new Grocery Outlet in Mays Landing

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Thursday, March 28, was a great day in Mays Landing. It was exciting to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new Grocery Outlet located at 190 Hamilton Commons.

I thought the opening of the Crumbl Cookies a month ago could not be topped, but I think the Grocery Outlet exceeded it with a tremendous crowd and super exciting giveaways. One woman won a $500 gift certificate while others won all kinds of gifts and prizes.

A big congratulations to Chukwuemeka Nnadi and his wife, Desiree, who are wonderful proprietors of the new store. They are also Stockton

University graduates who chose to raise their family here.

Each Grocery Outlet is independently owned. Chukwuemeka is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community. He said he is grateful to have begun his journey with the Sharon Hill Grocery Outlet store in Pennsylvania where he received comprehensive training and guidance from the location’s operators, Steve and Amanda.

Chukwuemeka brings to the table a vast background from the retail industry. He has a robust work background which encompasses over 13 years of convenience store management along with 17 years of leadership experience and a doctorate in management.

Grocery Outlet prioritizes high-quality merchandise at fair prices. The national company, established in 1946 by Jim Read in San Francisco, started by selling military surplus at deep discounts. Now, from that modest beginning, the thriving business is in its third generation and consists of over 400 stores and an estimated 1.5 million customers every week.

The Grocery Outlet encourages community involvement from their independent owners as a priority, and that is exactly what we are seeing from Chukwuemeka and Desire. They started their involvement by donating $500 to the Funny Farm animal rescue and sanctuary in Mays Landing, and $1,000 to St Vincent de Paul food bank.

Each store owner analyzes the local community to determine what their market likes most, and then the company meets the specific needs, sourcing everything from fresh meats and produce, to their natural and organic NOSH items, to what they call WOW deals.

When you stop in and meet Chukwuemeka and Desiree, you immediately realize what special people they are.

As director of operations, Desiree is an integral part of the team. She has a decade of experience in diverse leadership roles, leading and developing managerial candidates and has shown strong performance in establishing and maintaining quality standards overseeing high-volume work groups.

The unique retail concept of the

If you are looking for a special retail grocery experience, make it a point to visit the Grocery Outlet at the Hamilton Commons along the Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing. Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.

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

Rescued seal pups released, receives national attention

By Julia Train

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center released two of its 16 seal pups Tuesday morning live on the Today Show amidst a busy season.

MMSC is a 501(c)(3) located in Brigantine dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals.

The nonprofit checks on injured seals that are called into their hotline by beachgoers along the Jersey Shore.

Here’s what to do when you spot an injured seal

Leave it alone. Healthy seals will defend themselves aggressively if you try to pet them.

Keep yourself, children and your dog at least 150 feet away, more if the seal is alert to your presence.

Seal fun facts, according to World Animal Protection US

Seals sleep on land and water! They sleep on land when they have pups or are searching for warmth and in water when they’re in the position of “bottling,” which is where their bodies (except for their snout) remain completely underwater.

Seals can hold their breath! Harbor seals can hold their breath for up to

Do not post the locations of seals on social media because that will drive more people to the scene.

Call MMSC’s 24-hour hotline: (609) 266-0538 so that staff and certified Stranding Volunteers can assess the situation.

30 minutes and elephant seals can for up to 2 hours because they pack large amounts of oxygen into their muscles without “clogging them up.”

There’s another name for the mammal! Seals and sea lions belong

to a group of marine mammals called “pinnipeds.” In Latin, “pinniped” means “fin-” or “flipper-footed.”

There are currently 33 different species of seals! The largest seal species is the Southern elephant seal, and the smallest is the ringed seal. Although not endangered or nearly-endangered, seals are federally protected.

Outside of the breeding season, seals are not social! They also don't travel in family groups like dolphins would.

Their instincts will guide them north to the Nantucket Sound, Gulf

of Maine and Canadian waters where they will congregate in colonies seasonally to breed and give birth, according to MMSC.

What happens when they’re released

According to its website, when releasing seals, the MMSC staggers opening the crates to observe the behavior of each seal for a few moments before releasing the next. They don't go very far at first, so it is easy for the seals to quickly find each other in the water if they wish.

Ways to help out

Do you want to help these cute creatures? Luckily, there are a couple options through the MMSC.

● You can donate money flat out through mailing a check to their P.O. Box. Donations help provide critical veterinary care, medication and food.

● Partake in a “Symbolic Animal Adoption”

● Obtain an annual membership

● Help the MMSC get the supplies needed to take care of the mammals by purchasing from its Amazon wishlist

● Volunteer your time with either being a Stranding Volunteer, which physically rescues the seals, or as an Education and Outreach Volunteer, who give tours at the Sea Life Museum, and assist with education programs and special events.

Photo by Michael McKenna

HAS

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INCREASED?

Motivated Mommies are back for another Sip & Shop

By Julia Train

Let someone else take care of bedtime for the night. It’s time for a mom’s night out, sipping and shopping.

In 2017, Morgan Orlowski was 36 weeks pregnant with her first child and feeling lost and confused about motherhood.

She wound up creating a private Facebook group for South Jersey moms who felt the same way to connect.

The page, which she called "Motivated Mommies," started with about 10 members and has grown exponentially since, reaching over 4000.

In November 2023, the group hosted a “Sip & Shop” event at Linwood Country Club; over 500 people attended and over 40 vendors, with 25 on a waitlist.

“We walked into that event not knowing how many people were going to come,” Orlowski said.

Because of the overwhelming turnout and demand, Orlowski and those helping to plan knew they needed a bigger venue. So, they land -

ed on Seaview Golf Club in Galloway for the second Mom’s Night Out.

There will be over 50 local, woman-owned businesses that create jewelry, accessories, apparel, treats and much more.

Included in the evening is a chance to win dozens of prizes, a cash bar and an unlimited soup and salad bar by Seaview.

“We’re trying to make the event successful for not just the vendors but for all of the attendees too and taking what we learned from the first

one and making this even better,” said Orlowski.

A lot of the people from the last “Sip & Shop” mentioned that they wished there was food so Orlowski worked with the golf club to create a food option to go along with the wine.

“We’re learning as we’re going,” she said.

The group will also be donating a portion of what came in from the first “Sip & Shop” to The Nor'Easter Nick Rainy Day Project, which will give $100 ShopRite gift cards to families in need.

Orlowski came into contact with Nor'Easter Nick, or Nick Pittman, because his husband’s sister is the Motivated Mommies events coordinator.

She said Pittman understands the group’s mission and has similar clientele.

“He’s been really instrumental in helping us get the word out about our events,” said Orlowski.

In addition to Pittman’s company, Norcast weather, the event is sponsored by Storybook Land, Bright Stars Academy, Seaview Golf Club, Jule D Photography, By Mia & Co, Stemtations Floral Studio and B&G Event Rentals.

Orlowski made sure to express her gratitude for all those who’ve helped along the way, including the mommies in the group and the five other women who helped plan the event, Brittany, Kim, Elizabeth, Susanna and Jenna.

“A lot of these women who are helping me are just helping out of the kindness of their heart

… They’re all fantastic women,” said Orlowski.

The free "Sip & Shop" will be Thursday, April 25, 5-9 p.m. at Seaview Golf Club and is open to all women, not just moms.

Find more information about the event or the group, visit: motivatedmommiesnj.com

The Seder Plate: Every Seder Table has one Among

the Bitter Herbs, Sweet Memories

By Lisa Segelman

The Seder plate is central to the Passover holiday table as it contains the ceremonial foods needed to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The plate is often a treasured item that is given as a gift for engagements, weddings, special occasions or by seder guests. “Do you have a seder plate?” is a common question, which really means, “do you have a nice seder plate”.

“My grandparents bought me a seder plate at the Festival Flea Market Pompano Beach, Florida, a favorite outing for us,” says Lori Zaslow of Margate. “Their note that is still on the box: ‘We hope you like the seder plate. Enjoy and invite us for a seder in the future. Love, Mom Mom and Pop Pop’. Aside from securing an invite, I know it was important to my grandparents that I kept the holiday tradition going.”

2. Bitter Herbs (choose a real horseradish root or just spoon some from the jar)

Meaning: represents the bitter taste of slavery

“The seder plate goes wherever the family seder goes,” says Lori’s mother, Shelley Isaacsohn of Ventnor, “That means it often shows up at my seders too. It’s extra meaningful to me because of the special relationship my daughter had with my parents.”

A seder plate can be an ornate work of art, or a humble, heart-warming preschool project made by a child.

The whole purpose of Passover is to tell the story of slavery and the Exodus from Egypt to the next generation, so ceremonial objects created by kids are usually welcomed and complimented at even the most elegant Seders.

In addition to crystal and china, felt matzo covers and corrugated cardboard seder plates made by my kids, now in their 20s, still adorn my table for an eclectic mix of the fancy and the fun.

Whatever memories your seder plate calls up, don’t forget to shop for all the items you need to fill the plate:

1. Shank Bone (ask the butcher in Shoprite, but they run out so ask early, they are free. Don’t wait too long, they run out). Roast the bone with some oil and spices including paprika to give it color

Meaning: represents the Passover offering when the Temple stood in Jerusalem. Vegetarians often substitute a roasted beet.

3. Charoset (an apples, wine, nuts mixture or dates/apricots/figs/nuts wine mixture)

Meaning: represents the mortar the Jewish slaves in Egypt used to make bricks

4. Roasted Egg (don’t forget to hard-boil and roast in the oven with a drop of oil and some spices)

Meaning: represents the festival sacrifice that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem. Also a symbol of mourning over the destruction of the temple.

5. Karpas/Vegetable -green vegetable/parsely

Meaning: symbolizes springtime, a time of rebirth. The Exodus from Egypt marks the rebirth of the Israelites after hundreds of years of slavery. Also represents clothing of fine wool. Jacob giving Joseph the coat of many colors directly led to the Israelites going down to Egypt which eventually led to their enslavement

The karpas/parsley is dipped in salt water and eaten during the seder. The salt water represents the tears of the slaves.

6. Chazert (another form of bitter herb, can be ground horseradish or romaine lettuce)

Meaning: a second source of bitterness. It’s part of the Hillel sandwich of matzo and bitter herbs eaten together

My daughter Alana’s preschool Seder plate was made at the Whippany NJ JCC.

Use fresh herbs to take your culinary dishes from just okay to gourmet

It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

When I first started cooking on my own, one page in particular of a now-forgotten cookbook laid the groundwork for years of delicious foods to come. A little chart demystified spices and herbs by showing which ones were most compatible with certain foods. Nowadays, I’m more inclined to make my own rules and experiment with different flavors, but knowing the basics certainly helps the process. Fresh herbs can elevate any dish both in taste and presentation. Growing your own herbs will ensure you always have the freshest picks only steps away from your kitchen.

Let’s start with some easy-togrow herbs. Lemon thyme is one of

my favorite versatile herbs to grow and use in cooking. When you rub the tiny little leaves in your hands, they give a lemony aroma. They are a perfect addition to most savory dishes including fish, chicken, pork chops, vegetables, and potatoes. These cold-hardy plants are happy in full sun and will produce dainty little flowers that are also edible.

Parsley is another cold-hardy herb that can be grown year-round in our

gardens by the shore. You can add parsley to anything from chicken to pasta as well as potatoes and vegetables. My favorite way to use parsley is by whizzing up a chimichurri sauce to pour over steak.

Speaking of steak, finely chop rosemary to use when marinating steak and save some for an accompaniment of red bliss potatoes. Feeling hungry yet? Rosemary also tastes delicious with chicken thighs, lemon, and olive oil. This herb is slightly harder to grow than parsley or thyme, but once established, rosemary can grow for years to come.

If you are lucky, your rosemary will form deliciously aromatic blue or white flowers. As with most herbs,

use kitchen scissors to finely cut the pine needle-like leaves.

Feeling a little spicy? Grow cilantro so that you make salsa and pico de gallo whenever the spirit moves you. There are two types of people in this world: those who must have cilantro on their tacos and those who think that cilantro tastes like soap. If you fall into the former group, get ready to plant cilantro seeds now. Cilantro is a cool-season plant so you’ll want to get started early in spring. Once the weather becomes too hot,

cilantro will shift into survival mode and begin to bolt. The flavor will not be as good, and the plant will begin to produce flowers and then seed. Even then, all is not lost. You can save cilantro seeds (coriander) for growing the next generation of cilantro plants or save the coriander for other types of dishes. Add whole coriander seeds to curry, stew, or pickled vegetables. To release the flavor of coriander seeds, dry-fry them in a pan. You can also crush coriander seeds and use them on eggs, ham, chicken, pork, and potatoes.

Though the list goes on and on (we haven’t even mentioned the joys of sage, dill, or chives!), we certainly can’t skip my favorite herb, basil. You simply can’t substitute the flavor of

fresh basil when it comes to bruschetta, pesto, or layered with mozzarella and home-grown tomatoes. Like the tomatoes, we must be patient a little longer with basil, since it absolutely cannot handle cold temperatures. If you can’t wait until May for your basil fix, try growing it indoors in a sunny draft-free window.

If you don’t normally cook with fresh herbs, give it a try. Simply adding fresh chives or parsley to your favorite dish will add an extra richness of flavor and will make your entree more visually appealing. Experiment with different combinations, then let us know about your favorite herb to grow and use in recipes. We would love to hear from our readers. Send your comments and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

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

Store herbs in a glass of water in the refrigerator.

Events and Happenings

Multiday Events

Girls Weekend in Ocean City

▶Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7

Downtown Asbury Avenue between 6th – 14th St.

Events include a Fashion Show on Friday evening, shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes, and much more. For more information and schedule of events, call (609) 3991412 or visit www.oceancityvacation. com.

OC CON

▶Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Free admission. Join comic book and memorabilia enthusiasts in Ocean City for the annual OC CON. Activities include cosplay contests, live music with the OC Pops, trivia, light saber demo, Anime Mad Libs, and more. For more information, or to see the full schedule of events and artists, visit www.ocnjcon.com.

April Fool’s Half Marathon & 8K

▶Saturday, April 6 & Sunday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

Resorts Atlantic City 1133 Boardwalk

Run New Jersey’s oceanfront half marathon with over 8 miles of Boardwalk running, offering a shared start and finish line along the Atlantic Ocean. The 8K will be held on Saturday, followed by the Half Marathon on Sunday. Register at www. acraceseries.com.

Friday, April 5

Anna Lapwood

▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Hailed as an organist, conductor, and broadcaster, Anna Lapwood holds the position of Director of Music at Pembroke College (Cambridge), Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall in London, and Artist in Association with the BBC Singers. Her 2024 U.S. concert tour brings her to the mammoth 7 manual/449 rank Midmer-Losh organ at Boardwalk Hall. Tickets available at www. boardwalkhall.com.

Girls Weekend Fashion Show

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Yacht Club 100 Bay Rd.

This event features Downtown Asbury Avenue stores showcasing their latest clothing lines for the spring and summer season. The fashion show

kicks off a long weekend of shopping, dining, and class activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer. Admission includes refreshments and light fare. Tickets are limited. For tickets and information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Saturday, April 6

OC CON Super Hero Run

▶9 a.m.

Scan for Tickets!

Ocean City Boardwalk at Sixth Street

Be a superhero in this costumed one-mile run for OC CON Weekend. The event also includes a kids’ Super Hero Obstacle Dash. Race-day registration will take place at the Civic Center from 8 – 8:45 a.m. The Super Hero Run begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Obstacle Dash at 10 a.m. Learn more and register online at www. ocnj.us/race-events.

Somers Point City-Wide Clean Up Day

▶9 a.m.

City Public Works Dept. 830 Centre St.

Sponsored by the Somers Point Green Team and the Department of Public Works. Join the City of Somers Point in preserving the community and environment. To participate, email somersptgreenteam@gmail. com. Rain date: April 13.

“My Grown-up and Me” Art Workshop

▶10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Somers Point Senior & Community Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.

The Somers Point Arts Commission is offering a Saturday art class for children in 1st – 4th grade, along with their favorite grown-up. Grown-ups must be 18 and older and must remain during the class to work on the project with the child. Registration is required at https://form.jotform. com/240575168453158. Free with donations to the Art Commission gladly accepted.

Speed Bag Saturday

▶12 – 5 p.m.

Join the City of Margate for an afternoon of ten-minute continuous cornhole games at Ventura’s Greenhouse, Maynard’s Café, Robert’s Place, and Bocca Coal Fired Bistro. Score as many points as you can in

April Fools Run

ten minutes. Register online at www. margatehasmore.com.

Dog Day at Renault Winery

▶12 – 4 p.m.

72 Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery invites the public, and your furry friends, to enjoy their very first Dog Day. Renault will be set up for a day full of food, wine, and fun for both you and your dog. There will also be an unleashed zone for your dogs to be able to run around and play. Growing Native Plants Discussion

▶1 p.m.

Atlantic County Historical Society

907 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Join this free program, presented by the Atlantic County Historical Society. Local arborist Dave Parker will share his passion for native plants. Rutgers Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Parking will be available at the rear of the building. Light refreshments included. Call (609) 927-5218 or email achsinfo@comcast.net to learn more.

Sunday, April 7

Girls Weekend Dance Showcase

▶11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Soifer Park 901 Asbury Ave. Ocean City

Girls Weekend in Ocean City concludes on Sunday with a special Dance Showcase. This free event will include performances from 8 local dance studios. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Monday, April 8

Women’s Coffee & Conversation: Reframing Aging Together

▶10:30 a.m.

Katz JCC Broadroom 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Stockton University’s Gina Maguire will discuss how to create a meaningful life while finding purpose and passion, building strong relationships, and giving back to the community. RSVP by April 4 by emailing tserota@ jfsatlantic.org or call (609) 287-8872. Memory Connections

▶1 – 2:30 p.m.

Katz JCC Boardroom 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

This program is for caregivers of loved ones with dementia and the person living with the disease. Caregivers will participate in a support group led by a trained professional while their loved ones will enjoy a socialization activity. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by April 4 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or call (609) 287-8872.

Tuesday, April 9

Village Film Society

▶10:30 a.m.

Join Village Film Enthusiast & Historic Cinematic Buff Tom Celan dine for a discussion about the Oscar

award-winning movie, "Oppenheimer." This program will be held via Zoom. RSVP by April 4 by emailing tserota@ jfsatlantic.org or call (609) 287-8872.

South Jersey Players Dinner Theater

▶6 p.m.

Aroma Restaurant 5206 Atlantic Ave. Ventnor

Enjoy a three-course plated dinner (BYOB) followed by five new original one-acts. Playwrights include Tom Chin, Sondra Mandel, Jim O’Hara, Sheila McDonald, and Edward Shakespeare, plus over a dozen actors. Reid Alburger will provide dinner music on classical guitar. Scott Friedman will host the event. Tickets are $45 per person. For reservations, call (347) 920-6399.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30 – 10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Hall 447 Bethel Rd.

Admission is $10 and includes snacks, live musical duos, line dancing, dance mixers, social dancing, and plenty of parking. Come out and kick up your heels, or just listen to good music with good company.

Wednesday, April 10

Mahjong & Canasta Brunch ▶11 a.m.

Katz JCC 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Join friends and neighbors for an afternoon of strategic game play, vibrant conversations and a delectable lunch at the Katz JCC Auditorium. Cost is $20 for JFS Village and JCC members and $23 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Bridget Giblin at bgiblin@jccatlantic.org or call (609) 822-1167.

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.

Tom Angello’s All Star Jazz Series ▶7 – 8:30 p.m.

Gregory’s 900 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Enjoy an evening of live jazz music with Tom Angello on the drums, Denis DiBlasio on Bari Sax & Flute, Brian Betz on guitar, and Steve Beskrone on the bass. Go to www.southjerseyjazz.org to learn more.

Thursday, April 11

Piano Bar at the Gateway ▶7 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse 739 Bay Ave.

Somers Point

Join Gateway for their April Piano

Bar featuring Michael McAssey on the piano. This open mic night is for everyone young and old, singer or not. Get up on the stage, or just sit back and watch the fun evolve. General admission seating is available for $15. Purchase tickets online at www. gatewaybythebay.org.

Friday, April 12

Memoir Workshop

▶10:30 a.m.

Katz JCC Broadroom 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures, history, and ancestry led by award-winning author Harriet Levin Millan. You will need a laptop or pen and paper for the workshop. This program will be held in-person and via Zoom. RSVP by April 4 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or call (609) 287-8872.

Fran Lebowitz

▶7:30 p.m.

Stockton Performing Arts Center

101 Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway

Enjoy an evening with Fran Lebowitz, appearing at Stockton PAC. The program will include an interview with the acclaimed author, journalist, and social observer, followed by an audience Q&A. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.stockton.org/ pac.

Bus Trips

Bus Tour to Brandywine Museum and Nemours Mansion

▶Thur. Apr. 25

Welcome spring by joining the Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point on a Bus Tour to Brandywine Museum of Art and the Nemours Mansion & Gardens. Advanced reservations are required by April 9. Cost is $105 and includes transportation, boxed lunch and bus driver tip. The bus will leave from the Target lot in Somers Point at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m. For more information, call Sally at (609) 9274147 or after 6 p.m. call Cheryl at (267) 882-8355.

Mines, Telegraphs, and a Bit of Broadway

▶Sat. Apr. 27 – Sun. Apr. 28

The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township will host a two-day spring bus trip to Northern New Jersey, with visits to the Stirling Hill Mining Museum, Historic Speedwell in Morristown, the Cooper Grist Mill in Chester, and the Bouman Stickney House. The bus will depart on April 27 at 8 a.m. from the ACME parking lot in Cape May Court House. $265 per person includes the bus, hotel, all meals, and admission to all sites. For more information, please email parytell@gmail.com with “Bus Trip” in the subject line.

Ventnor Night at the Phillies

▶Fri. June 28

Join the City of Ventnor for a night of community, baseball, and fireworks at Citizens Bank Park. $150 per person includes a round trip bus, three hour tailgate with food, lower level seating, and a fireworks show preceding the game. The bus will depart from Ventnor Heights at 3 p.m. the day of the game. Registration is open now http://ventnor.recdesk.com.

Health and Wellness

Dementia Support Group

▶Wed. April 3, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 4026966 for more information.

NAMI Connections and Family

Support Groups

▶Mon. April 8, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph Church 608 Shore Rd. Somers Point

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

MHA Atlantic Family Meeting

▶Thur. April 11, 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. To receive a link, contact Gail Christian at (609) 652-3800 ext. 0301 or email gchristian@mhanj.org.

Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your

RSVP by calling Absecon Lighthouse at 609-449-1360.

Fran Lebowitz

Margate Cherry Blossom Festival to kick-off spring Sunday, April 14

Wear tie-dye swag, bring chairs, blankets and enjoy music, crafts, food and more

It’s time again to bask in the warmth of the sun, escape winter hibernation, don your funkiest tie-dye T-shirts and welcome the rebirth of spring! On Sunday, April 14, the Margate Business Association, in conjunction with the Margate Community Church, Margate Mothers Association, Sustainable Downbeach and Margate Recreation, will celebrate the arrival of spring with their 2nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival presented by The Pet Salon. The free, family-friendly event will feature kids games and activities, live music by Dead Reckoning, tasty treats, wine and beer, arts and crafts, at 2 p.m., a "grooviest dog" contest on stage and a host of environmental exhibitors.

The festival will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Ventnor Ave. between Sumner and Union Aves. directly in front of the Margate Community Church. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to spend the afternoon enjoying the fresh air and relaxing with friends and neighbors. For decades, the scores

of cherry blossom trees that align the Memorial Parkway in Margate have been a symbol of seasonal renewal and hope for sunnier days ahead, as their delicate pink and white blooms burst onto the scene and say goodbye to winter.

Tai Chi instructor Gerri Medoff opens the festival with her low-impact demonstrations which are free for all participants eager to understand its meditative and health benefits. On the grassy grounds of the Margate Community Church, the Margate Recreation Department will host kids’ activities ranging from egg and spoon races, potato sack and three-legged races. There will also be Tossinten boards set up for play and practice as they reimagine the traditional cornhole experience. The church will also feature a petting zoo, fun games and a children’s craft booth to keep the little ones active. A Kids Helping Kids Fight Cancer craft sale booth will have birdhouses, painted

flower pots with pansies, picture frames etc. All proceeds go to a local pediatric cancer organization. Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis will also make an appearance to celebrate the coming of spring.

The Grateful Dead tribute band Dead Reckoning returns to the Cherry Blossom stage from 12-4 p.m. to perform an inspired set of Dead favorites, with their recognizable harmonies and Bob Weir-esque fueled vocals and guitar effects. Food trucks, concessionaires, and Wawa will be on site with a wide variety of treats to satisfy all types of appetites. There will also be a choice of beers, Ready to Drink beverages, Mr. Finger’s Alibi Gin, selections from Sunrise Wine and Tequila Bar, and award-winning Banfi wines to sample and/or purchase. In the spirit of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Banfi is also partnering their leading organic wine brand, Natura, with the environmental organization 1% For The Planet to help increase regenerative organic acreage throughout the U.S. and improve the health of the world’s soil; sales of Natura will directly benefit the environment.

by making their own cherry blossom windsock and let their imaginations drift in a secured area to play with chalk. Ribbon streamers will be available for purchase to help support future Margate Mother's Association events. A limited amount of tiedye bandanas will be given out to the groovy early birds! The Pet Salon will also feature tiedye wearable bandanas and the top "grooviest" dog will win 50% off of their signature grooming. Alisa Dirato will use her exquisite talents for face painting. Sustainable Downbeach has assembled a wonderful collection of organizations featuring Margate students’ Growing in the Garden State-NJ Fresh project, the SJ Surfrider Foundation, ACUA, NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed, Earth First Native Plant Nursery, the Margate Terrapin Turtle Rescue Project, the Jacques Cousteau Estuary Research Reserve, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Mary Lenahan and her butterflies and Busy Bees will all discuss the importance of protecting our wildlife, vegetation, marine life, oceans and beaches. Renewal by Anderson windows will be on hand with their latest product line just in time for spring.

Margate Mothers welcome spring with cherry blossom paintings created by their little budding artists! The kids can celebrate the spring breeze

“This event offers a great opportunity for the various environmental organizations to show off their displays and share their knowledge about the shore environment in a fun and engaging way,” said Steve Jasiecki, Director of Sustainable Downbeach. The Cherry Blossom Festival has become a day to celebrate the beauty of spring, the vitality of our environment and the importance of being outdoors for fun and games with our neighbors.

For more information visit: MargateHasMore.com.

Photos courtesy of Dan Myers

Shore Silver Screens: The movie palaces of Atlantic City

By Bruce Klauber

From the 1940s through the 1960s, Atlantic City was a moviegoer’s paradise. Given that there is currently only one movie theater operating within the city limits today – IMAX at the Tropicana – it’s hard to believe that at one time Atlantic City was home to more than a dozen motion picture theaters, and some were spectacular movie palaces.

Here are some of the more impressive ones:

The Warner Theatre, renamed the Warren Theatre sometime in the 1950s, has been very much in the news of late via last year’s restoration by Ross Mollison’s Spiegelworld. It’s now home to the spectacular show, “The Hook.”

As a movie theater, the Warner Theatre opened in 1929, boasting Spanish/Moorish design with a Venetian styled lobby and seating for an incredible 4,189 people. Through the years, the Warner hosted the Miss America Pageant, and by the 1950s, presented live shows, including top-tier legitimate theater. Steel Pier magnate George Hamid, Jr. owned the venue beginning in the late 1950s. But by the early 1960s he realized

that the theater was too large to make any money. A good portion of it was torn down circa 1962, and Hamid opened it as a bowling alley a year later. What was left of it was home to various businesses, including a pizza parlor, until Spiegelworld came along to spearhead restoration last year.

The Roxy, at the Boardwalk and Kentucky Avenue, seated 1,963 and was said to be one of the largest movie theaters in the city. It opened in 1925 as the Stanley Theatre, and the name was changed to the Roxy Theatre in 1957, when George Hamid bought it. Hamid was quite the movie house mogul in those days, as he owned, at one time or another, the Shore, the Warren, the Hollywood, the Virginia, and the Center Theatre. It limped along until 1974, still showing first-run pictures, when it was briefly turned into an indoor kiddie amusement park. A fire destroyed it in the early 1980s.

The Embassy, at New York and Atlantic avenues, opened in 1941 and also survived into the 1970s. It seated 1,485 and was one of three theaters in the city that was a part of The Embassy company. It was sold in 1970, closed five years later, and then reopened again until its permanent closure in 1978.

Another movie house with the Embassy Theatre name opened in 1911 at 1831 Atlantic Ave., and seated 965. It became the Shore Theatre in 1941, then the Beach Theatre in 1952. The Beach, which became an adult movie house in its later years, hung on until 1990 when a fire destroyed a good portion of it.

The 800-seat Towne Cinema was built close to Atlantic City’s Inlet section at 619 Atlantic Ave. When it opened circa 1914, it was called the Liberty Theatre, then became the Astor Theatre in 1931. Sam Shap -

iro, later known as the head of the Greater Delaware Valley’s Sam-Eric theater chain, took over operation of it and kept it going until 1968. Shapiro closed it for a year and then, believing there was still life left in the property, reopened it in 1969 as Towne Cinema. It closed again briefly in 1970, but reopened again for a short time in 1971. The last films to be shown were a grade “B” double bill: “A Stranger in Town” and “The Stranger Returns.” It remained vacant until a fire destroyed it in 1975.

History is a little murky regarding the Center Theatre and the Charles Theatre. Though they both opened on July 2, 1913, and closed in July of 1977, it appears that they were located several blocks away from each other. The Center, at 1517 Atlantic Ave., seated 1,391. The Charles, a 650-seater, had a 2217 Atlantic Ave. address.

Adjoining the Center Theatre was the Hollywood Theatre. Built in 1934 with 1,712 seats, it sported an Arabian Nights decor. The Hollywood, which opened as a vaudeville house, kept going into the 1970s and showed adult films from 1973 to 1975. It reverted to a first-run movie venue in 1975 until it closed two years later.

The Strand seated 1,156 moviegoers and was built just across the Boardwalk from the Steel Pier in 1910. It originally opened as a live theater, but the record books indicate that the Strand switched to showing movies around 1914. It stayed in business, showing first-run movies until 1970, despite competition from the Steel Pier, which showed several, relatively new movies per day for years. In 1970, the Strand became an adult movie house. That concept lasted for two years. It reopened in 1973 and called itself the “Talkies Theatre,” which specialized in showing classic motion pictures. It was a novel concept for

the Boardwalk, and it managed to stay in business until 1979.

The Steel Pier area was a hotbed for movie houses for years. The Virginia Theatre, at Virginia Avenue and the Boardwalk, opened in 1916 and seated 1,000 patrons. Around 1941, Warner Brothers Circuit Management Corporation, the division of Warner Brothers pictures that operated movie theaters, took over operations. Warner put a good deal of time and effort into this venue, which eventually became known as Atlantic City’s “movie house jewel,” devoted to showing road-show films. The firstrun films often had reserved seat ticketing and intermissions, which were later shown in stereo sound with a 70mm screening capability.

The Virginia kept at it until late 1973. The official report was that the theater closed in that year because the entire block was purchased for future casino development. What makes that 1973 report questionable is that gambling was not legalized in Atlantic City until 1976, and the first casino didn’t open until 1978. Did the “developers” know something that no one else knew in 1973?

Two of the most fondly-remembered movie theaters were not in Atlantic City, but in neighboring Ventnor and Margate. The “original” Ventnor Square Theatre had 968 seats and opened in 1922. In 1936, the venue was remodeled in the Art Deco style, and it continued operating successfully until 1979, when another screen was added. In 1998, Ventnor city inspectors determined that the theater was on the verge of collapsing and the theater was closed.

Many in the Ventnor area believed that it could not be saved. Fortunately, it was purchased at a nominal cost. Reports at the time indicated it was bought by the Frank theater chain. And to everyone’s amazement, it was fully restored within just one year and reopened on June 16, 2001, with an additional screen. It finally closed on Dec. 2, 2004.

In 2018, what was left of the venue was purchased by Clint Bunting, Scott Kaufman, and one-time Ventnor resident Brett DeNafo. It took three years and $5 million, but on May 22, 2021, the restored, state-of-the-art, three-screen Ventnor Square Theatre reopened, complete with the old the -

ater’s original light fixtures, railings, wood, and the glass partitions of the staircase.

The Margate Theatre, at Devlin and Ventnor avenues, opened in 1938 and had seating for 802. It was tremendously successful, and became “The Margate Twin,” with an additional screen in 1973. The closing of The Margate wasn’t widely reported, but those who frequented the theater remember seeing films there in the mid-1980s.

Though it’s not likely that we’ll see a return to the days where there was a movie palace on every corner, the success of the revamped Ventnor

Square Theatre, the great business being done at the Trop’s IMAX, and the healthy business at the IMAX and Tilton 9 in Northfield indicate that there is still a large market for those who want to go to the local movie house to catch a film.

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.

Atlantic City, Brigantine, Margate, Ventnor, Longport

A Trifecta for Passover: Chicken Soup, Matzo Balls and Farfel Freeze to Make Passover a Breeze

By Lisa Segelman

If you’ve ever hosted a Passover seder (ritual feast held on the first two nights of the holiday) you know that it’s a seemingly endless endeavor of ritual items, traditional dishes, and recipes that have been passed down l”dor v dor— Hebrew for “from generation to generation”.

The seder is a challenge to prepare, especially since many seders have upwards of a dozen people in attendance. According to a Pew research study performed in 2020, six-in-ten U.S. Jewish people held or participated in a Seder in the year

prior to the survey. What does that mean in real life? If people aren’t hosting, they’re more than happy to be invited.

One way to get a grip on the meal in advance is to cook and freeze one of the most beloved courses of the meal--- Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls (called Kneidlach in Yiddish).

Chicken soup has served as a staple in Jewish cooking for seemingly forever. Maimonides, the revered rabbi, physician, and philosopher (1135–1204) regarded chicken soup as beneficial for the ill and prescribed it for respiratory sicknesses. People refer to chicken soup as “Jewish Penicillin”, so of course that lit the fire under academia to test its efficacy. I’m not surprised to report that this concept was confirmed in 2000 through research at The University of Nebraska. Their study found that chicken soup can slow inflammation that occurs during colds and flu.

Homemade Matzo Ball Soup and Farfel (soup nuts) prepared weeks in advance and frozen. Just as delicious and saves time and sanity during the busy days prior to the seder meal.

Chicken Soup became a staple for Jews living in the shtetl (the small towns and villages in eastern Europe) because that pot of soup, often prepared for the Sabbath meal, could be stretched into several meals.

Families would have, and still have, the soup, the vegetables (carrots, onions, celery, parsnips), the chicken fat or “schmaltz” which can be rendered from the chicken fat, along with “gribbenes” or fried chicken fat skin cracklings, the liver can be used for chopped liver, and the chicken itself, which can be eaten right from in the soup or made into a casserole or chicken salad for another meal. My mother also mashed the cooked lima beans with onion, spices, and oil to make a tasty dip. That’s a lot of eating from one chicken!

Chicken soup is also associated with the comfort, care and adherence to tradition that is part of many Jewish mothers repertoires. These days Jewish fathers can be found in the kitchen preparing a family recipe or making their own modifications.

But back to the chicken soup in

Homemade Matzo Farfel adds crunch and flavor to Matzo Ball Soup

your life later this month. You may have been freezing your soup for a while now, but freezing matzoh balls may come as a surprise. If frozen properly, they will still be light and fluffy the night of the seder. Roast-

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April Hours

VISIT LUCY THIS SPRING

Wed. Thurs, Fri 11am to 4pm; Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

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ed farfel, (technically a small pasta, but made of matzo for Passover) is baked with mostly egg yolks and salt. It stays fresh for at least a week in a sealed container but can also be frozen.

The following recipes for the soup course are my mother’s. The memories that make them great go beyond the delicious recipes.

When I cook them now, I love to comment to myself or whoever’s listening that the house smells like “Yuntuv” which is Yiddish (technically means “good day” but has come to mean cherished holidays).

The chicken soup aroma takes me back to Passover seders at my grandmom Tillie’s home where my mom and aunts would gather early in the afternoon to help prepare. When my grandmother passed the seder torch to my mom, the same aroma wafted through her home as my extended family sat down to decades of my mom’s seders. She was known as Nine Course Naomi.

● 6 large ribs, cut into chunks

● Celery leaves ]from one bunch of celery, chopped

● 1 large parsnip cut in large chunks

● 1 bay leaf

● 3 springs of dill and 3 springs of parsley

● ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

A Zizen Pesach (Yiddish for a “Sweet Passover”) and Happy Passover to all who celebrate. As Jews at the shore and worldwide say at their seders, “Next year in Jerusalem!”

Naomi’s Chicken Soup ▶Serves approximately 16

Ingredients:

● 8 ounces fine or medium noodles, optional, cooked after or a dozen matzo balls, premade

Method:

● 20 cups of water

● 2 T salt divided

● 1 T sugar

● 1 6-pound chicken, whole or cut up (you can ask the meat dept at ShopRite to cut it for you), cleaned and giblets removed

● 1 cup dry lima beans

Clean vegetables and place in a bowl of cold water. Set aside. Put 20 cups of water in a large soup pot. Add chicken and 1 T salt. Make sure pot is large enough to leave space at the top as you’ll be adding vegetables later. Cook over medium-low heat lightly

My Mother’s Chicken Soup and Matzo Balls: made weeks in advance and frozen to keep my seder sanity

Cover and continue cooking at low heat/simmer until vegetables are soft, about 40 minutes. Strain soup, removing bones, skin, and vegetables. Cut chicken into cubes or shred it. You can reserve the vegetables if they’re not too soft for your taste or chop some fresh ones to heat in the broth for 10 minutes before serving. Add cooked matzo balls or noodles, and warm through. Sprinkle each bowl with chopped dill and/or parsley.

If you place the soup in the refrigerator, the fat will rise to the top. You can skim some of this “schmaltz/fat to use in the matzo ball recipe. Leave some in the soup for flavor.

Fluffy Matzoh Balls

▶Makes about 10 1½” inch matzo balls

Ingredients:

● 1 cup Matzo Meal (gluten-free matzo meal available too)

● 4 large eggs

● ¼ cup oil, melted margarine or chicken schmaltz

● ¼ cup water or plain seltzer (seltzer/club soda a great choice for fluffiness)

● 1 tsp salt or to taste

● Pinch of ground pepper

Method:

Beat eggs. Add water, oil/margarine, or schmaltz. Mix well. Add matzo

meal and stir thoroughly but do not overwork—that leads to hard matzo balls. Refrigerate for ½ hour to 1 hour.

Partially fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil

Moisten clean hands/palms with cold water.

Form mixture into balls about 1” in diameter. Drop balls into the boiling water. Once all of the balls are in the pot, reduce heat to low. Simmer covered for about 30 minutes. Don’t

overcook. Remove with slotted spoon and drop directly into the soup or freeze.

To Freeze Matzo Balls: Anything right off the stove is always better, but when feeding a crowd and time is of the essence, matzo balls actually freeze well and retain their flavor and texture.

Cool matzo balls to room temperature after cooking. Line a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper, place the matzo balls on the tray with space between each, cover with silver foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for two hours until they get firm. Place in an airtight container and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator the day before and heat gently in the soup before serving.

The Crowning Glory: Easy Homemade Farfel (roasted crushed matzo for soup) Farfel is the Yiddish word for a small pellet or flake shaped pasta, but during Passover no wheat, barley, rye, spelt or oats are used, so Passover farfel is made of crushed matzo, egg yolks and salt. This easy-to-make, 4-ingredient addition to the soup course puts it over the top. Everyone loves passing a bowl of homemade farfel around

to add even more flavor and a little crunch to the matzo ball soup.

Easy Baked Farfel

▶Serves 12

● 3 cups matzo farfel (buy a box in the Passover section of the supermarket or crush your own matzos)

● 1 egg (whole)

● 3 egg yolks

● 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

● 5 T canola oil

Mix eggs, salt oil and farfel together. (Yolks are used primarily because whites can make the mixture gloppy and not as crunchy). Spread out flat on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until farfel begins to turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Break apart farfel with a spatula, turn and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so. Once nicely browned, break into bite-size pieces and store in an airtight container. People love to much on any leftover farfel as they breeze in and out of the kitchen during Passover. Makes a great snack.

Lisa is an advertising copywriter, journalist, and columnist. She is a year ‘round Ventnor resident and her claim to fame is that she was a Lou’s waitress for four summers. She can be reached at redshoeslzs@gmail.com.

Matzo Balls ready to wrap as is, pop in the freezer for a few hours right on the cookie sheet, bag, and store for the seder.

‘Miss Angie’ collecting rain boots for AC kids in need

By Gabriella Bancheri

You may have seen her on a chaise longue on a giant building on Route 30, or maybe you’ve spotted her at a local bar or music venue belting out a tune. Either way, Angela Burton is an Atlantic City icon who has appeared in a plethora of South Jersey corners.

Discovered in front of Atlantic City’s Club Harlem at the age of 5, Burton was singing professionally before she could spell the word professionally. And while she may have found her voice singing in church, she has never sung professionally in one.

She was discovered by the late Harold Melvin and eventually sang in the same shows as artists like Blue Magic and Phyllis Hyman. Today, there isn’t a spot in Atlantic City where Burton hasn’t sung.

She has been surrounded by music since she was young. Burton’s father played guitar, and her godfather was the one and only jazz drummer, Chris Columbo. You could say music is in her DNA.

Where will YOU be when Disaster Strikes?

In June Burton will be performing at the North to Shore Festival in Atlantic City, and she is currently working with an agent to book a show at one of AC’s casino venues. In previous years, Burton has taken her talent worldwide, singing for US troops from Asia to South America, but she always finds her way back home to Atlantic City where she has turned to fund-raising initiatives for local kids.

Consider becoming a volunteer Atlantic County Disaster Response Crisis Counselor to assist individuals and communities in their time of need.

No clinical background is required. Receive 22 hours of state-certified training to help educate, support and inform those impacted.

Be part of the Emergency Response Network for natural disasters, pandemics, bioterrorism, weather-related emergencies and more.

Call 609-645-7700 ext. 4519 to learn more.

Burton also gives back to her community as a crossing guard, which she is particularly proud of. In her work, it touches her heart to see so many children without rain boots. So Burton came up with another way to give back to her beloved community.

With the help of donations, Burton acquires rain boots and contacts local schools to inform them when and where she will be giving them away, giving children who might benefit from them a chance to shield their socks from the April showers up ahead.

Cathy Burke, owner of the Irish Pub in Atlantic City, allows Burton to give the shoes away at her location on St. James Place. Kelsey Jackson and his wife Kim, owners of Kelsey’s just down the street from the Pub, also allow Burton to use their space for giveaways.

Some recent donors include Bloom Realty Insurance, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Councilwoman Stephanie Marshall, but Burton is still in need of donations to meet her mark. Usually there are about three pop-ups a year for rain boot giveaways. This year, however, there has only been one giveaway event so far.

If you’d like to participate in

Burton’s work and donate boots, sizes 2-6 are still needed. They can be sent directly to Burton. Financial donations are accepted as well, which Burton uses to source the boots herself.

Boots can be sent to Creative Multi Media, PO Box 1678, Atlantic City, NJ 08404. Make cash donations via check to Creative Multi Media.

As the singer says, “All the kids in Atlantic City know Miss Angie in some kind of way.” Whether she’s singing, safeguarding pedestrians, or collecting rain boots for local kids, Angela Burton is a star on and off the stage.

People may know her name across the globe, but not everyone gets a chance to speak to her, which is where Burton’s light really shines. Aside from her beautiful voice and her philanthropic nature, my favorite thing about her is that she talks to you as if she’s known you her whole life. She talks to you like you’re family.

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.

At Reich Asset Management, we help you have an enjoyable retirement. You’ve worked a lifetime to get to retirement. Our Enjoyable Retirement SolutionTM utilizes tax efficient, cost effective strategies to help find the right investments for you. Together we build a financial plan that fits your life goals.

Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County returns May 30

“Seas the Day” and join us at The Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina

The Arc of Atlantic County will host its signature fundraising event, Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County, on Thursday, May 30 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on The Deck at The Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel and Marina in Atlantic City.

The celebration brings together friends, supporters, and community partners for an unforgettable evening overlooking the Frank S. Farley Marina, while raising awareness and funds for programs and services benefitting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Event highlights include live entertainment and dancing, chef-inspired menu options, wine and signature cocktail stations courtesy of Allied Beverage Group, a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, and prize raffles.

Tickets for Celebrate! are $75 per person and can be purchased at thearcatlantic.org or by calling 609.485.0800 x 141. Sponsorship opportunities are also available,

including robust print and electronic advertisements.

Supporters also have the option to Sponsor a Guest at $75 each. This gift gives an individual receiving services from The Arc the opportunity to enjoy a special evening with friends, family, and their community.

family respite for more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living throughout Southern New Jersey.

Proceeds from the event fund intensive case management services, sports & recreation programs, and

“The Golden Nugget is honored to host Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County,” said Kevin Scull, Assistant GM and VP of Resort Operations and Honorary Chairman. “We’re excited to create another memorable experience for our guests as we empower and support

the individuals and families supported by The Arc.”

For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Mary Ruley Moyer, Director of Development and Community Outreach at 609.485.0800 x 135 or mmoyer@thearcatlantic.org.

Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County is made possible by the generous support of our donors and sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina; Gold Sponsors: TD Bank; Silver Sponsors: HH Benefits; NJM Insurance Group, ShopRite, T.N. Ward Company; The Wawa Foundation; Bronze Sponsors: Holman Frenia Allison, PC, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors (HFA); JB Heating and Air Conditioning; Viking Yacht Company; Business Listing Sponsors: Glenn Insurance; Beverage Sponsor: Allied Beverage; Media Sponsors: Shore Local Newsmagazine.

S PADAFORA’S

Juried Photography Show comes to the Gallery at Ocean City Arts Center

The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center springs forward with its “Annual Juried Photography Show”. Opening April 2, the show runs through April 30.

A “Meet the Artists” reception will be held on Friday, April 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Gallery is located in the Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Ocean City, NJ.

This year there is an exciting twist, a theme: “Glass”! The photographers, who are some of the finest in the Delaware Valley, were given the challenge to create something specific using glass as a theme. Their previous entries, scenes of the beachscape, animal life, and the environment in all its facets, are beyond comparison. The theme was made to be as broad as possible and glass lends itself to many iterations. Prizes are awarded for Best in Show, 2nd and 3rd Place, 2 Honorable Mentions and the President’s Award. This year’s judges are noted area photographers, Jacqui Robinson, David Griffin and Frank Smith. The photographers whose works have been

selected for the show have produced a myriad of exciting and beautiful interpretations.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Arts Center is closed on Sundays. For further information, call (609) 3997628. Check out the Ocean City Arts Center on Facebook and Instagram. This program is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Salute to Working Women set for April 24

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce announces that Melissa Brown, owner of Brown’s Restaurant on St. Charles Place and the Boardwalk, will receive the 2024 Salute to Working Women Award and will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on April 24 at the Ocean City Yacht Club. The award recognizes women in business for their outstanding professional and personal achievements.

“We are very happy to honor Melissa as our 2024 Salute to Working Women,” says Michele Gillian, Executive Director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “She has a passion for serving her customers and the Ocean City community. We are lucky to have her involved in our community. She certainly is deserving of this honor.”

standing contributions to Ocean City. Serving as a school resource officer, Detective Elias has demonstrated exceptional leadership, providing invaluable mentorship, dedication, and kindness to children and the wider community. Her unwavering commitment to service has significantly benefited all those she has interacted with, making her a deserving recipient of this recognition.

The luncheon will honor all working women at home or in the workforce on Wednesday, April 24 at noon at the Ocean City Yacht Club. The luncheon is open to the public and is $40 per person. For more information, to make a reservation, or to place a congratulatory ad in the program book, please contact the Chamber office at 609-399-1412 or email us at info@oceancitychamber.com

Melissa Brown has been at Brown’s Restaurant since 1995, infusing it with her passion for culinary excellence and community engagement. Born and raised in Upper Saddle River, NJ, Melissa’s journey into the hospitality industry began after she graduated from Northern Highlands Regional High School. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, in 1992.

After completing her studies, Melissa embarked on a career with the Sheraton Corporation in North Carolina, where she met her husband Jim Brown. Together, they made the decision to relocate to Ocean City, NJ in 1995, where Melissa continued to thrive in the hospitality sector. Her dedication to the community extended to her role as Marketing Director for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce until she embraced the joy of motherhood, welcoming four children: Hailey, Cynthia, James, and Paige.

Despite her family commitments, Melissa’s passion for Brown’s Restaurant never waned, prompting her return to the establishment for the remainder of her career. The Brown family has always been deeply committed to supporting local charities and City special events such as First Night and other community initiatives, underscoring their dedication to giving back and enriching the lives of others.

Detective Jennifer Elias of the Ocean City Police Department will be honored with the Community Service Award, acknowledging her out-

Earth is tilted! Good or bad?

By Bill Quain

Last week, my column was titled “The Worst Kind of March Madness.” It described my frustration with the crazy up-and-down weather we were experiencing. It was a follow-up to my earlier column, “Is There a Name for That,” where I described how I feel when it’s not quite winter and not quite spring. I didn’t know what to call that. Well, I recently received an email from one of my readers, Sara Rose. Sara and her friend John Burke had an answer for me! She reminded me that this time of year is when we experience the “vernal equinox.” Sara’s email sent me on a quest. I thought to myself “That’s right! But why do we have an equinox? Is it the same as a solstice?”

Equinox vs. solstice, What’s the difference?

Like most people, I sort of knew about solstices and equinoxes. An equinox is when we have an equal number of daylight and darkness hours. That’s 12 hours for each, in case your math is slow. The vernal equinox starts the spring season, and the autumnal equinox starts the fall season. On the other hand, a solstice occurs at the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter. The summer solstice is the day with the most sunlight hours, and the winter solstice is the day with the least sunlight hours. Where did I get all this wonderful information? YouTube, of course!

Earth is tilted: good or bad? Now, let’s get back to the original “six words on a boardwalk bench” for this week. It turns out that the earth is lying partway on its side. This is what causes the seasons. You know the seasons: fishing season, baseball season, holiday season, etc. As the earth travels around the sun, its tilted position exposes different hemispheres to warmer or colder weather. Except for this year, when it seems the cold weather will never leave! And because of the tilt, the northern hemisphere has winter starting on Dec. 21, while the south -

ern hemisphere has winter starting on June 21.

Everyone knows that having cold weather in the wintertime and hot weather in the summertime is the only right way to do it. YouTube told me that New Year’s celebrations in Australia are marked by “summer fun.” Look, everyone loves the Australians, but really? Hopefully, their shopping mall Santas have air conditioning!

Let’s complicate things! Daylight Savings Time

In 1895, life was apparently not complicated enough, so George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand postal worker and amateur entomologist, proposed daylight savings time for two reasons. First, he thought it would save energy, and second, he wanted to be able to collect butterflies later in the day. However, the idea did not really catch on until Germany became the first nation to adopt daylight savings time in 1916. They wanted to save energy and improve their war effort in World War I.

That didn’t work out so well for the Germans. It’s possible that we should have taken that as a sign, and never let daylight savings time spread. Now, besides racing to the top and bottom of each solstice, and watching for

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK

BENCH by Bill Quain

the tipping point of each equinox, we have to move our clocks forward and backward for no good reason. Studies have shown that we really don’t save much electricity, especially now that the world is so interconnected and hooked up to electronics. In addition, it turns out that our internal clocks, those leftover vestiges of our more primordial selves, are supposed to be sent to the natural rhythm of the earth and the sun. Giving us more daylight at the end of the day actually hurts our sleeping patterns. All I can say is enough is enough! It's no wonder that I am uneasy so much of the time! Thank heavens for my iPhone. At least it adjusts the time by itself.

My guide dog Trudy still has her internal clock. She gets very confused when we go from daylight

savings time to standard time, and vice versa. It’s not so bad in the spring when we “spring forward.” The clock on the wall says it’s 5 o’clock, but her internal clock says it’s 4 o’clock. Then here I come, bringing her dinner an hour early, at least in her mind. The worst is in the fall when we “fall back.” She thinks it should be supper time, 5 o’clock, but the clock says it’s only 4 o’clock. You should see the nasty stares she gives me. Of course, I’m blind, and she is a guide dog so nasty stares aren’t really a problem for me. It will

be that way for only about a week, while she slowly gets adjusted to the new schedule.

Readers: Keep those emails coming in!

So, thanks again to Sara Rose and her friend John Burke for reminding me about the vernal equinox, and for helping me to spin a new column. I appreciate all my readers, no matter what time of year it is.

As we tiptoe into summer, I’ll keep up these musings in my “Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench” columns. You can always email me at bill@quain. com. Visit my website, www. billquain.com to learn more about me, my writing, and my speaking engagements. Stop me on the boardwalk

when I’m there with my guide dog, Trudy. 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.

What’s happening in Ocean City

OC CON 2024 and Girls Weekend return to Ocean City

Two major annual events this weekend will kick off the April calendar of family fun for Ocean City in 2024: the OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival and Girls Weekend.

Now in its eighth year, the OC CON FESTIVAL returns to the Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and April 7. General admission to the show is free, and free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

The event features meet-the-artist sessions, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 6), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 7).

Featured artists include Tony DiGerolamo (“The Simpsons” and “Bart Simpson” comic books), Bob Petrecca (Marvel Comics), Luke Petrecca (Upper Deck and the Dear Hunter) and Neil Vokes (American Mythology Comics), among many others. Two stars from the 1982 movie classic “Annie” – Toni Ann Gisondi (Molly) and Roseanne Sorrentino (Pepper) –

will make appearances.

Another highlight is the annual 1-mile “Super Hero Run” on the Boardwalk (9 a.m. Saturday) and more Super Hero running events (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Sign up for either or both events at the Music Pier starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Pre-registration is available online at ocnj.us/ race-events.

Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all artists and scheduled events for OC CON. The event is sponsored by the Ocean City

Free Public Library and the City of Ocean City.

The annual Fashion Show will open Girls Weekend on April 5, and the celebration will continue through Sunday, April 7 with shopping and dining specials, and activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.

The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return to the Ocean City Yacht Club (100 Bay Road), on Friday, April 5, 2024, and tickets are on sale now. The

annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments. Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, prizes, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses at facebook.

From best-selling books to movies, and from workshops to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library offers resources and events that will put you on cloud 9.

com/DowntownOCNJ or by calling 609-399-1412.

One new feature will be a Dance Showcase with performances from eight local dance studios from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (April 7) at Mark Soifer Park (901 Asbury Avenue).

Tickets for the Fashion Show are $35 each and available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to make your purchase.

MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY

April 13 – Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps: All organizations and families are encouraged to partici -

pate in an annual statewide event to help keep our beaches clean and safe and to protect our coastal environment. Volunteers are sought for the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Check in and pick up supplies at the Ocean City Music Pier before the event.

April 13 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy-themed parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Parade starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 12th Street, and then moves up to the Boardwalk, ending at Sixth and Boardwalk. Philadelphia Flyers legend Brian Propp will be grand marshal and be available for photographs and autographs for an hour after the parade at the Music Pier. Dietz & Watson returns as the event sponsor.

April 20 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Sales and special guests at the Ocean City Music Pier.

April 27 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: See artwork on display

Friday - Sunday APRIL 5-7

Asbury Avenue between 6th & 14th Streets

sales, specials & demos

April 5, 7pm

Ocean City Yacht Club

100 Bay Road

Doors open at 6:30pm

Lite Fare and Refreshments

$35 per person

Limited seating.

April 7, 11am-3pm

Soifer Park 901 Asbury Avenue

Four Atlantic City Community Development Corporations Each

Receive $1 Million Grants for Neighborhood Revitalization Efforts

Four Atlantic City Community Development Corporations (CDC) each received $1,000,000 in Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC) funds from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs, it was announced on Thursday, March 28, to improve commercial businesses and their facades, offer housing rehabilitation grants, clean and safe initiatives, community programs, outreach and education, and career training.

The four nonprofit entities and their respective projects to receive funding are the Atlantic City Development Corporation’s (ACDEVCO) Chelsea Neighborhood Plan 2024 project, the Atlantic County Economic Alliance and Ducktown CDC’s Revitalize Ducktown project, the AtlantiCare Foundation’s Midtown in Motion Revitalization Plan and Atlantic Cape Community College’s Inlet Community Development Corporation’s Atlantic City Inlet NOW! project.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. is excited and hopeful for the citywide benefits that this funding

will bring to the city and its residents.

“Our neighborhoods now have the resources at their disposal to do things they may not have been able to do in the past, like housing rehabilitation and facade improvements,” Small, Sr. said. “As mayor, I will always do everything I can to better improve the lives of our residents, and this funding will go a long way in seeing that goal through, by giving our neighborhoods the necessary tools to succeed and grow.”

State of New Jersey District One Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian feels that the four CDCs are the perfect way to achieve Atlantic City’s goals of improving the quality of life for its residents, businesses and visitors.

“It’s great to see this funding come together. It’s a great fit for Atlantic City because it specifically addresses the needs that are critical to each of the four communities that their respective CDCs represent,” Guardian said. “The CDCs have been successful so far in finding programs that make the most sense in their respective communities, such as improving safety, building parks, creating programs for residents,

helping businesses and first-time home buyers.

The Chelsea Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was established in 2019 to increase economic opportunity in the Chelsea neighborhood of Atlantic City. The EDC’s actions are based on a community-driven, 10-year plan with 44 strategies to strengthen community bonds, improve public safety and housing opportunities, support local businesses, and enhance career training, resident wellness, and recreation.

The Ducktown Neighborhood CDC started as a group of concerned residents and business owners in 2018. In 2019, a planning grant was received from the Wells Fargo Foundation to develop a neighborhood plan and a nonprofit was created in 2020. After a year of meetings with residents and business owners, a neighborhood plan was developed to address economic development, housing, public safety and beautification opportunities.

In 2022, the Ducktown CDC partnered with the Atlantic County Economic Alliance as a fiscal sponsor for the New Jersey Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Grant. Through that partnership, an updated neighborhood plan was created. The mission of the CDC is to enhance the quality of life in the Ducktown neighborhood for residents and businesses, plan for the future well-being of its diverse communities, and balance the physical, economic, and social needs of neighborhood residents.

The Ducktown CDC is committed to:

● Improving neighborhood housing stock by providing grants to low-income families, rehabilitating the interiors of eight homes, rebuilding the facades of six existing homes through grants valued at $9,000 each and razing three abandoned homes.

● Providing microgrants worth $8,000 each to five neighborhood small businesses to encourage growth and sustainability; workshops with business experts; replace four existing business facades through grants with $14,000 each; and create two murals.

● Installing 18 concrete planters in front of neighborhood businesses, four welcome signs, wayfinding signage directing residents and visitors to 10 historic and cultural locations, and installing 50 light posts._

The AtlantiCare Foundation’s Midtown in Motion Program is committed to:

● Continuing its neighborhood beautification efforts through expanded planter installations, street side gardening projects, unique wayfinding signage and murals.

● Supporting local businesses by offering grants up to $5,000 for commercial facade repairs, minor infrastructure investments and security enhancements.

● Reviving the historically-significant Midtown arts and culture scene with festivals, concerts, dancing and fitness classes in the neighborhood’s three outdoor parks.

● Rehabilitating existing housing by offering grants of up to $25,000 to current homeowners to complete necessary repairs.

Meanwhile, the AtlantiCare Foundation is planning to, either through partnerships or direct involvement, rehabilitate existing unoccupied housing units in the neighborhood.

● Mobilizing an outreach and educational team to ensure that neighborhood residents are knowledgeable and aware of the community resources that are available to them at all times.

The Inlet CDC is committed to: Housing rehabilitation by improving 10 existing homes so they meet current code enforcement requirements and Energy Star standards.

A commercial rehabilitation and facade improvement program, overseen by the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), to provide funds for local businesses in need of a “facelift” to make the Inlet commercial corridor vibrant for its residents and visitors.

Homeownership Education and Assistance Program to provide educational and financial support for Inlet homeowners to maintain and sustain their homes.

An Inlet-resident-led committee, with support from the Inlet CDC and ACIA, to oversee the issuing of five grants to Inlet businesses and microenterprises (a business with five or fewer employees) to help them purchase equipment, get business plan/development training and retail space improvements.

Park and streetscape improvements, expanded arts and community programming events, Inlet marketing initiatives, clean and safe initiative and a full-time staff to help oversee the Inlet CDC itself.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

Get ready to discover the coolest happenings around town. Don’t miss the fun, grab your tickets in advance and be a part of the action. Show some love to your local venues and let’s make our section of the Jersey Shore shine. Oh, and remember to hashtag #gotowhitney, #thecitypulse and #shorelocal in your epic photos and videos.

What: OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show

Where: Ocean City Music Pier

When: Saturday, April 6 & Sunday, April 7

Times: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Website: www. ocnjcon.com

Free admission plus there’s an OC Con Super Hero Run and Super Hero Obstacle Dash on Saturday at 9 a.m. Start on the Boardwalk in front of the Music Pier. Registration and information at www.ocnj.us/race-events.

Who: Anna Lapwood

Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

When: Friday, April 5

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.boardwalkorgans.org

Hailed as “the world’s most visible organist” by The New York Times, Anna Lapwood is an organist, conductor and broadcaster, and holds the position of director of music at Pembroke College (Cambridge), associate artist of the Royal Albert Hall (London) and artist

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

in association with the BBC Singers. Limited tickets are also available for a meet-the-artist dessert reception following the concert in the Adrian Phillips Theatre where Anna will play several selections on the 1930, 4 manual/55 rank W. W. Kimball organ.

Who: Molly Ringworm

Where: Anchor Rock Club

When: Friday, April 5

Time: 7:45 p.m.

Website: www.anchorrockclub.com

What: Comedy at Firewaters

Where: Firewaters Saloon, Tropicana

Atlantic City

When: Every Monday & Friday

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.eventbrite.com

Comedian and producer Matt Bridgestone presents comedy at the Tropicana Casino every Monday and Friday at Firewaters Saloon. Firewaters’ unique setting brings a rowdy, Texas style bar to the Jersey Shore. It

Experience the raw energy and infectious melodies of Molly Ringworm as they take the stage for a night of unforgettable punk rock at Anchor Rock Club. You don’t want to miss Polaroid Fade, Kennedy Shaw, and Hotel Shmotel either. There is also a dinner and a show collab between Anchor Rock Club and Cardinal Restaurant, so show your ARC ticket for $10 off dinner at Cardinal. Show your Cardinal receipt for $2 off at the ARC bar.

is located in the marketplace section of the Tropicana, just down the hall from Hooters. Must be 21. No drink minimum, but they do have a full bar and food menu.

What: Lit in AC

Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/lit-in-ac-2

Lit in AC features a star-studded lineup that includes Remy Ma, Rick Ross, Jeezy and more.

Who: Sessanta: Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/puscifer-perfect-circle-and-primus

Get ready for a night of unparalleled musical brilliance as Sessanta presents a one-of-a-kind concert featuring the legendary bands Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle.

Who: Best of the Eagles

Where: Tropicana Atlantic City

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac/shows

Best of the Eagles is coming to Tropicana Showroom performing the band’s greatest hits from the ’70s, ’80s and beyond.

for your dogs to be able to run around and play.

Who: 50 Cent

Where: Harrah’s The Pool After Dark

What: Dog Day

Where: Renault Winery

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: Noon

Website: www.renaultwinery.com/ events/dog-day

Come to Renault Winery with your furry friends on April 6 to enjoy the first Dog Day of 2024. Renault will be set up for a day full of food, wine, and fun for both you and your dogs and will also have an unleashed zone

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: www.harrahspoolac.com/ event/50-cent-at-the-pool-afterdark-97986

Dive into the heart of Atlantic City nightlife and experience an exclusive evening with the legendary 50 Cent, an American rapper, actor, television producer, and businessman known for his impact on the music industry and his remarkable journey from

the streets to the top of the charts.

What: April Fools Half Marathon & 8K

Where: 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City

When: Saturday, April 6; Sunday, April 7

Website: www.acraceseries. com/EventInformation

Run New Jersey’s oceanfront half marathon. With over 8 miles of Boardwalk running, the April Fools Half Marathon offers a shared start and finish line and a fast, flat course along the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a spring half marathon, look no further. All race distances include a custom finisher medal and technical shirt.

What: ACTC Atlantic City Theatre

Company Season Kickoff Concert

Where: Claridge Hotel

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.atlanticcitytheatrecompany.com/actc-season-kickoff-concert

Join the Atlantic City Theatre Company and Kick O ff their 2024 season with a one-night-only cabaret style concert. Drinks, live music, and a night of showstoppers featuring the finest artists from New Jersey, New York, Philly and beyond. Get to know the artists and learn a bit about what is planned for the summer. Music directed by Broadway music director Jonathan Rose.

What: Spiegelworld’s ‘The Hook’

Where: Caesars Atlantic City

When: Wednesdays - Sundays

Time: Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 7 & 9 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m.

(and notorious) golden age. Set inside the spectacularly restored Warner Theater, “The Hook” is live entertainment like you’ve never seen it: uproariously funny, irresistibly sexy, and full of jaw-dropping acrobatics that unfold right before your eyes –literally.

What: Primal Men Male Revue

Where: Kiss Kiss Nightclub

When: Saturday nights

Time: 7-10 p.m.

Website: www.primalmen.com

Prepare to live out your wildest fantasies as the Primal Men Male Revue shows you the true nature of male entertainment with a tantalizing, sexy and energetic show. Tickets include admission to Kiss Kiss Nightclub after the show.

What: Motown Forever

Where: Borgata’s The Music Box

When: Sundays through April 28

Time: 4 p.m.

Website: www.borgata.mgmresorts. com/en/entertainment/the-musicbox/motown-forever.html

Motown Forever is a Motown Tribute show featuring a highly talented cast of singers, dancers, and musicians. Performing the greatest hits from The Temptations, The Jacksons, and many more, this show creates a true celebration live on stage. You'll see it, hear it and feel it all at Borgata’s Music Box.

Website: www.spiegelworld.com/ shows/the-hook/ Past, present and a whole lot more collide at “The Hook,” an adults-only homage to Atlantic City’s glorious

Cardinal Restaurant, Anchor Rock Club offer dinner and a show collaboration

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Cardinal/Anchor Collab:

When we learned that Cardinal Restaurant had joined together for an interesting promotion with their neighbors, Anchor Rock Club, Tune In Turn On just had to investigate the collaboration the two entities are calling “Dinner & A Show.”

Opened on New York Avenue in 2023, Cardinal is one of Atlantic City’s finest new restaurants, and Anchor is AC’s premiere home for indie rock music and perhaps our favorite non-casino live music venue.

“We were thrilled when (Anchor Rock Club (talent buyer and production manager) Greg (Mungan) invited us to partner on ‘Dinner & A Show,’ Michael Brennan, Cardinal’s owner and exec-

utive chef, told us recently via email. “The collaboration is an opportunity to introduce Cardinal guests to Anchor Rock Club, and vice versa, while creating something unique and fun in the Orange Loop.

“Guests can enjoy Cardinal relaxed atmosphere and New American menu before heading to rock out at Anchor Rock Club,” Brennan continued. “On Dinner & A Show nights, guests who dine at Cardinal before heading to Anchor Rock Club will receive $10 off their meal by showing their (Anchor Rock Club) ticket. At Anchor Rock Club, they will get $2 off drinks by showing their (Cardinal Restaurant) dining receipt.”

Brennan said there are four Dinner & A Show promotions scheduled between the two entities: Gimme Gimme Disco on March 30 (the first collaboration which took place last weekend); Friday, April 5, for the Anchor’s Molly Ringworm show; Friday, April 19, when Tommy Stinson, (pictured above), from legendary indie rockers The Replacements, makes a solo

appearance at Anchor; and Thursday, April 25, for Anchor’s All You Can Eat, A Comedy Showcase.

We love that these two New York Avenue businesses within a stone’s throw of each other have bonded together for this clever promotion., We hope it’s so successful that it becomes a permanent thing. Incidentally, there’s free parking on New York Avenue for patrons dining at Cardinal Restaurant.

M A H I M A H I R U E B E N 1 8 b l a c k e n e d m a h i o n g r i l l e d r y e w i t h R u s s i a n d r e s s i n g s a u r k r a u t a n d S w i s s c h e e s e & s i d e c o l e s l a w

S T U F F E D S H R I M P 2 5

c r a b s t u ff e d s h r i m p w i t h m a s h e d p o t a t o & g r i l l e d a s p a r a g u s

S

For more info about Dinner & A Show, log onto www.cardinal-ac.com and/or www.anchorrockclub.com.

Sessanta Tour at Hard Rock Casino This Weekend: Fans of hard rockers Tool will be descending on the Mark Etess Arena inside AC’s Hard Rock Casino this Saturday, April 6, as the seminal group’s vocalist, Maynard James Keenan, celebrates his 60th birthday with the one-time only Sessanta Tour featuring the groups A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and Primus. Keenan will sing vocals that night for A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, both of which he is a member as well.

u

“The concept is a nod back to what was an L.A.-only celebration of (Keenan’s) 50th (birthday),” states a press release we received from the band’s management. “What’s really unique about this tour is that the bands will morph throughout the evening, with members of Primus joining APC, Maynard joining Primus, and so on. Each band will have a set devoted to their own performance, and it will rotate with members coming on and off – no openers, no headliners.”

Tune In Turn On will be in attendance for this one on Saturday night so look for our review in these pages soon. Hard Rock Casino/tickets: www.hardrockhotelatlantic.com.

ACTC Season Kickoff Concert at The Claridge: One of the truly fun parts of my job is the people we meet, and the folks at Atlantic City Theatre Company couldn’t be nicer. They’ll have their Season Kickoff Concert at The Claridge this Saturday, April 6, with a cabaret-style concert featuring 11 talented performers from our Tri-State area. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets/info: www.atlanticcitytheatrecompany.com.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com and www.facebook. com/dougdeutschpublicity.

On Friday, April 19, Tommy Stinson from indie rockers The Replacements will make a solo appearance at Anchor Club. Photo by Karla Rose

AC Walking Tours Expand to Surrounding Communities in 2024

The popular AC Walking Tours are back and bigger than ever in 2024 with new tours and expansion into neighborhoods around Atlantic City.

The spring tours will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays in May. Summer tours will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on consecutive Fridays in July. Fall tours will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays in October. All are sponsored by Stockton University’s Office of Continuing Studies and Adult Education (OCSAE).

“These fun adventures across the greater Atlantic City area provide interactive experiences in a two-hour guided tour,” said OCSAE Assistant Director Diane Strelczyk. “Our tours are designed to highlight the beauty, history and humanity of Atlantic City. Each neighborhood features a rich history and a present-day vibe. Our goal is to showcase all the interesting people, places and events Atlantic City has held, currently features and hopes to achieve.”

The tours are researched, designed and led by historian Levi Fox, an assistant professor of History at Immaculata University and former adjunct professor at Stockton.

The spring lineup begins on May 4 with Lower Chelsea, followed by Nucky’s Empire on May 11, Margate’s “The Lucy Loop” on May 18 and Historic Somers Point on May 25.

The summer lineup focuses exclusively on Atlantic City neighborhoods starting on July 5 in Upper Chelsea, followed by Ducktown Revitalization on July 12, the North Inlet and Bungalow Park on July 19 and South Inlet’s “To the Lighthouse” on July 26.

The fall lineup starts in downtown Ocean City on Oct. 5 and then moves to Atlantic City for Northside Heritage on Oct. 12, Louisa Mack’s LGBTQ+ on Oct. 19 and the History of Gaming on Oct. 26.

Strelczyk said the office is excited to offer two new Atlantic City tours: Nucky’s Empire and North Inlet and Bungalow Park. Fox will be dressed in character as infamous Atlantic City boss Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, while the North Inlet tour will discuss the historic impact of Bungalow Park and Gardner’s Basin.

“As we integrate these new tours with standard favorites, such as the Lower Chelsea and Ducktown Revitalization tours, we know everyone will get their steps in this year,” she said.

All tours are $15 per person, per tour. Participants are encouraged to

bring their walking shoes, sunscreen and a water bottle, as each tour will cover two to three miles of parks, city streets and the boardwalks. Select tours will also include tours of popular local attractions like Lucy the

SPRING SPECIALS

For more information and to register, visit www.stockton.edu/continuing-studies/ac_walkingtours.html.

The Ducktown Community Development Corporation, the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation and Lucy the Elephant are co-sponsors of the walking tours.

8 OZ PRIME TOP SIRLOIN

STEAK SCAMPI 25

over grilled asparagus and mashed potato topped with three jumbo shrimp

6 OZ WAGYU SKIRT STEAK

WITH GRILLED SCALLOPS 25

over grillled asparagus and mashed potato

FISH & CHIPS 22

breaded cod served with French fries and cole slaw

STUFFED FLOUNDER 25

served with grilled asparagus and mashed potato

APPS ALA CARTE

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS 12

tossed in a sweet Thai chili sauce and a side of chipotle ranch

BUFFALO CHICKEN BITES 10

served with Bleu cheese

COCONUT SHRIMP POPPERS 9

in a sweet Thai chili sauce

Elephant, the Absecon Lighthouse, the Noyes Arts Garage, the Margate Historical Society and the 4th Street Life Saving Station in Ocean City.

The incredible wines of Northern Spain

By David Setley

To those who know me, it likely won’t be a surprise to learn that the wines of the Iberian Peninsula – Spain and Portugal – are among my favorites. In fact, these are arguably some of the best wines in the world! In previous articles, I have addressed Spain’s more well-known regions. This week, let’s look at a few lesser-known wine regions and the outstanding varietals they produce. So please, pour a glass and allow me to introduce you to the wines of the Basque Country, Navarra, and Castilla y Leon.

The Basque Country wine region is in north-central Spain around the city of Bilbao. The Basque people trace their ancestry to ancient Neolithic farming tribes who inhabited the area long before the Romans arrived. In fact, they are considered the oldest existing culture, not only on the Iberi -

an Peninsula, but possibly in all of Europe. Their language is believed to be the most ancient, distinct dialect in Europe. The region is divided into three subregions: Bizkaiko Txakolina, Getariako Txakolina, and Arabako Txakolina (say those three times fast!). “Txakolina” translates to “village” in the Basque language but is also the name for a style of wine produced there.

The Basque Country wine region produces crisp, zesty, slightly dry, and slightly effervescent Txakoli wines (pronounced like the start of chocolate, but say choc-o-lee). They are primarily made from Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza grapes and come in both white and rosé styles that are fabulous for summer. Txakoli wines have notably high levels of minerality and are relatively low in alcohol, typically 10-11%. Many of the vineyards are located directly on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in a slightly salty minerality. The region is a cool, wet area, giving the grapes a short growing season that prevents them from achieving a high level of maturity, resulting in wines

that tend to be highly acidic. Think of Txakoli wine as a less fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc. They pair wonderfully with fresh seafood. Interestingly, 80% of Txakoli wines produced in the Basque Country are consumed there. Clearly, what happens in the Basque Country, largely stays in the Basque Country! But let’s take advantage of that 20%. An excellent, and very reasonably priced example of this wine is Antxiola-Txakolina Getariako from the Getariako Txakolina subregion. Don’t let unfamiliarity with the varietal deter you. You may find a new favorite.

Another lesser-known wine region of Northern Spain is Navarra, located at the western end of the Pyrenees Mountains. It borders France to the north, the Basque Country to the west, and Aragón to the east. One of the region's most recognized towns is Pamplona, known for its “Running of the Bulls,” made famous in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. Navarra produces outstanding wines made from Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. However, the most respected wines from the region are made from Garnacha grapes. Garnacha wine is dry, bold, and medium-bodied, with soft tannins and an excellent balance of dark fruit and earthiness. Try the Viña Zorzal Malayeto Garnacha, a perfect example of the region’s terroir and made from 100% Garnacha. It is spontaneously fermented with wild yeast and aged for 9 months in French oak barrels. This wine is a perfect charcuterie wine, also pairing well with vegetables, ham, stews, game, paella, and meat dishes.

The last region on this wine tour of Northern Spain is the land-locked region of Castilla y Leon. Bordered by Portugal to the west, Galicia and the Basque Country to the north, La Rioja and Aragon to the east, and Madrid to the south, Castilla y Leon is among the largest wine regions in Spain. Many grapes are produced there, including the red varietals of Tempranillo, Mencia, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon,

and a white grape in the subregion of Rueda, called Verdejo.

Mencia, likely the most unfamiliar of the above list to many of you, is frequently called Spain’s Pinot Noir. The wines produced from this grape are very dry and medium-bodied, with notable acidity and notes of cherry and wild raspberry as well as earthy notes of forest floor and soil. The subregion of Ribera de Duero is home to the winery of Jose Antonio Garcia (sometimes just called JAG) and his wife, Julia Peña García. They are winemaking royalty in this region. Try Jose Antonio Garcia Unculin Tinto Mencia de Valtuille 2020 as an introduction to the Mencia grape. You won’t be disappointed!

For a great example of the Verdejo, try the Oro De Castilla-Verdejo Rueda 2022. This high-altitude wine, produced in a small family winery, ex-

presses the limestone soils of the terrain beautifully through a minerality that brings stone, salinity and chalk to mind. The wine is fresh and crisp with fruit notes of citrus and crisp green apple. It is perfect for salads, seafood, chicken, or vegetable meals.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Northern Spain. If your interest is piqued, I invite you to register for our upcoming Wine Foundations course, beginning April 9. It will be a 3-week adventure, diving deeper into the wines of Spain and Portugal. For more information, visit passionvines. com and click on the Events tab, or contact me at dsetley@passionvines. com. Until next time, “Salud,” and Happy Wining!

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

Let’s Get Cookin’ to benefit Boys & Girls Club

The community is invited to Let's Get Cookin’, a gourmet celebration and a culinary competition to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. The fundraiser will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Showboat Resort, from 6-8 p.m. VIP ticket holders enjoy early entry and access to the VIP lounge at 5 p.m.

Guests will have a chance to sample heirloom recipes and gourmet creations from the area’s best local chefs and most talented amateur chefs. The recipes will be judged on a variety of criteria. Attendees will receive a bound recipe book as a memento of the evening. In addition, there will be a chance to win raffle baskets and bid on auction items, all to support the cause.

Proceeds from Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 will directly contribute to sustaining and expanding the various programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the club empowers youth to build a

brighter future. The event is chaired by Larry Sieg, President and CEO, Meet AC, and Sharon Franz, Sales & Marketing Director, Steel Pier. A committee of professionals are volunteering their time to work with Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club staff to coordinate the event.

Tickets are $100 for general admission and $150 for VIP tickets. For tickets, chef registration, and sponsorship opportunities, visit https:// www.acbgc.org/letsgetcookin/.

Friday, April 5

Anna Lapwood

▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Saturday, April 6

SESSANTA: Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Lit in AC: Rick Ross, Jeezy, and Remy Ma

▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Atlantic City Headliners

The Best of The Eagles

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Sunday, April 7

Motown Forever

▶4 p.m. Music Box at Borgata

Friday, April 12

Carpenters Legacy

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Dean Cole ▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Whose Live Anyway?

▶9 p.m. Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, April 13

Musiq Soulchild & Eric Benet ▶8 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Friday, April 19

This is Important Podcast

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Ben Folds and a Piano Tour

▶9 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, April 20

Cypress Hill, Sublime with Rome, Action Bronson ▶7:30 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Daybreak: The Music & Passion of

Barry Manilow ▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

A Bronx Tale ▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, April 26

Dionne Warwick

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, April 27

John Eddie ▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

The Stylistics ▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Jimmy Carr

▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Robyn Schall

▶8 p.m. Harrah’s Atlantic City

Gary Chaw

▶10 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Friday, May 3

Motley Crue ▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Godsmack ▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Todd Rundgren ▶9 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, May 4

Motley Crue ▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

The Black Crowes

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

A.J. Croce presents Croce Plays Croce

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Sunday, May 5

Victor Manuelle

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Friday, May 10

Kelly Clarkson

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Saturday, May 11

Kelly Clarkson

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Mother’s Day Music Festival w/ Kem, SWV, Dru Hill, Silk ▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Ms. Pat ▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day Music Festival

w/ The Legendary Blue Notes, Blue Magic, The Jones Girls, The Intruders ▶6 p.m.

▶Fri. Aug. 16, 8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Kesha Wed. July 3, 9 p.m.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, April 4

Atlantic City

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Gabor Kiss

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

Live Music

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Karaoke Night w. DJ Joe

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Sindi Raymond Band

4 – 7 p.m. Karaoke Hosted by Mike

Dempsey

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Haley & Tim 6 – 8 p.m. 900 Shore Rd.

Queen Jayne’s

Adam Shaber

6 – 9 p.m. 264 New Rd.

Friday, April 5

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Jeremy Oren

6 p.m. Kristina Pruitt

9:15 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Molly Ringworm, Polaroid Fade, Kennedy Shaw, Hotel Shmotel

7:45 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.

Hard Rock Café

Dueling Pianos

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Indelible Groove Duo

7 p.m. Garden State Radio

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Adriana Orsini

6 – 10 p.m. The Deck Band

10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

DJ Skyline

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Live Music

5 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

The Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Glenn Roberts

6 – 9 p.m. DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

Slippery When Wet: Bon Jovi Tribute

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Who Brought the Dog Duo

9:30 p.m. 500 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

Steve Mullary from Atley Moon

7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Millville

Levoy Theatre

Foreigners Journey

8 p.m. 126-130 N. High St.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Jim Commander

7 – 10 p.m. 1 N. New York Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Bar None Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

The Barbara Lin Band

7:30 p.m. 217 E. Main St.

Saturday, April 6

Atlantic City

9 – 10:30 p.m. 600 Huron Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Freezie

8 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave.

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Rachel Ivy Alex

6 p.m. Kevin Story

9:15 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

90’s Night with DJ David Earl

8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak Lounge

Live Music

5 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Dueling Pianos

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Margaritaville

Smokey Starr

5L30 – 9 p.m. DJ Skyline

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Hive Five Swan Dive Duo

7 p.m. Pulse

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Tommy & The Hot Flashes

5 – 9 p.m. Party Wave

10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Live Music

5 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

The Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Killer B’s.

6 – 9 p.m. DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Philly Will

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Changing Lanes

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 1900 Pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Chris Yoder Trio

6 p.m. Jexxa

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Chris Lax

7:30 p.m. 316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Millville

Levoy Theatre

The The Band Band

8 p.m. 126-130 N. High St.

Northfield

Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club

Ralph Michaels

5:30 – 8:30 p.m 1 Leo Fraser Dr.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Chad Miller

7 – 10 p.m. 1 N. New York Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Haley & Timmy

4 – 7 p.m. Stay Tuned Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Paul & Annie

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, April 7

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Live Jazz

1 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

Kelsey’s

Tony Day & Across the Globe

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

1545 Pacific Ave.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dueling Pianos

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

3AM Tokyo Duo

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Live Music

4 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Margate

Bocca

Bob Starner

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

No Clue Trio

3 – 7 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Music

1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Monday, April 8

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Red

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Tuesday, April 9

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

THURSDAY - APRIL 4

Sindi Raymond Band 4pm-7pm

FRIDAY - APRIL 5

Bar None Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - APRIL 6

Haley & Timmy 4pm-7pm

Stay Tuned Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - APRIL 7

No Clue Trio 3pm-7pm

FRIDAY - APRIL 12

Big Jukebox Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - APRIL 13

Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm

Radio Revolution 8pm-12an

SUNDAY - APRIL 14

Wednesday, April 10

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

Margate

Bocca

Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys

7 – 10 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle

7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

7 – 8:30 p.m. 900 Shore Rd.

Events subject to change.

Enjoy Breakfast with a View!

Now Serving Brunch Sat. Sun. 8am-2pm

Danny Eyer Band 3pm-7pm Now Serving Pizza

450 Bay Avenue, Somers Point

www.carolinesnj.com

609-927-9007

The back story of Chazz Palminteri’s ‘A Bronx Tale’ is quite a tale

By Chuck Darrow

The 1993 film, “A Bronx Tale” tells the story of an 8-yearold boy who is taken under the wing of a Mafia capo and the ensuing battle between the mob boss and the kid’s father for the child’s heart and soul as the years unfold.

That it is based on events in the life of its creator and co-star, Chazz Palminteri, is incredible enough (when he was 8, the veteran character actor did indeed witness a top-ranking gangster murder a rival— an event that sets the plot in motion). But equally fantastic is how “A Bronx Tale” reached the big screen.

Palminteri, who on April 20 brings his tour de force one-man version of the story—in which he plays 18 roles including women-- to Ocean Casino-Resort, was an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles in the 1980s when he realized his experiences as a child formed the basis for a theatrical piece. But right from the jump, he explained, he saw it as a solo endeavor rather than a standard, multi-person production.

“I had this idea that I could write this play, and when I had it in my head, I saw a movie, but I said, ‘I'm gonna write the play and do all the scenes and play all the characters myself,’” he recalled during a recent phone call.

“I knew it was crazy—it had never been done before and it's never been done since, really. I just had this idea that I could do it.”

Palminteri, who turns 72 next month, noted he always saw the piece in cinematic terms. “I had this idea that when I clap my hands, it's like a cut, it's a film cut,” he said. “You go to the other scene, the other scene, the other scene. And I just thought if I could pull it off, it would be the greatest audition for an actor and the greatest pitch for a movie anyone's ever seen.

“And it worked.”

The play—also called “A Bronx Tale”-- caught the attention of the public and critics alike, and created major buzz on the L.A. theater scene. “The reviews came out and they were phenomenal,” continued Palminteri. “And every writer, producer and director in Hollywood wanted to see it.” And that’s when Palminteri’s tale took its first crazy turn.

Initially, he was offered $250,000 for the rights to the work (more than $640,000 in today’s dollars according to the U.S. government’s online inflation calculator)—a phenomenal amount for an unknown actor-writer. But it came with a condition that

money is the lingua Franca of show business, those courting Palminteri assumed he was simply holding out for a higher number. But that, he insisted, was never the case—and which is why a $500,000 offer was also rejected.

“I wanted to write it and play Sonny [the mob boss] because it was my life,” he reasoned. “And again, they wouldn't let me play Sonny. And I said, ‘No.’ I kept doing [the show] and the

crowds kept getting bigger--lines around the block--and I had big executives calling my house: Ray Stark [who produced “Funny Girl”], Jerry Weintraub [“Oh, God!”] and Al Ruddy [“The Godfather” and its sequels]. How they got my home phone number, I have no idea.”

The bidding ultimately reached $1 million, yet it remained an offer Palminteri was able to refuse.

“Again, I said, no. And they got a little upset by that. They said, ‘Well, you realize this movie will never get made.’ And I said, ‘But it will get made.’ And they said, ‘What makes you so sure?’ And I said, ‘Well, it's just too good.’”

According to Palminteri, whose resume also boasts such films as “The Usual Suspects” and “Bullets Over Broadway” and TV series including “Rizzoli & Isles” and “Law & Order SVU,” it wasn’t long before his bold— some at the time probably would have said ridiculous—prediction was validated.

“About two weeks later I did the show. I walked off stage and the stage manager said, ‘Robert De Niro is in your dressing room. He's waiting for you.’ I walked down there, and Bob was sitting there. And he told me, it was the greatest one-man show he'd ever seen. And he said, ‘You did a movie onstage.’

“He was very complimentary and he said, ‘Look, I want to make it [as a movie]. They're gonna come to me eventually anyway, but I'd rather do

it with you.’” Palminteri added that De Niro said, “‘You should play Sonny and you should write the screenplay, 'cause it's your life, and it'll be honest. And I'll play your father and I'll direct it. I'll make it right.’ And I shook his hand and we made a deal.”

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of all about the “Bronx Tale” saga is that De Niro went against show biz tradition by keeping his word and allowing Palminteri to write and co-star in the film. “He was very collaborative through the whole movie,” he said. “He let me be there and give my opinions. It was wonderful. It was probably the greatest artistic

experience I ever had.”

For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.

Oops

In our recent rundown of notable spring headliner engagements, we misstated the date of the Heart concert at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The group is scheduled to play there May 24.

All apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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

Don’t Paws, Just Prance Over to Stockton’s PAC for ‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ on April 13

Nine of the world’s most talented four-legged performers will dance, prance and skip their way into the hearts of the audience during “Mutts Gone Nuts” at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13.

The show takes dogs that were adopted from shelters and rescues and makes them superstars on the stage. The all-star lineup includes Feather, the Guinness world record holder for highest jumping canine; National Champion Frisbee dogs; a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix; and a host of other dogs.

The dogs were trained with positive, force-free training methods by veteran comedy team Scott and Joan Houghton, who performed their duo act “Jessie & James” on a variety of stages from Tokyo to Las Vegas. In 2014, the Houghtons joined forces with some of the country’s top dog trainers, world-class comedian Jonathan Burns and adorable pound puppies to create an action-packed comedy dog spectacular.

Tickets are $25 for the general public; $23 for senior citizens; $22 for Stockton University alumni; $18 for Stockton staff and faculty; $15 for children (12 and under); and $10 for Stockton students. Special pricing for groups of 10 or more people is also available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit stockton.edu/ pac. Tickets also are available at the Stockton Performing Arts Center box office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 90 minutes before showtime. Call 609-6529000.

The connection between gut health, diet and weight

By Dr. LaToya Roberts

You may have heard that what you eat can affect your weight and even your energy levels throughout the day. However, you might not realize the extent to which your diet affects your immune system.

If you ever need convincing how important having a strong immune system is after surviving the pandemic, consider the following. Our immunity is so much more than just fighting against colds and the flu. T-cells, which are the cornerstone of our immune system, are always on alert as the security detail. They roam through the body, checking doors and windows making sure they’re locked, and destroying any intruders before they can cause any significant harm.

70% of the immune system is located in the gut, so it should not be surprising that nutrition plays a key role in modulating a healthy, strong immune system. Immune cells interact with the gut microbiome, the diverse composition of commensal bacteria and fungi that live in the gastrointestinal tract, and are directly influenced by an individual’s diet and lifestyle. The foods we eat affect the diversity and the composition of bacteria in the gut, which will in turn directly affect the immune cells.

Those gut bugs are healthiest and best at supporting strong immunity when you consume plant foods that are high in fiber. A fiber-rich diet is the best way to help support the microbiome, build up those fighter cells, and in doing so, reduce the inflammatory response. So, eat the rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables. Try to fit in at least several servings a day.

Being overweight also affects the immune system. Adipose tissue or fat cells in the body act just like an endocrine organ to secrete hormones

When faced with a serious illness, comfort and quality of life matter most. Our team is focused on quality care and treating each patient with dignity and compassion.

and chemicals into the bloodstream that stimulate inflammation and thereby lower immune function. Fat should be considered a metabolically active endocrine organ that triggers inflammation and inflammation is the root of all evil. No wonder why multiple cancer types coexist with obesity.

Therefore, motivate yourself to fit in 30 minutes of body movement every day. Notice I didn’t say the word exercise. Just move your body more throughout the day! Aim for at least 30 minutes each day of physical activity. You may need to gradually build up to an activity that gets your heart beating faster. However, feel free to break up the 30 minutes into

smaller, doable chunks of physical activity. For example, try breaking your daily activity into 10-minute blocks three times a day.

When you make lifestyle changes a priority and create this healthy habit, you not only reap the mind-body benefits of daily physical activity, but you’re also strengthening and boosting your own immune system. Losing weight can be done for your health and not just for vanity reasons (although there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look a certain way too). So, thank your immune system for all it does for you by implementing more fiber and 30 minutes of body movement every day. You’ll be glad you did!

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.

New Jersey Trim Clinic launches innovative weight loss injections and aesthetics services in Somers Point

New Jersey Trim Clinic, (located at 501 Bay Ave., Suite 201 in Somers Point) is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. Specializing in FDA-approved doctor-guided medical weight loss treatments using Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, the once-weekly subcutaneous weight loss injections are convenient and effective. Often individuals see tangible results in a short period of time. Patients can lose 15-20% of their body

weight on this new sought after medication. This medication has recently been endorsed by famed talk show host Oprah Winfrey which played a significant role in her remarkable weight loss journey.

"We are thrilled to introduce New Jersey Trim Clinic to the community, offering a comprehensive approach to weight loss and aesthetics services that prioritize the health and well-being of our patients," said Dr. Debra Olaru, nurse practitioner at New Jersey Trim Clinic. "Our goal is to provide personalized and effective treatments that deliver real results, helping individuals achieve their weight loss and aesthetic goals with confidence."

In addition to our innovative weight loss program, New Jersey Trim Clinic also offers a range of aesthetics services to help individuals look and feel their best. From Botox and dermal fillers to

testosterone and hormone replacement therapy, as well as B12 injections, our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing topnotch services that enhance our patients' natural beauty and overall well-being.

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at 609-382-Trim or visit us online at NJTrimClinic.com.

To learn more about New Jersey Trim Clinic and to book a consultation for weight loss or aesthetics services, individuals can contact us

About New Jersey Trim Clinic: New Jersey Trim Clinic is a leading provider of innovative weight loss and aesthetics services in Somers Point, New Jersey. Specializing in FDA-approved doctor-guided medical weight loss treatments.

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Holistic therapies in hospice and palliative care

Holistic care extends beyond physical manipulation or pharmaceutical medication, into a person’s environment, emotions, and spiritual health — to achieve an overall sense of health and well-being.

Holistic therapies have been shown to improve quality of life while relieving pain and anxiety — all relevant for palliative care patients with chronic illnesses and those on hospice during their end-of-life journey. Massage therapy, aromatherapy, healing touch, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques are therapies we incorporate. Other therapies include Reiki, pet, music, and art therapy. Patients and families praise these modalities, citing symptom and pain relief, reduced stress and anxiety, and comfort and support.

Massage therapy and healing touch create a calming environment. Sensitive massage of the arms, legs, feet, hands, and back can promote deep relaxation and better sleep. Healing touch is gentle and shown to reduce nausea, respiratory issues, depression, muscular aches, insomnia,

anxiety, skin discomfort, constipation, edema, and stress.

Aromatherapy is another popular holistic approach. Essential oils including lavender, rosemary, and bergamot can promote relaxation, while scents can encourage the recall of pleasant memories.

Guided imagery, pet, art, and music therapy can decrease heart and respiratory rates, control pain and agitation, encourage movement, evoke reminiscence, and reduce feelings of depression and isolation. These modalities are often used for patients with memory loss.

caregiving through simple massage and administering essential oils.

The Journey team’s whole-person approach focuses on the person’s body, mind, and spirit while address-

Families benefit from holistic care when facing difficult decisions and challenges including anxiety and anticipatory grieving. Holistic therapy helps families understand symptom management, employ coping mechanisms, and take part in

ing their environment, emotions, and spiritual well-being — helping people “live” until they are no longer able.

During this time, through hospice or palliative care, quality of life is essential.

Pediatricians Can Help Teens Quit Vaping and Using Tobacco

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and it almost always begins during adolescence. According to leading medical advocates, pediatricians have a role to play in getting kids to quit vaping electronic cigarettes and using other tobacco products.

Ten percent of American students report using tobacco products, according to the FDA. And while there have been declines in the use of cigarettes among adolescents, the popularity of e-cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco and nicotine products is on the rise. Smoking and vaping are both harmful to health, particularly to youth, whose brains are still developing and who are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine dependence.

That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed the Youth Tobacco Cessation Progressive Web App. This new, free clinical decision resource, which can be used on a computer, tablet or offline mobile app, leads physicians through the following steps:

1. Ask: Screen for tobacco use with all youth, during every clinical encounter.

2. Counsel: Advise all youth who use tobacco to quit and have them set a quit date within two weeks.

3. Treat: Link adolescents to behavioral treatment extenders and prescribe pharmacologic support when indicated. After the visit, follow up to assess progress and offer support.

The web app also provides a flowchart for clinical interactions, links to product descriptions, an AAP policy and clinical report, sample counseling statements, behavioral support options, such as texting services, quitlines and online resources, and detailed information on pharmacologic support, including nicotine replacement therapy.

There is currently little data on successful youth tobacco treatment strategies. In the meantime, clinicians can leverage existing literature and promising practices to support tobacco cessation in young people. To learn more and to access the Youth Tobacco Cessation Progressive Web App, visit aap.org/HelpKidsQuit.

Tobacco use and nicotine dependence are significant health concerns. Pediatricians can use their vital, trusted role as a source of expertise, support and guidance to provide teens with confidential tobacco cessation care.

Gentle Spring Cleansing for your body

By Honeytree Health

When discussing cleansing or detox, it is important to consider the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out foreign organisms including pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites. Hot yoga and massage help promote detoxification as well by stimulating lymphatic flow and filtration.

Other alternative ways to cope with die off symptoms are by incorporating an Apple Cider Vinegar flush by mixing 1-2 tbsp of Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with a few ounces of water in the morning upon rise. This promotes bile flow which in turn supports healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients and supports healthy motility.

An Epsom salt bath is another DIY detox supporter that works by drawing toxins out of the skin through the use of reverse osmosis. You can add to the experience by using essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil or grapefruit which aid in healthy bacterial balance and support relaxation as well. Use of Infrared sauna can also support the detox process as it promotes circulation and oxygenation

of the tissues.

Dietary changes are made in conjunction by providing antifungal support in the form of food and/or a nutraceutical compound such as Oregano, Caprylic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Garlic, or Berberine.

This can also aid with seasonal allergies.which sometimes causes histamines to over react and cause multiple unpleasant symptoms such as itchy tearing eyes, sinus pressure/pain, stuffiness or running nose, sore throat, cough and congestion. Here are a few suggestions to get you back to your usual self and lessen our toxic burden. Eat more plant based protein and less animal protein, along with more organic fruits and veggies.

Breath Easier

that has been distilled or sterilized. To also breathe easier, you can diffuse eucalyptus, wintergreen, peppermint or clove essential oils.

Stay Hydrated

A neti pot is a container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity. You can use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. A warm salt and water solution is used to flush out the nasal passages. If you choose to make your own saltwater solution, it’s important to use bottled water

Don’t dehydrate, especially with increasing temperatures. It's important to drink even more fluids when cleansing.

Cut back on the winter food load and drink more. One way to re-hydrate and re-mineralize is with alkaline/ ionized and infused water. You can add lemon, lime, maple syrup, honey or sea salt to your water.

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Adding stock, bone broth, green drinks and tea to your fluid line-up will also add nutrients. Minerals and micro mineral supplements are also good to add to water. Electrolytes that our body gets from minerals are lost when sweating from a fever or because of gastrointestinal issues and should be replaced.

Tea is also a great partner for staying hydrated and easing some of your cleansing or allergy symptoms. Drink ginger or rooibos tea to calm the digestive tract and ease stomach cramps. Chamomile has soothing properties and can help you rest easier. Fennel tea helps with indigestion, gas, bloating and cramping. Other great supplements to consider: Stinging nettle, quercetin for nose, eyes, throat; Feverfew, arnica, magnesium for pain; Osha or elderberry syrup for cough; Homeopathic remedies targeted to individual symptoms. Contact us at Honeytree Health , Just Organics or our Farmers Market for individual assistance...

Healthy Regards & Happy Spring

Ruth & Keith

As seniors age, they are faced with challenges that affect their quality of life. Issues such as social isolation, lack of mobility, poor nutrition, decline in health or loss of a spouse are impactful on quality of life. Here’s how it may can help.

1. Maintaining independence

Even when seniors have loving and devoted families, many are still reluctant to ask for help. They don’t want to give up their independence or be seen as a burden on their family. Assisted living can foster

independence, by providing access to many services such as medical, nursing, nutritional, laboratory, pharmacy or even beauty salon services. These on-site services are provided without the need to rely on a family member or friend for transportation.

2. Providing social activities

Humans are social beings. As we age, our social circles tend to shrink. Friends and loved ones pass away. The inability to travel to social gatherings or health problems can lead to social isolation, which

can trigger depression, anxiety, and mental decline. Senior living centers help seniors re-establish social networks, offering daily opportunities to interact with their peers through individual and group activities. Our restaurant-style dining provides not only wonderful meals but also social interactions.

3. Improving overall health

Provide residents with nutritious meals, 24-hour care support, onsite medical and nursing services, exercise programs, medication management, social activities, and

the comfort of knowing that help is always available.

4. Creating security

Residents have the security that comes from knowing that 24-hour help is there should they need it. Residents and their families no longer need to worry that something may happen and that there will be no one to help them.

When combined, these supportive services and social opportunities enhance the quality of life for seniors who reside at assisted living facilities.

Be careful how you greet puppies!

By Heidi Clayton

Whenever I meet a new puppy coming to me for training I never greet them with excitement and most often don’t talk to them at all. The reason I am very neutral is that I have been peed on just enough times to know that making a big fuss or stink during introductions can be a problem.

Excited or submissive urination in puppies is a fairly common issue. Excited peeing looks like exactly what the name implies. The puppy gets excited when people come over to meet them and pet them. Then, they spray pee all over the place. Submissive urination is when the puppy will squat down somewhat hunched or even go as far as to roll over on their backs peeing the entire time. There is also a chance your puppy could have UTI, so the first step I recommend to people

is to get their urine checked to rule out a medical reason.

Let’s address excited peeing first. Most puppies lack impulse control, and some have less bladder control than others. They get excited by someone talking to them in a high-pitched voice while bending down to pet them. They simply don’t possess the impulse or bladder control to not pee.

You should first take note of what level of excitement gets the puppy to pee. For example, if it is meeting new people or being pet, then the treatment will be that when first meeting someone, the puppy is to be completely ignored. When the puppy calms down, continue to not talk to them in a high-pitched voice and remain monotone. You can also pair the approach of a new person with a super yummy treat.

Once the initial excitement is over I suggest slow, calm petting sessions. Teaching your puppy self-control games like not barging out of crates or through doorways is also very helpful. Don’t use the word stay. Instead, reward them for staying still

when you reach for the doorknob or crate door. I ask a puppy to sit and then slowly put my hand on the doorknob. If the puppy stays in a sit and doesn’t jump up to plow through the door, they get a treat. If your puppy gets excited when you approach their crates and pees, try not talking to them at all and walking right by the crate when you come home or into the room. You can start impulse-control training right at the crate door by asking them in a neutral voice to sit. Most puppies outgrow excited pee easily when you teach them to control their excitement.

Submissive pee is a touch trickier in my experience. Most of the puppies I have worked with who pee out of fear have other temperament issues that need to be addressed. A fearful puppy, in my opinion, who struggles with everything, will need to learn how to be more comfortable in their own skin, which can be tricky. Most of the dogs I have worked with that submissive pee have what I consider

to be poor social temperaments. When dealing with this issue, it is important that you don’t let people hover or hunch over your puppy. Start teaching the puppy confidence-building skills with silly tricks like climbing inside a box or even stepping onto something scary like a piece of plastic that makes a crinkly noise. Teaching a fearful puppy to be comfortable in their own skin and exposing them slowly to positive experiences that you pair with an amazing treat will help them gain control of themselves.

One cardinal rule is that you never yell at or punish an excited or submissive pee problem. If a fearful dog gets yelled at for something they simply cannot control, you will never give them the confidence needed to overcome it. If your house is getting destroyed by pee, I suggest getting absorbent underpants for the dog to wear inside while you are working through this issue.

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

Postcards From The Past

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

Financial planning is like self-defense

By Eric Reich

Fun fact you probably didn’t know about me: I was a self-defense instructor way back when I became a black belt over 20 years ago. Over the years, I have realized that there are so many parallels between self-defense and life. Frankly, I’m surprised it took me this long to write about them. This week, let’s look at the ways that financial planning/investing and self-defense are alike. Maybe you can learn a little more about both subjects.

1. The best way to not get hurt is to not be there in the first place.

In self-defense, this concept is pretty easy. While trouble can sometimes find you anywhere, in general, if you don’t want to get hurt, don’t be in the places or situations where you are most likely to get hurt. If you are in an area known for high levels of violent crime, you are more likely to be a victim of violent crime. Not rocket science, right?

The same goes for investing. If you don’t want to potentially lose a large percentage of your investments, then don’t invest in super high-risk investments. Only take on risk levels that are appropriate for your financial situation and stick to areas that you are comfortable with regarding your personal safety.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.

Never walk around with your head down or buried in your phone. Instead, have your head up like it’s on a swivel. Look around at what is going on around you. Does something not look right? A person or a place that concerns you? I always sit in a restaurant or bar with my back to the wall and facing the door. I want to see every single person who comes through the door to notice any potential threats.

In investing, look at how the markets are performing. How is the economy doing? Are there any potential threats to good market performance? Just make sure you can differentiate between the real threats and irrational ones.

3. Have an alternative or an exit strategy.

When I sit in a public place, I observe every possible way to exit that place. Every door or window is a possible exit. Even the kitchen, which isn’t normally an exit, can become one in an emergency.

Likewise, your financial plan needs a contingency. Assume something that is not currently visible will come along and disrupt your plan. What is your alternative? Knowing this can help relieve a lot of stress when something unexpected comes along. And it will, we just don’t know what or when. Just be prepared.

4. You are responsible for your own safety.

In an age of nobody assuming personal responsibility for anything lately, your safety is something that you are wholly responsible for. I understand that threats exist in this world, and it’s my job to eliminate as many of them as possible. You can hire a profession -

al, or do what everyone else is doing, but at the end of the day, you need to understand and take an active role in your money. It is, after all, your money.

5. You can never be too prepared.

As the saying goes, the best way to make peace is to prepare for war. I’d like to think I can talk my way out of almost any bad situation without a physical conflict because that’s what I’ve been trained to do. However, at the end of the day, if something goes wrong, I’m absolutely confident I’ll be the one left standing.

In retirement planning, you prepare for the day you intend to finally retire. You can’t be over-prepared for retirement. You might need more money than you thought. You might live longer than you thought. You might spend more than you thought. Prepare so much that no matter what happens, you are ready and your retirement can withstand any obstacle that it faces.

In financial planning, like self-defense, preparation is key. Planning for the unexpected makes life a lot easier or safer when the unexpected happens.

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.

By William Kelly

TWhen The Beatles invaded Atlantic City 60 years ago

he Beatles came to Atlantic City on Aug. 30, 1964, played a half hour show that nobody heard, stayed for one memorable night, and left in a bread truck, but not before playing a game of Monopoly on the hotel room floor, eating a White House sub, writing a song, and instigating chaos and mayhem on the streets and Boardwalk.

When George Hamid, Jr. booked The Beatles to play the Steel Pier in the spring of 1964, they had a few hit songs and were fresh off an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan TV Show” in February that had attracted a viewing audience of 73 million people. They were red hot, but still relatively affordable, and worth making a bet that they would still be a big draw well into late August.

Hamid’s Steel Pier was a wellknown and popular venue for British Invasion bands. Most of them would play there, but The Beatles came in on the biggest wave, one that’s still being talked about today.

Hamid originally wanted The Beatles to play the Steel Pier ballroom, where most of the big acts performed, but by the end of the summer “Beatlemania” was clearly contagious and spreading wildly. They were bigger than the ballroom, so he moved the show down the Boardwalk to Convention Hall a week after the Democratic National Convention was held there.

Banners that read “All the Way with LBJ” were still hanging. The First Daughters – teenagers Lynda Bird and Luci Baines Johnson, stayed behind in Atlantic City just to attend the show.

“It was the end of August, 1964. I had been with the Atlantic City Police Department for five years,” he said. “During that time I had experienced a lot, particularly when it came to celebrity security details. There was Sinatra at the 500 Club, Ricky Nelson, Dick Clark and Paul Anka at the Steel Piet. But the impact left by four young men from Liverpool is still with me. By the end of my career I had seen nothing that can equal that one night many years ago.”

The Atlantic City Police Department thought they had their hands full with the civil rights demonstrators during the Democratic National Convention earlier that week, but were totally unprepared for Beatlemania.

Everyone could feel the buildup of anticipation as The Beatles were coming, but nobody could imagine the pandemonium that would ensue.

Former Atlantic City police officer Robert Clifton, who was assigned security duty, wrote about his recollections for Beatlefan Magazine in the August 1983 issue…

As summer ended and the political decorations from the Democratic Convention were removed from the Boardwalk, three weeks of security details and protests were over, but The Beatles were coming next.

“George Hamid, owner and operator of the Steel Pier, had somehow

↘Continued on 70

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

George Hamad and The Fab Four

induced the group to come to Atlantic City,” Clifton said. “Hamid leased the Atlantic City Convention Hall and the tickets went on sale. They sold immediately and naturally this one-night show was a total sell-out. That was to be expected. What happened next was unexpected.”

Tickets went on sale in May at the Steel Pier box office four at a time, ranging in price from $2.75 for general admission to $3.90 and $4.90 for reserved seating, tax included, cash only, first come first served. The line extended down the Boardwalk.

Any tickets left after two days were mailed to those who sent a check or money order, but the 18,000 tickets were sold out in short order and the general admission would fill the room to capacity. Some of these tickets are still on sale today on the internet at much higher prices.

In 1966, when the Rolling Stones came to town, Hamid picked them up at the airport in his convertible and drove them to the Boardwalk where he bought them hot dogs and pizza, and hardly anybody recognized them. He couldn’t do that with The Beatles.

By August The Beatles were continuing to feed off of their skyrocketing popularity. They were about to be met in Atlantic City by thousands of screaming fans, mainly teenage

girls with high pitched voices, so they required special security to keep them safe from the unruly crowds.

Assigned to The Beatles security, Clifton recalled The Beatles’ arrival at Convention Hall via limo.

“We arrived at 5 p.m. the night of the show and at least 1,000 fans lined Pacific Avenue, the street that fronts the stage door entrance to Convention Hall. We were told that the motorcade with The Beatles would arrive at 6. During that hour we watched the crowd in the street grow larger. About 5:45 we were alerted the caravan was en route, barricades were moved into position.

“In an instant, hundreds of people made a rush across Pacific Avenue, oblivious to moving traffic, concerned only with getting closer. The Beatles were coming. The crowd moved as one, like a great wave of humanity, pushing, showing, straining to see, holding cameras up over their heads, hoping to be lucky enough to get on decent shot.”

As the limousine came to a stop, an enthusiastic fan darted in front of

it and got wedged between the limo’s bumper and a police car’s bumper ahead. The Beatles exited the car, aiming to greet the fans. Seeing the advancing crowd, the police quickly encircled each band member to ensure their safety.

“Paul McCartney, the last Beatle to exit from the limousine, was practically shoved through the single opened door that led into the building. The crowd continued its surge and in order to restrain them, police officers picked up the wooden barricades and charged into the mob of people. Finally, the stage door was closed and bolted.”

The Beatles were in the building.

The Press Conference

Clifton said the band was then escorted up a flight of stairs to a series of rooms where a press conference was to take place. They sat at a long table with microphones in front of them.

The Beatles’ Public Relations man Derek Taylor stood in front of a floor mic and introduced The Beatles to the local media and assorted hangers on. In an interview later on, Taylor said, “Outside of Convention Hall we were immediately surrounded by kids. How it happened I don’t know because everyone was warned, but the crowd was unpredictable and wild.”

As the interview went on it was easy to see that The Beatles lost interest mainly due to the behavior of the press, who asked things like: “What do you think of America? What do you think of American girls? What do you think of Atlantic City? The Beatles wanted to talk about their music.

Q: Of all the cities that you have been in, which one do you like the most?

John: Liverpool.

Q: How do you find America?

John: We made a left at Greenland.

Q: Have you composed any new numbers over here?

Paul: Two.

Q: What are they?

Paul: We can’t tell you that.

Q: Is George going to take Joey Heatherton to a ball in New York?

George: I don’t even know him, whoever he is.

Q: What’s this about an annual illness?

George: Well, I get cancer every year.

Q: What do you think of American television?

Ringo: It’s great - you get eighteen stations, but you can’t get a good picture on any of them.

Q: What are your favorite programs on American television?

John: It’s rubbish.

Paul: News in Espanol in Miami. ‘Pop-eye,’ ‘Bullwinkle,’ all that cultural stuff.

Q: How does it feel to put the whole world on?

John: How does it feel to be put on?

Ringo: We enjoy it.

Paul: We’re not really putting you on.

George: Well, just a bit.

Q: Why don’t The Beatles sing at press conferences and airports?:

John: We need money first.

“This type of questioning continued,” wrote Clifton, “and Ringo Starr casually leaned back in his seat, as if disappointed with it all. Hundreds of flash bulbs kept popping.”

Larry Kane, one reporter who did ask The Beatles some serious questions, was a Florida radio news reporter who so impressed Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ manager, that Epstein asked Kane to join them on tour, the only reporter allowed to travel with them. Kane, who would become a popular Philadelphia TV anchorman, wrote a book about what it was like being on tour with The Beatles.

“At long last,” noted Clifton, “the interview was over. It was getting near show time. The Beatles went about their preparations, changing now into matching suits, combing what was then considered long hair. Each was calm, quiet, reserved, yet friendly in a shy way. There was a total professionalism about them, despite their youth. They were ready to perform if the audience would let them.

Clifton said when he escorted Paul McCartney into the hallway outside the dressing room, he looked outside through the window.

“In over an hour the crowd on Pacific Avenue had increased to a few thousand people. Those with tickets were out front on the Boardwalk, entering, taking seats, waiting for the show to begin.

NEXT WEEK: 60 MINUTES OF SCREAMING GIRLS

The Beatles face the media before their Aug. 30, 1964 performance at Convention Hall in Atlantic City.

Why did the umbrella go to the doctor? It was feeling slightly under the weather. What is a tornado's favorite game? Twister.

What did one blade of grass say to the other about the lack of rain? We’ll have to make dew.

What did the rainbow say to the pot of gold? You will be the end of me.

Where did the spy go to get out of the rain? Undercover

Riddle Me This

1. What gets wet while drying?

2. I shave every day, but my beard stays the same. What am I?

3. There is boat filled with people, yet there isn’t a single person on board. How is that possible?

4. A man dies of old age on his 25 birthday. How is this possible?

5. What question can you never answer yes to?

6. What is full of holes but still holds water?

7. What month of the year has 28 days?

8. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?

9. I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can't go inside. What am I?

10. What always in front of you but can’t be seen?

10. The future

9. A keyboard

8. A candle

7. All of them

6. A sponge.

5. Are you asleep yet?

4. He was born on February 29.

3. All the people on the boat are married.

2. A barber

1. A towel

Answers

The Monster of Deadman’s Hole (1888)

The San Diego Union reported that two hunters had killed a bizarre, half-human half-animal beast in an out-of-the-way location called Deadman's Hole northwest of San Diego. The creature was said to have the body of a bear, but stood upright like a man and had a human face. The hunters were reportedly bringing the body into the city for public exhibit. The next day the paper boasted, "throughout the day the police station was visited by a number of persons who were anxious to view the body of the strange being that was reported killed. They were told to come in next April Fool's day and see it."

Price Cut (1915)

Readers of the Boston Morning Globe could have purchased their papers for half the cost on April Fool's Day, if they had been alert. The price listed on the front page had been lowered from "Two Cents Per Copy" to "One Cent." When the management of the Globe found out about the change, they were just as surprised as everyone else. The new price turned out to be the responsibility of a mischievous production worker who had inserted the lower value at the last minute as the paper went to print.

Philly’s Sea Monster (1936)

The Philadelphia Record ran a picture titled, "Deep Sea Mon -

ster Visits Philadelphia." Although modern viewers have little difficulty in spotting the picture as a fake, it fooled many of the Record's readers.

Scottville Sinkhole (1967)

The front page of the Scottdale Daily Courier showed a photo of a large sinkhole that had reportedly formed at a busy intersection downtown. The crater was estimated to be 45 feet deep. The picture fooled many readers, despite the "April Fool" notation in the caption.

Talking Pelican (1979)

The Sunday News-Journal in Daytona Beach reported the discovery of a talking pelican, found by a Georgia tourist, Sam P. Suggins. The pelican asked him for a fish as he was walking along a dock. Unfortunately, the pelican would not talk to anyone else.

Eiffel Tower Moves (1986)

Le Parisien newspaper reported that an agreement had been signed to take down the Eiffel Tower and move it to the new Euro Disney theme park being constructed east of Paris.

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

Is a condo right for you?

Real

Estate

Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

Has the idea of buying a condominium crossed your mind? There is a lot to like about condo living, including reduced maintenance obligations and ample amenities. However, living with increased regulations and being close to neighbors may not be suitable for you. Make sure to carefully consider all of the pros and cons of buying a condo and how they fit into your lifestyle.

What is a Condominium?

A condo is a private residence within a larger community. It is like an apartment, except you own the unit instead of renting it, and you can renovate or customize your space. There are typically multiple units on each floor, and you may have neighbors above, below, or next to you. There also may be shared areas and

amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers.

The Pros

Several benefits appeal to a wide range of homebuyers when it comes to condos. They give empty nesters the freedom to travel without the concerns of home security, and condos allow first-time homebuyers to own property at a lower cost than a single-family home and build equity.

Less Upkeep

A single-family home requires plenty of maintenance to keep it looking great, but a condo has many of these responsibilities covered. Most condos have a homeowners association (HOA) which is responsible for exterior maintenance like mowing the grass and snow removal, along with upkeep of the roof, building exteriors, amenities, and shared spaces. This means you will have to spend less time and effort on making the property look great.

Affordability

A report by the National Association of Realtors found that the average condo price is up to $100,000 cheaper than a single-family home.

Additionally, condo insurance typically is much less expensive than homeowners insurance because you are paying for coverage of a smaller space, and you do not need insurance for the outside of your condo.

Amenities

Having facilities like a fitness center or a pool provides luxuries that you may not be able to afford in a stand-alone house. These amenities can be a great way to get to know your neighbors and to create lasting friendships. In addition to a pool or clubhouse, many condo communities hold events like game nights and barbecues, which offer great opportunities to socialize.

to community and may include the number of visitors you may have at one time, the type, size, and number of pets that you are allowed to have, or how you can decorate an area like a patio, which can be a little overbearing for some potential buyers. Before agreeing to buy a condo, make sure to review the HOA governing documents, master deed, and rules and regulations, and consider how any monthly fees or rules will affect your life.

Lack of Privacy

Being in closer confines than a typical neighborhood means you will sacrifice a level of privacy in a condo. Sharing walls with neighbors on both

Defend Brigantine Beach and Downbeach will hold a champagne brunch fundraiser April 21 to support its ongoing effort to combat offshore wind projects.

The groups represent thousands of people who are passionate about protecting the Jersey Shore. From seasonal renters to year-round residents, to owners and employees of businesses related to real estate, tourism, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating, these non-profit and supporters have one common goal: to keep the New Jersey coast free of the damaging effects of hundreds of industrial wind turbines that are

The brunch will take place at Provenza Restaurant and Event Center, at 5001 Wellington Ave., in Ventnor 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in commemoration of Earth Day.

thousands of feet tall, and planned for less than 9 miles off our coast.

Although the two Orsted projects were canceled, the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project is still moving forward. The fundraiser will support education/community outreach as well as the legal fight against offshore wind.

Local businesses wishing to sponsor or donate can contact Defend Brigantine Beach’s team by emailing: Fundraising@ defendbrigantinebeach. org.

There will be speakers and live music, basket raffles and a silent auction, and an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch, all for $50 per person or $80 per couple.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.defendbrigantinebeach.org or through the link: www.zeffy.com/ ticketing/5937daac-3eb0-40c1-a0aa1ea542301bba, Seating is limited. Advance purchase through Zeffy is encouraged.

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