SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | April 18, 2024

Birds, Photographers Return to Rookery

Beach Sweep Report: What Washed Up in NJ

Holding a Pollinator Dinner Party

Lucy Needs Your Vote

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Treasure hunting: It’s yard sale season

‘One man’s trash is another man's treasure’

From the Editor

As i drove my kids from house to house all those Saturday mornings, i never told them we were yard saling to save money. rather, we were treasure hunting! Who knows what kind of great stuff we might find out there, in the wild.

The best yard sales were the neighborhood ones where you could park your car and stroll from one house to the next. Often, we'd encounter young children at the end of driveways, selling lemonade and snacks. i always felt compelled to support their endeavors and make a purchase (even if my taste buds didn't always agree with their concoctions).

Barbie dolls were the first treasures. At 50 cents each my girls could go home with new dolls and a bag full of accessories.

Hours of imaginative play ensued and i felt a lot better dropping 50 cents or a few dollars than spending a hundred at the mall. My son loved Thomas the Tank Engine. Finding the engines, tracks or accessories at a yard sale delighted us both.

While i relished the thrill of yard sale discoveries, having a yard sale was a completely different story. The early bird shoppers, arriving before i set up, left me drained, and the haggling gave me a headache. i 'll never forget the time i sold a basketball for a dollar, only for the buyer to drive off in a luxury car after bargaining it down to 50 cents. Despite the effort expended, the financial return never seemed to match up.

The treasures we searched for evolved over the years, from toys and games to vintage books and high-end clothes. When the kids were in middle

school, it became a running joke that mom “braked for yard sales” – no matter what and even if we were running late to get somewhere. i really wasn't that bad! i could do the math though. The costs of raising three kids, mortgage, braces and always something unexpected, left us with little extra in the budget. There’s no doubt that the yard sales stretched our dollars!

There came a terrible time in their late teens, when my kids would turn up their noses at the thought or mention of a yard sale. But as life often does, it came full circle. Now, as independent adults, my children

appreciate the value of a good yard salefind just as much as i do. i mentioned to my daughter that i was planning to write about our yard sale days. Her response warmed my heart as she shared her favorite treasures she found and how she loved those times we spent together.

Many of the municipalities now have city-wide yard sales on a designated day. look for those listings in the weeks to come on the Events and Happenings page in Shore local.

As always, thank you for picking up this issue of Shore local. it means a lot to us. Email shorelocalnews@ gmail.com with your suggestions or story ideas.

let the hunt for treasures continue, and may each yard sale excursion be filled with joy, nostalgia, and delightful discoveries!

Peace & Love, Cindy

Connect with nature at the Ocean City Rookery

By Steffen Klenk

There is so much nature all around us. Here in South Jersey, we are fortunate to have several spots where

nature enthusiasts and bird watchers from far and wide can enjoy the diverse landscape and beauty that South Jersey has to offer. With eyes closely peeled, photographers can find the rarest of feathered friends.

On a bright, sunny spring day, dozens of native and migratory birds settle along our stretch of coastline, with many of them landing at one very particular destination. At the Ocean City Welcome Center, right off the route 52 Causeway, lies the rookery, a lush plot of greenery that has grown in popularity with nature lovers.

Within the last week, dozens of nesting birds have flocked to this location. One of the birds making its grand return is the Great Egret. During breeding season, you may notice their long feathery white plumes that grow from its back. At 3 feet tall, their long S-curved neck, black legs, and large yellow bill make them hard to miss. Watching them take off in flight is a true spectacle to witness up-close. Our cameras have spotted multiple egrets building nests along the rookery.

Even the Snow Egret is finding its way back to our coastal wetlands. These birds are smaller than the Great Egret, at only 2 feet tall. They are particularly distinguished by their black legs and yellow feet, with a patch of yellow skin at the base of a narrow black bill.

The White ibis has been spotted multiple times at the rookery. You will find these birds commonly nesting along shallow wetlands. They are almost entirely white, with black wing tips and long red legs and a red face and beak.

You may also find the Yellow-Crowned Night Heron nesting here. These birds are much smaller in size but relatively easy to spot, with their thin necks and blocky heads. You may notice a patch of white along their cheeks and bright orange-yellow legs. These herons perch quietly along tree branches and stumps. Their diet consists of crayfish, crabs, and other crustaceans.

Another abundant resident at the rookery is the redwinged Blackbird. From salt marshes to wet roadsides, the male creatures have red and yellow along their shoulder stripes. You will often find them singing from high perches. Female red-winged Blackbirds appear inconspicuously brown and sitting along low vegetation.

tinctive sound. They are grey above and white below with a dark black hood and red beak. The common laughing gull diet consists mainly of fish, insects, and mollusk.

These are just a few of the many birds you will find along our coastline this season. Wherever you are throughout South Jersey, you are bound to find many unique birds

flocking into our region. Charge up your camera, grab your favorite pair of shoes, and explore the wonderous nature of our region.

i t is hard to bring up nature in South Jersey without mentioning the laughing gull. While they may, or may not, be cracking a joke about you, these popular summertime residents can be found along shorelines and open fields. These medium-size gulls are hard to miss thanks to their dis-

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.

Photo by Steffen Klenk

Photo credit: Bill Barlow

Photo by Steffen Klenk

South Jersey Yacht Sales cuts ribbon on new Somers Point showroom

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

The sun was shining on South Jersey Yacht Sales on Sunday, April 14 for the grand opening of the new showroom. This business is truly a family affair with everybody working in it from president George robinson iii , his wife Beryl, and sons George iV, Grant, and Greg. The marina was purchased in 2020. it is an addition to the other prestigious locations that are owned by the family in point pleasant, Cape May and palm Beach. They also have an office at the Brielle Yacht Club.

From day one, Mr. robinson had plans to transform the marina into a premier facility to showcase the luxury sport fishing vessels that they

represent. Companies such as Viking, Albemarle, invincible, Jupiter, Valhalla, and Yellow Fin Sea pro don’t just let any company represent them. South Jersey Yachts raised the bar to set the standard of excellence in sales and service.

The new state-of-theart 12,000-square-foot showroom is the culmination of two years of planning. it is located at 680 Bay Ave., just 1 mile from the Great Egg Harbor i nlet. it features energy-efficient construction throughout with floor space to display center console vessels up to 60 feet long. Additionally, the building houses South Jersey Yacht Sales corporate offices and Atlantic Horizon Capital, the financing arm of SJYS. Clients can also get expert advice and outfitting of their vessel from Chart House Marine Electronics and Outfitting. The showroom's vast floor space also provides display areas for premium

marine products including Seakeeper and Seakeeperride by Dynamic Stabilizers. plans also include room for a series of seminars on a vast amount of subjects.

Adjacent to the new showroom is the South Jersey Yacht Sales Services Center’s newly renovated service administration building and client experience lounge with its 40-slip marina. The marina offers first-class service, maintenance, repair and upgrades for vessels of all types with haul-out capabilities up to 70 tons as well as Yamaha and Mercury services by certified technicians. Mobile service vans provide on-location service from Sandy Hook to the Delaware Bay. This enables the valued customers the convenience of having the boats remain in the dock while having service.

“This new showroom continues our commitment to not only our clients, but also to the premium brands of the vessels we represent,” notes George robinson, iii , president and owner of South Jersey Yacht Sales.

“Our goal is to match our exceptional clients with an exceptional showroom buying experience, not found elsewhere in the marine dealer network. Together with the upgrades to our marina including the new breakwater and bulkheading, lift well, dredging to 7 feet at mean low, as well as adding premium accessory brands such as Electro Sea and Spot Zero, we’re able to provide a bestin-class facility for new and experienced boaters looking for a new, used or brokerage boat purchase,” he added.

The robinson Family prides themselves on a commitment to the communities of Somers point and Ocean City. They want their customers and neighbors to enjoy experiences on the water. South Jersey Yacht Sales has six New Jersey locations including sales and service centers in Somers point, Arnold’s Yacht Basin in point pleasant, Brielle Yacht Club, Canyon Club Marina in Cape May, Chart House Marine Electronics and Outfitting in Egg Harbor Township, and an office in North palm Beach. in all of these locations, the team is active in the communities. For more information, visit www.southjerseyyachtsales.com.

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

My do-it-yourself digital life

Life is What Happens

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

Iknow going digital is supposed to streamline life, save time and save trees, but 100 years from now, when they unearth my cell phone and see the communication i had with my cable company, they may have some questions.

Why did we spend so much time on texting codes and having digital chats when the issue could have been resolved with a short, person-to-person exchange? Why were they so reluctant to hire an extra person to man the phones or make a brief home visit?

i ’m sure there are other people besides me who have other things to take care of – a job, child, dog, or pot of soup that needs their attention –than to wait on a phone call to a cable company that takes 45 minutes to steer you to a digital chat.

Once there, they narrow your problems down to six choices, none of which seem to be yours.

i ’m not the busiest person in the world, but i do wonder what the president of ExxonMobil does when his cable box is on the blink and he needs a technician to come and take a look. The price of gas must go up exponentially because ExxonMobil’s head honcho has been missing meetings while waiting on the phone for a customer service representative.

Once connected with a cable customer service rep, their goal is to get you to troubleshoot yourself. They shamelessly ask you to step into the big shoes of a network cable repair person and befriend your modem. Certification as a cable guy or gal takes up to a year of education and training. i highly doubt that training is performed over the phone.

interesting how hard it is for you to reach them, but how easy it is for them to reach you. i ’m thinking of providing my own list of prompts:

press 1 if you’re trying to weasel out of coming to fix our cable box.

press 2 if you’re wondering why you would spend an hour on the phone with us if you thought you could fix the issue yourself.

Do-it-yourself has come to the medical field as well. The last time i went for a blood test, the receptionist pointed me to a shaky, waist-high kiosk which would scan my driver’s license and insurance card while she was most likely on hold with her cable company.

i don’t mind the electronic ordering kiosks at Wawa when ordering a Shorti, hold the mayo, but we patients might have the occasional question about insurance coverage at places like l abCorp. The kiosk doesn’t ask you if you’ve eaten either, which is important for some blood tests. i ’m wondering if the day will come when we’ll be asked to draw our own blood or stitch our own wounds.

And then there’s the big shipping companies.

“ i tried to get in touch with U pS about an Amazon order, and they don’t even have a phone number,” said Edward Klinger of Galloway. “You can only communicate with them through text. i feel badly for the super elderly for whom texting is difficult or folks without a device. i thought you had to have a phone number if you own a business.”

i f you dig into the websites of companies that are trying to avoid their own customers, you might be able to find a phone number, but it takes some sleuthing.

“ i ’m only interested in patronizing businesses who answer the phone,” added Klinger.

Big box companies have jumped on the distance-yourself-from-the customer bandwagon, too. it’s impossible to speak to anyone at Best Buy in Mays landing.

if you can finally convince the cable company through the prompts that your problem isn’t on their list, you may be connected to someone who can offer a home visit. Hallelujah. But right after you hang up and save the date on your Google calendar, the cable company calls your cell phone to check just one more time if they can help you fix your cable issue over the phone.

After i left a box of screen protectors at the Geek Squad desk, i tried to call the store and ask them to put the item aside for me. No dice. To protect my already-purchased item, i had to plead with a customer service representative located 7,904 miles away to please call Best Buy in Mays l anding, NJ, in the United States to ask them not to restock my purchase. i wondered what they thought went on in a place called “Mays landing.”

The last shocking digital exchange

is the text asking me to complete a survey ranking Best Buy’s customer service from 1 to 10. “Nightmare” must be Option 11.

Apple is one exception worth noting. Oh how i love this company and how they take care of me and my devices.

The ad copywriter in me appreciates the carefully crafted phrases on their website like, “Get the help you need” and “tell us what’s happening.” They list every region on the planet with a “See all worldwide support telephone numbers” link.

if your region isn’t listed, they ask you to let them know, but unless you live in Antarctica, it’s there. Here in South Jersey, it’s: 1-800-275-2273. There you go: a real telephone number.

l ast month the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Apple ac-

cusing the company of being a monopoly that unfairly keeps competitors at bay, but i don’t care. After all, we live right off of Ventnor Avenue. Monopoly was invented here in Atlantic City.

Apple sets a great example of realizing where their bread is buttered and making each customer’s problem their problem to solve. But for the most part there’s no going back unless these tech geniuses realize that there’s still a need for human problem-solvers.

To that end, lately i ’ve been skipping the phone calls and customer service reps telling me at 9 in the morning to have a nice evening a half a world away, as wonderful as those places would be for a visit.

Now i just thank goodness that gas is a reasonable $3.27 a gallon in New Jersey. i have taken to getting in my car and driving the 14.68 miles from Ventnor City to Consumer Square in Mays l anding.

Once at Best Buy, i let the double doors open automatically as i take full advantage of the opportunity to speak to someone on the nice, knowledgeable, blue-shirted staff who, unlike their bot counterparts, seem more than willing to help.

Frustrated Ventnor resident, my husband David, pleads with a prompt to connect him to a person.

Clean Ocean Action releases 2023 annual report: What washed up on the beach near you

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Voodoo dolls drowned in the waves. An entire couch washed up on the sands of Brigantine. A dinosaur from the 1960s. Twenty-thousand plastic bottle caps.

Clean Ocean Action has held spring and fall Beach Sweeps since 1985. Every year, the nonprofit releases a statewide report of what they found – from the all-too-common, to the rarest of the rare. in 2023 more than 8 million pieces of litter were collected from the beaches in New Jersey.

The roster of the ridiculous, the oddball list of what’s surfaced from the ocean’s depths, has included these strange stars:

● Full-sized vacuum cleaners

● pregnancy tests

● Whoopee cushions

● Car engines

● playground slides

● Barbie doll heads

● A metal sign that read, “Danger: High Voltage”

i n the early 2000s, a North Jersey beach was plagued with pornographic playing cards washing up one by one, sometimes discovered by children playing in the sand. “ i t wasn’t even a nude beach!” a bystander joked.

minious list with more than 4,000 of them picked up.

is a human-caused, and thus, human-solvable problem.” in 2022, Clean Ocean Action reported higher pollution of single-use plastic bags, and that number has dropped significantly in 2023. However, food waste, specifically wrappers, has increased. Also, cigarette butts jumped from 2.77 to 3.15 collected per volunteer at each beach cleanup.

“Weird stuff is actually more normal than you think,” said lydia Ward, a beach cleanup organizer, told Shore local News. “We get a lot of vapes washing up.”

Most of Clean Ocean Action’s 2023 report focuses on the 12 most common items that volunteers found during Beach Sweeps.

plastic bottle caps and lids took top spots as the most abundant items, with 23,788 collected. And, for the first time in 16 years, metal beverage cans returned to the igno -

On a positive note, 2023 marked the first time since 2015 that plastic didn’t make up 80 percent or more of what was collected. But, it still accounted for 71.13 percent of items found.

The first page of the report reads:

“Year after year, plastic consistently accounts for the highest proportion of collected litter. plastic in the marine environment breaks apart into smaller and smaller pieces, making it ‘bite size’ for many more species and ages of marine life to consume. This

More than 70 percent of pollution is plastic. The nonprofit has been pushing the New Jersey state government to provide more recycling and trash cans along the beaches, and even ban plastic bottles (and caps) on the sand.

“Volunteers showing up is what helps us collect the most debris and get it off our beaches,” said Clean Ocean Action spokesperson Kiana Miranda. “Understanding what happens to the trash and the things we dispose of is a connection moment. it brings it to real life.”

For the full Clean Ocean Action 2023 report, visit their website at www.cleanoceanaction.org.

Assembly approves bill to help school districts facing state aid cuts

By Nikita Biryukov

Assembly lawmakers approved a bill Monday intended to help school districts that have seen cuts to state aid by extending one-time grants and allowing them to hike local taxes above the state-mandated 2% cap without getting voter approval.

The bill, approved in a 51-20 vote almost entirely along party lines, would allow districts that have seen cuts since the

Though they were controversial from the outset, the aid adjustments have drawn consternation from lawmakers and school officials after rising home valuations and inflationary pressures led to state aid reductions that were far steeper than anticipated.

in the coming school year, 140 districts face nearly $106 million in combined cuts, with the reductions ranging from $989 in West Wildwood to $10.4 million in long Branch.

McClellan, Alex Sauickie, robert Clifton, and rumpf — voted in favor of the bill that passed Monday. Democratic Assemblymen Dan Hutchison and Cody Miller voted no.

Separate provisions of the bill would create a $71.4 million grant program meant to defray two-thirds of cuts proposed for the coming school year in affected districts.

Districts could receive the grants if they face a state aid reduction for the 20242025 school year. Schools receiving such grants are barred from cutting staff past

certain transportation costs, under its auspices, as the state approaches the final school aid increase called for by S2.

Some republicans urged their Democratic counterparts to speed up that process.

“ i t’s not like a phenomenon of the weather, that you just watch it come down and it affects our school districts in some strange way,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber (r-Morris). “You’re the majority party. if you don’t like the school funding formula,

Lucy the Elephant: Our quirky hometown roadside attraction needs your vote

By Erica Hoffman

In the wide world of roadside attractions and National Historic l andmarks, lucy the Elephant stands tall—quite literally, at six stories. From his unmistakable yearly color-changing toenails to her distinguished howdah, which boasts one of, if not the best, views of the Jersey Shore skyline, lucy has been an unconventional monument bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to our humble oasis since being built in 1882. i n 2023, 42,267 tours took place, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.

Now, lucy is vying for the title of the best roadside attraction in the United States, and she needs our help to secure the win! The nationwide competition, organized by USA To -

day, features a diverse array of unique and beloved landmarks from coast to coast.

roadside attractions such as Kansas's World's l argest Ball of Twine, Ohio's pencil Sharpener Museum, Minnesota's paul Bunyan and his pet Babe the Blue Ox, and other interesting side-of-the-road oddities are in the running for the winning title.

But l ucy isn't just any contender – she's a symbol of nostalgia, ingenuity, and the enduring allure of the open road. At the time of this printing, lucy was first on the leaderboard for this prestigious title.

Now, it's our turn to ensure this hometown landmark gets the recognition it deserves. lucy needs the entire community's support to clinch the title of the best roadside attraction in the country, which shouldn't be too hard because, well… it is the best roadside attraction in the country.

This iconic elephant-shaped building located steps away from

the Margate shoreline off of S. Decatur Avenue has been capturing the hearts and imaginations of visitors for almost a century and a half. With her endearing charm and unique architecture, lucy has become a beloved symbol of Margate City and a cherished and quirky local landmark that residents and summer visitors are proud to call a part of their personal and family nostalgia.

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her lifetime, including damages from natural disasters, lucy

has endured as a testament to resilience and community spirit. Generations of visitors have marveled at her elephantine stature, climbed her spiral staircase, and soaked in panoramic views from her majestic howdah.

Voting for lucy is not just about celebrating a unique landmark; it's about preserving a piece of American

history and honoring the legacy of those who have worked tirelessly to protect her. Winning this title would be an honor to lucy's charm and the community that has rallied behind him for generations.

So, the real question is: How can you help keep lucy secure in her number one spot in roadside attraction history? Cast your vote! Spread the word to friends and family. Share lucy's story on your social media pages while encouraging others to join the cause. Every vote counts in this competitive race, and together, we can ensure that lucy the Elephant takes her rightful place as the best roadside attraction in the United States.

By supporting her in this competition, you're not just voting for a landmark – you're voting for a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring magic of the open road. let's help lucy make history once again! readers can vote once per category per day by visiting www.10best. usatoday.com/awards/travel/ best-roadside-attraction-2024/ Or by scanning the Q r code below. Voting ends on Monday, May 6, at noon ET. USA Today will announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.

Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024

Celebrate our home at the largest & longest-running Earth Day Festival in South Jersey!

ACUA to host 32nd Earth Day Festival Sunday

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) invites the community to its 32nd Annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at its Environmental park located at 6700 Delilah road in Egg Harbor Township.

Recycling Center Tours | Wind, Solar and Wastewater Facility Tours

Touch-A-Truck | Landfill Hayrides | Live Animals | Interactive Shows

Recycled Art Display | Hay Maze | Playground | Crafts for Kids

Bouncies for Big Brothers, Big Sisters and much more!

Plants and Flowers | Handmade Jewelry | Bath and Body Products

Solar Information | Handcrafted Decor | Local Honey | Candles

Health and Nutritional Products | Fair-Trade, Repurposed and Recycled Items

Local Food Vendors | Environmental Groups | Nonprofits

ACUA’s festival is the largest and longest running Earth Day Festival in South Jersey and offers a range of activities for all ages. The festival will include more than 150 local vendors, crafters, exhibitors, nonprofits, interactive activities, workshops, tours and more.

The festival provides an opportunity for the community to see ACUA’s environmental services up-close. Guests can take a hayride to the top of the landfill and tour the wastewater treatment facility and Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm on an Atlantic City Jitney.

101, making a sourdough starter, and creating recycled artwork.

“ACUA’s Annual Earth Day Festival provides an opportunity for the community to learn about the essential services that keep our community clean while having fun,” said ACUA president Matthew DeNafo. “ it has become a staple event in the commu -

nity because of the many wonderful vendors and exhibitors that join us in celebrating our environment.”

Other activities include Touch-ATruck, bouncies, games, interactive

performances, a “Dinosaurs rock” show, nature walk, live animals and a petting zoo. Free workshops are scheduled throughout the day covering a variety of topics such as how to build a rain barrel, houseplants

Guests may park at ACUA’s facility located at 6700 Delilah road or at Airport Commerce Center with shuttle service from 6550 Delilah road. The Earth Day Festival will be held rain or shine.

ACUA acknowledges the many community partners and sponsors that make this festival a success, including its platinum sponsors Atlantic City Electric, New Jersey American Water and South Jersey Gas for its generous contributions.

Visit www.acua.com/earthday for a detailed list of vendors, a schedule of activities, and to learn about volunteer opportunities at the event for local youth, environmental or service organizations.

Events and Happenings

Multi-day events

Smithville Renaissance Faire

▶Saturday, April 20 & Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill rd.

The Village Greene will be transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English renaissance. Join the New Jersey renaissance Faire for a day of fun for the whole family including comedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knights, jesters, and so much more. More information is available at www.historicsmithville. com.

Much Ado About Nothing

▶Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21

Gateway playhouse 739 Bay Ave.

Somers point

Join Gateway for a classic Shakespearian comedy with a twist. Originally staged in 1861, as a Berlioz Opera in Messina Sicily, this version is staged in 1959 Miami. Enjoy this fun, classic play on Fri. April 19 & Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. purchase tickets online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

Book & Bake Sale in Northfield

▶Friday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Otto Bryuns public l ibrary 241 W. Mill rd.

Join the Friends of the Otto Bruyns l ibrary for their Book and Bake Sale this weekend. For more information, call (609) 646-4476.

Emerging Choreographers Showcase

▶Thursday, April 18, Friday, April 19 & Saturday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.

Stockton Experimental Theatre 101 Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway

A juried showcase for dance makers at the start of their careers is a laboratory for choreographic experimentation and innovation. purchase tickets and learn more at www.stockton.org/pac.

Thursday, April 18

Minecraft at the Library

▶3:30 – 5 p.m.

Otto Bruyns public library 241 W. Mill rd. Northfield

Calling all fans of Minecraft. Join Northfield library for a TD3 i nnovative Gaming Event. The event will be held Thurday, April 18 for grades six – 10, and Saturday, April 27, 1 –2:30 p.m. for grades two-five. Free to

attend but space is limited. pre-registration is required by calling (609) 646-4476.

Friday, April 19

Movie at the Library: American Fiction ▶2 p.m.

longport public l ibrary 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the library for an afternoon movie with popcorn. The film follows a novelist-professor who pens a curious satire of stereotypical books. please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

A Taste of Summer at Gilda’s ▶6 – 8 p.m.

CSCNJ Clubhouse 700 New rd. linwood

Join Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club for an evening of incredible food from Squares & Fare pizza, Florida Cold Cuts sandwiches, fine baked goods, beer, and wine. Tickets are $40 per person. purchase online at www.cscnj.org.

Spring Concerts at the Library: Bittersweet Duo

▶6:30 p.m.

Ocean City Free public library

1735 Simpson Ave.

Join the Ocean City library for their upcoming Spring Concerts. This week, join the Bittersweet Duo, Michelle parto and Anthony Wood, as they take you on a journey from Doowop to Motown, Country and Classics to Current Music. The concert will be held in the library’s lecture Hall. Admission is free; seating is limited and is available on a first-come basis. For more information, call (609) 3992434 x.5222 or visit www.oceancitylibrary.org.

Saturday, April 20

Electronic Recycling Fundraiser

▶9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds 3210 route 50, Mays landing

↘Continued on 18

Hosted by the Atlantic City 4-H STEM Club, this event, held on the third Saturday of each month, provides the opportunity to get rid of old equipment. Accepted items include AC adapters, handheld or table mounted scanners, keyboards, pC speakers, laptop and cell phone batteries, TVs, toner and ink cartridges, and more. See the complete list at www.ac4hfair. org/electronic-recycling.

“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.

Ocean City Sports Memorabilia

Show

▶10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ocean City Music pier 825 Boardwalk

Former Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick and former Flyers Mark Howe will be part of the sixth annual Sports

Memorabilia Show. They will greet fans and lead a free Q&A session at the event. i ndividual meet-and-greets will be available for $20 that will include the opportunity go get autographs and photos with the philly legends. Vendors with merchandise and collector’s items representing a variety of sports and teams will be on display and for sale. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com.

Cape May County Earth Day Celebration

▶10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Team for a free event for children aged 10 and under. The event will feature a story time, games, and a fun introduction to Japanese culture.

Ocean City Community Center

Atrium 1735 Simpson Ave.

The Ocean City police Department will hold a Coffee with Cops event in the atrium outside the Ocean City Free public library. The public is invited to discuss any thoughts on local policing and other topics with the department’s Community policing Unit. The program is designed to help officers and community members connect in an informal setting. The library will co-sponsor the event and provide free coffee and food to all who attend. For more information, contact p atrolman John Davis at (609) 525-9142 or JDavisiV@ocnj.us.

Cape May County park and Zoo

707 route 9, Cape May Court House

Co-hosted by the Cape May County park & Zoo and Cape May County MUA. This year’s theme is planet vs. plastics. This day of fun and learning will include displays and educational exhibits from local environment-friendly businesses and organizations, along with children’s amusements, live entertainment, eco-shops, scavenger hunt, and more.

Cherry Blossom Celebration for Kids

▶11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Brigantine library 201 15th St. S.

Join the Brigantine Beach Green

Sunday, April 21

Seashore Gardens Foundation 5K Walk/Run and Family Fun Run

▶9 a.m.

Atlantic City Boardwalk at Stockton University 3701 Boardwalk

The 14th Annual Seashore Gardens 5K run/Walk & 1 Mile Family Fun run is set. registration will open on race day at 7:15 a.m. Net proceeds from this event will benefit the Alzheimer’s/dementia services of Seashore Gardens Foundation, an independent nonprofit enriching elder lives in South Jersey. learn more at www.seashoregardens.org/5k.

Coffee with Cops

▶11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23

American Red Cross Blood Drive

▶12 – 5 p.m.

royal Suite Healthcare 214 W. Jimmie leeds rd. Galloway

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767, or visit www. redCrossBlood.org and enter royal, or call Diane Conover at (609) 748-9900 ext. 1312.

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

Sports memorabilia show this weekend in Ocean City

up your heels, or just listen to good music with good company.

Wednesday, April 24

Offshore Garden Club Meeting

▶10 a.m.

Northfield library 241 W. Mill rd.

The Offshore Garden Club welcomes Tammy Thornton, Shore local gardening columnist, for a presentation about pollinator gardens and Host plants for pollinators. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

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, and Jim Holton on piano. Go to www. southjerseyjazz.org to learn more.

Ave. Atlantic City

Join Absecon l ighthouse in a monthly gathering celebrating the warmth, spirit, and kindness of legendary lightkeeper Buddy Grover.

Come on your own or with friends to celebrate our wonderful friend and role model. ly. please

lighthouse at (609) 449-1360.

Friday, April 26

Smithville Earth Day

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill n a harmonious blend of eco-con

scious shopping and festive celebration, Go Green Galloway is thrilled to host their third annual Earth Day Green Market at the Village Greene. More information is available at www. historicsmithville.com.

↘Continued from 19

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 returns by 6 p.m. For more information, call Sally at (609) 927-4147 or after 6 p.m. call Cheryl at (267) 882-8355.

Mines, Telegraphs, and a Bit of Broadway

▶Saturday, 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

▶Friday, 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

MHA Atlantic Family Meeting

▶Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m.

This support group is open to individuals with a loved one who is affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Starr at the Mental

Health Association in Atlantic County offer three online meetings each month, both day and evening options available. To receive a link, contact Gail Christian at (609) 652-3800 ext. 0301 or email gchristian@mhanj.org.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, May 1, 1:30 p.m.

6009 paul and Thelma lane, Mays l anding

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

▶Monday, May 6, 7 p.m.

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

Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Support Workshop

▶Tuesdays, May 14 – June 18

Cape May County library 30 Mechanic St. Cape May Court House presented by Shore Medical Center and Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health. This free six-week workshop is for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, offering mutual support and confidence building to manage and maintain and active and fulfilling life. participants who complete the program will receive a $25 Wawa gift card. Class size is limited. register by calling (609) 653-3923.

Do you have an upcoming event?

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

Somers Point Beach Concert in national spotlight

The Somers point's Beach Concert Series has earned national acclaim, topping USA Today's r eaders Choice Awards leaderboard as the premier outdoor concert series in the country. renowned for its enchanting ambiance and stellar lineup, spanning from classic rock to r&B and tribute bands, this series runs from June 14 to Sept. 6, offering free admission to all at Morrow Beach, 800 Bay Ave.

The Somers point Beach Concert Series is once again in the running for the USA's Today’s Best Outdoor Concert Series for 2024. You can vote online at the following website address: https://10best.usatoday.com/ awards/travel/best-outdoor-concert-series-2024/somers-pointbeach-concert-series-somers-pointnew-jersey/

Voting is open until noon May 13. The Top 10 will be announced May 22.

Photo by John Loreaux

Financial literacy: What is your motivation?

By Bill Quain

April is Financial literacy Month. it’s a time to think about, and teach, the importance of financial literacy. However, we can’t just focus on the “what” of financial literacy. We also need to focus on the “why,” because the “why” is far more important!

i once saw a documentary about actors. A young actor was trying to get into character for the part he was playing. He asked the director, “What’s my motivation?” He wanted to know why the character he was playing would react or behave in a certain way.

When we are trying to teach someone about financial literacy, we have to ask, “What’s their motivation? Why do they want to be financially literate?”

Most of us know the basics.

Most of us know the basics about finance: debit and credit cards, mortgages, car loans, budgets, etc. However, simply knowing about, for example, budgeting, doesn’t seem to change people’s behavior. it’s like smoking. Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, yet millions of people still do it. Everyone knows that spending more money than you have is bad for you, but almost everyone seems to do it!

Financial literacy: What is my motivation?

Many of my readers know that i am a professor at Stockton University, and i teach a course called “Make Money & pay it Forward.” in the years i ’ve been teaching this course, i ’ve discovered that my students are woefully lacking in two things: financial intelligence, and the motivation for using it. While it is easy for me to teach them the basics of financial literacy, it’s an uphill battle to give them the motivation they need to use that information. When it comes to financial literacy, facts alone don’t cut it.

So, as i begin each class lecture, i do my best to put myself back into the

mindset of a 20-something student. (Of course, this also puts me in danger of humming Taylor Swift songs). i need to remember that my students do not have any experience with finances. Few of them are wondering how they will pay the mortgage next week, or how much food costs. it’s up to me to help them understand their “why” to help them see the impact that the financial decisions they make today will have on their lives, now and in the future.

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH

by Bill Quain

But what about 2% cash back?

Yes, many credit cards today give you a small percentage of cash back if you spend money on that card. What is the motivation of the billion-dollar, marketing-happy, profit-driven credit card company? i t’s to get you to spend as much money as possible on that card.

Is your motivation to be free?

i n America, our motivation was once to be “free.” Nowadays, it’s to have what we want, when we want it. (And sometimes, it’s to get airline miles for free.) That’s quite a drop in the target, isn’t it?

Along the way, i found a part of financial literacy that can generate some real emotions – credit cards! As it turns out, credit cards are the intergenerational common language of financial literacy!

We’re up against someone else’s motivation.

Credit card companies know their motivation – to make money! Credit cards are issued by huge banks, with almost unlimited funds for advertising. While we attempt to make our younger citizens more financially literate, credit card companies are using sophisticated marketing techniques to ensnare not only young people, but the entire group of consumers.

Free tickets! Do they save money?

Okay, let’s say you are able to “earn” free airline tickets from your credit card company. let’s take a look at your mindset on that trip. When you go on that vacation, do you pay cash for your hotel? No, of course not. You put the hotel on your credit card. Then, when it is time for dinner, you think to yourself, “Well, i saved all that money on my airline tickets. We now can splurge on our dinner. Waiter, bring me the lobster!” How do you pay for that dinner? You pay with a credit card.

By the way, studies show that when you use a credit card, you spend 12 to 15% more than you would spend if you were using cash. Who makes money every time you swipe that credit card? You guessed it – the bank!

So, let’s get away from teaching people just the facts. Financial literacy alone isn’t going to make your life better. Aspiring to live free, and to fulfill the promise of the American Dream, is where you need to be headed.

i don’t know about you, but i don’t need to help credit card companies get more stadiums named after them. My goal (and my motivation) is to stride tall, keep my head up, and make each day count toward achieving my full potential.

Tell me: What is your motivation?

Okay, i ’m waiting to hear from you. What’s your motivation? Do you want to know how to keep your checking account balanced, or do you want to know how to keep your life balanced? By balanced, i mean that you are looking ahead and taking positive actions every day toward a life of prosperity and freedom. Send me an email at bill@quain.com with your thoughts.

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.

Miss America 1923, was the third Miss America pageant, held at the Million Dollar pier in Atlantic City on Friday, Sept. 7, 1923. At the conclusion of the event, King Neptune crowned the incumbent titleholder Mary Katherine Campbell as Miss America 1923.

Contestants from 75 cities competed at the event including Ocean City’s Grace Taylor. “Miss Ocean City will look fine” was the headline of the Sept. 1, 1923 Ocean City ledger. The article reported, “Miss Grace Taylor, Miss Ocean City, will leave Ocean City on Tuesday for Atlantic City to take part in the great pageant in that resort.”

committee organizers considered it a great success.

The pageant drew thousands of people to Atlantic City and the

There were people, including Ocean City’s rev. James E. l ake, who was not happy with the pageant. “Attacks Bathing review; preacher Says Atlantic City Event Endangers Youthful Morals” was the headline in the Sept. 11, 1923 New York Times.

A resolution was adopted by the Ocean City Camp Meeting Association began: “There can be no objection to such a carnival conducted on the restriction of common decency. The danger lies in taking girls of tender years and robing them in attire that transgresses the limit of morality.”

By Chef Joseph Massaglia

Although we celebrated Easter the first weekend in April, i want to share a favorite dish of mine which celebrates both Easter and spring. Al-

Cheese and Spinach Pie

so known as Torta pasqualina, it was traditionally made with 33 layers of phyllo dough (the number of years in the life of Christ). This ancient recipe is believed to date back to 15th century Genoa, the capital city of liguria. liguria, a region in Northwest italy, is the home of the italian riviera and it borders on my home region, the piedmont.

This recipe uses thin dough (you can substitute phyllo dough) and is made with spinach (my mother would

Cheese and Spinach Pie (Liguria)

Serves 6.

*Dough:

● 8 cups all-purpose flour

● 5 tablespoons olive oil

● 1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

● 30 ounces fresh spinach or other spring greens, rinsed and drained thoroughly

● 10 canned artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and chopped

● 5 tablespoons olive oil

● 1 medium onion, chopped

● 2 cloves garlic, chopped

● 16 ounces whole milk ricotta or cottage cheese

● 3/4 cup milk

● 1/4 teaspoon salt

● 2 tablespoons butter

● 6 large eggs

● 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

● 1/4 teaspoon pepper

● 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Mix the flour, olive oil and salt; gradually add enough water to make a stiff dough. Add water slowly so dough does not become too wet and sticky. (Dough should leave the sides of the bowl cleanly.) Knead the dough thoroughly and divide it into 10 equal size balls. put them on a lightly floured pastry board, cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add about half of the spinach; gently toss and turn the spinach with tongs so all of the unwilted leaves make contact with the bottom of the pan.

As the spinach cooks down, add remaining spinach and continue to toss. When all the spinach is completely wilted and has turned bright dark green, remove the spinach from the pan and spread it out on a cloth or paper towel lined rimmed baking sheet until cool. Chop and

set aside.

i n the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onions and garlic; sauté until soft but not brown. remove from the heat, add spinach and artichokes and stir to combine. Combine the ricotta, milk and salt; fold into spinach mixture; set aside.

Brush a 12x10x2-inch baking dish with olive oil.

roll one ball of pastry into a wafer-thin sheet, keeping the rest of the pastry balls under the damp cloth. line the prepared pan with the first pastry sheet, brush lightly with oil and trim off any excess pastry even with the rim. repeat this procedure with 5 more pastry balls, brushing each layer with oil and trimming the edges.

Gently spread the cooked vegetable mixture on top of the pastry layers. Make 6 indentations (wells) in the filling. place a small pat of butter in each one and put an egg in each on top of the butter. Sprinkle the surface with marjoram, pepper, another pinch of salt and parmesan cheese.

roll out the remaining 4 balls of pastry as with the first 6, brushing each with oil as you layer. prick the top layer with a fork, brush generously with oil and trim off any overlapping pastry.

Bake at 400° for 40 to 45 minutes or until pie is bubbling around the edges and golden brown. loosely cover with a piece of aluminum foil if it browns too quickly. let sit at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot or cold.

*You can substitute 10 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed according to package directions, for the homemade dough layers. You also can use more phyllo sheets if you like.

use chard) or other spring greens, artichokes, hard cooked eggs and is seasoned with marjoram or other herbs. Unlike the more familiar Neopolitan version known as pizza Gain, pizzagaina, pizza rustica, or pizza Chiena, it does not contain cured meats. That type of Easter pizza (pizza means pie of course) is made with cheeses, salami, pepperoni or ham, hard cooked eggs and a thicker dough.

This Easter Cheese and Spinach

pie recipe can be found on my website (www.joestablefortwo.com) and is one of 600 authentic recipes from the “ italian regional Cooking” cookbook by famous italian cookbook author Ada Boni. i ’ve updated some ingredients from Ada’s original recipe so that it’s easier to make. You can substitute other greens or use a mixture of greens, add some fresh dill if you like, and use other seasonings to “make it your own.” i hope you enjoy it.

Thursday, May 16th

Atlantic City Country Club

5:30pm-7:30pm

Members - Free

Non members - $25pp

Live Entertainment

Lite Fare | Cash Bar

Get ready to ignite your connections, elevate

your business and unlock a world of possibilities!

HAS YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE INCREASED?

SCOTT F. GOODMAN

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT 609-412-4047

scott@scottfgoodman.com

Protecting life and property for over 27 years!

Basset hounds galore at the Doo Dah Parade

By Steffen Klenk

Tails were wagging and smiles were seen all around at the annual Doo Dah parade, held in Ocean City on Saturday, April 13. Hundreds lined Asbury Ave. and the Boardwalk as more than 300 basset hounds strutted their stuff, many appearing in costume. This year’s Grand Marshal, p hiladelphia Flyers legend Brian propp made a special guest appearance, and signed autographs at the Music pier following the event. The parade also included appearances by the Miss Ocean City queens, Martin Z. Mollusk, and several marching bands.

Flyers legend Brian Propp

Martin Z. Mollusk

Suzanne Muldowney, Underdog

HELP PROTECT VULNERABLE ADULTS

Make the call to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploita�on of residents 18 & older, who are lacking in capacity.

The Atlantic County Adult Protective Services Program is here for you!

APS will help help stabilize a situa�on with the least intrusive methods and respect for individual rights.

All referrals are kept confiden�al.

See. Stop. Report.

Call 1-888-426-9243

Ocean City High School marching band

Miss Ocean City Lola Demarco

How to host a pollinator dinner party

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

When considering planting a pollinator garden, it’s tempting to simply fill a bed with all of the colorful flowers that catch your fancy at the garden center, step back, and hope that your dinner party is well-attended. While you may attract some beautiful winged guests passing by, it would be like skipping past the main entree and only offering dessert to your hungry friends. A little more planning should be in order, with special thought given to the various stages of these pollinators. let’s start at the beginning. Though butterflies and other pollinators will seek nectar from flowers, female moths and butterflies also scope out suitable places to lay their eggs, and not all plants are created equally. The larvae of moths, butterflies, and other insects feed on specific plants. if you’d like to attract

certain pollinators to your garden, you will need to consider not only the flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen, but also those that serve as host plants for hungry caterpillars.

They will also provide an early source of nectar for butterflies and pollen for bees.

Monarch butterflies are often cited as examples of the necessity of host plants. Though there are different types of milkweed in South Jersey (including common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and butterfly weed), monarch butterfly caterpillars must have milkweed to survive. The caterpillars of other butterflies also require specific plants, but some have a wider palate and can dine on a variety of plants.

Bushes and trees can also play the

host for pollinators. You may have already spied the spring azure butterfly flitting among your flowers. But the host plants for the caterpillars of this butterfly include meadowsweet and New Jersey tea shrubs and dogwood trees. The adult butterflies will enjoy nectar from the flowers of dogbane, privet, New Jersey tea, blackberry, and milkweed, among others. Our state flower, the common blue violet, is the host plant for the caterpillars of different types of fritillary butterflies. The Great Spangled Fritillary caterpillar cannot survive without violet leaves. This time of year, you should see these violets popping up all over your yard.

Once your pollinator garden is thriving, be aware that the caterpillars will look much different than when they become adults. You may think a “bad” guy is munching in your garden, only to realize it’s the larva of a swallowtail. Some of these visitors to your pollinator garden may give you a scare. The caterpillars of the spicebush butterfly are the stuff of nightmares. Their eyespots, which aren’t really eyes, cause them to look like menacing snakes. With a face that only a mother could love, the creepy look helps protect them from predators. However, like the transformation of the ugly duckling, these caterpillars turn into the most beautiful of butterflies.

Of course, one of the best parts of a pollinator garden is attracting bees, moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the nectar and pollen in your garden. Monarda, or bee balm, blooms with crazy flowers that look like fireworks, just in time for the Fourth of July. They are hummingbird magnets. Once bee balm starts blooming in my garden, i am constantly seeing hummingbirds hovering among the vibrant red flowers, seeking nectar. Use different varieties of flowers that bloom at different times, to provide constant sources of pollen and nectar. plant the same types of flowers together in masses to help the pollinators find the flowers more readily. Butterflies are also attracted to rotting fruit such as bananas and oranges. Be sure to plant extra herbs to feed both you and the butterflies. You may spot a black swallowtail caterpillar on your dill, parsley, or fennel.

A buzzing garden is a happy garden. Bees checking out your flowers will also pay a visit to pollinate your fruits and vegetables. Be sure to save some peaceful moments to sit quietly in your garden and immerse yourself in the little haven you have created. You will experience magical moments, like a hummingbird buzzing in your ear and then staring you down for a moment in curiosity. When you take the time to sit quietly, your eyes will be opened to a secret world all around you.

We would love to hear from our readers. What’s your favorite pollinator plant? Send your comments and questions to: shorelocalgardener@ gmail.com.

Our state flower, the violet, can play host to the caterpillars of fritillary butterflies.

Plant extra herbs like parsley, fennel, and this dill, which can play host to the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar.

By Steffen Klenk

TGood times galore at Margate Cherry Blossom Festival

he feeling of spring was in the air this past Sunday at the second annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Margate. Hundreds of people made their way to Ventnor Ave. in front

of Margate Community Church for a full afternoon of activities. Good vibes were felt all around as The

Dead reckoning provided the soundtrack to a perfect day. There was a plethora of kids’ activities, from potato sack races to egg and spoon races, cornhole, craft tables, and tai chi demonstrations.

View a complete schedule of events and learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.

Several food trucks were on-site to satisfy every taste bud, along with a selection of specialty beverages for purchase. Attendees strolled the Avenue visiting the many craft vendors, and Sustainable Downbeach assembled a collection of local organizations providing information and demonstrations to our community.

The Margate Cherry Blossom Festival is just one of the many fantastic events held throughout the year. The city will also host a Cornhole league, Beachstock, and the return of weekly Farmers Markets and Thrilling Thursdays in the months ahead.

April Hours

VISIT LUCY THIS SPRING

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

A look back at Storybook Land

In April of 1955, Storybook land first opened, delighting children of all ages!

John and Esther Fricano Sr. founded and operated the park since its beginning. Even after her husband's passing in 2009, Esther Fricano continued to be active in its operations until her passing in 2015. The park is now managed by Jessica p anetta and several other family members.

year.

2024 marks Storybook l and's 69th

Credit: Real Brigantine

Stockton Inaugurates 6th President with Focus on ‘Building a Community of Opportunity’

Joe Bertolino wants to build a community of opportunity — for everyone — at Stockton University.

“My role, and my goal, here at Stockton is to build meaningful, impactful relationships. relationships that strengthen our bond with the community; that enable our students to develop into engaged, effective citizens with a passion for lifelong learning; that bolster the positive development of New Jersey,” he said. Without the traditional pomp and circumstance of an inauguration ceremony, Bertolino was formally installed as the sixth president of Stockton on Friday, April 12. The celebration, including a parade, confetti cannons and a taco bar, was in keeping with the laid-back style of Bertolino, who welcomes being addressed as “ president Joe.”

“Today, i am charging all of you, all who are part of Stockton, to do the same for someone else. By building a community of opportunity, we provide the space and resources that enable our students, faculty and staff to grow, thrive and be a part of something big-

ger. No opportunity is too small, and no opportunity is too large. When we do certain things, or build certain relationships, we may be providing others with opportunities that we don’t even realize,” he said.

Bertolino brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education to Stockton, serving previously as president at Southern Connecticut State University and lyndon State College in Vermont. He was vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Queens College/City University of New York and dean for Community Development at Barnard College in New York.

Bertolino said in the months since becoming president on July 1, 2023, he has taken time to meet and listen to all of Stockton’s constituencies to shape his plans for the future.

“Our vision is for Stockton to become the college of choice in South Jersey. The first choice for prospective first-year and transfer students. The destination of choice

for renowned faculty and academic trailblazers. The college of choice for partnerships with local and regional leaders in business. The first choice for donors, friends and supporters to contribute to our work,” he said.

“This spring, we will begin to write Stockton’s next chapter together through a comprehensive and thorough strategic planning process,” he said. “A key component of our vision is for Stockton to serve as a model for the future of higher education. We will be a destination campus, connecting our environmental resources in

Galloway with our beachfront property in Atlantic City.”

Nelida Valentin ’86, chair of the Stockton Board of Trustees, presented Bertolino with the p residential Medallion, which symbolizes the transfer of responsibility of the Office of president and the obligation to promote and maintain the values represented by Stockton University.

“Higher education is experiencing significant changes, and these come with challenges and opportunities. We are grateful to president Joe because he brings commitment to students and a wealth of leadership and experience to this role. We support and believe in his ability to advance Stockton into the future,” Valentin said.

“ it became clear to me throughout the interview process and my first few months on the job that i was meant to be here,” Bertolino said, acknowledging his father, Joseph A. Bertolino Jr., and sister, Eileen russell, in attendance. “Everything that has happened in my life, every opportunity that has

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

been presented to me and every connection i ’ve made along the way guided me here. returning to my roots in South Jersey and serving the very institution where my mother earned her degree as an adult student very much feels like a homecoming.”

Bertolino has brought to Stockton the value of Cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which he has carried through his professional career since graduating from University of Scranton, a Jesuit institution.

“We have a responsibility to sup -

port one another, to treat each other with kindness, respect, dignity, compassion and civility, to reach out and listen to one another. As an institution of higher education, Stockton wields tremendous power in transforming lives,” he said.

“Take those opportunities when they’re presented. Say yes, even if you’re scared or intimidated. if a mentor, a friend, a professor or colleague says you’ve got what it takes, they’re probably right. lean on this community to seize your opportunities,”

Bertolino said.

Students and community were a key focus of the day. The Osprey parade, led by the Absegami High School drumline, kicked off the celebration, which included alumni from throughout Stockton’s 50 years and student leaders representing many diverse and engaged clubs and organizations on campus. Numerous student performances dotted the celebration, which culminated in prez Fest, a community party in the Galloway Campus Center.

Other well wishes were shared

from the U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, Faculty Senate president Michael l aw and Staff Senate president l auren Fonseca. Jacquelyn Suarez, acting commissioner for the NJ Department of Community Affairs, delivered a message from Gov. phil Murphy.

Delegates from 40 higher education institutions in New Jersey and beyond were represented. president emeriti Harvey Kesselman (20152023) and Herman J. Saatkamp Jr. (2003-2015) and the family of Vera King Farris (1983-2003) attended.

What's happening in Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show Returns to Music Pier on Saturday

Former p hiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick and former philadelphia Flyers defenseman Mark Howe will be part of the sixth annual Sports Memorabilia Show on Saturday, April 20 at the Ocean City Music pier, and they will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions as part of the event.

Vendors with merchandise and collector’s items representing a variety of sports and teams will be on display and for sale at the show. Admission is free, and hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking will be available at municipal lots

adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

Quick was a five-time pro Bowler during nine seasons with the Eagles from 1982 to 1990. He is best known today as a radio voice of the Eagles, alongside Merrill reese.

Howe is the son of NH l legend Gordie Howe and a member of the philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame. A long career in hockey included 10 seasons with the Flyers, when he was among the best two-way defensemen in the league. Howe was a threetime runner-up for the Norris Trophy and played in three Stanley Cup finals.

Quick and Howe will participate in free Q&A sessions on stage at the Ocean City Music pier. They also will be available for individual meet-andgreets with fans ($20) that will include the opportunity to get autographs and photos with the philly legends. Call 609-3996111 for more information.

MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY

April 27 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: See artwork on display from local Ocean City School District students and meet the artists. Event is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music pier.

April 27-28 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue.

MAY 3 – Martin Z. Mollusk Day: Come and find out if summer is coming early, 11 a.m. at 9th Street Beach.

MAY 4 – Spring Block Party: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more information, call 1-800-BeachNJ.

MAY 4-5 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.

MAY 11 – Roadster Rally: roadsters of all makes and models will be on display from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street. For more information or to register your roadster, visit www. theroadsterrally.com or email blinkerfluidproductions@gmail.com.

MAY 19 – OCNJ

mile swim, 1m run/8m bike/1m run. pool Swim 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. run/Bike/ run starts 9 a.m. www.ocnj.us/raceevents.

MAY 24 – Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge: participants dress in business suits, carry briefcases and march into the ocean to the strains of " pomp and Circumstance" to welcome the new season. Noon at 9th Street Beach.

MAY 25 – Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes: The obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run. Staging at 9th Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.

MAY 27 – Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial park, between 5th Street and 6th Street on Wesley Avenue.

MAY 27 – National Moment of Remembrance: Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The moment of remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk.

Triathlon/Duathlon: ¼-mile pool swim, 2M run/16M Bike/2M run. plus a kids course 1/8

Masters Tournament a special event

By David Weinberg

The Masters holds a special place among Cape May National Golf Club owner Bob Mullock and some of the longtime members.

The late Skee riegel, who was the pro-emeritus there before passing away in 2009 at age 94, played in 11 straight Masters at Augusta from 1947 through 1957. He was the low amateur in 1948 and finished second to Ben Hogan in the 1951 tournament.

My, how times have changed. This year’s winner, two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, received $3.6 million while runner-up ludvig Aberg took home $2.16 million.

Hogan received $3,000 for his two-shot victory in 1951. riegel, who finished two shots behind, earned $1,875.

partly in Skee’s honor, Cape May

National celebrated his achievement last weekend by holding its own version of the Masters. it’s a fun, unique event in which your 18-hole score on Saturday is combined with someone’s final round score at Augusta on Sunday.

Scheffler, Aberg and my new favorite golfer, Eric van rooyen, played amongst the azaleas in warm sunshine and tricky winds.

i played in snow.

The flakes began to fall early in my round, which i opened with a double-bogey. it quickly melted through the next five holes, but an unexpected blizzard hit me on the par-5 seventh.

That’s when i built a snowman, plus an igloo for him to enjoy the day. i n golf parlance, an eight is nicknamed a snowman. My “Frosty” began to take shape when my drive veered right toward a row of hedges.

My second shot landed 10 yards behind my first shot after caroming off a tree root with a loud thud that sent my playing partners – who were standing behind me - ducking for cover.

Two shots later i was still closer to the tee box than the green. i reached it on my sixth attempt, then dug into my golf bag in search of a corn cob

pipe and button nose.

Three putts later, i exchanged my Footjoys for galoshes, pulled out a shovel to replace my putter, scribbled a nine on my scorecard and began to regret not packing a couple mini-bottles of Fireballs to dull the disappointment.

i t was apparent that Van rooten could shoot 59 on Sunday – he shot 76 – and i still wasn’t winning.

“ it still doesn’t feel real,” she wrote on X Monday morning. “ i ’m so grateful and so freaking (excited)!!”

Opening day thrills

Kudos to the coaches, officials, community leaders and parents who helped make last Saturday’s Opening

in a weird way, it took the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the back nine. i bounced back on the par-5 14th by curling in a 15-foot putt for birdie.

My mood brightened as i checked my phone and learned that my eldest grandson, Hampton, had gone 3-for3 in his machine-pitch little league game.

That took the sting away from seeing my tee shot on the par-3 17th land in the water, startling the two swans that were gliding along the surface.

i n actuality, i didn’t play horribly. Despite my misadventures earlier in the round, i managed to shoot 93 with a few pars and the birdie for a net 81 that left me in the middle of the pack of the 50-player field.

Nothing that a post-round margarita at the rusty Nail in Cape May couldn’t cure.

Local grad tees it up at Augusta

Speaking of the Masters, the tournament holds a lottery at the every year which allows a select group of media members to play the course the day after the final round.

This year’s media field included Alison Mastrangelo, a Middle Township High School and rowan University graduate who is a sports anchor/ reporter for WSB-TV in Atlanta.

Day of the lower Township little league such a memorable event for the players.

As noted in this column earlier, opening day of the Cape May little league used to be a magical experience, with a parade through town.

This year’s ceremony tried to capture that magic, which players marching around the field and participating in pregame ceremonies that featured a tribute to the 50th anniversary of little league softball in the area.

David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.

Playing at Cape May National

Alison Mastrangelo

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

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 & #shorelocal in your epic photos and videos.

Who: Joe Holiday live, The Magic & Comedy Hour

Where: Wyndham’s Skyline Tower

When: Every Saturday

Time: 3 p.m.

Website: www.joeholiday.com/live

Check out magician Joe Holiday liVE at Wyndham’s Skyline Tower for the magic comedy hour every Saturday at 3 p.m.

Who: Ben Folds and a piano

Where: Borgata’s Hotel Casino & Spa | Music Box

When: Friday, April 19

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.BorgataMGMresorts. com

For the past three decades, Ben Folds has toured as a pop artist, while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras. He is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.

Ben Folds has also been a longtime advocate for arts and music education funding.

Who: Comedy at Firewaters

Where: Firewaters Saloon Tropicana

Atlantic City

When: Every Monday & Friday

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: 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 right to the Jersey Shore. it is located in the marketplace section of the Tropicana, just down the hall from Hooters. Must be 21. No drink minimum, but there is a full bar and food menu.

What: Dinner & A Show: Tommy Stinson of The replacements

Where: Cardinal & Anchor rock Club

When: Friday, April 19

Time: 5 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show

Website: www.cardinal-ac.com/ events-at-cardinal/dinner-and-ashow-tommy-stinson

Have dinner before rocking out to the legendary tunes of The replacements with Tommy Stinson in an electrifying early show at Anchor rock Club. You don’t want to miss this.

What: This is i mportant podcast’ takes the stage

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino

When: Friday, April 19 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/this-is-important

prepare for an electrifying evening in Atlantic City with the comedic geniuses behind Workaholics, “This i s important podcast” – Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson. Don’t miss your chance to witness comedy gold in the making and be part of a night that will leave you laughing, thinking, and wanting more.

What: ’80s Night presented by Troy David & reddog’s Hi point pub

Where: reddog’s Hi point pub

When: Friday, April 19 Time: 8-11 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/this-is-important

Dust off your leg warmers and tease

up your hair, oh and wear your best ’80s gear. Be there or be square.

What: 15th Annual Elephant Talk indie Music Festival

Where: Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

When: Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21

Time: 5-10 p.m.

The 15th Annual Elephant Talk indie Music Festival will take place April 19-21 at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City. This is the first of two ET i MF’s at the beer hall in 2024 (spring and fall). All proceeds from this event will benefit the Tom Maillie inclusive bowling tournament happening Sunday, Aug. 4, at King pin Bowling. All ages/free parking/$15 per day cover/$30 for weekend pass.

What: 2024 Spring Exit Zero Jazz Festival

Where: Cape May Convention Hall

714 Beach Ave., Cape May

When: Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21

Website: www.exitzerojazzfestival. com

The 2024 Spring Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place in Cape May April 19-21. Featured performers include quartets led by Joey Alexander and Branford Marsalis. Venues include the Festival Main Stage in Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May outdoor stages, and bars and club venues.

Check the website for tickets and showtimes.

What: We Them Ones Comedy Tour

Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/we-them-ones-comedy-tour

BMN Entertainment is thrilled to unveil the “We Them One’s Comedy Tour” featuring comedic maestros Mike Epps, Deray Davis, DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, Karlous Miller, lil Duval, Mojo Brookzz and Money Bag Mafia.

What: ‘A Bronx Tale’

Where: Ocean Casino resort Ovation Hall

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.theoceanac.com/ entertainment/headliners/bronx-tale Academy Award nominee Chazz palminteri brings his original one-man

show, “A Bronx Tale,” to Ovation Hall on Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m.

What: Bongwalk Empire Featuring Cypress Hill, Sublime with rome, Action Bronson, & Souls of Mischief

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino Etess Arena

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/cypress-hill

Get ready for a monumental night of music at Bongsalk Empire featuring Cypress Hill, Sublime with rome, Action Bronson, & Souls of Mischief Saturday, April 20, in Hard rock live.

What: Daybreak The Music & passion of Barry Manilow

Where: resorts Casino Hotel Superstar Theater

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/barry-manilow-tribute/

Get ready to experience one of the most authentic tribute acts ever to hit the music scene as “Daybreak The Music & passion of Barry Manilow” takes you on a musical journey back to the ’70s. Fans will experience Barry Manilow’s hits the way you remember them. ↘Continued on

Who: Atlantic City Comedy Club

Where: The royce Social Hall Tropicana

Website: atlanticcitycomedyclub.com

Who: NorStep presents Smoke on the Water | 4th Annual 420 Fest

Where: Atlantic City Cruises 800 North New Hampshire Ave.

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 11 a.m.-4:20 p.m.

Website: www.atlanticcitynj.com/ events/event-list/norstep-presentssmoke-on-the-water/

Whether you’re a fan of music, delicious food, the 420 lifestyle, or are just looking for a good time, this back bay cruise is perfect for you.

What: Stockton University Foundation Scholarship Benefit Gala

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino

Atlantic City

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Website: www.stockton.edu/development-foundation/events/scholarship-benefit-gala

Celebrating presidential inauguration of Joe Bertolino as the sixth president of Stockton University. immerse yourself in Stockton experiences while networking, enjoying delectable food, live music, raffl es and more.

Who: Mike Quick and Mark Howe at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia

Show

Where: Ocean City Music pier

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Website: www.oceancityvacation. com/events-calendar/sports-memorabilia-show-2/

Former philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick and former p hiladelphia Flyers defenseman

Mark Howe will be part of the sixth annual Sports Memorabilia Show on Saturday, April 20, at the Ocean City Music pier, and they will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions as part of the event. Admission is free. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

What: The Mad Bunny Bar Madder Than Ever

Where: resorts Atlantic City pop-Up Bar

When: Every Day

Time: Sunday 1 p.m.-midnight; Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday, 2 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 1 p.m.-3 a.m.

Website: resortsac.com

Discover the Mad Bunny Bar pop-up. Step into a scientific lab where the Mad Bunny crafts vibrant cocktails. indulge in drink specials, live music, and promotions. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with the Mad Bunny every Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight in April.

Who: Goat Yoga

Where: renault Winery

When: Saturday, April 20

Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

What: Motown Forever

Where: Borgata’s The Music Box

When: Sunday’s until April 28

Time: 4 p.m.

Website: www.eventbrite.com

Come spend the day at renault and experience a unique 45-minute yoga session in the renault vineyards led by Amy palazzo, accompanied by friendly goats from robonnie Farms. Enjoy bonding with the goats during the session and capture memorable moments in the last 15 minutes. remember to bring your yoga mat and water bottle, wear comfortable clothes, and tie back your hair, avoiding tank tops or dangling items. it’s sure to be a delightful and unforgettable event.

Website: borgata. mgmresorts.com/en/ entertainment/the-music-box/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.

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

By Bruce Klauber

Don’t miss Cape May’s Exit Zero Jazz Festival this weekend

the first

November of 2012, the three-day confab has become one of the most prestigious and unique jazz festivals in the country. What makes it so special is that the concerts are presented in the spring and fall, representing an eclectic and thoughtful blend of nationally known performers and superb talents who are not yet household names.

Those slated to perform this weekend on various Cape May stages

Friday-Sunday, April 19, 20 and 21, exemplify what makes Exit Zero so extraordinary.

There’s no doubting who the headliners are: pianist Joey Alexander, who will perform at Convention Hall 8 p.m. Friday, April 19; and multi-reedman Branford Marsalis, appearing at Convention Hall 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20.

Born in indonesia, Alexander was just 9 when he won the Master-Jam Fest in Odessa, Ukraine, in 2013 against an all-ages field of competitors. He released his first album, “My Favorite Things,” when he was 11 years old in 2015 and has looked back.

i was among the many in the worldwide jazz community who came away astounded after hearing his first recorded effort. How could an 11-year-old boy be so inventive, so swinging, so technically incredible, and so musi cally mature? Quite simply, it was and is possible.

Now 20, he has matured to a point where he’s finding his own way as a pianist and composer, though i ’m hearing more Tyner, Bill Evans and even Keith Jarrett in his playing. He has also added an occasional electric keyboard to the mix. But when he takes a moment to slow down, as he did during a recent performance of “Angel Eyes” at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in philadelphia, he shows great lyricism and emotion.

Alexander started listening to artists like McCoy Tyner, Harry Con nick, Jr., John Coltrane, and Bill Evans when he was but a toddler. Though some of those influences are evident, his style is his own. if he sounded like anyone in those early days, it would have to be the late and great French pianist Bernard peiffer, who spent much of his professional life in philadelphia.

ford was a straight-ahead swinger in his early days, playing with lionel Hampton and Clark Terry, later joining Wynton in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and eventually in the Marsalis brothers Quintet. But he veered away from the straight-ahead path around 1986 when he formed his own group

Since

Exit Zero Jazz Festival took place in Cape May in

and expanded into pop music (he’s worked with Sting and the Grateful Dead, among many others), classical music, genre-bending composition, and scoring for films and Broadway.

perhaps his biggest exposure to the public at large came via his leadership of “The Tonight Show with Jay leno” band in 1992. Wide exposure notwithstanding, Marsalis was unhappy in the role of clown and sycophant, and left the program in 1995 when he handed the baton to Kevin Eubanks.

As a jazz saxophonist, Marsalis is almost impossible to pin down stylistically, and that’s likely the way he wants it. A Marsalis concert may include a Thelonious Monk tune, an old standard like “Stardust,” something from his native New Orleans, and a bunch of originals. No matter what he plays, he doesn’t stray far from his New Orleans roots. Unlike some of his contemporaries who copied John Coltrane in terms of tone, Marsalis has a beautiful, welcoming, warm and room-filling sound on tenor saxophone. Whether the composition is his or someone else’s, he always respects the melody, which gives even the non-jazz fans in the audience a point of reference.

Branford Marsalis is a major talent and a major contributor to jazz whose evolution as a player, and enthusiasm for America’s only original art form, never stops.

Other Highlights

Pianist Matthew Whitaker, Convention Hall on Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

Whitaker, blind since birth, is a pianist and organist who also began playing professionally at a young age. Though originally influenced by Oscar peterson, Jimmy Smith, and other traditional swingers, Whitaker’s style has evolved to embrace elements of funk, fusion, smooth jazz, and the use of electronics.

Pianist Christian Sands, Convention Hall on Saturday, April 20 at noon.

Sands first gained recognition as a member of award-winning bassist Christian McBride’s group. i t’s refreshing to hear a “contemporary” artist who still embraces the jazz piano tradition exemplified by boppers Barry Harris and Tommy Flanagan, Ahmad Jamal, and Sands’ first mentor, the late Dr. Billy Taylor.

Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, Convention Hall Deck Stage Saturday, April 20 at 1:15 p.m.

The philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz has been around in various forms since 1966, when it first opened

as an outgrowth of the Musicians Union local 274, philadelphia’s African-American Orchestra union. Though the club presents regular and always-impressive events, a significant part of the organization’s mission is jazz education.

The Clef Club’s student groups are always first-rate in terms of ensemble work and enthusiastic soloists.

Delvon LaMarr Organ Trio, Carney’s Main room on Saturday, April 20 at 8:15 p.m.

Our region has always been known for swinging, jazz organ trios, led by artists from Jimmy Smith and Groove Holmes to Don patterson and Milt Buckner. Seattle-based Delvon l amarr listened to all of them and

has taken the tradition to the next funky level.

Marianne Solivan, Carney’s Other room on Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m.

Over the past few years, several young female jazz vocalists, including Veronica Swift and Samara Joy, have arrived on the scene and taken the jazz world by storm.

Solivan, who comes out of Berklee College of Music, has been on the New York scene for some time, but has not yet “arrived” nationally. After listening to her clear, passionate, and swinging renditions of jazz songbook numbers like “Moody’s Mood for love,” it’s quite possible that Solivan may be the next jazz vocal artist to watch.

For the complete lineup, ticket prices and other information, visit www.exitzerojazzfestival.com or call 609-849-9202.

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 Headliners

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

Sunday, April 21

Motown Forever

▶4 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

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.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Thursday, May 16

Penn & Teller

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Friday, May 17

The String Cheese Incident ▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Penn & Teller

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Saturday, May 18

Steve Martin & Martin Short

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

David Foster & Katherine McPhee

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Bill Maher ▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

John Hiatt

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Foghat

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Friday, May 24

Heart

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Saturday, May 25

Tim Dillon

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Alter Ego

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at resorts

A Brother’s Revival: Tribute to the Allman Brothers

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

On-Sale Now

Iliza: The Get Ready Tour

▶Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

On-Sale This Week

Chelsea Handler and Matteo Lane

▶Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Clutch & Rival Sons

▶Friday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Kathleen Madigan

▶Saturday, July 20, 9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Robin Trower

▶Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

▶Saturday, July 13, 8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Tickets on sale Friday, April 19, 10 a.m.

2024 Concerts on The Beach in Somers Point kick off June 14

Summer Lineup Announced

J une 14: Bywater Call Hot Emerging Americana/Canadian roots rock & Jam with Southern Soul

June 21: The Billy Walton Band with Destinee Monroe rock, Motown, Funk, Disco, Soul & Blues One of The Best Bands in The Northeast

July 4: J ohn Cafferty & Beaver Brown Band Celebrate Somers point legacy of Eddie & The Cruisers: Hear “Dark Side” “Wild Summer Nights” “Tender Years”

July 5: Mardi Gras In July: Waylon

Thibodeaux & Ben levin At The piano With Danny Eyer World Class Cajun Fiddler & Bourbon Street Entertainer, New Orleans party Music

July 12: Ladies Night Double Header: Dana Fuchs Off Broadway “Across The Universe” To The Beatles Music

Movie And Her Songs On The Billboard Charts

“The Girls Can’t Help Themselves”

Tribute To The Women Of rock N’ roll, 60’s To Today Featuring patty Balbo

July 19: The Phantom Blues Band with Special Guest Star Curtis Salgado

Multi Grammy Awards Winners, Soul Blues And Bma Award Winners Heather ‘ lil’ Mama Hardy On The Funky Fiddle

July 26: Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz Starring The radiators’ Dave

Malone, Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, Honey island Swamp Band, Bob Margolin & Johnny Sansone Doing Original Songs From The Movie

August 2: Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes preeminent Nashville producer Of The Stones, lynyrd Skynyrd, Zz Top, Susan Tedeschi, Kevin pakulis

August 9: Third World One Of The Greatest And Most popular reggae Bands in The World: “Now That We’ve Found love” “Try Jah love” “96 Degrees in The Shade”

August 16: Wildflower 70’s Night at Tony Mart’s With Original Members Who played Somers point i n 1970!

popular Horn Band Sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire And philly Funk

E Street Shuffle premiere Springsteen Tribute Band

August 23: Jimmy Carpenter Band

Saxophone Star & Musical Director Of The Big Easy Cruise New Orleans party Music

August 30: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers One of The Greatest Blues rockers in The World, 4 Time “BB King Entertainer Of The Year”

September 6: Tony Mart Allstars: red Classic rock, Country rock, New Wave Dance party, World Class Original Music

MÖTLEY CRÜE FRI & SAT, MAY 3 & 4

KESHA WED, JUL 3

KELLY CLARKSON FRI & SAT, MAY 10 & 11

STEVE MARTIN AND MARTIN SHORT SAT, MAY 18

DONNY OSMOND SUN, JUL 7

KOE WETZEL FRI, AUG 30

LUDACRIS WITH T.I. SAT, JUL 27

MIRANDA LAMBERT SAT, AUG 31

CREED & 3 DOORS DOWN SAT, SEP 28

Singer-songwriter (and TV mogul) John Eddie ready to rock Resorts

By Chuck Darrow

To those who remember when singer-songwriter John Eddie regularly played up and down the Jersey Shore, his April 27 gig at resorts Casino-Hotel may not seem like a particularly big deal. But seeing the Cherry Hill-raised musician on the Superstar Theater stage will actually count as a rare sighting.

“We stopped playing, obviously, during COVi D; i hadn't played until last summer,” offered Eddie during a recent phone call to his Nashville home. “ i did a couple shows at [Asbury park’s famed Stone pony] and one in philadelphia and one at ram’s Head [in Maryland] and that was it.

“ i love playing, but it's a different beast for where i 'm at in my life now

than it was when i was younger. So, i 've only played four gigs in the last four years.”

What’s also different, he continued, is the musical marketplace. When he said he always looks “at the writing on the wall,” he was referring to the tribute-band explosion of the past decade or so. Whether the venues are theaters, clubs or casinos, acts that recreate the music of a specific band or solo artist tend to take up large chunks of the performance schedules.

“The tribute bands are really killing it,” he noted, using the verb in positive way. “ i do a couple of covers in my shows, but it's mostly original [material]. it’s not like it was back when we first started [in the early 1980s]. Everyone was trying to be in original bands back then. But now people want to hear songs they know.

“ i 've seen some of these tribute bands. it used to be you'd look down on them with disdain, but they're really good and they really put the work in. i 'm just like another audience member when i go see them; i want

to hear a song i know too. So i enjoy seeing them. it's just not something i 'm good at.”

As it turns out, Eddie--who has gained a loyal cult following with his gritty, roots-rocking music and

from-the-heart lyrics that are often tinged with a sly sense of humor--had another, far more glamorous excuse for cutting back on his musical performances the past few years:

i n 2023, Netflix streamed 10 episodes of “Agent Elvis,” a for-adults animated series in which Elvis presley is portrayed as a super-spy working for the U.S. government. Eddie created and developed the show—whose original pitch was “Elvis presley directed by Quentin Tarrantino”--with Mike Arnold (a writer for the FX series, “Archer”) and The King’s ex-wife, priscilla presley, whom he first met some 20 years ago when Eddie was the opening act on two tours headlined by priscilla’s late daughter, lisa Marie. The star-studded cast included Matthew McConaughey (as Elvis), Kaitlin Olson (“ it’s Always Sunny in philadelphia”) and Don Cheadle. Despite receiving generally good critical and internet buzz, the series was not renewed for a second season.

“ i was co-show runner and cohead writer,” he explained. “So that was a pretty heavy workload. We were working like 10 hours a day for three years on it. i was blessed to have it during COVi D because i didn't have to play” to earn a living,

While Eddie is likely disappointed that “Agent Elvis” wasn’t renewed, he certainly appreciates what a huge accomplishment was the “crazy idea” he initially pitched priscilla presley back in 2012. “ it would blow my mind when they’d go, ‘We sent the script to Matthew; he wants to do it.’ And i ’m like, ‘ really? Matthew McConaughey wants to be in this first thing i 've ever done for TV?’”

it’s not that working with priscilla

occasions through the decades, he has been joined onstage by Bruce Springsteen. The first time was in 1982 at Big Man’s West, the red Bank nightclub owned by the late Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band’s beloved saxophone player.

As he recently posted on his Facebook page:

“42 years ago today…it was Easter Sunday…the first time Bruce jumped up on stage and played with us…there were like 11 people in the audience… i was 22 years old and the guy who changed my life at age 14 with his words and music was standing next to me singing with me and my band... we played ‘ long Tall Sally,’ ‘ rockin All Over The World,’ ‘ proud Mary’ and ‘Carol’…the next day my face hurt… i couldn’t figure out why…then i figured it out…it was from smiling so hard the night before…thanks for the kickstart Bruce… i was so much older then i ’m younger than that now…"

While Eddie, who has had his songs recorded by the likes of Kid rock, Sammy Hagar and Keith Urban, has severely cut back on performing and is mustering most of his time and energy for future TV projects, his fans needn’t worry they’ve heard the last of him, musically speaking.

“ i still write, and i 'm planning on putting out a new record,” he promised. “ i have no thoughts that i 'm gonna have a hit record, but i write songs for myself that aren't good for pitching to other artists.

“So i 'm gonna put out another record once i figure out what songs i want to put on. i 'm blessed. i still write; i could never stop writing mu -

TV tie-in 1

resorts Casino-Hotel has obviously found success with its series of interactive comedy-murder mysteries based on popular television series staged by philly-based Without a Cue productions. The latest offering is “A Dundie Demise: An Office Whodunnit,” whose setting and characters are taken from the brilliant workplace sitcom, “The Office.” The program, in which audience members solve a homicide committed during the annual Dunder-Mifflin interoffice awards ceremony, debuted last Saturday, and will be repeated April 27, May 4 and 18 and June 1 and 8. For tickets, go to resortsac.com/entertainment-and-shows.

TV tie-in 2

Atlantic City has a hometown entry in an upcoming episode of “Guy’s Grocery Games,” hosted by celebrity-chef (and AyCee casino restaurateur) Guy Fieri. On April 24, leslie Daniel, executive chef at Kuro, the Asian-focused eatery inside Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, will be competing for the $10,000 grand prize on the Food Network cooking competition series.

The show airs at 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY - APRIL 19

Brandon Ireland Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - APRIL 20

Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm

99 Reasons Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - APRIL 21

Dion Paci's Suspects & Accomplices 3pm-7pm

FRIDAY - APRIL 26

Twisted Livin 8pm-11pm

SATURDAY - APRIL 27

BAYFEST BASH

Big Foot Band starts 1pm

DJ Jim

The Company 6pm-10pm

SUNDAY - APRIL 28

Sindi Raaymond Band 4pm-7pm Now

SOURDOUGH TOAST SPECIALS

1600 New Road, Northfield • (609) 241-8634

beachbunsbakerynj.com

• Open Wed. - Sun. 8am-2pm

450 Bay Avenue, Somers Point www.carolinesnj.com

By David Setley

in a few days, the Jewish holiday of passover will begin. Although my culinary experience with Jewish cel -

Wines for Passover

Drink up!

ebrations has been limited to making challah and latkes around Hanukkah, i researched passover and the traditional Seder dinner to better offer wine recommendations in this article.

According to Chabad.org, the Seder plate is the base of the Seder dinner on the first day of passover. The Seder plate consists of 3 matzahs, bitter herbs, zeroa (a piece of roasted meat), beitzah (a hard-boiled egg), charoset (a fruity paste), and karpas (a vegetable, such as carrot or potato).

The Seder plate may be accompanied by a traditional matzah ball soup, potato kugel, or a braised or roasted brisket. i was intrigued to learn of the tradition of serving four glasses of wine with the dinner. From the Washingtonpost.com: Each adult drinks from four cups of wine during the meal. Each cup represents stages in the i sraelites’ redemption from the slavery of the Egyptians and a fifth cup is reserved for the hopeful return of the prophet Elijah.

ORDER

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

i am often asked what makes a wine kosher. Kosherwine.com states that for a wine to be certified as kosher, the entire process of winemaking including harvesting, crushing, fermentation, aging, and bottling must be handled by a Sabbath-observant Jewish person. Additionally, no non-kosher additives may be involved in the process. When looking at a bottle of kosher wine, you may also see the term “Mevushal” on the label. Mevushal translates to “cooked,” which indicates the wine was flash-pasteurized immediately after crushing. Multiple sources explain that this process allows for non-Sabbath-observant Jewish persons to be engaged in the wine production process. A non-Mevushal wine may only be handled and poured by a Sabbath-observing Jewish person, whereas a Mevushal wine may be handled by anyone.

Numerous very good kosher wine brands would pair well with the Seder meal. One such brand, called Unorthodox, has wineries located in the paarl wine region of South Africa. The paarl region is known for excellent wines! Unorthodox produces three varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. The Unorthodox Sauvignon Blanc would pair quite well with vegetables or potatoes (karpas); the Chenin Blanc would go very well with the beitzah (hard-boiled egg), the zeroa (roasted meat), the matzah ball soup, or the potato kugel. i would definitely recommend pairing the Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend with the brisket. All of these Unorthodox wines are also Mevushal.

i have two additional suggestions, both Kosher and Mevushal, that would

also be outstanding with the brisket. First, Cantina Gabriele Sangiovese, from Circeo in the l azio region of italy, is a wonderful, medium-bodied, dry i talian red wine. Sangiovese is the grape most popular for the Chianti Classico wines of Tuscany. The Cantina Gabriele Sangiovese has the rich flavor and character you would expect from a great i talian wine. Second, and perhaps my top recommendation, is the Chateau de l'Anglais Cotes de Castillon, from Bordeaux, France. This is an outstanding Kosher wine that is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. it aged for 12 months in French Oak barrels and is everything you would want in a classic Bordeaux red blend.

l astly (or perhaps firstly!) for something a little bubbly, the Moscato d’Asti by Bartenura never fails. This is a wonderful welcome wine at the start of the meal or a perfect dessert wine at the end. it is lightly sweet, mildly effervescent, and is kosher and Mevushal.

i hope this article enhanced your understanding of kosher wines and that my recommendations complement your p assover holiday well. Contact me with any questions or comments at dsetley@passionvines. com or stop into the Somers point store. Until next time, Chag pesach sameach! Happy passover, 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.

The Hit TV Show, 'The Office', transforms into an unforgettable murder mystery experience at Resorts Casino Hotel Without A Cue Productions is Set to Unveil ‘The Office’-Themed

Without A Cue productions is making their way back to Atlantic City, New Jersey, with an all-new murder mystery performance, based on the hilarious TV series, “The Office”.

A Dundie Demise: An Office

Whodunnit will hit the stage at resorts Casino Hotel - 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJon April 13 and 27, May 4 and 18, and June 1, 8, and 22 with a showtime each date at 8 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $35, and can be purchased now through their website https://ci.ovationtix.com.

A Dundie Demise: An Office

Whodunnit unfolds the mysterious events that take place at “The Dundie Awards”, and it’s the audience’s job to help solve the crime. Aside from watching and enjoying the show, guests can take selfies with the cast, snap their very own mugshot, find hidden clues, and be involved in the performance. At the end of the night, the audience

will try to solve this all-new murder mystery, with one lucky winner receiving a special prize and a coveted spot on the company's "Mugshot" wall back at the red rūm Theater

in p hiladelphia.

please note that this is not a dinner event, but a cash bar will be available.

Without A Cue p roductions’ home theater in philadelphia, the red rūm Theater is currently performing Cheers To Murder until April

28th. Additionally, their Freaky Friday series promises an array of exclusive 21+ performances, including Burlesque Bingo and Drag Brunch, continuing throughout 2024. To check out the diverse lineup of shows at the red rūm Theater, visit their website.

Photo Courtesy of Without A Cue Productions

Photo Courtesy of Without A Cue Productions

George ‘DJ G-Force’ Lind: A rockin’ remembrance (R.I.P.)

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

This is one of the toughest columns i ’ve ever had to write. i ’m in tears as i sit here putting words together to properly pay tribute to local South Jersey music legend George DJ ‘G-Force’ lind, who sadly passed away from cancer a few weeks ago. George was a veritable walking encyclopedia of music and pop culture. At various times he was a record store owner (he owned a small store on Ventnor Avenue in Margate in the 1980s, where Jamaican Me Crazy sits now). He was a clubs/concert promoter; as one of the ‘Diaz Brothers,’ lind, myself, and two other nowpassed locals, Dennis ruley and Steve Delucry, he promoted indie punk and metal shows at red’s Dance Club in Margate (formerly The ivory) and the long-gone Omni in Absecon).

He was an important presence on local radio station WlFr 91.7FM (lake Fred radio), where he did his popular “ radios Appear” for many years. in a Facebook post, WlFr wrote, “ rest in power George lind, aka DJ G-Force,

who did one of the best rock ‘n’ roll shows ever on WlFr . Besides being a huge helper behind the scenes at the Atlantic City Elks lodge punk shows from 1984-85, George was one of the infamous “Diaz Brothers.” Hey everybody, remember to say an unholy prayer for this ne’er do well, vinyl slappin’, turntable dustin’ porkhead tonight. He loved each and every one of you from the pit of his deep, black heart. Keep it rockin’ on the other side, homes.”

That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. During the early to mid 2000s, l ind promoted indie rock shows at a slew of venues long since closed: The Boneyard on Virginia Avenue in Atlantic City; Duke Mack’s on the AC Boardwalk (from 1999 till the venue closed in 2003), where, among other great shows, he brought national act, The Strokes, to town; Maguire’s Greater pittsburgh on Tennessee Avenue, which became Maloney’s Uptown.

Also the l e Grand Fromage in Gordon’s Alley; and, in Somers point where he resided, Gregory’s (deejayed on Monday nights and was a regular at their popular Taco Tuesdays) and The pearl Chinese restaurant.

G-Force also deejayed at the original House of Blues in Showboat when it was still a casino, at many memorable ‘after parties’ in the venue’s Foundation room. i ndeed, George found his niche’ as a rock ‘n’ roll guy

in a casino town – no easy feat. What i ’ll personally remember George lind for? He was one of my first friends when i first moved to Atlantic City in 1989, and he probably taught me more about indie/underground artists and bands than anyone i ’ve ever known.

i can never forget when G-Force, Dennis ruley and myself rented a house on Texas Avenue. i was writing a music column for The Whoot! Newspaper back then, in the mid1980s, and George would play bands such as The Dead Kennedys, DOA, and more locally, philly groups like The Dead Milkmen and ruin, at 3 in

the morning! lol. i got to see George for the last time in October of 2022, when he deejayed a Motohead tribute show at the Anchor rock Club. By that time, his cancer had kicked in hard and it was a struggle for him, but he always kept a strong persona with his trademark sarcasm and loud laugh that could make anyone smile.

“G was a largerthan-life character in my life i will never forget,” said local music aficionado Mike Kelly. “His passion for all things cool never wavered. He was always generous in sharing his knowledge with the world.”

r i p. G-Force. Gone but never to be forgotten.

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.

George ‘DJ G-Force’ Lind

Ocean City Arts Center hosts weekend of concerts

The Ocean City Arts Center presents an exciting weekend of music Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4 in the lecture Hall, Ocean City Free public library, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City. The weekend events are free and open to the public. With limited seating, reservations are strongly suggested and can be made online at oceancityartscenter.org or by calling the office at 609-399-7628.

First up, on Friday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. it is a Junior Jazz Battle royal featuring The Happy Accidentals, (Egg Harbor Township High school) directed by David Craig Milnes and The Deptford Jazz Ensemble, (Deptford High School) directed by Carl Cox. Ocean City Arts Center's Junior Jazz Battle royal is proud to feature these youth jazz ensembles who are keeping the jazz flame burning bright with brilliant and virtuosic performances. The Happy Accidentals performed at the recent Berks Jazz Fest in reading, pA. The Deptford Jazz Ensemble won Best Jazz Band in their division in 2023’s NJ Association for Jazz Education’s Annual competition. Come see if they kept their title this year at the competition on April 27.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH

The concert follows in the tradition of the Battle of the Bands popularized by an early 20th century concert staple where two popular orchestras would try to outperform one another in front of a live audience, like the first time ever Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra came together in 1961. That historic meeting, later referred to in jazz circles as The Battle royal, has been recreated through live performances by other jazz orchestras and ensembles over the years including on the stage of the 2011 edition of the Jazz à Vienne festival. likewise it brings to mind the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival held at lincoln Center in New York. With this Junior Jazz Battle royal, Ocean City will come alive with the sound of some of jazz's future stars facing off, not in competition, but in synergy.

On Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m., the Arts Center is proud to present the folk music and story songwriting of NJ’s troubadour, Valerie Vaughn. Valerie has a distinguished career performing throughout New Jersey, regionally and

at the Kennedy Center. She has shared the stage with legendary pete Seeger, and spun musical tales in England. Her evocative songs earned the Ocean County Commission’s Special Award and the pine Barrens Festival Award for preserving “the culture, heritage, and natural beauty” of the pinelands.

The Arts Center is proud to acknowledge that Valerie Vaughn, from Tuckerton, is one of the five South Jersey recipients of New Jersey State Council of the Arts’ inaugural New Jersey Heritage Fellowships. The New Jersey Heritage Fellowships recognizes artistic excellence and the contributions towards traditional arts and heritage that highlight the diversity of the state, especially in South Jersey.

Annual Bloom Weekend Renault Winery

Small thing s With Great Love ” at May 11 & 12

“Do

Shop handcrafted gifts for your loved ones at our Makers Market, where local ar tisans showcase their passion through unique creations. Find ever ything from handmade jewelr y to home decor, each piece re ec ting the dedication and creativit y of its maker

It’s an oppor tunit y to connec t with the ar tisans, discover the stories behind their crafts, and selec t special items that carr y a personal touch.

Mothers Day Brunch

Celebrate the special women in your life with a Mother ’s Day Brunch at Renault Winer y & Resor t Treat your mom to a beautiful venue and culinar y delights that will make her feel loved and appreciated With a wide variet y of delicious food and drinks, you can indulge in a delightful brunch while creating unforgettable memories with your family. Join us on May 12th.

Embrace the lively spring season at Renault, where nature’s beaut y and our proper t y ’s charm come together. As the days grow longer and nature bursts into color, we invite you to celebrate the essence of spring with us.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, April 18

Atlantic City

Council Oak Lounge

David Farrell Melton

5:30 – 9 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Mike lowry

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

Kristen & The Sky

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

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Carlos Morales

6 – 8 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Josie Kelly’s

40 North

6 p.m. 908 Shore rd.

Queen Jayne’s Cosmic Charlie

6 – 9 p.m.

264 New rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Ana popovic

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Ventnor

Ventnor Coffee

Open Mic Night w/ pete Glaze & T Five

6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, April 19

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Tommy Stinson of The replacements w/ Ma’am, Diane Gentile

8 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak Lounge

paula Johns Trio

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Smoove

10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Dueling pianos

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Kono Nation Duo

7 p.m. liquid A

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Originaire Duo

6 – 10 p.m.

Temporary Grace

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Elephant Talk indie Music Festival Day #1

6 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Hometown radio

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Goodman Fiske

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Killer B’s

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Ahmed

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

rainbow Full of Sound: Grateful Dead Tribute

9 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Freezie

7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1900 pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

l astella Brothers

9:30 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

The loop

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

DJ Joey Dino

9 p.m. – 3 a.m.

2100 pacific Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

philly Keys

6 – 11 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The roost pub & Grill

Brian McConnell

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Margate

Bocca

CJ Sooy

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

James Howell

7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

316 roosevelt Blvd.

Northfield

Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club

Doug Jennings

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 leo Fraser Dr.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Sara & Tom

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Brandon ireland Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

lisa OnTour & The Sweet Jersey Band

7 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

popa Chubby

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, April 20

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Steve luhmann

6 p.m.

Kevin Story

9:15 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

ruby the Hatchet, High reeper, reef the lost Cause + Caliph-NOW

8 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak Lounge

Vahe Sarkissian Trio

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Smoove

10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Dueling pianos

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Amy Faden Duo

7 p.m.

Stealing Savannah

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Blue Street Band

5 – 9 p.m.

Tragic remedy

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Elephant Talk indie Music Festival

Day #2

12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Gypsy Wisdom

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Kicking Sunrise

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Geri Mingori

6 – 9 p.m. DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk

The Royce Social Hall

DJ Dahve

9 p.m. 2831 pacific Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Sepper

8 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sean patrick & The Alibis

9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

1900 pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

No Standards

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Steal the Sky

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

DJ Aiden Scott

9 p.m. – 3 a.m.

2100 pacific Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Karaoke with Kelli

5 – 9 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Margate

Bocca

CJ Sooy

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Dom Grosso

7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

316 roosevelt Blvd.

Millville

Levoy Theatre

Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience

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

Doug Jennings

4 – 7 p.m.

99 reasons Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

Chris Yoder Band

8 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Sugar Mountain: Celebrating the Genius of Neil Young

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

Sunday, April 21

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Garn Baile internacionale

9 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak Lounge

Avi Wisnia

5:30 – 9 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

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.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Elephant Talk indie Music Festival

Day #3

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Billy Walton Band

4 – 7:30 p.m.

lost in paris

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Go Ham Duo

12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Margate

Bocca

Jim Shaw

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Dion paci’s Suspects & Accomplices

3 – 7 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s Traditional irish Music

1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Monday, April 22

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget red

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Slay Town City

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Tuesday, April 23

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dane Anthony Band

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

SPRING SPECIALS

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, April 24

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

live Music

7 – 10 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

The Benderz

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Margate

Bocca

Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle

7 – 11 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

7 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Events subject to change.

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

Award-winning Fool Moon Theatre announces 2024 season

Fool Moon Theatre Company, winner of the Best of The press Bronze award in 2023, announces its classic season, “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” opening May 10; “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” opening July 19; and “The Miracle Worker,” opening Sept. 20.

All productions will be at the Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Ave., Margate. For tickets and additional information, visit www.foolmoontheatre.org or email foolmoontheatre@gmail.com. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Special: $20 per ticket for the first 50 tickets sold online.

“ i t’s a classic season of great American comedy, music, and drama,” said Fool Moon president and co-founder, p attye Herron. “And we open with the funniest show no one ever heard of, ‘A Bad Year for Tomatoes.’ it’s a hilarious farce from beginning to end.”

Written by pulitzer prize-winning playwright John patrick, ‘Tomatoes’ tells the story of a Hollywood star who seeks peace to write her mem -

oirs in a sleepy New England town and has her life upended by local zanies, a psychotic doppelganger, and a murder charge. “ it’s flat out funny,” director paul Herron said. “We’re thrilled to bring this little-known classic American comedy to the Margate stage.”

The first 50 tickets sold online for the Mother’s Day performance of ‘Tomatoes’ will be $20 per ticket.

July brings “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” Stephen Sondheim's joyous, musical romp through ancient rome, with desperate lovers, scheming neighbors, convoluted plot twists, and secrets behind every toga. Kim Tucker will direct. Tucker directed Fool Moon’s summer 2023 smash hit, “The 25th Annual putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Save the date!

Please join us at Little Water Distillery on Thursday, April 25th, beginning at 4:30pm, for Buddy’s Happy Hour Cocktail Club!

Mr. Buddy Grover was a beloved Lightkeeper at Absecon Lighthouse, and in his honor, we have created a monthly gathering to celebrate his warmth, spirit, and kindness to all he met. Come on your own or with friends – all are welcome to celebrate Buddy, our wonderful friend and role model!

Locations change monthly.

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

“The Miracle Worker,” a Tony Award-winning play, is the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months. With compassion, humor and dramatic tension, “The Miracle Worker” explores the volatile relationship between a lonely

teacher and her headstrong charge. Andrea Zackheim- p oetsch, who last performed as The Stage Manager in Fool Moon Theatre’s, “Our Town,” will direct. The Sept. 22 performance will be signed by an American Sign l anguage interpreter.

Joe l azarus is Fool Moon Theatre’s technical director for the full season. l azarus, well known for his exceptional scenic and lighting designs, is a Fool Moon veteran and has designed shows at the Tropicana casino, the South Jersey regional Theatre, and the original Gateway playhouse.

“The 2024 season promises to be our most adventurous and satisfying season ever,” said Herron. “We hope that all of South Jersey joins us in our celebration of the American theater.”

The cast of “Bad Year For Tomatoes” pictured from left: Rich McMahan, Navara Wallace, Chikta Wallace, Victoria Biron, Pamela Dollack, Kerry Burns, Mike Schlapp, and Kate Read.

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Seashore Gardens 5K Run & Health Walk

April 21 to benefit Alzheimer’s outreach

The community is invited to lace up their sneakers for a good cause at the 14th Annual Seashore Gardens 5K run & Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun run & Walk on Sunday, April 21, 2024, on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Organized by Seashore Gardens Foundation, the run & Walk is the key fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and dementia outreach and programs.

The run & Health Walk will start and finish at Stockton University’s Atlantic City Campus at Albany Ave.

and the Boardwalk. The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. with timing provided by South Jersey race Timing llC.

The 5K Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun run will both begin at 8:30 a.m.

Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome in each of the events.

There will be medals for the top three male and female winners in their age group. Age groups include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.

There also will be awards for Wheelchair participants, Top Fundraising

Where will YOU be when Disaster Strikes?

Team and largest Team. Free parking is offered from 7 a.m. to noon at the Stockton University commuter lot, 3601 Boardwalk (at Hartford Ave.), Atlantic City, N.J. refreshments will be provided following the race.

pre-registration is available until April 19 at 5 p.m. pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt (while supplies last). Cost is $35 for runners, $30 for walkers (with $5 discounts

for ages 22 and under). Day of registration cost is $45. The Family Fun run is $20, and children ages 10 and under are $15. Same-day registration will be available at the race starting at 7:15 a.m. and does not include the T-shirt. To register, visit the following link: https://seashoregardens.org/5k. For questions, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Erin luurtsema at (609) 748-4615 or luurtsemae@ seashoregardens.org.

Runners cross the finish line at the 13th annual Seashore Gardens Foundation 5K Run to benefit Alzheimer’s and dementia outreach. Photo Credit: Jack Fahy and John Kennelly

Katrina Schnepp, Director of Social Services at Seashore Gardens Living Center (center) warms up with her children. Photo Credit: Jack Fahy and John Kennelly

Creative Writing Workshop is a great way to spend a Sunday

By Raymond Tyler

Pen to paper – The Creative Writing Workshop Series at Union Hall. This is a review of the recent class facilitated by Vanessa Fiore on Sunday, April 14. The next scheduled class is 1 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at the Union Hall Arts, 2806 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City. phone 609-878-7000 or see www. Unionhallarts.com

This past Sunday, i woke up wanting to indulge my creative juices. What to do? i could always go to Books A Million and draw and paint. i was, however, feeling the need to engage in something artistic but with community.

“To the Union Hall Arts website!” i said in my head.

There was the creative engage -

ment i was looking for. “Creative Writing Workshop: Tap into The Creativity That Will Take You into The Future.” i honestly would be happy with tapping into creativity that would “take me out of the house,” and being around other creative people and sharing an experience.

i showered and dressed and took a drive into Atlantic City. i included the shower, dress and drive information because i took the time to enjoy the shower. Sometimes you have to put on a whole concert in the shower (when you are not in a rush). Billy Joel was going to be on CBS that night, so Billy and i performed the songs from his album, “Glass Houses,” as i bathed.

i put on my favorite fatigue pants and my Tony The Tiger t-shirt (sometimes called “my writin’ shirt), and my black suede puma sneakers. The point is i wore clothes that made me feel creative, open and free. i climbed into my Jeep and turned off the talk show station and played one of my favorite hip-hop mixes and

rolled the windows down. i felt like i had never paired fresh air and loud music before. in fact, i felt like i was the first person to discover that warm weather, ocean breezes and loud singin’ music (Wu-Tang, run-DMC, Queen l atifah) go together.

i already felt amazing when i walked in the place.

Side note: i was able to find street parking about a block away. luckily i was in a good mood and the ocean breeze was more May weather than middle of April weather.

Once inside the Union Hall, i sat down at the table and began writing.

i had been so wrapped up in enjoying the journey to the Creative Writing Workshop, i missed the first 10 minutes of the class. As my fellow creative writers were working on their warm up, i decided to stop writing and do some quick sketches of some of the vibrant statues in the hall.

if you’ve never been to the Union Hall Arts, has the feel of a slightly seedy art gallery in the SoHo area of NYC circa 1980-something. There are couches and comfy chairs, books on art, Atlantic City memorabilia, random art lying around for the upcoming Mixtape show and all kinds of “what nots” that you would see in more creative art spaces and lowbrow garage sales.

i fixed my eye on a mannequin of a woman in a bikini holding a large fish. i want to come back and do a whole painting of the woman with fish, but i enjoy my quick sketch version.

The Creative Writing Workshop instructor Vanessa Fiore introduced herself to me and gave me a great welcome. We then heard from one

of the writers who shared their warm up.

Vanessa passed out a prompt: “7 trees,” six grey-ish or gray-ish, and one bright red. The mission was to write something creatively based on the painting.

Each of the writers penned exciting poems using words in ways that danced, sang, cried, yelled on the paper.

i was in a place where i wanted to create, but also experience the creative process with others. i got everything i came for and some free pizza.

Here’s what i liked about the Creative Writing Workshop. There were writers there from several generations and so the perspectives were all fresh and different.

Several of the writings shared were a little radical and nobody made a nasty prune face. The instructor herself was laid back. She focused more on making writers comfortable than instructing. Yes. i do value great critiques, tips and insights on writing, but some workshops spend so much time on instruction, you never get to write or enjoy the space with the other writers. The pizza from Tony’s Baltimore Grill was indeed a plus.

i had a great Sunday. i also would recommend that you visit Vanessa Fiore’s website, www.Village-Works.com.

The Creative Writing Workshop series is a great experience. The next one is on Sunday, June 9, at the Union Hall Arts center and according to Vanessa, one lucky writer will win a Murphy Writing workshop scholarship.

Until June 9, keep writing! i hope to see you at the next Creative Writing Workshop!

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

By Julia Train

Anne Dice was a p eace Corps volunteer from 1990 to 1992 in a small, rural community, los Cocos de

Feasting for a cause

Almonte. Dice called him her “Dominican dad.”

“He was just wonderful. He had only gone to school up to middle school. He was a poor subsistence farmer, but an amazing leader in his community. And we just had such a wonderful relationship and they treated me like family. And it truly was a fantastic experience in my life that had quite an impact.”

When Dice returned home, she continued to visit los Cocos de Jacagua and complete different projects in the community, maintaining her

Jacagua, in the Dominican republic. Down there, her counterpart was a Dominican man named Mario Antoni

relationship with the Almonte family. When she got married and had kids, Dice took her family to visit the area.

i n 2007, she went to her church and asked to start a mission in that community because Dice said, “ it's just such a special, really beautiful community with people so filled with joy despite their poverty.”

The church said yes. in 2008, they started taking teams down to los Cocos. Each year, different churches heard about the trips and decided to join.

Dice asked Almonte what the community needed, and he told her houses.

Over the years, nine different churches and two schools have participated in building homes and providing scholarships for the children in the community. To date, they’ve built 168 houses.

After the success of that mission, Dice established the nonprofit Building Up i nc. in 2017, leading to them building a community center that would offer English classes, a library and a workshop to learn income generation skills. The goal was to provide employment, like teaching English, for people in the community that were bilingual and save the money for the transportation that was sending them into the city.

Now the nonprofit is working on building its second floor, which will have more classrooms and an event room, which renting out will help the community keep the center going.

i n order to pay for the construction, there will be a fundraiser, called “Caribbean lunch & Celebration”, on April 27 at St. peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City.

Four of the Dominican host moms will be flown up to cook a traditional Dominican meal that will help to raise

funds for the second level, establish a scholarship and build a maintenance fund.

“We don't want to be seen as these rich Americans just coming in and being Santa Claus. We want to empower them with education and income generation opportunities, so that they can build their own houses,” said Dice.

Five years ago, they flew up three of the host moms and put together a big Caribbean dinner at St. peter's Church in Ocean City to raise $100,000. With that money, they were able to build the first level of the Mario Antonio Almonte Community Center, named after Dice’s “Dominican dad,” who passed away around the same time.

The classes instantaneously filled up when it opened in September 2021.

in addition to yummy food, there will be a silent auction and various opportunities to help raise their goal of $50,000.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

To purchase tickets, visit: https:// buildingup.eventbrite.com.

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

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

The importance of preventing heartworm

By Heidi Clayton

Recently, i was told by a client that it was suggested to her that she not give her dog a heartworm preventative because heartworms do not appear in New Jersey. i was a bit alarmed that anyone would suggest such a thing.

According to the US Food & Drug Administration, heartworms occur along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts from Florida to New Jersey. i n fact, they have been found in all 50 states. Heartworms can be fatal to your dog and there are a number of preventatives available that will all but erase the chance of them becoming infected.

Heartworms are foot-long worms that inhabit the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. They multiply easily. Once a dog is infected, they cause lung disease, heart failure

when the blood can no longer pass freely through the dog's heart, and as a result permanent damage to other organs as well.

Heartworms are spread via mosquitoes. While whoever is suggesting that heartworms are not found in this area, i am 100 percent certain that we do have an ample supply of mosquitoes that have access to biting feral cats, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. Those animals all have the potential to carry heartworms. When a mosquito feeds from an infected animal, the blood consumed is filled with baby heartworms called microfilaria. They then get passed along to their next bite victim. i suppose that the incidences of heartworms could be low in our area, but consider the rate at which rescue dogs are brought up from Southern states, which is quite high. The rate of heartworms and the potential for spreading heartworms is much higher in that area. Also, think about whether you travel with your dog to areas where heartworms are plentiful. That would expose your unprotected dog to the worm.

Symptoms of a heartworm infection include coughing, shortness of breath or exercise intolerance, dis-

coloration in the gums or skin, nose bleeds, and spitting up blood. left untreated, dogs infected with heartworms will die within a few weeks or months. prompt treatment is essential to curing the dog. Treatment will include a series of injections and may also include a round of doxycycline to combat a known bacteria that the heartworm carries.

The treatment is expensive and hard on the dog, who will need complete rest as they shed the worms. Hospitalization depends on how severe the damage is. Factors include whether your dog can breathe on their own or if they have heart failure.

All of this is easily prevented by giving your dog a monthly heartworm preventative. Heartgard, Simparica,

interceptor, Tri-Heart, Nexgard, and Sentinel are just a few brand names that come in the form of a monthly pill. Some of these products also provide protection against other parasites as well.

i personally feel it is highly irresponsible to not protect your dog against heartworms. living in Mays l anding, i have seen a coyote in the woods behind my house. Just last week, i saw a fox walking along the top of my fence. Mosquito season is fast upon us, so keep your dog safe from this deadly worm. Speak to your vet about the best heartworm preventative for your dog.

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

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

Kids got spring fever? How to help with their homework

By Holly Fertsch

If you have ever worked in education, you know what time of year it is. it's the time when teachers and students alike begin to see a glimmer of hope because summer is around the corner. Only a few more months, then there will be freedom.

Surviving these last few months, though, can be challenging due to a plague that infects students around this time every year: spring fever.

Before you throw up your hands and give up on students who have already mentally checked out of school, try these troubleshooting tips for getting kids to complete assignments each when the sun is shining and the work is boring.

Identify the problem.

Don’t just assume kids are being lazy or defiant. Take a deep breath, and ask why they are having trouble completing assignments.

Why should you trust me, though? Well, i have over 10 years of experience as a local tutor. i also have worked in schools in a variety of roles. Here are common reasons i have seen for refusal or difficulty completing assignments:

1. They don’t believe in themselves or think they are capable of doing it.

2. They don’t understand where to start on an assignment.

3. They are trying to hide that they don’t understand the assignment or class material.

4. They are anxious about making mistakes and feel paralyzed.

5. More appealing activities are calling for their attention.

6. They are losing track of time and having difficulty scheduling a time to do it.

7. They lack a calm, distraction-free environment to do homework.

8. They don’t understand why the assignment matters.

9. They are hungry or tired, which makes it hard to focus.

10. They want to feel a sense of control.

i n my experience, the problem is rarely defiance. Usually, kids just need help getting started, some guidance, and encouragement.

Partner with them to solve the problem.

i know this is easier said than done. However, the kid or teen probably doesn’t want to have difficulty with school either. While they may come off as defensive, they likely want to do better as much as you want them to do better. They just need help figuring out how to improve. Keep a mindset of working with the child to problem-solve and make a plan.

Remember, kids and teens do not have the same organizational skills as adults.

Children and teens still have developing brains. The part of the brain that does not finish developing until their mid-20s is the same part that is in charge of executive functioning. Executive functions include abilities to do the following: shift attention, tune out distractions, prioritize, organize, plan, manage time effectively, and control impulsiveness.

While students with ADHD have an even harder time with executive functioning than their peers, it is normal for all kids and teens to struggle with those skills compared to neurotypical adults. Therefore, students may have a hard time shifting their attention away from funner activities to do homework. They may also fail to prioritize homework over other things.

Since students are still developing executive functioning, they may just be losing track of time each day. When they say they will do homework “later,” they aren’t necessarily lying. i nstead, they likely are having a hard time gauging how long it will take them to do homework and having difficulty scheduling a time to do it.

Try these common solutions.

First off, consider whether the kid needs a snack or nap once they get home from school. Don’t think this only applies to young children. Teens probably are more tired and hungry than any other age group of students. Offer a snack and quiet time after school if needed. They can use quiet time to crash after a long day. Anxious kids can also use that time to de-stress.

Second, try setting a structured time for homework each day. This time should be the same every day if possible, so that it becomes an expected part of their day. Homework time does not necessarily need to be as soon as they get home from school. Figure out what schedule works best for your child.

i f your child claims to not have homework, consider having them do another educational activity instead during this time. Have the kid read, do creative writing, or play an educational game. Screen-free, educational games include Hangman, Mad libs, and Multiplication War. These games can also be adapted for varying abilities and grade levels. if your child repeatedly claims to not have any homework, consider checking with their teacher.

Consider whether your kid has a quiet, calm place to do homework. Are their siblings fighting loudly? i s a baby crying? Are there sounds of traffic or construction outside? Kids can lack a distraction-free environment for reasons as serious as family dysfunction or violence, but this is more commonly due to things like having rowdy siblings or living in an apartment with thin walls.

Try taking your kid to a library or coffee shop for homework time. i f that’s not doable, let the school know that the student lacks a distraction-free homework space. They may be able to provide your child or

teen with more opportunities to do homework at school.

Background music or white noise can help some kids focus better and drown out more distracting noises. However, pay attention to how your child reacts to music. Are they getting too hyped and dancing? Consider playing instrumental music or rain sounds instead if that’s the case.

if kids don’t believe they are capable, motivating them can be an uphill battle. They need a reason to try when they cannot imagine not failing. prizes and rewards can be used as a motivator in the interim while these students are learning to believe in themselves.

A simple reward is letting students do something enjoyable once homework or studying is done. This can include playing games, picking out movies, or just talking about whatever they are interested in. Seriously, a reward can be just letting a pokemon-obsessed kid talk about pokemon for five minutes once they finish their work. Tailor the reward toward each kid’s interests.

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By Eric Reich

Lturn 10% in the market”, to the merely uneducated about the topic, “At 9% inflation you’ll never get ahead”, to the upsetting one, “That’s easy to say if you have an extra $7,000 per year laying around.”

let’s address them all in case anyone is thinking any of these things. First, the compound annual return for the stock market for the last 100 years has been 10.1% 100 years. For the last 50 years, it's been even higher. So yes, that is a more than reasonable assumption. Next, while inflation has been higher relative to history, we only briefly hit 9% and now inflation sits at the historical average of 3.5%, though it is still above

ast night, i was scrolling through Facebook, also known as the world’s biggest time waster. i came across a reel that explained that if you contributed a little over $19 a day to a roth ir A, it would translate to over $1.2 million 30 years later at a rate of 10% annual compound interest. if you are married, and you both funded a roth ir A then you can double that number to $2.4 million. That could translate to potentially $60,000 - $120,000 per year in income. Add in another $24,000-$70,000 a year from Social Security, and you can live more than comfortably in retirement. As someone who has done this for 28 years, i ’m still in awe of the power of compound interest.

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However, as with most things on Facebook, i just couldn’t help myself. For some strange reason, i felt the need to look at the comments. Now, i ’m a long enough social media user to know that unless you want to get mad, you should never read the comments, but i did it anyway. Worse, this was right about my bedtime, so now i ’m not only annoyed that i read them, but i now can’t sleep on top of being annoyed. The comments ranged from simply stupid, “ it’s impossible to re -

the Federal reserve’s target of 2%. The last comment, and there were quite a few like this one, concerns not having the money to save.

Not being able to save for retirement is an age-old issue. Some of the comments were, i ’m 30, broke, and can’t save. Well, guess what? Being broke in retirement is a lot worse

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than being broke at 30. Why? if you’re broke at 30, there is likely a lot more that you can do about it than you can later in life.

if you’re 30 and “broke” but you have a new iphone, manicured nails, and go out for dinner or drinks three nights a week, then you aren’t broke. You’ve chosen to misdirect your priorities.

if you aren’t doing any of those things because you truly can’t afford to, then there is still hope for saving. First, if there are any expenses you can cut, go for it. if you can’t, then we need to find ways to increase your income. Can you turn a hobby or passion into a side job? Can you add working extra hours? How about adding a seasonal job? Can you rent out a room in your house or a space in your garage? people with classic cars are always looking for garage space to rent. Find any way you can to increase your income in order to start investing.

l astly, don’t get hung up on the $7,000 a year number to fund your roth ir A. if you can’t spare $19 a day, can you do $10? How about $5? Any amount of investing is better than no investing. The most important bill you have is the one to yourself. Never pay anyone before you pay yourself. The sooner you do, the better your future will be.

Securities offered through Kestra investment Services, llC (Kestra iS), member Fi N r A/S ipC. i nvestment 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

SUDOKU Solution on page 78

THEME: NATIONAL PARKS

What you need to know about owning a second home

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

For many Americans, the dream of home ownership doesn’t stop at just one home; it encompasses a second home as well.

According to National Association of realtors statistics, the percentage of homes that currently are used as a second or a vacation home has risen considerably in the last few years since the pandemic. i n fact, part of this trend has been caused by the availability of work-from-home policies, making more frequent and long-lasting vacations a possibility for many families.

i f you have been considering purchasing a second home, you will want to keep in mind the financial and

logistical implications.

Choosing the location of a second home

Many times people fall in love with a vacation spot and impulsively decide to set up house in a second home in that area. However, this may or may not be the best place to purchase your second home.

Here are some things to consider before you decide whether to buy in your favorite getaway location or spend that money on a long-term rental there instead:

1. How frequently will you be able to use the property?

if the property is too far away or inconvenient to access, then you may find that it is logistically difficult to set aside time to travel there, meaning that you will use it far less than you expect.

2. How will a second home cut into your other travel?

i f your idea of vacation bliss is fairly consistent, a second home may be a good option. if you like variety, however, you may find that a vacation home becomes a bit ho-hum after a few years.

3. Will a second home work well for your family long term?

if your children are fairly young, will they still want to go to this vacation home in five years? Ten years? Will changes in your family create changes in the desirability of this destination?

4. How will you manage the property?

is there reliable property management in the area or will you find yourself constantly traveling to the home to take care of the property or make repairs and check up on its condition?

5. Can you withstand the financial impact of a second home?

Are you saving adequately for your retirement or for emergencies? Do you have significant credit card debt? Do you have significant equity built up in your primary home? Make sure that you are on a sound financial footing before you take on the expense of an additional home.

6. Is the second home part of a long-term plan?

Will you eventually retire there or allow one of your children to live there? This may make a difference in terms of practicality.

benefit of HElOC funds that may be used for other purposes, including updates and upgrades to your primary residence as needed.

Affording a second home

if you are thinking about how to pay for that second home, you may decide to rent it out for part of the year in order to offset some of its cost. if you have applied for a new mortgage, however, this may turn your second home into an investment property, or an Airbnb, creating significant changes to the financing and to the tax structure.

One alternative is to purchase your second home as a joint venture with family members or friends. if you decide to go this route, you will want to ensure that you have everything spelled out in a legally binding written agreement in place covering the ground rules for the shared use of the home, as well as contingencies in the case of death, divorce, or desire on the part of either party to opt out of the home’s use and financing.

While it may feel uncomfortable to have these conversations, they can save you significant heartache and money in the future. By spelling out

A South Jersey staple, Wawa turns 60

The Wawa business began in 1803 as an iron foundry.

i n 1890, George Wood, an entrepreneur from New Jersey, moved to Delaware County, pennsylvania; it was here that he began the Wawa Dairy Farm. Wood imported cows from the British Crown dependency island of Guernsey and bought 1,000 acres (400 ha) of land in the Chester Heights area; the corporate headquarters would later be renamed Wawa.

Since pasteurization was not yet available, many children suffered from consuming raw milk. Wood arranged for doctors to certify his milk was sanitary and safe for consumption, which convinced many consumers to buy the product.

The strategy worked and allowed the Wawa dairy to grow. Demand for dairy products increased during the 1920s, and so did the company. Wawa began using the slogan "Buy Health by the Bottle"; they served customers in pennsylvania and New Jersey, delivering milk to customers' homes.

i n the 1960s, however, many consumers began buying milk in stores instead of home delivery. Wawa started to open its stores to adjust to these market changes.

On April 16, 1964, Grahame Wood, George Wood's grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market at 1212 MacDade Boulevard in Folsom, pennsylvania, which remained in operation until June 17, 2016, when it closed in favor of

a new "Super Wawa" down the street. A parade was held from the original location to the new store on opening day. The Wawa Food Market stores were also part of a then-new trend in retailing, the convenience store. Open both earlier and later than traditional supermarkets; they carried other foods and beverages besides milk, as well as other items from the Wawa dairy. in 1977, Wawa began sharing company ownership with its associates through profit-sharing plans. i n 1992, Wawa formalized its associate ownership with its Employee Stock Ownership plan (ESO p), with stock awarded to associates annually based on the prior year's service. Because the company is privately held, Wawa secures an independent assessment of its stock value at regular intervals to ensure that the ESO p is pretty maintained. Today, the ESO p accounts for more than 40% of Wawa stock.

Credit: Real Brigantine

Wawa Milkman. Using the slogan “Buy Health by the Bottle,” a team of milkmen delivered dairy products directly to customers throughout PA and NJ.