SHORE LOCAL | Oceancity | May 9, 2024

Spring Events Blooming

Great Flowers for Mom's Garden

Shorecast Report: Tourism Set To Soar

Towns Blow Back Against New Wind Proposal

Mainland Grad Goes from Pitcher's Mound to Stage

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Being a mother is the hardest job there is

From the Editor

It's hard to really fathom just how much your mother loves you until that moment when you become a parent yourself.

When I was a little girl, my mom was my world. Her attention and approval were the treasures my heart desired. I loved to draw pictures for her and pick dandelion bouquets to show her how much I loved her.

For many years, though, I pushed my mother away, in an attempt to declare my own independence. Everything she said or did irritated me. I was certain she knew nothing about modern life in the '80s. In my eyes, she was outdated before she was even 50.

Now in my 50s, my mom is the wisest person I know and has become my best friend and confidant.

It was when I had children of my own, that I began to see my mother

differently. I saw how willing she was to help me, how important I was to her and the million ways she had shown me that over the years. It wasn’t until my own little girls grew up and no longer wanted to hang out with me that I realized how I had inadvertently hurt my mom in exactly the same way.

It’s not easy to be a mother! Physically or emotionally, it is one of the toughest jobs there is. The days are long and the demands are immense. Mothers sacrifice so much to ensure

O ce - (609) 788-4812

Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com

Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch

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

Web Designer - Holly Martin Digital Marketing Manager - Benjamin Howard

Contributors – Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Fred Miller, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, , Gabriella Bancheri, Elisa Jo Eagan, David Setley, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Whitney Ullman, Raymond Tyler, Bill Quain, Dr. LaToya Roberts, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Lisa Zaslow, Julia Train, Erica Hoffman Mainland edition cover photo by Wendy Mills. Coastal cover by Pat Keene.

my life. The level of respect I have for all moms, especially for single moms and those facing extraordinary challenges, is immense.

This issue of Shore Local is dedicated to all the moms we love and honor on Mother’s Day. Take a peek at all the restaurants offering Mother’s Day specials and the listings of fun things to do with mom this weekend. Check out the feature on page 22, highlighting ways you can show Mom you care with gifts for the garden.

The region’s recently released economic forecast report (referred to as “Shorecast”) is bright for the summer of 2024. Read what the experts have to say on pages 8-10.

their children have all they need. a s their child's “safe person,” they often get the brunt of their child’s frustrations and deal with their most challenging behaviors.

a s adults, moms are often our greatest cheerleader, best friend and safety net, all rolled up in one. My mom sure is, and I hope my own daughters feel the same way about me.

My understanding and appreciation for my own mother has grown immensely throughout the seasons of

Thank you for picking up this issue of Shore Local. It means a lot to us. Check out our wonderful advertisers, event and entertainment calendars and features. Visit us online at shorelocalnews.com and on all social media platforms. Please also email shorelocalnews@gmail.com with your suggestions or story ideas.

Wishing all the moms, grandmoms and moms-to-be a Happy Mother’s Day!

Peace & Love, Cindy

NJDEP sued over Atlantic Shores offshore wind project

Suit Challenges DEP Approval of Wind Turbines to be Located as Close as Nine Miles Off LBI Coast

Three New Jersey shore groups have filed suit challenging NJDEP's approval of the atlantic Shores offshore wind project that will place 1,100 foot turbines as close as nine miles off the LBI coast, said Bruce afran, attorney for Protect Our Coast, Save LBI and Defend Brigantine Beach, the three groups that announced the legal challenge.

In papers filed in New Jersey's appellate Division, Save LBI, Defend Brigantine Beach and Protect Our Coast NJ said that the turbines, fully visible from New Jersey's beaches, will crush and destroy the seabed, interfere with the migration of the endangered blue whale and right whale, cause loss of native species and economic damage to New Jersey's prime fishing grounds and tourist regions.

"DEP's approval flies in the face of the federal regulator's environmental

impact statement that says the atlantic Shores project will damage marine habitat, compress and harden the seafloor, damage marine communities, compromise migration corridors for endangered species and cause commercial fishing stocks to decline,” said afran.

Last year the three groups chal -

Tire and Ser vice Experts

lenged Orsted's Ocean Wind 1 project to be located off Ocean City and atlantic City that was later dropped by the Danish company in October.

"We hope the Murphy administration and the wind developers understand that the fight will continue to prevent the destruction of the coastal ecology and damage to one

of the nation's most important beach economies and the core of New Jersey's $47 billion tourist industry," afran added.

Under court rules, DEP has 30 days to file the record with the appellate court and briefs are expected to be filed by October with argument on the appeal in March or april, 2025.

Jersey Shorecast Panelists: Summer 2024 Tourism Outlook ‘Pretty Robust’

The general outlook for businesses at the Jersey Shore heading into the summer of 2024 is “pretty robust,” but there are some concerns, especially with no beach concerts in atlantic City this year and New york casinos looming on the horizon.

That was the overall sentiment from a panel of local experts who spoke at the 16th annual Jersey Shorecast on May 8, sponsored by the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at the Stockton University School of Business. The discussion was held at the Stockton University atlantic City John F. Scarpa academic Center and streamed online.

LIGHT Faculty Director Jane Bokunewicz opened the discussion, which was moderated by Bre young ’20, the event coordinator and project manager for Good Time Tricycle Productions. Good Time Tricycle has put together several events in the atlantic City area, including the atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. This year’s panelists had an atlantic City focus and included:

● Mark Callazzo, managing partner, RMS Capital. Callazzo is the man behind the revitalization of the Orange Loop in atlantic City and is co-owner of the Tennessee avenue Beer Hall, Cuzzie’s Pizzeria, Rhythm & Spirits and Bar 32 Chocolate.

● Oliver Cooke, associate professor of Economics at Stockton and editor of the South Jersey Economic Review.

● Daniel Gallagher, director of sports sales for the atlantic City Sports Commission.

● Gary Musich, vice president of sales and destination services for Visit atlantic City.

“I’m cautiously optimistic for the summer,” Cooke said. “Job growth right now has kind of picked up over the first quarter for atlantic City proper, relative to where we were in late 2023. Unemployment remains very, very low. My sense is that we’re in a pretty decent place with all the headline metrics.”

Before the discussion, Bokunewicz presented statistics that highlighted some of the successes

of 2023, especially at atlantic City casinos. Total gross gaming revenue ($1.4 billion) was up 11% from 2022 primarily due to growth in internet gaming and sports betting, in-person gross gaming revenue ($811 million) was up 1% from 2022 and nongaming net revenue was 45% of the total net revenue compared to 39% in previous years.

But not all of the numbers were positive as overnight stays were up 8% but were shorter than in previous years. Casino employment was up in general, but labor shortages were still a factor. also, several panelists from the fall Jersey Shoreview reported that weather was a negative factor in the summer of 2023, Bokunewicz said.

Callazzo said 2023 wasn’t great for his businesses, and he attributed some of that to a belief that many people finally felt comfortable taking big trips — three years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

ne. It’s the rebound of the event business. … We see the volume coming and growing, and we see the interest in atlantic City growing in the short term.

Daniel Gallagher: Sports is one of the largest growing markets, except maybe behind cannabis. We came off a banner year. We did about 75,000 room nights in sports alone, which was 250,000 people and $1 million in economic impact. and there's no

“ yeah (last year) was not, not good,” he said. “Our customer count was down. Our average check was down. … I think that a lot of the tourism was lost to people taking the trips that they had put off for three years.”

Following is a recap of the questions and some of the answers from the panel:

How did the local tourism industry perform in 2023?

Gary Musich: I’m very bullish with what I see in trends in the meeting and event business. What we booked in 2023 was the best we’ve ever do -

question that's here to stay. The question is, how do we diversify our portfolio to get these sports athletes, these spectators, this affluent demographic, to raise that check price, you know, at one of Mark's properties.

Oliver Cooke: My general take on last summer was that it was pretty, pretty decent, certainly, in Cape May from what I know off the top of my head in terms of tax and hotel motel tax revenue. Hiring in terms of leisure and hospitality employment last summer was up. So, perhaps not as robust, in some areas, as 2022 was. My general sense is that we're still in a pretty, pretty robust economic environment right now.

From left, LIGHT Faculty Director Jane Bokunewicz, Shorecast moderator Bre Young, Mark Callazzo, managing partner, RMS Capital; Oliver Cooke, associate professor of Economics at Stockton University; Daniel Gallagher, director of sports sales for the Atlantic City Sports Commission; and Gary Musich, vice president of sales and destination services for Visit Atlantic City. Credit: Mark Melhorn/Stockton University

From left, Mark Callazzo and Oliver Cooke. Credit: Mark Melhorn/Stockton University

How would you describe the region’s current economic circumstances?

Mark Callazzo: I mean, I hate to be all doom and gloom. But first quarter wasn't great. I think we had a lot of weather problems. I do have concerns about the overall economy. So, I'm optimistic for a good summer, but first quarter wasn't a great start.

Musich: I think part of the discussion has to be how do we market this city? I think that's a big part of what we're all talking about, and consolidation and message and branding. We're changing some gears in how we deploy and focus and talk about how we sell this city. We've stopped talking about what makes our community unique. What kind of charities are we involved with? We bring up Mud Girls and other things. What's the community like? Is it just atlantic City? Or are there other attributes in this county that can make our brand look and feel better? and I believe it is. and so, as we've changed that conversation we've connected with potential customers on a different level.

Labor shortages were still a concern in 2023. Do you feel that will have an impact on 2024 summer tourism?

Callazzo: I mean, I'm not seeing it near as much as it was. I think there are plenty of people looking for jobs, but I think the wage inflation is not going away. Pre-pandemic, I think pizza makers made $15 to $20 an hour, and now they make $25 to $30 an hour. and it's not going to go back because wage inflation is sticky. So, we're just stuck with those higher wages. But I think there's plenty of people that are looking and willing to work now.

Cooke: atlantic County actually had five consecutive years of population declines. That was pre-pandemic. The pandemic cost another year of out migration, for I think, obvious reasons, and in some sense it was one of the most hardest hit metropolitan areas in the country. and we've seen pretty anemic population growth

over the last couple of years. But to Mark’s point, the J1-Visa program is finally kind of getting back on track. So, I suspect there’ll probably be less of the constraint as it relates to finding people.

Gallagher: I look at the sports metrics and what I'm seeing across our different landscapes is that due to the rise and the value of sports right now that we are ramping up to be able to support these events. In February, when (the U.S. Futsal Northeast Regional Championship) is in and if there's 6,000 athletes roaming around the streets of atlantic City. you're watching these eateries ramp up to a more year-round level. Not that skeleton staff that it used to be, because hopefully, the demand is providing that. a s atlantic City continues to grow its convention and visitors market as well as the sports market, how will these eateries, these retail stores, be able to adapt to staffing appropriately so that we're able to fit the needs of the conventions and trade shows that come into town?

Do you anticipate anything else impacting performance this summer? What will the impact be?

Callazzo: I mean, weather's the big wild card. I think if we have good weather we're going to have a good season.

Cooke: yeah, weather's always the obvious wild card. It’s also always a question to what extent does inflation differentially impact certain segments and demographic groups? Because you can make a case that continuing high inflation, especially like eat out of home inflation, which I think everyone who goes to dinner these days is like, ‘Wow, yeah, that bill is a lot bigger than it used to be.’ That also feeds into maybe staying as opposed to flying somewhere else. Now you get like, OK, we're going to tighten up and we're going to be closer to home.

Gallagher: I always talk about where we're geographically located. you look at airfare prices nowadays.

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From left, Daniel Gallagher and Gary Musich. Credit: Mark Melhorn/Stockton University

your trip to Las Vegas is probably well over $700. a couple of years ago, that same flight was $350. So, where we're located geographically, I think, actually supports that we're going to see a great summer. People are going are willing to get in the car and drive. are they willing to get on an airplane and fly? and you know, pay all those ridiculous fees that come along with that? But I will say that I'm extremely optimistic about this summer.

The absence of beach concerts and the presence of new events like the North to Shore Festival, how do you see that affecting us?

Musich: I think if there are going to be beach concerts again, it has to be subsidized. So, what else do we do to create these? I don't have the answer. But Bader Field’s an option or subsidizing things back into Boardwalk Hall is an option. We’ll see how it impacts the summer. 70,000 people on the beach on a weekend in the summer, I'm not convinced overall that creates an impact. It creates, I think, product for the city and people talking about the city.

Callazzo: I'll say honestly, the beach concerts, with the exception of Phish, were bad for our business. We were typically down. I think people came, went to the beach concert,

got in their car and left, went to the hotel and slept, but didn't venture out into the city.

Musich: That's the behavior in a lot of cases, right? They're going to come. But also, I think you displace certain customers. I'm not going in there. I'm not going to be able to get a hotel. It's going to be expensive, or the traffic sucks or all these things.

Looking into the future, are there new challenges/new opportunities to consider in 2024?

Gallagher: From a sports perspective. For us, it’s the wild, wild west in a very, very good way. The growth of women in sports, first of all, is long overdue. These women deserved to be celebrated years ago. When did we think that an Omaha, Nebraska, volleyball game would sell out and break records at 92,000 people? Or Caitlin Clark would sign a million-dollar deal with Nike. How is this applicable to atlantic City? We had 4,000 female wrestlers in the NJSIaa wrestling tournament at Boardwalk Hall this year. That would have never been a thing before. So, you're seeing direct

economic impact in those sports and through the growth of women in sports.

Musich: I think the most important thing we need to do as a business community is consolidate our marketing effort, consolidate the message, get everybody on the same page. When you had the convention authority, you had a branding plan and structure and strategy in place. We have to get back to that. I think it's critical, because I think it helps all businesses. It allows us to talk on a broader scale about investment.

Cooke: I do think that one of the things long term that atlantic City is going to have to do is transform itself

from being a place that produces a commodity, an entertainment commodity, as important as that is going to remain, that ultimately requires visitation, to something that actually you can sell, absent people actually being here because it puts such tremendous pressure on the entire regional economy. you have to get people to come. That was the thing that casinos did. you didn't have to just do just the summer. The casinos provided you 12 months. … Finding a way to diversify beyond just the leisure and hospitality industry is going to be very, very important over the long haul.

Callazzo: I think the overlooked piece here is the city needs to fix itself. Bringing people to the city is really what we need to change. People come here. They work here. They get in their car. They drive offshore to where their house is. The city's not going to change until we have more of a population that lives here. adding people also helps the clean and safe perception.

Musich: We have to choreograph showing new people the city the right way. We're arguing over how to pave (atlantic avenue). Let's sit down and figure out how to pave the street because you can't even drive down it right now.

Callazzo: It’s population. you need people to live here. you need people to get engaged in politics and vote and get involved with the clean and safe meetings and all of that other stuff. We have high taxes. We have the perception of clean and safe. So it's not really an attractive offer to live in the city, and those are the things that need to change.

Do you have any closing statements?

Gallagher: There is an elephant in the room, and that's the New york casinos coming on board and what that looks like for us. Four casinos, four licenses that are going to open up. I think we're more collected than we've been in a very long time. I think more people are talking that should be talking together. you know I'm a big fan of the phrase that a rising tide raises all boats, but I think a better phrase is that we're all on different boats, but in the same storm. So, having that conversation with different people that are stakeholders in this industry that we have to protect our city from what will be inevitable when these casinos open up in New york.

Oliver Cooke, Jane Bokunewicz, Mark Callazzo, Daniel Gallagher, Gary Musich and Bre Young. Credit: Mark Melhorn/Stockton University

Events and Happenings

Multiday events

A Bad Year for Tomatoes

▶Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, 2 p.m.

Margate Community Church 8900 N. Ventnor ave.

Presented by Fool Moon Theatre Co. a Bad year for Tomatoes is a zany comedy gem by the Pulitzer Prize winner John Patrick. Described as the funniest show you never heard of, this ridiculously clever comedy is a laugh-generating machine. additional shows will run May 17 – 19. Purchase tickets online at www.foolmoontheatre.org.

Bloom Makers Market

▶Saturday, May 11 & Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen ave. Egg Harbor City an event that celebrates the joy of a Makers Market with the warmth of a Mother’s Day brunch. This offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy the beauty of spring, connect with community, and create lasting memories.

Thursday, May 9

Little Lending Library Celebration

▶3:30 p.m.

Lake Memorial Park

407 Wesley ave. Ocean City

Join the Friends & Volunteers of the Ocean City Library as they celebrate the new Children’s Little Lending Library and recognize alex Costello’s Local Eagle Scout Project. The event is free to attend.

Spring Concerts at OC Library: Hampton Brass Quartet

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson ave.

The Hampton Brass Quartet and drums presents a versatile set of hits composed over the last 500 years, from Bach to the Beatles, Mozart to Motown, Joplin to Johnny Cash. The concert will be held in the Library’s Lecture Hall. a dmission is free; seating is limited and is available on a first-come basis. For more information, call (609) 399-2434 x.5222 or visit www.oceancitylibrary.org.

Brigantine Summer Concert Series Kickoff ▶7 p.m.

Brigantine Community Center 265 42nd St.

Brigantine Community Education and Recreation will host a free outdoor concert on the Community Center lawn, weather permitting. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and kick off the start of summer with the Jack Melton Orchestra. For more information, call the recreation office at 609-264-7350 ext. 1.

Friday, May 10

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene near the covered bridge; you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car. More information is available at www. historicsmithville.com.

Atlantic City Ballet: La Sylphide ▶7 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars 2100 Pacific ave.

La Sylphide tells the story of an impossible love between a human and a spirit. Purchase tickets at www. acballet.org.

Saturday, May 11

EHT Spring Craft Show

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

EHT Community Center 5045 English Creek ave.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend and support local artists as you shop with over 90+ vendors. There will be something for everyone. For more information, call EHT Recreation at (609) 272-8120.

Ventnor City Block Party

▶10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ventnor ave. between Troy and Portland aves.

Join Ventnor for a day of commu -

Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm

PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm

nity and family fun. Enjoy live music, delicious food, unique crafts, and kids’ activities in a safe outdoor environment. For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org.

Roadster Rally

▶12 – 5 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk from 6th – 14th St.

Car lovers united. Head to the Ocean City Boardwalk to see Roadsters of all makes and models on display. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Margate Rabies Clinic

▶10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Margate Fire House 1 S. Washington ave.

Mark your calendar for this year’s event and take advantage of this opportunity to keep your pet safe and healthy. For more information, visit www.margate-nj.com or call (609) 822-5038.

Concert at the Longport Library

▶2 p.m.

2305 atlantic ave.

Join the library for a free concert. Spend your afternoon enjoying music from Tres Bella, performing classical pieces and excerpts from composers of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods as well as some modern-day flute composers. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Monday, May 13

Rotary Academic Achievement Night

▶6 p.m.

Greate Bay Country Club 901 Mays Landing Rd. Somers Point

The Ocean City – Upper Township Rotary Club will host its annual academic achievement Night for area students. This year’s event

will recognize the highest achieving students for the 2023-24 academic year from Ocean City Intermediate and High School, Upper Twp. Middle School, and Cape May County Technical School. admission is $40 per person. Learn more at http:// ocutrotary.org.

Tuesday, May 14

Coffee Klatch: Congressional Candidates Forum

▶6 – 7 p.m.

Ventnor Library 6500 Ventnor ave.

Tim alexander, vying for the 2nd Congressional District in the House of Representatives, will share where he stands on matters that affect everyday lives and other issues. Q& a session to follow. RSVP by May 9 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

Longport Public Library 2305 atlantic ave.

Join the library and try your luck at bingo. Fun for all ages, each winner receives a special prize. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

UT Historical Society Program: Hal Taylor’s “Delaware River” ▶7 p.m.

Upper Township Wellness Center 1369 Stagecoach Rd. Ocean View

The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township will host its membership meeting this Tuesday and will include a feature program about the book “Delaware River” by Hal Taylor. The book takes readers on a journey from Cape May, beyond the Bayshore and picturesque lighthouses, to forts used during the

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Revolution and Civil War. For additional information, please contact the HPSUT Facebook page at www. facebook.com/UpperTwpHistory.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30 – 10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Hall 447 Bethel Rd.

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

Wednesday, May 15

SCOSA Festival on Successful Aging

▶9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stockton University Campus Center 101 Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway

This festival will explore the future of personalized healthcare through active aging, spirituality, healing, blue zones, age-friendly care, and more. Enjoy workshops and lectures, performances and displays, and other sessions. admission is free.

Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. ambler Rd.

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

Spring Concerts at OC Library: Sofia Talvik

Ocean City Free Public Library 1735 Simpson ave.

Sofia Talvik presents a concert that will blend a mericana and folk with Swedish roots. The concert will be held in the Library’s Lecture Hall. dmission is free; seating is limited and is available on a first-come basis. For more information, call (609) 399-

2434 x.5222 or visit www.oceancitylibrary.org.

Thursday, May 16

Piano Bar at the Gateway ▶7 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse 739 Bay ave.

Somers Point

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

Friday, May 17

Memoir Workshop

▶10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures, history, and ancestry and learn about publishing your work. This program is led by Drexel University Director of Certificate Program in Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. a laptop or pen and paper is needed. This program will be held via Zoom. RSVP by May 14 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Saturday, May 18

Somers Point Farmers Market ▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. 12 p.m. Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point Farmers Market makes its return to Somers Mansion for the 2024 summer season. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.

Bus Trips

Day Trip to Grounds for Sculpture ▶Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

a bsecon Cultural a rts a lliance

is taking a bus trip to Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton. Stroll the 42-acre sculpture park and museum at your own pace. The bus will depart from the Marsh School at 9 a.m. and return at approximately 6 p.m. Bus ticket includes fare and admission to the Grounds. Reserve your seat online at www.abseconarts.com.

Health and Wellness

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, May 13, 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 an 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.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, May 15, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing

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

▶Thursday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Linwood Country Club 500 New Rd.

RSVP by May 8. Shore Physicians Group will host its popular Be Well Connected health education breakfast series this May on the topic of women’s health, covering menopause, exercise, and when surgical treatment may be needed for lumps, bumps, and soft tissue conditions. The event is free to attend. To RSVP, email your full name and any guests to wellness@shoremedicalcenter. org or call (609) 365-5257 to learn more.

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

Mainland alum trades in his baseball glove for a guitar and is making waves

By Julia Train

John Wood was a star pitcher for Mainland Regional High School, but now he’s become a star musician.

In December 2020, he verbally committed to continue his baseball career after high school at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, an NC aa Division I program. However, when the coaches that recruited him left the program before he graduated in 2022, he was pointed in a different direction.

Wood, who played his first show at 17 as part of the 2021 Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, had only picked up the guitar two years prior, as a freshman, but making music came naturally to him.

In January 2022, he signed a record deal with Lamon Records, where he produced his single “Here She Comes” that ranked 24th on the all Music Charts’ Hot 50 Country Music songs.

after graduating high school, he spent a semester in Nashville at Belmont University. While he was there, Wood wrote country songs that he felt fit the mold of the city.

after the fall, he transferred to University of North Carolina at Wilmington, deleted all of the songs he had uploaded to music streaming platforms and created new music that he felt was more of a reflection of who he is.

“I started to allow myself to write what I wanted to do, rather than what I thought others would want,” said Wood.

Childers, Zack Bryan or Jack Johnson.

Now, at 20 years old, he is still making music – both by himself and with his band, Local Noise, that started playing last July. Two of Wood’s bandmates go to school with him and are in the same fraternity as well.

While Local Noise plays classic rock covers with a four-piece band. Wood’s solo shows are just him and his guitar, mixing his own music and covers.

His original songs were professionally recorded and produced, but he wanted a less polished sound, one that was more like that of Tyler

While Childers, Bryan and Johnson are artists Wood hopes to emulate in his music, he said he’s also inspired by John Mayer, Sublime and Red Hot Chili Peppers as well.

His new song, “Garden State,” and his EP being released during the summer will feature his new sound.

thing that I'm not proud of,” said Wood. “They were just basic country songs and I didn't have a hand in production on them. I just wrote them and handed it to a producer–who did a great job–but [the songs on the EP] are all me producing it. This is all my brain working. So I wanted it to be a little more personal.”

Last summer, Wood spent every night traveling to play at restaurants

“If someone looks at my Spotify I really don't want them to hear some -

around South Jersey. The emotions that brought up, driving the Garden State Parkway to gigs and to see his long-distance girlfriend in Connecticut are what inspired his new song. a lthough that’s his reasoning behind the lyrics, he thinks it can be interpreted in a variety of different ways.

This summer will be his third playing solo shows and his second playing with his band, which they’ll be performing about 10 shows during the season, playing mostly covers. you can find him at local bars like Maynard’s in Margate and Charlie’s in Somers Point, among several others.

“It's gonna be really fun this summer,” said Wood. “Garden State” will be available on all music platforms on Friday, May 10.

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

Boxing card at Tropicana marks return to promoter’s roots

By David Weinberg

Boxing promoter Larry Goldberg is returning to his roots with a card at Tropicana atlantic City Saturday night.

The 1996 atlantic City High School graduate grew up in Margate. While he now lives in New york, there are still sand in his shoes and salt air in his lungs.

Goldberg’s grandfather, Martin, once ran a business selling beach items on the iconic boardwalk while rolling chairs went past. His father, David, himself a 1967 atlantic City High grad, started atlantic City Linen Supply in the mid-1980s.

He also has ties to the Tropicana, having worked there as a beverage

server and bus boy during his high school days.

“This is home,” Goldberg said. “That’s why this show means so much to me.”

Saturday’s Boxing Insiders Promotions show marks the first boxing card at the Tropicana in seven years, since St. augustine Prep graduate Christian Carto appeared there on June 30, 2017.

The Trop was once a staple of the atlantic City club boxing scene. In the mid-1980s, promoters Don Elbaum and the late Teddy Menas ran “Tuesday Night Fights” in the Showroom. From 1982 to 1986, they hosted an incredible 196 cards there.

Larry Goldberg

The Trop’s boxing background also included a very successful run under Diane Fischer’s Dee Lee Promotions. Fischer, who once owned a beauty salon at the Trop, staged the area’s first all-women’s boxing card there in 1997, as well as a number of other

top shows.

New york’s Joe DeGuardia brought cards featuring former light-heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion Virgil Hill and former heavyweight contender David Tua to the Trop in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

It’s a good bet Larry Goldberg was there for at least some of those shows, as well as others up and down the boardwalk that showcased up-and-coming prospects over the years.

While mega-fights such as Mike Tyson-Michael Spinks, George Foreman-Evander Holyfield, and a rturo Gatti-Floyd Mayweather at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall that established atlantic City as a rival to Las Vegas as a boxing hotbed, some of the smaller cards and venues were every bit as exciting.

The Trop was among several casinos that held boxing events, along with Bally’s, Caesars, Harrah’s, Playboy, Resorts, the Sands, and Trump Castle, Plaza and Taj Mahal.

“My father was a gambler,” Larry Goldberg said. “and when he went to the casinos, he’d let me and some of my buddies go watch the fights.” It was the smaller shows that drew

OCEAN AQUARIUM

his interest more than the championship bouts. He was enthralled by the atmosphere and electricity, where fans sat (and mostly stood) close to the ring in casino ballrooms and cheered as two fighters swapped punches.

“It was drilled into me early that it doesn’t necessarily matter who is fighting as long as it’s a good fight,” Goldberg said. “People want to see competitive fights.”

It doesn’t hurt the box office if at least one of those fighters is local, however.

antowyan aikens, Shamone alvarez, John Brown, the late Leavander Johnson, Patrick Majewski, Chuck Mussachio, DeCarlo Perez, Bruce Seldon, Isiah Seldon (Bruce’s son), Kevin Watts, and Darroll Wilson were just a few of the dozens of fighters who trained at local gyms such as the atlantic City PaL and Pleasantville Rec Center and drew large crowds to their bouts.

No one had a larger and more loyal fan base than Mussachio, a Wildwood High School graduate who was both popular and talented.

Before his bouts, he would don a black fedora and head toward the ring with his father/trainer al Mussachio while Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” blared.

cal fighters features atlantic City’s Justin Figueroa and Millville’s Thomas LaManna. Both do a masterful job of promoting their upcoming fights on social media platforms.

LaManna (37-5-1, 16 KOs), who is also president of Rising Star Promotions, is fighting for the WBa gold middleweight belt on June 8 at Bally’s atlantic City against Juan Carlos abreu (26-7-1, 24 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.

Figueroa, a former football player and wrestler at Holy Spirit High and a former member of the atlantic City Beach Patrol, is on Saturday’s card.

“It’s america’s Playground, but we don’t play boxing,” Figueroa said on Facebook.

Figueroa (8-0, 6 KOs) is taking on Venezuela’s antoni armas (13-7, 8 KOs) in a six-round bout. Figueroa is back in town after fighting twice in other locales.

In his last outing, he scored a unanimous decision over Christian a guirre (8-10, 4 KOs) in San antonio, Texas.

Most of the fans at the Trop will

“I wanted my first show in atlantic City to be with an atlantic City kid,” said Goldberg, whose first nine cards were at Sony Hall in New york City. “Justin was my first, second, and third choice to fight on Saturday. He’s from atlantic City and I’m from atlantic City. There was no way I was doing this without him.”

atlantic City has experienced a minor resurgence in boxing in recent years. The resort was host to nine shows in 2023, the most since there were 10 in 2018.

This year is off to a strong start. Saturday’s card is the fourth of nine scheduled shows in the first six months of 2024, thanks in large part to promoters such as Rising Star,

Hard Hitting Promotions (Manny Rivera), Mis Downing and Marvin Shuler.

Goldberg hopes to help keep the comeback going in his hometown. “I’m very hopeful that we’ll be able to do a few shows a year in atlantic City,” he said. “Being a promoter in my hometown would mean a lot to me.”

Notes: Figueroa- a rmas is among nine fights scheduled Saturday. In the co-main event, Manalapan Township super-bantamweight John Leonardo (10-1-1, 4 KOs) will meet Florida’s Frank Gonzalez (125, 6 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Tickets are priced from $60 to $200 and are available through Ticketmaster and the Tropicana. Portions of tickets sales will go to the atlantic City PaL.

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.

Justin Figueroa

Life is What Happens

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

For a while, we cohabitated with another family for part of the year. They would fly up from the south, and we were always thrilled to see them. Every year for a while there, the mom was pregnant. They were terrific guests and were very happy with the accommodations outside of our second-floor loft. When I say outside the loft, I mean literally outside — as in the great outdoors. In this case, the accommodations were in a flowering cherry tree.

Our friends weren’t descendants of the Swiss Family Robinson, but a family of robins. yes, birds. They were a husband-and-wife team who returned yearly to make our home

theirs — and give birth to their baby birds. The couple arrived in april, the mom’s belly round and full of fledglings. a s the weeks progressed, her hops became more labored as she sat heavier and heavier on each bough. Hubby was there, too, but he spent a lot of time in the back of the house making a mess on what my husband called “the poop deck.” Both attempted to fly through the glass and got bumped around much too often. We worried about them.

Due to the loft’s second-floor location, our family was able to watch this mother build her nest from the windblown and rain-torn remnants of last year’s lodgings. She would fly to an old tree swing nearby and peck at the frayed rope, which was the perfect filler for her nest. at the suggestion of a friend, we put lint from the dryer on the lawn to supply additional building materials.

a s is customary among robins, the father helped, too. He did the 7 a.m.

worm-feeding while his wife was elsewhere. The babies craned their necks and seemed to be saying, “Over here — give me the worm,” not unlike our own children. It wasn’t long before the mother bird knew that her fledglings were ready to leave the nest and did

so a few at a time. They didn’t look ready to me, but then again, they weren’t my kids. On any given morning in late spring, we would wake up and everyone was gone.

When we moved down the shore for good last april, we shared our home once again with a bird family, but because this abode is at the shore and one house from the bay, our

new housemates were ducks.

“Dolores” and her colorful Drake husband would relax in the pool next door but feathered their nest in the raised flower bed on our driveway. Once incubation began, she sat on her eggs for a textbook 28 days — only leaving for an hour or so in the morning and afternoon to look for food. Sometimes she looked so hot even though the shrubs hid her from the sun. We took to lightly sprinkling her with water from the hose to help her cool down. If the curious would get too close, Dolores would stick that neck out and have no issues snapping her beak in a nanosecond right at you. and she had the law on her side; it’s illegal to touch or move a nest once the eggs are laid.

This year Dolores came back but with new landscaping on the driveway, the nest wasn’t as hidden. She dug a perfect deep circle in the new mulch and laid two eggs, but within a few days moved them elsewhere. at least, we hope it was Dolores who moved them.

Throughout my family’s involvement with “Robin” and “Dolores”, I began to wonder if the baby birds appreciated the effort their mothers made on their behalf — creating a home, heating it, providing food, and teaching them the way they should fly. I wondered if their mates appreciated them, too. Instead of feathering the nest and feeding their young,

Fellow Mom, “Robin”, built her nest from swing rope and dryer lint from the lawn outside our window. She always started her mom-day earlier than me.

Dolores the Duck feathered her nest by the bay in our driveway flowerbed. This mom didn’t want you coming to close.

these moms could be flying around the countryside, catching some fat worms for themselves.

Now when I hear the singing and quacking in hatching season, I hope it’s these baby birds and ducks singing their moms’ praises.

How often do we human fledglings sing out for our moms, loud and clear for all to hear? Nobel Prize winners and actors at the academy awards have a forum and never seem to forget their moms, but your average butcher, baker, candlestick maker or Uber driver has no such public opportunity. But none needed. We can sing Mom’s praises this Sunday with kids and grandkids in tow, or during a phone call, email, or text with the perfect emojis. What mom doesn’t love a little gift? It could be something she wouldn’t buy for herself, most likely

because she bought something this year one of her kids or grandkids just had to have.

My mom, Naomi, like yours, deserves my thanks. She lived until 92 years old, and her love and wisdom live on. Mom, you taught me that it’s who you are, not what you are that matters. Hard work leads to good luck. Maximize your talents. Kindness is attractive, and it’s the relationships (of all kinds) in one’s life that matter most. Mom, your devotion to each one in our family, from day one, was remarkable. I love you!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Shore Local readers, your moms, grandmoms, and great-grandmoms. a nd if you have a special family friend, relative or like-a-mom in your life, they deserve our love and thanks too.

Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com

Dolores the Duck, warming her eggs in our flower bed, always on the lookout for strangers

Show Mom you care with flowers for the garden

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day marks the unofficial date when it’s safe to plant tender

annuals in your garden. Though there are always exceptions to the rule, generally, frosts do not occur after this date. In our Shore Local area near the coast, we can usually get away with planting a little sooner. But if you have been waiting, out of an abundance of caution, now you can freely cut the red ribbon for the grand opening of your garden for the new season. What perfect timing for all those moms out there. you can show mom you care with the gift of flowers for her garden. The nurseries will be overflowing with plants and bustling with customers this week. However, with so many flowers to choose from, a trip to the garden nursery can be overwhelming. although a bouquet of cut flowers is always a welcome gift, they will usually only last a week or so. Instead, give mom a gift of flowering plants that can last all spring and summer (annuals), or in the case of perennials, last for years to come. you may want to do a little homework before you

run to the store. Does Mom’s yard get a lot of sun all day, or is it on the shady side?

Roses are a great way to show you care, but some roses can be divas of the garden. If your mom doesn’t have a green thumb, you might want to choose a low-maintenance rose. Knock Out® roses are easy to care for and bloom all season. Unlike many flowers, they are considered self-cleaning so you don’t need to deadhead them to produce new flowers. Though roses bloom best in full sun (at least six hours of sun per day), Knock Out® roses will still offer flowers in part shade locations.

EAR NOSE & THROAT DOCTOR

orful flowers. Consider zinnias that will attract butterflies and other pollinators. at the end of the season, Mom can collect the seed heads to plant next spring. Cosmos flowers will make a cheerful addition to the garden. With daisy-like flowers and fern-like foliage, they make lovely cut flowers and will attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Hanging baskets make great easy-care options for the busy mom. Choose fuschia flowers for a stunning shady garden or petunias for full-sun gardens. Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, resemble petunias but are smaller. These prolific flowers will bloom all summer long in full sun. For a taste of the tropics, buy a vibrant hibiscus plant for mom. These plants are sensitive to the cold, but can be brought indoors to overwinter in a sunny window.

Coneflowers are also easyto-grow, low-maintenance perennials. Mom can cut her own bouquet of these flowers, and they will continue to produce new blooms. Coneflowers will also attract butterflies and goldfinches to the garden.

Peonies are showstopping flowers that will surely impress Mom. These beautiful plants will bloom year after year, but choose a sunny location and stick to it, because they don’t like to be moved. In the winter they will die back and go dormant, but should reappear in the spring.

Hellebores make a stunning flowering plant for gardens with part shade. Though they are not in the rose family, hellebores also bear the name Lenten rose since they often bloom around Easter. Their beautiful flower heads slightly nod elegantly in the shady garden.

Hydrangeas, a shore town favorite, can bloom in part sun. From lacecap to mophead, find a variety that mom will enjoy for years. She can even take cuttings of her favorite hydrangeas and make new plants.

you can also consider buying Mom an armful of annuals, which can fill a bare spot in the garden with col -

you don’t want to give Mom extra work on Mother’s Day, so be sure to show up with flowers in one hand and a shovel in the other. Plan to roll up your sleeves and help her plant that new gift, and you will also be giving her what she wants most of all – quality time with her children.

Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of our hard-working, wonderful moms!

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

Hydrangeas will remind mom you care, year after year.

hanging basket of fuchsia flowers will add an exotic touch to the shade garden.

Dazzle mom with a gift of peony flowers.

Atlantic City to unveil Bernie Friedenberg WWII Memorial

The Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial honors the distinguished service of U.S. army Staff Sergeant Bernard (Bernie) I. Friedenberg and all other a mericans who served their country during World War II. The Friends of Bernie Friedenberg (FBF), a group of veterans advocates behind the movement to create the Memorial, has worked for five years to raise funds to cover the cost of the Memorial, which includes a bronze statue depicting Friedenberg in combat action as a WWII medic.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors and individuals who lent their support to the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial and who have brought this significant endeavor to fruition," said Marco Polo Smigliani, co-chair of the Friends of Bernie Friedenberg. "Bernie's legacy lives on through this monument, serving as a reminder to all that the price of freedom is never forgotten."

Several World War II veterans, Gold Star Mothers of america members, and families of United States

military veterans are among the honored guests expected to attend the 12 p.m. dedication ceremony, which will include a military flyover by the New Jersey National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing. Susan Friedenberg, the daughter of Bernie Friedenberg, will make special remarks, as will atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and guest speaker Major General John Hussey (U.S. army, retired).

The site of the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial is on the western side of O’Donnell Memorial Park, close to the existing World War I Memorial and Stockton University’s atlantic City campus. The Memorial’s bronze sculpture was designed and created by Pennsylvania-based Fisher Sculpture, one of the foremost manufacturers of sports and military sculptures in the world. The statue depicts a six-foot likeness of Friedenberg cradling a wounded soldier in his arms on Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944.

Bernard I. “Bernie” Friedenberg grew up in atlantic City and attended area schools. He was a freshman at Temple University on Dec. 7, 1941,

when the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked, drawing the United States into World War II. The very next day, Friedenberg attempted to enlist in the military services (Marines, Navy, and army) but he was rejected by all three services due to poor vision. Undeterred, he persisted and Friedenberg was eventually inducted into the army as a noncombatant. He received training as a medic, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was assigned to the Medical Detachment, 1st Battalion, 16th Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division.

Friedenberg was deployed in many of the major battles of the War: Operation Torch in algeria in November 1942; as a member of the “Fighting First” in the campaign for Sicily in 1943; Omaha Beach on D-Day 1944; through the fields and hedgerows of France into Germany in 1944, and the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. In these and other battles, it was Friedenberg’s job to remove or supervise the removal of wounded soldiers from the front lines to secure aid stations where he and others would render initial medical care to them.

Commander of a Jewish War Veterans Post. He regularly spoke at high schools and colleges in southern New Jersey on the perils of war and the true cost of freedom up until his death in 2018. Many donors have made donations to the Friedenberg WWII Memorial recounting the tremendous impact that Friedenberg’s

Friedenberg received two Silver Stars for his heroism on Omaha Beach on D-Day and later in Germany. He was also awarded two Bronze Stars for valor, and two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. Upon returning home to atlantic City after the war, Friedenberg became a staunch advocate for veterans’ affairs, having served for many years as a member of the atlantic County Veterans advisory Board, and as

talks had on their children’s lives. a side from Smigliani, the other members of the Friends of Bernie Friedenberg committee are Retired Brigadier General Douglas Satterfield, James Eberwine, Robert Frolow, Randi Scheck, Mike Bongiorno, and Michael Merlino. a rain date for the dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 8. Visit bfww2.com for more information about the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial.

an unveiling and dedication ceremony for a World War II Memorial at atlantic City’s O’Donnell Memorial Park will be held on Thursday, June 6, the 80th anniversary of D-Day. a pproximately 1,000 people are expected to attend, including U.S. military veterans from several wars. The event is open to the public.

Atlantic City first responders attend 76ers playoff game as guests of the team

Thirty atlantic City first responders were among 2,000 first responders, healthcare professionals and local community organizations invited to Thursday night’s Game 6 NBa Playoff matchup between the 76ers and New york Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center. The tickets were distributed by 76ers owners and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, mostly within the immediate Philadelphia area, but City of atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. was able to ensure 30 of those tickets went to atlantic City’s first responders.

“Our first responders are among the hardest working individuals out there today, and they are as deserving as anybody for the opportunity to enjoy this game in person,” said Mayor Small. “I always say ‘relationships matter,’ and I just want to thank everyone involved for making sure these men and women who provide essential services in the Great City of atlantic City got to have such a

memorable experience.”

“Team building is critical in our roles as first responders, and this night served that purpose,” said atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans.

“Thank you to the 76ers for including atlantic City with the rest of the Philadelphia first responders and workers, everyone who was inter-

ested and able to attend on our end got to go. and thank you to Mayor Small for his part in making this happen.”

Members of the atlantic City Fire Department, atlantic City Police Department, atlantic City Communications Bureau and atlantic City Beach Patrol were in attendance.

Ocean City has new bakery treats for

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Adream is coming true for Stacy Wu, the owner of the new successful Boba Works, restaurant and bakery, located at 960 a sbury Ocean City.

She had a grand opening on May 2, and if the crowd at the block party is any indication, it’s going to be a huge success.

a sbury avenue in Ocean City has evolved into a fabulous outdoor mall with a large variety of retail stores and food establishments. It seemed to have it all until Boba came along and added a totally unique blend of quality food offering the choice of eat-in and take-out.

Stacy is a South Jersey native who brings more than a decade of experience to her new business. She graduated valedictorian from the prestigious academy of Culinary arts at atlantic Cape Community College. She then went on to graduate summa cum laude from Rutgers Business School.

She has an impressive background, working at such places as Epicurean Events in New york, L’apicio in East Village, L'artusi in Greenwich Village, Carlo’s Bakery, Shorebreak Café in Sea Isle City and Bally’s Bake Shop.

Locally, she was the head chef, executive pastry chef, and frozen treat confectioner (ice-cream maker) at the Chatterbox in Ocean City. Stacy has spent a lot of time working in high-stress environments and wanted to create space where creativity and imagination could truly take flight. Thus, Boba was born.

Stacy encountered various setbacks including the pandemic of

2020 where she originally set out with a ghost kitchen with all of the orders coming from ordering platforms and her own Shopify store. Ultimately a ghost kitchen was only going to be a temporary thing. She really wanted her customers to see them working and have a more intimate experience with their staff and products.

On april 21, 2021, they moved to The Exchange in Linwood. It was a small location, situated in the middle of the seating area. Unfortunately The Exchange was sold to atlantiCare, leaving Stacy to look for a new business home.

customers.

The birth of Boba tea was chosen as a theme for the new location in Ocean City. It goes along with food being fun and creative. Boba tea as its core concept is simplistic. It’s flavored tea with a tapioca (boba) topping. Once you master the core fundamentals, it is something that you can be creative with. you can choose new ingredients and implement them in a way that is visually stunning, to address the individual needs of the

Boba tea aside, Stacy is going to place a big emphasis on their freshly baked pastries and deserts. Being creative in baking is more difficult than drinks, but it is also her background and something she wants to share with the community.

She is creating baked goods that you can’t easily obtain on the East Coast, much less South Jersey. Stacy spent much of her career making various kinds of French, Italian, and a merican desserts. She will blend those with a sian desserts to create a unique experience.

The customers will also be able

to experience an awesome blend of coffees and espresso selections to go along with all of the tasty treats. The bottom line is stop in Boba and I guarantee you will be impressed with the varieties of treats, from custom cakes, to baked goods that you will not find anywhere else.

Ocean City lost Ward's Pastries a couple years ago, but it looks like Boba is going to fill the void with even more delicious cakes, pastries, ice cream and donuts. There are simply too many unique items to list all of them. you are going to have to stop in, and tell them Rich from Business Buzz sent you.

Remember to support small local businesses. They are the lifeline of our communities

Milk tea cream puffs

Beach Boys, Graham Nash headline OC Concert Series

Bob Rose and the 2024 Ocean City Music Pier Concerts

By Bill Kelly

ob Rose has been producing and promoting concerts for more than 50 years, beginning as a teenager with the first folk festival in Bridgeton, his hometown, when folk music was in the popular mainstream. Today he’s still a hippie, wearing tie-dye T-shirts and taking pictures with all the great acts he’s brought in.

Rose does for Ocean City what Carmen and Nancy Marotta do for Somers Point – he promotes great

music. But unlike the free beach concerts in Somers Point, which are supported by the local business community, Rose does it the old-fashioned way: he sells tickets. years ago, when the recording industry was strong and ticket prices were reasonable, scalpers bought up all the good seats to the best shows and resold them for hundreds of dollars. Now with music distribution being almost exclusively online, the acts must tour and earn their money from live performances, getting the prices the scalpers used to get.

For the 2024 Summer Concert Series on the Ocean City Music Pier, tickets vary in price from below $50, to well above $100, depending on the act, the seat location and the number of tickets purchased. Tickets are available online at etix.com or at the Music Pier box office on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace.

tion, extending out over the ocean offering great views mixed with the quiet sound of breakers below. It’s intimate enough that the audience can see and hear the performers on

live

The Ocean City Music Pier is a great venue for concerts, designed in the classic Spanish Revival tradi -

Bob Rose

stage from anywhere in the room without giant video screens.

For the 2024 summer season, Rose has put together a strong lineup of some great headline acts mixed with some high quality tribute and cover bands that will appeal to people who missed the originals the first time around, and old fogies who will appreciate the nostalgia.

The Taylor Swift tribute – Let Taylor Sing, starts off the summer-long program June 24 and will certainly bring out the Swifties. The global megastar is actually a Jersey Shore girl, having spent many summers at her family’s vacation home in avalon where she learned to play guitar and began performing in public at a local coffee shop which is still there.

Stills, Nash and young. With Lodge, 10cc, Herman’s Hermits, Nash, and The Machine playing the music of Pink Floyd, there’s a strong British invasion going on here.

Other scheduled cover acts include Killer Queen – a Tribute to Queen, July 1 and The Machine, covering the iconic music of Pink Floyd, aug. 19.

Kenny G’s sweet sax and clarinet sounds will start off the headline acts June 25, which will also include Bob Marley’s Jamaican reggae band the Wailers, July 8. Get ready to move to “No Woman No Cry.”

Bob Rose has also brought the fabulous Hooters to the Cape May Convention Hall for two consecutive shows the past few years, and will do it again aug. 24-25. I first saw the Philly-based Hooters at Reds in Margate when they got started.

Reds, down the street from Maloney’s and across the street from Lucy, was owned by Red Klotz, the owner and manager of the Washington Generals, the professional basketball team that lost every game to the Harlem Globetrotters. When Red’s son Glenn took over, he started booking new bands like The Hooters.

John Lodge, bass player, singer and songwriter for The Moody Blues, will perform the album, “Days of Future Passed,” in its entirety including the hit, “Knights in White Satin,” plus a selection of classic hits on July 15. a nother British band, 10cc (“The Things We Do For Love”) will be on the Music Pier stage on July 29.

The Beach Boys will come flying in from California for three shows over two nights aug. 5-6, followed by Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone aug. 12, and Graham Nash, aug. 26, the British element of Cosby,

Then I saw The Hooters in Berlin in 1990 playing before 500,000 people at Roger Waters’ (Pink Floyd) concert at the Berlin Wall. While The Hooters are extremely popular in Europe where they play arenas, Cape May Convention Hall is somewhat like the Ocean City Music Pier and both shows always sell out, as do most of the Ocean City concerts, so if you want tickets you have to get them early.

OC MUSIC PIER CONCERTS

Let's Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift

5 p.m. Monday, June 24

7:30 p.m. Monday, June 24

Kenny G

7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25

Killer Queen – A Tribute to Queen

7 p.m. Monday, July 1

The Wailers

7 p.m. Monday, July 8

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge

7 p.m. Monday, July 15

10cc

The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour 2024

7 p.m. Monday, July 29

The Beach Boys

6 p.m. Monday, aug. 5

8:30 p.m. Monday, aug. 5

6 p.m. Tuesday, aug. 6

8:30 p.m. Tuesday, aug. 6

Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone

7 p.m. Monday, aug. 12

The Machine Performs Pink Floyd

7 p.m. Monday, aug. 19

Graham Nash More Evenings of Songs and Stories 7 p.m. Monday, aug. 26

Tickets are available through etix. com. If you have questions regarding tickets, fees and shows, email BRE Presents at info@brepresents.com or call 856-429-6100.

The shows are presented by the City of Ocean City and the series is co-produced by BRE Presents and Rose Productions. a ll shows take place at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.

SOAP SHOP

Killer Queen

WALDO

BUS TOURS

DELAWARE Park & Casino

with LIVE Racing & Simulcast of the Belmont Stakes

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2024

4 HOUR OPEN BAR WITH BUFFET that includes: burgers, hotdogs, chicken, and ribs, salads, and snacks.

Our own section with tellers (inside air conditioned) reserved covered outside seating, and a free program.

$100pp also includes bus fare and driver gratuity.

Overnight in Baltimore for PHILLIES vs. ORIOLES

June 15-16th

Depart on Sat for 4:05p game (game of the week), Enjoy Sat. night on the town, Sunday afternoon game then returning home

Overnight stay across from Camden Yards w/ breakfast included on Sunday

$330 PP includes: 2 GAMES, HOTEL, BREAKFAST, BUS & DRIVER GRATIUITY

Great Father’s Day Gift!

PHILLIES vs. YANKEES

July 31, 2024 @ 12:35p

$100pp includes ticket (300level) Bus, $12 voucher good for anything in the stadium!! Driver gratuity and assorted beverages included. 609-703-5418

Contact Waldo @ jwaltersjr@comcast.net

Early Memorial Day celebrations in Ocean City

A Look Back at Ocean City

By Fred Miller

emorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was initially called, has been commemorated in Ocean City for 143 years. While the day signals the beginning of the summer in america’s Greatest Family

Resort, residents and visitors have always remembered the country’s war dead.

The patriotic tradition dates back to May 30, 1881, when Gainer P. Moore, a resident and veteran of the Civil War, led a small group of men along asbury avenue in the city’s first remembrance of america’s fallen soldiers. Moore was elected mayor in 1884, and under his leadership, the parade grew and became an important annual event. People were also encouraged to go to the mainland and decorate gravestones with flowers.

Under the headline “Memorial Day,” R. Curtis Robinson, editor and owner of the Ocean City Sentinel, wrote the following article in the May 26, 1898 issue of the newspaper: “One of the most beautiful and sensible anniversary days of the year is the 30th of May, called Decoration Day. “The beautiful custom of strewing the graves with flowers, patriotic music, and orations. The day should be one of blessings."

In 1861, there were about 900,000 inhabitants in our little state of New Jersey, and yet this State sent over 90,000 men to fight the battles of the Union (in the Civil War)—one-tenth of her population, counting men, women, and children. Nearly every family in the State had one or more

Homemade Crabcakes

members in the Union armies, and many of these never returned to their homes alive, while some were buried in unknown graves on the battlefields.

“The day is not a religious holiday, but rather a patriotic, memorial, decoration day. The right way to spend the day will be largely according to the individual or community’s selections. It is first in order to visit the cemeteries with muffled music and to strew to the heroes’ graves with flowers, but we do not spend the entire day in the cemetery nor memorial services. It is a great thing to have a holiday on our hands.”

Originally a day set apart in memory of those who fought and were killed in the Civil War, after World War I, Memorial Day observances have been held in honor of all of the country’s war dead.

Ocean City’s 143-year-old Memorial Day tradition will continue on May 27, 2024. The Ocean City Beach Patrol will begin the program at 9 a.m. on the 9th Street beach. a lifeguard crew will row their lifeboat a short distance from the beach and place a wreath on the ocean to commemorate the naval war dead. at 11 a.m., the ceremonies will continue at Veterans Memorial Park between 5th and 6th streets on Wesley avenue.

S PADAFORA’S

What's happening in Ocean City

Ocean City Boardwalk welcomes new Roadster Rally

The Ocean City Boardwalk will be host to a new automobile event this weekend as it welcomes the first annual Roadster Rally on Saturday, May 11. a variety of roadster makes and models will be on display from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street.

a roadster is an open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Initially an american term for a two-seat car with no weather protection, usage has spread internationally and now includes most two-seat convertibles. Cars on display might include Miata, Mini Cooper, MG/ MGB, Porsche, Nissan/Datsun, audi TT, Corvette, Honda S 2000, Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, BMW Z Series, Mercedes Benz, Fiat, Triumph, Jaguar, alfa Romeo, Opel, Ford Thunderbird, Sunbeam, Toyota MR2, Karmann Ghia, Chrysler Crossfire, austin Healy, Ferrari, aC Cobra, Morgan, Lotus, Lamborghini and Tesla.

The event is free for anybody to attend. The cars will parade onto the Boardwalk at noon and they will remain on display throughout the afternoon. For roadster owners, the rally is a chance to come together and enjoy their cars in a beautiful surrounding. For more information or to register a roadster, visit www. theroadsterrally.com or email blinkerfluidproductions@gmail.com.

TICKETS ON SaLE FOR SUMMER CONCERTS aND SHOWS

Tickets are on sale now for a spectacular 2024 Ocean City Pops season that opens with special guest Bernadette Peters (June 30) and closes with the return of Kristin Chenoweth (Sept. 15). The Music Pier also will welcome a pair of country music

shows: the Oak Ridge Boys (July 31) and the Eli young Band (august 21). Joe Conklin will return with his blend of Philadelphia-themed comedy and music (July 13). The Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops will team up to present the stage musical “Grease” with shows august 6 to 15. Online ticket sales and information on how to purchase tickets in-person is available at oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice. The following shows are currently on sale:

June 21: The Philadelphia Wind Symphony

June 30: Bernadette Peters (Pops season opener)

July 7: OC Pops Greatest Hits

July 10: Big Broadway Bash (Pops)

July 13: Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra

July 14: Frankie Moreno Performing the Music of Elvis (Pops)

July 18: The Jersey Tenors (Pops)

July 21: "Under the Boardwalk: Songs of Summer" (Pops)

July 28: Brandon Tomasello's Great american Big Band (Pops)

July 31: Oak Ridge Boys

August 4: a Musical Night of Stage and Screen With Sara Maimone (Pops)

August 6-15: "Grease" Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company and Ocean City Pops

August 11: Bill Scheible Returns With the Ocean City Pops

August 18: Star Wars and Beyond: The Musical Legacy of John Williams (Pops)

August 21: Eli young Band

August 28: Beethoven's 9th Sym -

Bernadette Peters

phony and 200th Birthday of "Ode to Joy"

August 31: The Strictly 60s Band

Sept. 1: Return of The Three Tenors (Pops)

Sept. 4: Maestro Lee at the Keys: Dueling Pianos (Pops)

Sept. 7: The Duprees (Pops)

Sept. 9: Symphonic Dance: The atlantic City Ballet (Pops)

Sept. 15: Kristin Chenoweth (Pops season closer)

More information and ticket sales for the 2024 Summer Concert Series at the Music Pier featuring shows that range from the Beach Boys to a Taylor Swift tribute are available at ocnj. us/SummerConcertSeries.

MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCE aN CIT y

MAY 19 – OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon: ¼-mile pool swim, 2M Run/16M Bike/2M Run. Plus a kids course 1/8 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: a mericans, 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 Kristin Chenoweth

Crowds flock to Spring Block Party despite the cool weather

Photos by Steffen Klenk

On Saturday, thousands enjoyed a full day of festivities at the Ocean City Spring Block Party. The weather did not deter crowds from visiting over 350 craft vendors, with special sales and discounts for attendees. The event included plenty of incredible food options from local restaurants, and entertainment upand-down a sbury avenue.

The Spring Block Party is one of many fantastic events taking place in Ocean City all season long. For a full list of everything happening in Ocean City visit https://oceancityvacation. com. The Fall Block Party is scheduled for Saturday, October 12.

A Senior’s Observations, Opinions and Rantings

Mum’s the Word

Senior Moments

By Charles P. Eberson

As in most holidays throughout the year, Mother’s Day can come with mixed feelings for many people. For some, as with myself, our mothers are no longer with us. My mother has been gone for 11 years . Others still have the company of their mother but the relationship is complicated: a mixture of love, obligation, patience, resentment, caretaking, etc. I was very fortunate in that my mother passed away at the age of 87, so I enjoyed her company for a long time. It was in the later years that I took a more focused interest in her past and in my column, I wrote a lengthy series about her experience as a teen living in London during what has been known as “The Blitz”; the bombing of London during World War II. It was a story of resilience and courage. She met my father who was in the army air Corps stationed in England, left her country and all the family she knew and got married in Ventnor. after a couple years of living in Philadelphia, mom and dad moved back to Ventnor and eventually Margate as their permanent home. No matter how long she lived in the U.S. she always referred to England as “home.” Every July 4th, I reminded her of the significance of the date in american history to which she would invariably reply, “america would have been better off had it still been part of the British Empire.” I must admit, there have been times since her passing that her quote has come to mind. Mum came from Russian and Polish parents who were no strangers to hard work. Her hands were not thin and delicate but thick and strong. She used those hands as a seamstress sewing uniforms during the war and continued her sewing until the end of her days. a s I was growing up, a steady stream of ladies would arrive at our house bring in dresses and skirts for alterations. She did those alterations late into the night after she put my brother and me to bed. We were

watching a show on TV one night about atlantic City during the prohibition period and “Nucky” Johnson’s name was mentioned. “Nucky” was head of a corrupt political machine at the time in atlantic City. In typical British understatement, she said, “Oh, I used to alter his clothes” and that was all she mentioned. My mother didn’t get her driver’s license until I was in 5th grade. Out of the three schools in Margate, Union avenue was the farthest away so to be part of the carpool she had to take her turn. She got along fine on our little island but to venture farther afield her lack of a sense of direction became humorously evident. She would

tell us where she was going and then came home hours later telling us of the circuitous path she took to get there, stopping often for directions. Still, it didn’t dissuade her from embarking off on her journeys. Even in her 80’s, when she would pull away from our home, her heavy foot on the accelerator would launch the car down the street leaving us laughing in its wake. It has been said that time heals all wounds. I cannot say the wound of her loss has healed but over the years, the memories of her laughter, her strength and her devotion to our family continues to make inroads against the loss. It is my hope that this Mother’s Day, we take time to show mothers who are still with us our love and appreciation while remembering those who are gone but remain in our memory.

Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com

SPRING

NJ bill would require pay information in job postings

By Sophie Nieto-Munoz

Abill that would require New Jersey employers to include pay information in job postings advanced out of a state Senate committee Monday.

The bill, which includes fines for employers who skirt its requirements, is part of a broader trend toward pay transparency that supporters say is key to closing wage gaps between men and women. a handful of other states, including New york, have enacted similar laws.

Sen. Paul Moriarty, who sponsored the measure, said pay transparency benefits both job seekers and employers. People can spend weeks going through job interviews before knowing the compensation — “a large waste of time” for both sides if the pay isn’t enough for the applicant, Moriarty said. “I think it’s overdue,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester).

Under the measure, employers would be required to include hourly pay or salary ranges in job postings. The postings must also include a general description of benefits and other compensation employees would be eligible for within the first year of employment.

New Jersey employers would also have to take “reasonable” steps to make opportunities for promotions known.

The maximum fines would range from $300 to $600 under amendments made to the bill, down from $1,000 to $10,000 in the original version. The New Jersey Business Industry administration had originally opposed the legislation but said after those changes were made that it is taking no position on the bill.

The measure advanced unanimously out of the Senate Labor Committee. Its a ssembly companion, introduced in april, still faces a hearing in the a ssembly Labor Committee.

Orange Juice is a natural for brunch

Breezy spring days can lead you on nearly any adventure, and they can happen in your own backyard, on a short road trip or during a full-blown beach day. No matter where you are when those warmer days arrive, you can put outdoor meals on the menu and take advantage of perfect opportunities for fresh brunch spreads to share with loved ones.

Whether you’re enjoying spring sunshine at home or traveling with friends and family, orange juice can be a delicious, nutritious addition to your outdoor plans. By delivering a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits, it’s perfect for supporting healthy immune systems and overall health.

With no added sugar, 100% orange juice comes coupled with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate and thiamin. Orange juice is one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, and it can serve as a substitution for sugar-sweetened beverages in the diets of both children and adults while providing a convenient way to complement whole fruit intake to help reach one’s daily fruit intake recommendations.

● 1 2/3 tablespoons baking powder

● 3/4 teaspoon salt

● 1/2 cup shortening

● 1/2 cup whole milk

● 1/4 cup orange juice

To make orange butter sauce: Boil orange juice 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat.

To make orange biscuits: Preheat oven to 425 F.

Use fingers to rub sugar and zest together until sugar is moistened and looks like wet sand.

Orange Juice Biscuits

Orange Butter Sauce:

● 1 1/2 cups orange juice

● 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Orange Biscuits:

● 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

● 2 teaspoons grated orange zest

● 2 cups bleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading

In large bowl, whisk orange sugar, 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Using two forks or pastry blender, cut in shortening to size of small peas.

Combine milk and orange juice then stir into flour mixture to make sticky dough.

Turn out dough onto well-floured work surface. Sprinkle top with flour and knead about six times while folding dough over in half and using more flour as needed.

Pat dough out to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with round cutter by dipping cutter in flour then pressing into dough. Do not turn cutter while pressing. Place biscuits close together but not touching on baking sheet.

Gather dough scraps and fold 2-3 times, pat out again and cut biscuits. Repeat until dough is used.

Brush tops with orange butter sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining sauce.

● 4 ounces seltzer

● ghost pepper salt, to taste

● 4 orange slices, 1/4-inch thick In saucepan over medium heat, reduce orange juice to 1 cup and allow to cool.

Fill cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice. add orange juice reduction, simple syrup, tequila, triple sec and lime juice.

Shake and pour into four glasses. Top each glass with 1 ounce seltzer. Pour ghost pepper salt onto saucer and dip edges of orange slices in ghost pepper salt. Place orange slices on rim of each glass, if desired.

Credit: Family Features

Orange Juice Spicy Margaritas

● 2 cups orange juice

● ice

● 2 cups simple syrup

● 8 ounces silver tequila

● 2 ounces triple sec or orange liqueur

● 2 ounces lime juice

Pamper Mom with DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter

By Linda Arceo

It is Mom’s moment to shine this weekend. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate the Moms in your life than with a little extra pampering? after what has felt like a marathon year for Moms everywhere, carving out special moments of self-care at home have become more important than ever. This doit-yourself whipped chocolate body butter is a spa treatment in a jar.

Body butters are rich moisturizers used on your skin to help hydrate and leave your skin feeling ultra soft. Body butters are similar to a lotion or body cream, but are not made with water. This all-natural combination of moisturizing shea butter, coconut oil and rich, fragrant ingredients will leave your skin feeling soft and extra pampered.

● Shea Butter - Shea butter is the base for this DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter. Shea Butter is an excellent product for smoothing, soothing and conditioning your skin. It helps

hold moisture in and reduces the risk of dryness.

● Coconut Oil - Coconut oil absorbs easily into the skin. It smells great, soothes irritated skin and has antioxidant qualities.

● Raw Cocoa Powder - Raw Cocoa Powder can be used to help maintain skin health. The cocoa powder in this body butter recipe helps soften, clear and detoxify the skin.

The raw cocoa powder also helps enhance the natural chocolate fragrance in this body butter.

● Vanilla Essential Oil (or vanilla extract) - Vanilla Essential Oil adds an aromatic element to this body butter, while also helping with to fight acne, smooth out wrinkles and brighten dull skin.

DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter

Use:

To enjoy this Whipped Chocolate Body Butter scoop out a small amount and massage into your skin until it is fully absorbed. The body butter is non-greasy and will not leave your skin feeling oily. Don’t be tempted by the enticing chocolate scent of this DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter because it is not edible.

Note:

Here is an easy DIy gift idea for Mom that can be whipped up in your kitchen in no time with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

● 10 TBS raw shea butter

● 10 TBS of coconut oil

● 2 TBS raw cocoa powder

● 2 TBS vanilla essential oil (or vanilla extract)

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whip using an hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Store in airtight container and use within two weeks.

If you are making this DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter for gift giving you will want to put the body butter in small, decorative jars. To complete, add a personalized label or note listing the ingredients. you can even pair the body butter with a pair of cozy socks, flowers or a plant. This DIY Whipped Chocolate Body Butter is a gift in a jar that goes really far! The body butter feels indulgent, thoughtful and special. Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day with something she will love and leave her skin feeling incredible.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

SPRING INTO ACTION

FREE 1 YEAR EXTRA WARRANTY on all Yamaha models through 5/31/24.

My flounder sleeps with the fishes

By Bill Quain

You may be wondering about the title of my column this week. Some of my younger readers may think, “Of course your flounder sleeps with the fishes. It’s a fish!” However, many of you will remember the epic movie “The Godfather.” Two New york Mafia families are at war. Don Corleone (played by Marlon Brando) receives a package of dead fish. His men wonder what this message means. But the Don knows it’s a sign that one of his top lieutenants has been killed by the rival gang and dumped in the river. His man now “sleeps with the fishes.” Well, I’m talking about real fish I am writing this column on May 4, the opening day of flounder season here in New Jersey. Like thousands of other anglers, my friend Herb and I braved frigid cold, stiff wind, and

stinky bait in an attempt to catch a flounder dinner. It was a bit too rough and cold to go out in my boat, so we joined 40+ other anglers on The Keeper out of Margate. I will sum up the results of my day with the following six words:

My dinner sleeps with the fishes

That’s right, the fish that I intended to dine on is still out there. While a few other hardy souls did catch sizable flounder, nothing even bit my hook. I didn’t lose any bait. I never got any slimy fish on my hands. Tonight, I’m having pizza.

It wasn’t for lack of trying!

I have been getting ready for this

One Stop Mother’s Day Shopping

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH

by Bill Quain

day for months. Bud’s Outboard Marine in Ocean City stores our boat for the winter and then gets it ready in the spring. Bud and his brother Jason do a fantastic job! They paint the bottom, recharge the batteries, check out the engine, etc. It is a big ordeal – but not for me! By the way, thanks Bud and Jason, you guys are the best!

I don’t want you to think that I leave all the preparation up to the professionals. Every year, I have a specific list of items I’m hoping will appear in my Christmas stocking and underneath the tree. This year, besides the gift cards to Fin-atics in Ocean City, and assorted hooks and swivels, I got two brand-new fishing rods! The amazing thing is that Santa Claus knew exactly what I needed. He had the right model, length, and flexibility of the rods. Thanks, Santa! about 10 days ago, Jeanne and I dragged everything out of the storage sheds, including boat cushions, more fishing equipment, boat fire extinguishers, etc. Our dining room table was covered with a vinyl cloth, and became “Quain Fishing Central”. Rods, reels, and lures were spread out on the table. Reels were switched to different rods, new rigs were tied on, and tackle boxes were examined to make sure we had everything we needed.

We were all ready to take everything to our boat so we could shove off early this morning. However, when the weather turned bad, my friend Herb and I decided to “play hooky” on The Keeper. Some fishing plans took a slight detour. But I am not deterred! you’ll soon see me out on our boat, the “Thanks Frank”, on the hunt for flounder.

And we aren’t the only ones Folks, it’s that time of year! Our focus right now is on the fishing season. Jeanne and I go as often as possible. We keep track of the number of flounder we land, and how many “keepers” we catch. This year, each fisherman/woman is allowed

to keep three 18-inch (or larger) flounder per day. Jeanne and I have been “flounder pounders” for years, and we have never reached our limit on any trip that we can remember! We catch a lot of flounder, but many of them are throat-backs. We are excited if we come home with even one keeper on a trip. But we are out there for the pure fun of it, not to feed our family.

What are you getting ready for?

Here in Ocean City, the town is starting to come alive. Today was the annual Spring Block Party. While Herb and I were desperately trying to catch dinner, Jeanne was strolling a sbury avenue to pick up “just a few things.” She saw friends that she hadn’t seen since last fall. Merchants were selling beach chair covers, sunglasses, and gorgeous spring flowers to brighten up the front porch. Summer is just around the corner! Maybe the weather hasn’t started to heat up yet, but the anticipation has.

How about you? What’s your summer pleasure? are you a fisherman, beachgoer, family reunionist, bar hopper, entertainment seeker, golfer, bicyclist, runner, surfer, or swimmer? are you a boardwalk stroller or an amusement rider? Do you have children, grandchildren, relatives of any kind, or close friends that you can’t wait to be with this summer? We’ve seen you getting ready!

Share your anticipation with all of us! I want to know what you are looking forward to this summer. Drop me a line at bill@quain.com.

a s 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.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

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

Who: Kelly Clarkson

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess arena

When: Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/kelly-clarkson

Join the excitement as Kelly Clarkson delivers a dynamic blend of pop hits, soulful ballads, and chart-topping anthems. Witness a musical extravaganza that transcends genres and resonates with fans of all ages. Secure

your tickets now for an unforgettable experience as Kelly Clarkson brings her unparalleled talent to atlantic City.

Who: Tyler Henry

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Sound Waves

When: Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino. hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ tyler-henry

Get ready for an evening with Tyler Henry, the renowned medium and star of the hit TV show “Hollywood Medium” on May 10 & 11 at Hard Rock atlantic City.

What: Car Cruise

Where: Historic Smithville

When: Friday, May 10

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Website: historicsmithville.com/ smithville-events/smithville-carshow

Stop by the Village Greene at Historic Smithville from 5 to 8 p.m. to see some spectacular vehicles on display, or show off one of your own.

Margaritaville is more than a restaurant –we’re a state of mind! Whether you choose to indulge in one of our new hand-crafted menu items like Cajun Seafood Pasta featuring blackened scallops & shrimp atop linguini in a creamy Alfredo or a guest favorite like the Cheeseburger in Paradise, when quality comes first, it is easy to relax in paradise.

What: Mother’s Day Music Festival

2024 with Kem, Dru Hill, SWV & Silk

Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

When: Saturday, May 11

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: boardwalkhall.com/events/detail/ mothers-day-music-festival-2024with-kem-dru-hill-swv-silk

Get your tickets to this Mother’s Day Music Festival.

Who: Ms. Pat - ya Girl Done Made It

Where: Harrah’s Resort Concert Venue

When: Saturday, May 11

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: caesars.com/harrahs-ac/ shows

Ms. Pat is a comedian, actress, author and host bringing her unforgiving and

darkly hilarious comedy to The Concert Venue.

What: BoxingInsider Presents

Live Professional Boxing

Where: Tropicana

When: Saturday, May 11

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Website: caesars.com/tropicana-ac/ shows

Live boxing returns to the Tropicana on May 11 by BoxingInsider Promotions featuring exciting local and national fighters.

Who: Beth Tinnon Duo Where: Renault Winery | Wine & Beer Garden

When: Saturday, May 11

Time: 6-10 p.m.

What: Mother’s Day Music Festival

Where: Caesars atlantic City

When: Sunday, May 12

Time: 6 p.m.

Website: claridge.com/dining-lounges/

Join Caesars for a Mother’s Day celebration with music from The Jones Girls featuring Shirley Jones, The

Legendary Blue Notes, Blue Magic, Intruders featuring Phil Gay, and Lenny Williams.

What: Southern Charm Mother’s Day Brunch

Where: The Claridge Hotel

When: Saturday, May 12

Time: 10 a.m.

Website: atlanticcitynj.com/events/ event-list/southern-charm-mothers-day-brunch/

Indulge Mom with an exquisite Southern Homestyle Brunch featuring a selection of gourmet delights paired with endless mimosas and bloody Marys.

What: Girasole Mother’s Day

Where: Girasole atlantic City

When: Saturday, May 12

Website: mygirasole.com

Whisk Mom away for a sophisticated three-course, prix-fixe dinner at Girasole, where luxurious Mediterranean style meets extraordinary Italian taste. Guests can delight in the chic ambience of the Versace-decorated interior or the lush outdoor patio and enjoy the finest of Italian dishes.

What: Mother’s Day Brunch at amada Where: amada at Ocean Casino Resort

Continued on 48

When: Sunday, May 12

Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/ dining-event/mothers-day-brunchamada

Don’t miss out on a delightful brunch display featuring sweet and savory options. There are also bottomless brunch cocktails available for purchase to customers with brunch reservations only. Must be 21 to purchase.

includes dishes created using ingredients from the property’s own farm, Beach Plum Farm, located just minutes down the road. Guests can enjoy culinary classics. Tickets are $89 per adult and $32 per child, with children under 3 free. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 609-884-6542 or see the website.

What: Mother’s Day Brunch at Congress Hall

Where: Congress Hall, Cape May

When: Sunday, May 12

Website: caperesorts.com/congress-hall

Take Mom to a brunch buffet by the beach. The mouthwatering menu

What: Tennessee avenue Beer Hall

Where: atlantic City

When: Sunday, May 12

Website: tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com

Honor your leading lady with a brunch that’s as fabulous as she is.

Tennessee avenue Beer Hall is serving up a morning-to-afternoon selection of delectable dishes from its # a Cfamous brunch menu, including the Ba R 32 Waffle, the Lobster Roll, Sinatra Salad and more. Guests can enjoy the outdoor Beer yard with a full bar with flat-screen TVs, firepits, lawn games, 40 taps of draught beer, a stroturfed-yard with umbrella seating and more, all while celebrating Mom

and creating unforgettable #TennOutta10 moments together. all guests will also receive a special “Mama Chocolate” treat from BaR 32. For more information visit tennesseeavenuebeerhall.com

What: Mother’s Day Brunch at Harbor Pines Golf Club

Where: Harbor Pines Golf Club, EHT

When: Sunday, May 12

Website: harborpines.com/product/ rsvp2-reservation-copy

Give the gift of delicious food and gorgeous views this Mother’s Day at Harbor Pines Golf Club, South Jersey’s premier destination for golf and dining. The club is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant offers guests beautiful views of the pristine golf course and surrounding vistas to accompany their equally delightful brunch menu,

What: atlantic City Comedy Club

Where: The Royce Social Hall Tropicana

Website: atlanticcitycomedyclub.com

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!

CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE

Somers Point Beach Concerts, Tony Marts to

Tony Mart Presents is ramping up for another season of pop-up parties, world-class free concerts, and celebrations one after another.

Voted by USa Today readers as the No. 1 outdoor concert series in the country in 2023, organizers of the 2024 atlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point are hoping for a repeat this year and they are asking for your help. Go to tonymart.com and click on the link. There are only a few days left.

Music lovers are invited to a special

2024 season kick-off show in Somers Point on Friday night, May 31 at 8:30 p.m. in Josie Kelly’s ballroom. It will

be an evening of partying, dance music, Tony Mart classics, country music and all your favorite requests with the Tony Mart allstars featuring Danny Eyer and several guests to be announced.

The summer lineup will feature 10 world class free shows. This whirlwind of free parties reaches a climax on July 4 when John Cafferty

↘Continued on 50

The concert and most of the new pop up concerts are being sponsored by Conservatory Cannabis Co., opening in Egg Harbor Township soon.

Waylon Thibodeaux

Victor Wainwright

& the Beaver Brown Band celebrate the legacy of Eddie and the Cruisers with a 2-plus-hour, nonstop concert of the music from the movie plus all his great music hit after hit, including “Wild Summer Nights,” “Tender years,” and “On The Dark Side.”

The very next night, Somers Point begins its mega celebration for the summer, Mardi Gras in July. Beginning on Friday, July 5, at Somers Point’s Morrow Beach and continuing to Monday, July 8, at The Point Tiki bar and restaurant where the Jersey Gumbo Cook Off will start at 3 p.m. with many renowned chefs competing, and a five-concert free New Or-

leans music festival with free parking.

Headlining the show at Mardi Gras July 5 and at the Jersey Gumbo Festival on July 8 is world-class Cajun fiddler and Bourbon Street entertainer Waylon Thibodeaux, from Tab Benoit’s Voice of the Wetlands a llstars; and performing for the first time ever in South Jersey, Ben Levin and his Mardi Gras piano band with local stars Bobby Ferguson on trumpet and Howard Isaacson on saxophone, and special guest Danny Eyer, bringing the blues guitar to the Mardi Gras.

Tony Mart Presents is offering free reserved tickets to this event. Just let them know how many you would

like. Email your requests to tonymartpresents@gmail. com.

you’re also invited to keep the party going Wednesday nights this summer during the Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in atlantic City starting June 26.

So just lay back, relax and experience one of the greatest summers of free music with over 50 great concerts.

Let the good times roll! Learn more at www. tonymart.com, Facebook/ tonymart, @tonymartpresents, tonymartpresents@gmail.com. also, Somerspointbeachconcerts.com.

Curtis Salgato

John Cafferty

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, May 9

Atlantic City

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Dahve

8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Dane anthony

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

3 aM Tokyo

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Gregory’s

Carlos Morales

6 – 8 p.m. 900 Shore Rd.

Mexiquila

Vahe Sarkissian

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Queen Jayne’s

TQ Live acoustic

6 – 9 p.m. 264 New Rd.

Ventnor

Nucky’s Kitchen

Ricky Stevens

6 – 9 p.m. 5211 Ventnor ave.

FRIDAY - MAY 10

Jump the Line Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - MAY 11

Rooftop Dogs Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - MAY 12

Brandon Ireland Band 3pm-7pm

THURSDAY - MAY 16

Sindi Raymond Band 4pm-7pm Karaoke Night 9pm-1am

FRIDAY - MAY 17

Big Foot Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - MAY 18

Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm

Radio Revolution Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - MAY 19

Danny Eyre Band 3pm-7pm

7pm-11pm

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY 8pm-12am

THURSDAY 9pm-1am

Ventnor Coffee

Open Mic Night w/ Pete Glaze & T Five

6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset ave.

Friday, May 10

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Nylon Ghost, Teen Idle, Sacred Monster, The Side Chicks

7:45 p.m.

247 S. New york ave. Bar One at Resorts

Ricky Stevens

6 – 9 p.m.

Live DJ

9 p.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Paul Jost Trio

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Nic Nac

10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Indelible Groove Duo

7 p.m.

The Benjamins

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Jexxa Duo

6 – 10 p.m.

Big Bang Baby

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dane anthony Band

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Lost in Paris

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s DJ Rashaun

8 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

John Wood

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

Tony Caine

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Jump the Line Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Josie Kelly’s

The People’s Choice Band

8:30 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Sean Chambers & The Savoy

Brown Rhythm Section

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, May 11

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Dr. Phil & The Heart attacks

8 p.m. 5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Kevin Story

6 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

all R&B Night: New a ge v. Classics 11 p.m.

247 S. New york ave.

Bar One at Resorts

1900 Pacific ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Brandon Ireland Trio

9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Split Decisions

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Don’t Call Me Francis

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Incognito Band

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. andrews Dr.

Margate

Bocca

Bob & Nicky

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Vahe Sarkissian Trio

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Smoove

10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Kono Nation

5 – 8:30 p.m. audio Riot

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. 1000 Boardwalk

The Royce Social Hall

DJ Evan Edge

9 p.m. 2801 Pacific ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Sepper

5 – 9 p.m.

DJ Philly Will

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

JParis

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific ave.

Topgolf at Ocean Casino

Melanie & Patty Duo

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Radio Stranger

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Sean Patrick & The alibis

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

The Whitewalls

1 – 5 p.m.

Goodman Fiske

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Beth Tinnon Party Duo

6 – 10 p.m.

72 N. Bremen ave.

Margate

Bocca

CJ Sooy

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Megan Knight

7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Northfield

Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club

Ralph Michaels

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Leo Fraser Dr.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Jeff Nowmos

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Rooftop Dogs Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Gregory’s

Live DJ

9 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Josie Kelly’s

The Jenny Barnes Band

8 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Eliza Neals

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, May 12

Atlantic City

Council Oak Lounge

Joe Vlado

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dan Jost

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

3 aM Tokyo Duo

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Jumper

4 – 7 p.m.

The Benderz

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

1 – 5 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Margate

Bocca

Jim Shaw

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Brandon Ireland Band

3 – 7 p.m. 450 Bay ave.

Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Session

1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

albert Lee

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Monday, May 13

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Red

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Who Brought the Dog

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Tuesday, May 14

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Slay Town City

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Wednesday, May 15

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Turning the Tide

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.

Josie Kelly’s

Jimmy Brogan acoustic

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Events subject to change.

Tickets on sale for Ocean City Pops Shows

Friday, June 21

The Philadelphia Wind Symphony

The 40-plus member Philadelphia Wind Symphony will perform traditional wind band classics to round out their 2023 - 2024 season. Their performance will serve as an official musical celebration to start the summer featuring marches, soloists and entertaining selections for the entire family to enjoy. This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Pops. The Pops will not perform.

Thursday, July 18

Jersey Tenors

The newest opera/rock mash-up sensation, creating an explosive blend of iconic opera classics alongside rock 'n' roll greats like Queen, Elton John and Bon Jovi. They also feature some of Jersey’s finest like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and The Gang and even Jersey Girl Whitney Houston! This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Pops. The Pops will not perform.

Sunday, August 11

Bill Scheible Returns with the Ocean City POPS

Ocean City Pops conductor emeri -

tus, Bill Scheible, returns to the Music Pier! a fixture of the Ocean City music scene, Maestro Scheible leads his long-time colleagues in a collection of standards and favorites. Featuring the award winning soprano Kara Goodrich and guitarist Carlos Bedoya in thrilling selections!

Sunday, August 18

Star Wars & Beyond: The Musical Legacy of John Williams

With a career spanning eight remarkable decades, the movie music of John Williams has touched the lives of millions around the world. Having worked with Mr. Williams, Maestro Vince Lee has become one of the premiere interpreters of his music, and is thrilled to continue this annual celebration of his music. Expect to hear big hits (Star Wars, Jaws), epic soundscapes (War Horse, Far & away), along with first-ever performance in the state of New Jersey of music from Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker!

Wednesday, August 28

Beethoven's 9th Symphony and 200th Birthday of "Ode to Joy"

In 2022, Maestro Vince Lee and the Ocean City Pops made history

by doing the first-ever performance in Ocean City of one of the greatest masterpieces of all time: Beethoven's 9th Symphony. This year, almost every orchestra in the world will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of this masterwork, and the Ocean City Pops is excited to be a part of those celebrations. One of the fixtures of the Ocean City arts scene, Richard Stanislaw, will return as Chorusmaster, and the Music Pier stage will erupt with an expanded orchestra, a full choir, and some of the best music ever composed. Don't miss this oneof-a-kind musical event!

Saturday, August 31

The Strictly 60s Band

Dedicated to giving its listeners the best songs and sounds of the 1960s, the music will take the audience on a musical journey of a blast from the past. The spectacular playlist includes British invasion, Motown, rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop. This concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Pops. The Pops will not perform.

Sunday, September 1

Return of The Three Tenors Come celebrate Labor Day week-

end with three Ocean City favorites! This unique mix of spectacular singers (two from opera, and one from musical theater) creates one of the most compelling and entertaining “Tenors” shows in the country. Joined by Maestro Vince Lee and the Ocean City Pops, the unmistakable on-stage chemistry of our Three Tenors is certain to delight!

Wednesday, September 4

Maestro Lee at the keys: Dueling Pianos

Widely hailed as the most fun concert of the 2023 Ocean City Pops season, the Dueling Pianos return for another showdown! Rejoined by his longtime colleague and regular Ocean City Pops orchestral pianist, Eric Svejcar, 176 piano keys will be smoldering as Vince & Eric scorch through some of the greatest hits of rock, pop, movies, Broadway, classical, and more!

Monday, September 9

Symphonic Dance: The Atlantic City Ballet With The Ocean City POPS after their breathtaking feature with the Ocean City Pops in 2022, the stars of the atlantic City Ballet return to heat up the Music Pier stage! Forging a new, continuing artistic partnership between the ballet and the OC Pops, Maestro Vince Lee is excited to highlight the talents of our artistic neighbor!

Broadway Collaboration with the Ocean City Pops and Ocean City Theatre Company

The Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra will also team up to present the musical “Grease” this summer, and tickets are on sale now. Eight performances of the popular show are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the nights of aug. 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 and 15. Two matinees are scheduled for 2 p.m. on aug. 8 and 15.

"Grease" became the soundtrack of a generation with a movie, an eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions. It ranks among the world's most popular musicals and includes songs such as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It's Raining on Prom Night,” “alone at the Drive-In Movie” and “Summer Nights.”

Online ticket sales and information on how to purchase tickets in-person is available at oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.

‘The Burlesque Show’ at Borgata: From experiment to institution

By Chuck Darrow

Generally, when it comes to history, 11 years is but a blink of an eye. But given the change-or-die imperative that has always fueled atlantic City’s legal-gambling realm, 11 years can be construed as being equal to several lifetimes. Which makes tonight’s kickoff of the 11th annual edition of “The Burlesque Show” at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa more than a little noteworthy.

a s a matter of fact, it’s probably safe to say that when the curtain rises at 9 p.m., it will ascend on what can legitimately be considered a local entertainment institution.

Pretty impressive, especially when one considers the often-raunchy and naughty, but never vulgar, salute to

the form of adult entertainment that was popular roughly from the 1920s through the 1960s began as an experiment devised by the team that, at the time, ran the bayside pleasure dome.

a s the program’s creator-producer a llen Valentine explained, before “Burlesque,” traditional casino production shows were typically staged six or eight times a week. By the time he was hired by Borgata to mount such a presentation, that model—which had been dictated by the bus-rider business that contributed crucially to the casinos’ bottom lines--had been blown to bits by the advent of legal gambling in Pennsylvania in 2006.

do a production show when they did, because most casinos were pulling back on them.

a s such, he contended, “I was very lucky that Borgata took a chance all those years ago. I feel that it was a calculated risk that they decided to

“But the thought that they had, which I thought was very clever, was the once-a- week model. at the time, that was unheard of. But along comes Borgata going, ‘Hey, we kind of want to reinvent the wheel with these production shows. We still want to run for six months, but we can't do that many shows a week because there are no buses anymore.’

“So the solution they come up with at first seemed strange, but it worked and it worked huge.”

Valentine acknowledged that conjuring a show—and the millionand-one-details that entails, from casting to writing to music selection and arranging to costuming to scenery to the financial paperwork—is the same whether it’s a one-off or runs for 11 years. But, he said, there are benefits to the once-a-week schedule that he employs for all his casino projects, including the upcoming “Disco Inferno” (opening June 23 at Bally’s atlantic City and “Pop Divas” (July 4 at Ocean Casino Resort).

“What's great about the oncea-week model for the performers is that they are so energized when they come in,” he said. “They give it all they've got because they're just doing that one show a week. So it doesn't get old for them; they leave it all out on the stage.”

“Sometimes it happens to a cast that if they're doing a lot of shows a week, it can become a little mundane. But the once-a- week thing makes the performers just so excited.”

a s for the 2024 edition of “The Burlesque Show”—admission to which is limited to those 21 and older—Valentine promised it will be the biggest version to date. “I think scenery-wise and costume-wise, this

is the largest version of the show, without a doubt. This is a very big production. We're, packing the stage of the Music Box this year, for sure.”

Veteran fans (according to Valentine, “Burlesque” does major repeat business) should be happy to learn that the hilarious Chris Morris is returning as the emcee. This year’s specialty performers are the albanian Balla Brothers, a duo that does a balancing act. a nd, of course, there will be a troupe of ecdysiasts (Google it!) who will provide the tasteful titillation that is at the core of any version of “The Burlesque Show.” But in this day and age, some may find themselves aghast at the thought of young women shedding their clothes (or, most of them, as it were; total nudity is verboten in any New Jersey venue that serves alcoholic drinks) for the entertainment of others.

To that point, Valentine suggested that today, the art and craft of striptease is not about the gratification and desires of the mostly male audience for which burlesque was initially conceived. Instead, he insisted, it’s about “female empowerment.”

It’s important to note that in past years, the “Burlesque Show” audiences have had a large female component. and let’s face it; a publicly traded company like Borgata’s corporate parent, MGM Resorts, would never sanction anything it deemed trashy, vulgar or offensive.

according to Valentine, the trick to removing the tawdriness that this genre of show business has often manifested is to inject it with heaping helpings of class and glamour.

“It’s empowering, but yet still sensual and hilarious,” he said. “I think what makes our show different than most burlesque shows is the…glamour, the glitz, the rhinestones, just really giving it that polish. I thought, ‘What can we do to make this genre different? a nd that's what I think we've done here.”

For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com

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

Atlantic City Headliners

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

Saturday, June 1

Snoop Dogg

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Rebelution w/ Ballyhoo!

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Dave Smith

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s atlantic City

Friday, June 7

Patti LaBelle

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Carbonaro: Live on Stage

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Jay Leno

▶9 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Ceasars

Saturday, June 15

Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Rick Springfield and Richard Marx

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Andy Bell of Erasure

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Ceasars

Forever Seger

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

On-Sale This Week

Jon Batiste: Uneasy Tour

▶Sat. June 29, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Shinedown

▶Sat. aug. 10, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Freestyle Free for All: Expose,

Lisa Lisa, Jenny Berggren, TKA

▶Sat. Nov. 16, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

KC & The Sunshine Band

▶Sat. Nov. 23, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Tickets on sale Friday, May 10, 10 a.m.

Lizzie Rose Music Room: Where South Jersey’s discerning music fans go

Tune

In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Iremember how excited I was when I was moving back East in September of 2022, realizing how close I would live to the Lizzie Rose Music Room.

Situated just off of Route 9 in the quietly hip little enclave of Tuckerton, entering the ‘Rose’ is like walking into someone’s stylish living room with a music stage added to it and intimate seating for approximately 70 people. The nonprofit opened in 2014. “No bar or food, just awesome music!,” said LRMR publicist, Gwen Holly.

“Lizzie Rose is looking forward to an exciting 2024,” Lou Reichert, Lizzie Rose Music Room head honcho, told us recently in an email interview.

“It’s our 10th anniversary and we’re

still going strong, presenting our wonderful audiences with a great mix of local, national and internationally touring artists.

“On May 10 guitarist Sean Chambers, and the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section, will come in for their first time with us. The next night, May 11, we welcome back Jersey Girl by way of Detroit, Eliza Neals (who’s promoting her new album, ‘Colorcrimes’), and on Mother’s Day (May 12) we have a sold-out show with the ‘Mas-

ter of the Blues,’ albert Lee,” said Reichert.

Jersey rocker Matt O’Ree returns on May 24 and Tristian McIntosh of “american Idol” fame, will bring her Linda Ronstadt tribute to the room, added Reichert.

“June shows include Early Times & The High Rollers on June 7. Some people may know Early from his blues radio show on Sirius XM,” said Reichert. “Bywater Call is really sizzling and they’re back with us June 20.”

On July 17 it will be Grammy-nominated folk performer Robbie Fulks with special guest Bill Kirchen.

“We are also very excited to welcome back award-winning blues/folk songstress Ruthie Foster on July 24. It’s been a while and we have missed her beautiful music,” said Reichert.

Bar), and Michael Falzarano, whose band the Englishtown Project we had planned to see last weekend in aP (but due to unforeseen circumstances were unable to).

I love the original music scene and bohemian feel of the main drag, Cookman avenue. a nd they have some excellent restaurants there (message me if you want to know which restaurants I’m referring to). We’ll be back to aP to eat and rock for the Gary Clark, Jr., show June 12, on the Stone Pony Summer Stage being presented as part of North 2

“Last august we saw the a ndy Rothstein Band at a festival in Long Branch and knew we had to bring them in. Their energy and musicianship created a mix of jazz, blues and rock that was fantastic,” Reichert recalled. “Check them out here aug. 16.”

My first concert at Lizzie Rose Music Room happened last summer when I made the relatively short trek from atlantic City to see the always-exciting “Piana From Savannah,” boogie-woogie blues pianist/ vocalist and former Grammy nominee Victor Wainwright (see photo I took). The audience’s close proximity to the performers is both rare and exhilarating, making the Lizzie Music Music Room experience all the more memorable. (P.S. Wainwright will play in atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza June 26). For more on shows at Lizzie Rose visit www.lizzierosemusic.com.

Asbury Park After Dark: Quick shout-out to our music friends in a sbury Park: Kyle Brendle (who books The Stone Pony, and the Wonder

Pups Allowed at Good Dog: We’re going to make it a point to get over to the new outdoor patio at Good Dog Bar on atlantic in aC, where they’re now offering live, folksy, singer-songwriter type music outside (weather permitting) every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:30, with no cover. It’s okay to bring your dog, too – just not inside. Full food and drink menu outside, and dog beds, too.

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.

Victor Wainwright at Lizzie Rose Music Room in 2023. Photo by Doug Deutsch

On Mother’s Day Albert Lee, “Master of Blues,” will perform in a sold-out show at the Lizzie Rose Music Room.

Summer wine – Break out the whites

Drink up!

By David Setley

As the weather continues to warm up, many wine lovers tend to break out the white wines, along with the white slacks. Why? It’s all about the taste. In general, white wines have a higher level of acidity than red wines. Much as when you drink lemonade, acidity makes you salivate, making you feel more refreshed.

White wine grapes like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc tend to ripen and be harvested earlier. Therefore, they retain more of the natural acidity in the grape. at bud break, when the grape first appears on the vine, the acidity is extremely high, and the sugar content is very low. The longer the grape is on the vine, the more the sugar develops,

and the acidity diminishes. Most white wines are produced to feature crispness and freshness. Chilling white wines to about 45 degrees enhances the fresh acidity of the wine.

Data regarding preferences between white and red wine can be confusing. according to many surveys,

com, red wine consumption has been dropping for 20 years and currently accounts for 47% of international wine sales, while white has risen to 43%. When white wine and rosés are combined, they now account for over 50% of global wine sales.

including a recent survey by today. yougov.com, more than two-thirds of consumers, both male and female, said their preference was to red wine. according to an article in decanter.

When I started sommelier training, I believed myself to be mostly a red wine consumer. after learning more about and tasting more white varietals, I consider myself a wine agnostic. My preference de pends on what I am eating or what

I am looking for from the wine. In warmer months, I tend more to white wines. In this column, I hope to expand your base of information about some wonderful white wines you may like to try this summer. I’m going to start in two countries that are clearly better known for their red wines than their whites, Italy and Spain.

I hope this article whets your appetite for the wine you are likely already seeing springing up more and more in your favorite wine store. a s we head toward summer, I encourage you to stop and smell the roses, then open and enjoy the rosés! a s always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the store. Until next time, Happy Wining!

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

Jerry Blavat’s Memories were made of this

By Bruce Klauber

Almost everyone in our region has heard of Jerry Blavat: aka, “The Geator with the Heater.”

It was almost impossible not to be aware of him as Blavat was a disc jockey, nightclub owner, concert promoter, producer, radio and television host, record company owner, and charismatic personality who was a part of the Philadelphia/atlantic City entertainment landscape for more than five decades.

Blavat left us on Jan. 20 at the age of 82. Those who knew and loved him, and there are many, are still in mourning over his passing. Even now, it’s still hard to imagine our area’s showbiz world without Jerry Blavat in it.

His ties to atlantic City were more than “close.” By way of his 50 years as owner, host and headliner at “Memories in Margate,” he was a shore legend in residency who held court; jiving, dancing, exhorting, and playing the audience of “Beyond Teens” like an instrument for five decades.

Most of the talk about Memories these days has deservedly focused on the club’s new ownership and the welcome news that it will continue in the Blavat tradition, but few know the story of how Memories got started.

superb book, “ you Only Rock Once,” “I liked the idea of buying the Oar Room. I could spin records, perform with my musical group, and book additional acts myself. In the right hands, the club had a lot of potential.”

The asking price was $250,000. Blavat got it down to $200,000. He paid $80,000 down and, he said, “I made a deal to pay interest every month on the rest. at the end of each summer, I would give them additional money until it was paid off. Once I took over, it was no longer the Oar Room; it became Memories, and I have owned it ever since.”

He was the quintessential promoter. One of the first things he did to put the place on the shore map was to establish a live radio broadcast from the club. Blavat knew from years of experience that the radio

In 1972, Margate’s Mariner Motel, and the adjoining club, the Oar Room, were in trouble. Those who operated the Mariner mismanaged the motel to a point where the owners were ready to unload it. Blavat was no motel operator, but he was intrigued at the potential of running the Oar Room.

s Blavat said about the time in his

shows, as Jerry said, “enabled the record hops to explode. If I could do a live radio show from Memories on the weekends in the fall and winter, it would be a home run.”

and a home run it was. In earlier days, the club was open seven days a week during the summer and weekends during the off-season. During the height of the season, Blavat would book live acts that included Hank Ballard, Mary Wells, the Drifters, The Righteous Brothers, The Clovers, and

Little anthony and the Imperials. at that juncture in rock history, many of the oldies groups just weren’t doing very well. Blavat gave them work and an audience.

From time to time he would book a bigger name, such as Ronnie Spector, Frankie Valli, and with considerable difficulty, Chuck Berry, who demanded everything but the kitchen sink for his one weekend show.

Most of the acts were thrilled to be at Memories and they would, by and large, do anything for Blavat. after all, through the years, he continued to play their records and keep their names before the general public. In terms of being grateful, the demanding Berry was an exception. So was Little Richard.

Early in Memories’ history, Blavat wanted to kick off the Memorial Day weekend by booking a blockbuster name. He knew Little Richard for years and hired him several times for his Wildwood record hops. Blavat’s $10,000 budget was big for those days, and Richard, who said he had some other dates in the shore area around Memorial Day, asked for half up front to secure the date. Blavat paid the 50 percent deposit and waited for the contract. Weeks went by and there was no contract. Finally, Richard claimed that his other dates in the shore area were canceled, and that he would need another $5,000 to do the Memories date. Blavat refused and asked for 50 percent deposit money back. Little Richard said he spent it.

Blavat was in a bind. He needed a big name and he needed one quickly for that big weekend. He bit the bullet and called, for the second time, the always-difficult Chuck Berry. Berry did the date, and that was the last time he ever played Memories.

The Little Richard situation took some time to resolve. Blavat filed suit.

“For the next several years,” Blavat explained, “Richard avoided Philadelphia, atlantic City, and every

other town that fell in our judicial district, and we weren’t able to collect until 1980 when one of the casinos offered him $75,000 to headline a show.”

When Richard was about to be paid, a constable appeared on Blavat’s behalf, and Richard was served with a court order. Little Richard finally came up with the money.

Memories ceased booking big names when legalized gambling came to atlantic City in 1978, but the club, with the exception of a minor incident or two, continued operating with considerable success until its closing in September of 2022. It wasn’t always easy, as Blavat’s career and reputation were almost ruined.

It happened because Blavat believed in loyalty. He didn’t care who you were or where you came from or what you did for a living. a friend was a friend, period. I know this to be true. He was my friend for 50 years.

Two of Blavat’s closest friends, for more than 20 years, were Sue and a ngelo Bruno. They helped Blavat through tough times, both personal and professional. He never forgot their friendship, patience and understanding, and he simply didn’t care that Bruno was allegedly an organized crime boss.

The big problems in Blavat’s life began on March 21, 1980, when angelo Bruno was assassinated. Blavat was in atlantic City when he heard the news. He jumped in his car and drove directly to the Bruno home in South Philadelphia. The family needed Blavat to run interference with the media at the funeral.

“They didn't want the funeral to become a circus,” Blavat said at the time. “I knew what I was getting myself into. at the funeral and at the cemetery, I made sure that only friends and family were allowed in.”

The result of this loyalty? He was dogged by the press, the police and the FBI for years. Because the Brunos were his friends, Blavat was accused

of being close to organized crime. He was investigated for everything, including his ownership of Memories. It went on for about five years, but in the end, he was never charged with anything.

Though the accusations stayed with him until the end, Blavat’s career continued to flourish. In time he would come to be regarded as a legend and an icon. His annual Kimmel Center shows were guaranteed sellouts, his involvement in radio syndication expanded, and he continued doing his record hops everywhere in the Philadelphia area, and in avalon, Sea Isle City and atlantic City.

It’s hard to imagine Memories

in Margate without Jerry Blavat, if only because a guy like Blavat simply cannot be replaced. But as long as the music – Jerry’s music – goes on, and as long as Jerry’s “Beyond Teens” crowd the dance floor, there’s no reason that Memories can’t go on for another 50 years.

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.

OPINION

Cannabis can help AC become the World’s Playground once again

By Stephen Weiss

There is a lot of noise lately in atlantic City about cannabis, specifically the expansion of the green zone to include albany avenue.

Most of the noise is coming from opposition to the expansion using “reefer madness” propaganda to sway public opinion, despite City Council voting it in three times. It was approved once in a resolution for aC Leef to open a retail cannabis store at 470 North albany ave., and twice to expand the green zone.

Opponents have succeeded in forcing a ballot question in November calling for the repeal of the expansion of the green zone to albany avenue. But city officials, including Councilman Bruce Weekes, Jr., believe that in the end the opposition does not have enough support to change the rule and is only delaying the opening date for atlantic City and 6th Ward resident Christopher aponte by months, leaving him sitting and waiting when he could be opening his new albany avenue dispensary and starting his journey toward making the city he resides in a better place to live.

I can point out the discrepancies in the opposition’s information about aC Leef’s proximity to a school or how the retail location is being misrepresented as a cannabis lounge, but instead I would like to tell you why I think cannabis is not as depicted by those against this plant, and how it

will be a shining light in the city I love.

I grew up in atlantic City and spent nearly the entirety of my 51 years here. I love my city. My company, NorStep, allows me the privilege of adding to the city’s amazing entertainment experience.

Since the legalization of adult-use recreational cannabis, we have been leading the way to ensuring atlantic City’s title as the East Coast hub for cannabis and 420 lifestyle events.

I believe cannabis is a safe alternative to alcohol when it comes to the indulgences of the entertainment industry and at the very least, deserves the same considerations when discussing these matters.

On Nov. 3 of 2023, we the people of the great state of New Jersey, voted by a historical margin to legalize adult the use of cannabis. Nearly 70 percent of the state said “yes” to pot. Immediately atlantic City was poised to be a leader in the industry.

Led by

City Hall’s Kashawn McKinley, atlantic City has set out to become one of the East Coast’s most exciting hubs for cannabis culture.

With a decade of event production behind us, we were at the side of “Kash,” as McKinley is known in the city, as he constructed the framework that will become the cannabis industry of atlantic City.

We have hosted five 420 friendly events in the city. Each event overall had 300 or more people at them with last year’s a pril 20 event drawing 1,200 peaceful cannabis smokers.

Police and EMS on standby for that event found themselves mostly just watching attendees enjoy this legal-to-consume plant. We have had zero EMS or police reports in any of the events. and all five events worked with local charities to raise money and awareness.

Now NorStep is working with many of the dispensaries either open, set to open, or in the building process in atlantic City, to not only bring exciting 420 lifestyle events to atlantic City, but to help create a calendar of community events both as individual dispensaries and as a network of like-minded busi -

ness owners looking to give back to atlantic City through cannabis.

I’ve worked with aC Leef, the dispensary in the middle of the albany avenue debate, on their community outreach initiative. There are plans to host events at their location to give back to the residents in the 5th and 6th wards, as well as working with NorStep and our community of cannabis businesses to better atlantic City as a whole.

I’ve had positive conversations with the owners of Sunny Tien, now open in the 5th Ward, and Slamn Sammy’s, Honeybuzz, and aC Leef, set to open in the near future, on how we can work together to build up our community through events, workshops, and educational seminars. More are expected to join our 420 family.

So as we sit patiently by as this debate rages on, we will continue to do our part to better atlantic City. and when the dust settles and the correct decision is finally confirmed, aC Leef and all the dispensaries in the NorStep family will be here doing good for all the people of the greatest city on earth.

We were once the World’s Playground, and with the help of a lot of friends, we will lead the way back there.

On Nov. 3, 2023, New Jersey voters approved a referendum to legalize the adult use of cannabis. Nearly 70 percent of voters said “yes” to pot. Photo by Jordan Thompson

Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society puts black music centerstage

By Julia Train

The Rhythm and Blues

Preservation Society in atlantic City is a nonprofit that creates and promotes events to educate the public about black music and its history, and to preserve its legacy.

It was founded in December of 2018 by Perry Thomas with the goal of going to colleges and universities

across the country to host “educational programming on music historically rooted in the western african Diaspora.”

“It's something I’ve wanted to do for a number of years… It’s not about how many records you sold or how many awards you’ve won,” said Thomas. “If you have contributed to black music culture in any aspect, whether you’re an artist, a producer [or] a journalist, we honor you. We

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honor those who really don't get the recognition that they deserve.”

Thomas’ parents were avid collectors of black music so he grew up listening to rhythm and blues, jazz, reggae, Latin soul and funk rock, and graduated from a high school for music and performing arts in New york City.

His music background inspired him to start the nonprofit because he knows how music influences youth and wanted to teach them how important black music is for black culture and history.

The nonprofit has visited atlantic Cape Community College, Stockton University and Rutgers Camden with its events, which include lectures and panels.

Its “This Day in Music Classroom Lecture,” is a 30-60 minute lecture session that spotlights a day in black music history of a celebrity or a monumental day, followed by a question-and-answer session in a classroom setting with a surprise celebrity guest. They also host a panel of celebrities, music industry professionals and community leaders to discuss a topic pertaining to a black culture topic.

“Conversations in Music” is a 30-60-minute interview session about celebrities and music professionals who have contributed to black

music history with a Q& a session.

In February 2022, for Black History Month, the nonprofit started an international library curation campaign to get universities and colleges nationwide to carry books on black music at their libraries. They continued the campaign in June for Black Music Month and again this February and plan to for this June.

Thomas is currently working on a few different projects. He’s working with Realtors and government officials to create a physical cultural center in atlantic City for youth to preserve black music culture.

He also hopes to get black music history added to school curricula both nationwide and globally, as well as creating Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society chapters all over the country by 2030.

He’s organizing a Black Music Month independent artist showcase in June to spotlight independent artists from both the atlantic City area and from as far as Philadelphia and New york.

Those interested in knowing more can visit their Instagram @acrbpsoc.

Perry Thomas, founder of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society in Atlantic City

Governor Murphy backs jury service for those with felony convictions

By Nikita Biryukov

Gov. Phil Murphy said he supports ending New Jersey's prohibition on jury service for those with felony convictions, which is among the strictest in the nation. Legislation now in the Statehouse would do that, excluding people with convictions for murder or aggravated sexual assault. (Getty Images)

The bill would allow New Jerseyans convicted of nearly all indictable offenses — what New Jersey calls felonies — to serve on juries, a change that would add more than half-million residents to the state’s jury pool, Murphy said at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice’s annual gala at the New Jersey Performing arts Center in Newark.

“These individuals, who are being denied the right to perform a fundamental civic duty, are predominantly Black and Latino. and all of us are being denied the opportu -

nity to be judged by a jury of our peers,” the governor said. “Let me be clear: That is not justice. It is wrong — plain and simple.”

Like all a merican states, New Jersey bars jury service for those convicted of serious crimes, but its prohibitions are among the nation’s strictest. Under current law, a

Under the bill, people convicted of murder or aggravated sexual assault and incarcerated people would remain barred from jury service.

conviction on any indictable offense prevents a person from sitting on a jury.

“This is not just about ending an injustice that continues to plague our formerly incarcerated neighbors,” Murphy said. “This is also about defending the integrity of our democracy, our criminal justice system, and the rule of law.”

The bill has not advanced since it was introduced in both chambers at the start of the legislative session in early January. In the prior legislative session, it won a ssembly approval despite concerns about its carveouts for people with murder and aggravated sexual assault convictions, but it did not reach a Senate committee.

a ssemblywoman

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer), the bill’s prime a ssembly sponsor, said she’d taken up the longstanding reform after a constituent who sought help filling jury duty paperwork found he was barred from serving because of a prior conviction.

“He was like ‘I’ve already served my time. I don’t understand why I’m not able to participate,'” Reynolds-Jackson said. “It just became like that collateral consequence that keeps on marginalizing them, and it’s just not fair.”

The educational crisis of financial literacy

By Eric Reich

Did you know that a pril was Financial Literacy Month? Even though it might not be a particularly exciting topic, financial literacy is arguably among the most important things you’ll ever learn in life. I’ve learned a few things in school that, as suspected at the time, I’ve never used again. Money is not one of those things. I use or think about money every single day. The average person worries about money six times a day! americans spend an average of 54 minutes every day managing their finances in some way. I don’t believe I’ve spent 54 minutes in my life thinking about geometry, but I digress. So, we know that financial literacy is important, so what’s the problem? The problem is that 17% of high school students report taking a financial literacy course. More than 40% of college students are considered financially illiterate. The problem does not lie with the teachers, as 89% of teachers polled believed that financial education is crucial and should be required for high school graduation. Though many teachers feel that their own financial education is limited, I believe teachers are up for the job. They deal with their own finances every day, and they have what I call “the gift”, which is a natural ability to

teach others, something most of us struggle with.

If teachers want to teach it, and schools want it taught, then why aren’t kids learning about finances? For starters, the list of things being thrust upon teachers to teach kids is ever-expanding. Teachers are constantly asked to do more with less. School budgets are being cut all the time, and often at the expense of crucial topics. Limited access to financial education resources adds to this ever-growing problem.

The good news is that today, half of the states require schools to offer personal finance courses. Financial education courses are becoming more plentiful and of better quality than they were a few years ago. However, we can’t dump this onto already overburdened teachers.

One answer to help in solving the crisis is the use of outside instructors. I’ve taught financial literacy in several different schools with plenty of positive feedback. Getting experts in the community to help teach these topics can help schools reduce the burden of it falling on them. Best of all, it’s free for the schools (read taxpayers). I’ve talked with countless colleagues in my industry who would line up to help.

Here is my offer to help start to solve this crisis. I will teach any classroom in the area at any grade level, about financial literacy. I know others would too, so don’t hesitate to reach out to those you know in

my profession and ask them for help. If they can’t do it due to their own constraints, just let us know and we will come do it. This is too important not to do. We must solve this crisis and solve it soon. If we don’t, future generations will suffer.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINR a /SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra a dvisory Services, LLC (Kestra a S), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich a sset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra a S. The opinions expressed in this

commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.

Organization gives beach vacations to needy families

By Julia Train

Beachview Dreams Foundation board members and volunteers spent the past two weekends getting ready to host 14 “Dream Families” in Ocean City this summer.

The non-profit organization aims to provide individuals with disabilities or significant health conditions and their families a free week-long vacation on a property located close to the beach.

They do so through partnering with beach rental property owners.

The 501(c)(3) opened in 2015 and has given over 60 families a Dream Vacation. This summer, the nonprofit will be hosting its 100th vacation.

Volunteers – mostly consisting of the founder’s family and friends – spent Saturday, april 26 and Saturday, May 4 cleaning, painting, moving furniture and more at their main rental property on the island, as they do every year before the season begins.

The property is located a block and a half from the beach at 828 St. James Place, and conveniently has a

public handicap parking spot in the front.

The three-story house was once divided in two, with the second and third floors being part of one rental. Now, it’s three separate units that share a washer and dryer located on the second floor.

The first floor’s unit has three bedrooms and is wheelchair-accessible. It has widened halls and doorways, an expanded bathroom with a roll-in shower with a chair, fixed and hand-held shower heads, grab rails and a sink and toilet that comply with a mericans with Disabilities act regulations.

The second- and third-floor units are also available for Dream Vacations for guests who are able to use the stairs.

For sponsored guests, a Beachview Dreams Foundation Dream Vacation includes one week of free

lodging at one of its rental units, four beach tags and a welcome basket filled with gift certificates from local merchants, food, ride tickets and more.

“The businesses have been super helpful,” said Megan Bolger, the nonprofit’s president and founder. “We can't really give money to them to cover [the vacation and activities] but we'll give them a free vacation… goodies [and] beach tags.”

Johnson's Popcorn donates family-sized buckets of popcorn every year for all of their families. Jilly’s have given gift cards and augie’s gives free breakfasts.

Rose Marie Turbessi’s brother was the foundation’s first “dreamer.” Now Turbessi is a volunteer and completes administrative tasks for the nonprofit. She also rents each year for her own family through Bolger’s rental company, Beachview Properties LLC.

For the most part, she’ll stay with her family, which includes two young

kids, at the 828 property, but sometimes switch to Bolger’s second rental property next door.

“I always would take my brother to the beach, but there was never any place accessible. They've thought of everything, which is huge, because not a lot of places do. I've stayed at hotels that are handicap accessible, but sometimes they're not always and there was definitely a need here in Ocean City.” said Turbessi.

For those interested in experiencing their “Dream Vacation” can

The Beachview Dreams volunteers outside the dream vacation home on Simpson avenue during the annual "Work Weekend."

check out their website https://www. beachviewdreams.com or email info@beachviewdreams.com.

Bolger's family and friends are often those that show up to help clean, repair and renovate the house during the work weekends.

Purr-fectly Imperfect: A look at cohabitating with our feline friends

By Erica Hoffman

Iwoke up this morning and like most other mornings, I was met by two big round eyes intensely staring at me from the foot of my bed. It sounds frightening, but fear not; what may sound like a scene out of a horror film is actually one of my favorite parts of the day. The glaring stare was from my heart in fur form, my cat, “Kittoneous” or “Kiton” for short.

Contrary to popular belief, even with their fickle feline reputation of aloofness, our cat comrades can add a massive positive light to those smart enough to own one. Maybe you are thinking about, planning to, or already are sharing your house and favorite blankets with a furry feline. In that case you are probably aware that

each cat is unique, and you might find you will need a little adjustment period before trust can be earned on either side.

Some cats are more independent, while others are more affectionate. Some are playful, while others are more laid-back. Understanding these different personalities can help you build a stronger bond with your cat.

Most people who share their living space with a cat know that they possess some wonderful and downright peculiar traits, making cohabitation with a cat a thrilling journey. It’s a journey filled with cuddles (when they’re in the mood) and hours of side-splitting amusement, from the bizarre positions they can contort their bodies into to their fascination with batting around a hairband.

ing to be made in your brain. Just snap a mental photo, think of a funny caption, and you’ve got instant entertainment, no phones required. a nother significant advantage of having cats is their ability to provide stress relief. Research has demonstrated that spending time with cats can help alleviate stress and anxiety. The rhythmic purring of a cat has a soothing effect on both the cat and its owner, and stroking their soft fur can be incredibly calming.

More joy comes from the ‘don’t laugh because they’ll think they are

doing something good and continue doing it’ mantra, but how do you not laugh when your cat wakes you up like a set alarm for their 3 a.m. FR aP (Frenetic Random activity Period) sessions? These are the times when your cat suddenly becomes a ball of energy, racing around the house, jumping on you, the furniture, and generally causing chaos. Oh, and did I mention the cat hair? There will be a lot of cat hair. Really, it’s just an incredible amount of cat hair.

For even more adorable fun, somehow your cat will know exactly where you want to go and make sure they are as in the way as they can be. Even better, if you take care of stray cats or have an indoor-outdoor cat, then your journey will more likely than not include dead mice, birds, and other rodents on your front stoop. Think of it as an edible arrangement delivered by your cat for taking such good care of them.

Cats have a unique way of showing their love for their owners. Take Kiton, for example. He adores us, and he shows it in his own special way. He also has a knack for positioning himself in front of our guests’ belongings, ensuring he gets his fair share of attention before they leave. It’s his way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m part of this family, too.” These little quirks are what makes living with a cat such a joy.

a nd here’s a life hack for you… can’t find your phone, or it needs to charge? If you cannot scroll your day away, fear not! you have hours of cat memes right in the comfort of your own house. In real life! Whether it’s your cat’s hilarious antics or their adorable sleeping positions, there’s always an internal cat meme wait-

I also must mention the ease with which I can take a weekend getaway knowing my furry friend will have everything he needs and be perfectly content to entertain himself while I am away. aK a cats are low maintenance.

This doesn’t mean they don’t need care or attention. Cats require regular feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. They also need a clean litter box and a safe, comfortable environment. However, compared to other pets, they are relatively independent and can adapt well to a variety of living situations. This is a significant factor in deciding what pet will suit you best. But if you want to laugh until your cheeks hurt and receive a healthy dose of unconditional love, a cat just might be what the veterinarian ordered. you will never get bored observing a cat’s graceful acrobatics, or what I like to call “catkour” (similar to parkour, but with cats) where you will find places you never even knew they could get to. you have the endless entertainment of watching them explore the box your new cat toy came in or simply batting at a stray piece of string. Their shenanigans never fail to bring a smile to my face.

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably nodding along to the weird, wide and wonderful life of cat ownership, just like me.

Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and grew up in Margate. Her columns range from feel good informative articles to interviews with people who have captivating stories to tell. Hoffman lives with her devoted and patient partner and their obnoxiously adorable cat.

9,

Erica

How harnesses affect dog training

By Heidi Clayton

The use of a harness to prevent pulling has become a hot topic in the dog world. The misconception among pet owners is that simply wearing a harness teaches them to not pull. Conversely, the resentment among some trainers is that they lead to deformities or that owners’ dogs are still out of control and reactive while walking. The only way to prevent pulling while on a walk is training. The use of a harness is a training aid to be used while teaching your dog to walk nicely, but not a cure for pulling.

To prevent deformities and skin irritation, a harness should be worn by a dog when you are actually walking them. This is particularly important for growing puppies as wearing any harness all of the time can lead to deformities in muscle and ligament development when the harness restricts

free movement in these areas. On short-hair dogs, they can cause chafing and skin irritation. I also have met several dogs who somehow managed to eat the harnesses while wearing them. Whichever harness you choose, it should only be worn when walking. When selecting a harness, your primary options are the front or back clip harness. My personal preference is the front clip harness which is placed over the dog's head and clipped under the belly with the leash attached to the chest area.

I also use a martingale collar with this harness and attach the leash to both the collar and the harness. The controversy with this harness is that it restricts shoulder and chest movement, which it does. My argument for the front clip harness is that getting pulled off of your feet while training your dog to walk nicely teaches the dog nothing and only leads to frustration in both the dog and owner. Ideally, I train away from using a harness at all once I have established foundation leash manners. Then, I simply use a martingale collar on walks. For owners with dogs that are large and strong or are reactive, a front clip harness like the SENSE-ation or Easy Walk brands can be a game changer in the training process.

The other harness style clips on the back between the shoulder blades. I personally feel that these harnesses are rather useless when it comes to effectiveness. Think of the Iditarod Sled Race and the husky dogs wear this style of harness so that they can pull harder and faster with free shoulder and chest movement to win the race. The back clip harness is no different than simply wearing a collar on a walk. you still have to train your dog to not pull while wearing one. I also find that nearly all of my training clients who use one do not have it fit properly. a major complaint is that their dogs are able to back out of them when having a meltdown on a walk. When using a back clip harness, you should always ensure that it fits snugly against the body. That said, make sure it's not so tight that it will cause skin irritation.

Lastly, there is a harness that goes over the dog's head and snout that I will never use in my training program. If there is one harness that will lead to problems in the wrong hands, it is the head halter. If not fitted properly, your dog will escape. alternatively, the halter will jerk the dog's neck around and lead to injuries.

Leash training can be hard. The use of the harness can make the puzzle come together a bit easier. If training your dog in a harness makes the process easier for you and your dog, I am all for it. Just make sure to educate yourself about their proper role in the process.

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

B

Grandmother beautiful talented hugging kissing helpful flower giving caring loving Mother heart happy smart sweet nice dear kind Mom fun

SHORE FUNNY

Happy Mother’s Day to someone who spoils me and then complains about how spoiled I am.

Daughter: Mom, what’s it like to have the greatest daughter in the world?

Mom: I don’t know dear, you’d have to ask Grandma

If your kids are giving you a headache, follow the directions on the aspirin bottle, especially the part that says ‘keep away from children.’

Two men are talking and one says to the other, “My wife’s doctor says she has menopause, and, man, has she been moody lately. How long do the symptoms of menopause usually last?” The other man replies, “Let me put it this way: menopause will be listed as the cause on your death certificate.”

“It is never easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.”

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. Country alliance

5. Fish of liver oil fame

8. *Stinging pollinator

11. Prefix in levorotary

12. *Dark home to #33 Down

13. Sudden growth

15. Like certain Steven

16. Symphony member

17. Type of feather

18. *Comfy seat (2 words)

20. Don't put these into one basket?

21. Full nelson is ____ wrestling ____

22. Santa ____, Orange County

23. Puts down

26. Et cetera (3 words)

30. Pen point

31. With signs of wear and tear

34. Beyond natural, in U.K.

35. Messes up

37. Chitchat

38. Willow twig

39. Evening purse

40. Win a race

42. Tucker of "Modern Family"

43. army bathroom

45. Eucharist plates

47. Opposite of WSW

48. French composer Erik alfred Leslie

50. "Back to the Future" antagonist

52. *Beatle with Wings

56. Poodle minus d

57. England's medieval royal house

58. Rabbit's cousin

59. Nymph chaser

60. Genealogist's creation

61. Blackhearted

62. George Gershwin's brother

63. "For ____ a jolly..."

64. It often goes with a rod

DOWN

1. What the Big Bad Wolf did

2. First name in jeans

3. "Pop it in the ____!"

4. Cuban drums

5. Secret clique

6. Roundish

7. Chronic wasting disease carrier

8. Plug for a barrel

9. *as opposed to urns

10. Pilot's estimate, acr.

12. Herb for treating menopausal symptoms

13. Shop till you drop, e.g.

14. *Flying stallion

19. "The Queen's Gambit" game

22. Take your pick

23. *Biblical Gabriel, e.g.

24. all plants and animals

25. approximately

26. Shortened word, abbr.

27. Drink request

28. Home to largest mammal

29. Socially acceptable behaviors

32. Malaria symptom

33. *Nocturnal mosquito eater

36. *Lightning beetle

38. Recording studio sign

40. Next to nothing

41. Same as intake

44. Reason by deduction

46. Restraint

48. academy award for Best Original

49. Chunks of 43,560 square feet

50. Wild hog

51. Itty bit

52. Urban legend

53. Part of cathedral

54. Great Lake

55. Holler

56. Tire meas.

THEME: THINGS WITH WINGS

Impact Business Coaching

How would you rate your employee engagement?

By Richard Healey, Business Coach, Impact Business Coaching

Employee engagement is the cornerstone of the hiring workplace culture. It encompasses the emotional commitment employees have to their organization and its goals, resulting in higher productivity, lower turnover rates and overall better performance. In today’s competitive business landscape, fostering employee engagement is not just a niceto-have, it’s a strategic imperative for organizations aiming to excel and innovate.

Understanding Employee Engagement

at its core, employee engagement reflects the extent to which employees feel connected to their work, their colleagues, and the organization. Engaged employees are enthusiastic about their jobs, motivated to contribute their best efforts, aligned with the company’s mission and values.

However, achieving and sustaining high levels of employee engagement requires more than just offering attractive perks or competitive salaries. It demands an integrated approach that prioritizes meaningful work,

supportive relationships, and opportunities for growth and development.

The Benefits of Employee Engagement

Investing in employee engagement yields numerous benefits for organizations.

1. Increased Productivity: Engaged employees are more focused, committed, and willing to go the extra mile to achieve organizational goals, leading to enhanced productivity and performance.

2. Higher Retention Rates: When employees feel valued and connected to their work, they are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This reduces turnover rates and their associated costs of recruiting and training new talent.

3. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Engaged employees are more likely to deliver exceptional customer service, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Enhanced Innovation: a culture of engagement fosters creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment, driving innovation and adaptation in response to changing market dynamics.

5. Positive Organizational Reputation: Engaged employees serve as

brand ambassadors, promoting the organization’s values and mission to external stake holders, which can enhance its reputation as an employer of choice.

Strategies for Cultivating Employee Engagement

Creating a culture of engagement requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the various factors influencing employee motivation and satisfaction. Here are six key strategies:

1. Clarify Expectations and Goals: Employees need clear direction and understanding of how their work contributes to the organization’s objectives. Providing regular feedback and setting SMaRT (Specific, Measurable, achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can help align individual efforts with broader goals.

2. Promote Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication channels where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This fosters a sense of inclusion and demonstrates that their voices a re values.

3. Recognize and Reward Contributions: acknowledge and celebrate employees’ achievements and contributions. Whether through formal recognition programs, bonuses, or simple expressions of gratitude, recognition reinforces positive behaviors and motivates continued engagement.

4. Invest in Development Opportunities: Provide employees with opportunities for growth and skill development through training programs, mentorship, and career advancement pathways. Investing in employees’ professional development demonstrates a commitment to their long-term success and fosters loyalty.

5. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel safe, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Encourage work-life balance, promote wellness initiatives, and address sources of stress or conflict proactively.

6. Lead by Example: Effective leadership is crucial for fostering employee engagement. Leaders should exemplify the organization’s values, demonstrate empathy and actively engage with employees to understand their needs and concerns.

Employee engagement is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment to cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best. By prioritizing meaningful work, fostering supportive relationships, and providing opportunities for growth, organizations can create a culture that attracts top talent, drives performance, and fuels long-term success in today’s dynamic business environment.

Impact Business Coaching is a member of the Somers Point Business Association. If you would like to learn more on this topic or other business-related topics, contact Richard Healey, Business Coach, Impact Business Coaching at 609.517.0184 or richard@impactbusinesscoaching.biz.

Richard Healey

Arnie and Winnie elope as Palmer turns pro

The following is the second part of a two-part story:

By William Kelly

As golfers a rnold Palmer, Stan Dudas and Ronnie Ward were mingling with their fellow golfers at Fred Waring’s Shawnee-on-Delaware Pocono resort, Palmer’s attention drifted to his surroundings.

It was September 1954, and Palmer, fresh off of winning the US amateur Championship. They were at the Shawnee Inn for the Waite Memorial, an amateur golf invitational sometimes referred to as the young Masters.

“There were these cute girls around. Fred’s daughter, Dixie, was a cutie pie, and her friend, Winnie, was as cute as a bell,” Ronnie Ward said of the encounter.

It was Winnie Walzer who caught Palmer’s eye.

In his autobiography, “a Golfer's Life,” Palmer wrote, “the tournament festivities began over Labor Day weekend. We arrived on Monday and checked into the Shawnee Inn. I immediately went out on the golf course to play a practice round, and

as I was coming back into the inn, I saw a couple of pretty girls coming down the stairway that led to the main lobby.

“One of them was Dixie Waring, Fred’s daughter. But it was the quieter, prettier, dark-haired one that really caught my eye. She had smoky good looks, and her demeanor had a clear sheen of class.”

Dudas recalled that they played some golf and then mingled around

the clubhouse until at some point Palmer just blurted out, “Who is that girl?,” speaking about Winnie Walzer.

“When arnie met Winnie, it was love at first sight,” said golfer Howard Everett, but there still had to be formal introductions.

Fred (Waring) had a secretary, Cora Ballard, who was good at things like that,” said Ward, “and she probably introduced them formally.”

almost any social situation, but also smart, well traveled. She had pluck and ambition, and she didn’t suffer vain or pretentious fools easily.

“Her mother, Mary, was something of a sweet social butterfly who may have entertained hopes that Winifred would become a proper debutante in due course, but feisty Winnie Walzer wanted none of that. We became inseparable for the rest of the week.”

The electricity between arnie and Winnie didn’t go unnoticed and even played into the odds on the tournament.

“all these years later it amuses me how many people claim they had the critical hand in bringing us together,” said Palmer.

“Winnie, I began to learn that night, was unlike any girl I ever met; not just pretty and comfortable in

“arnie’s walking around holding Winnie’s hand, and I’m betting against him in the tournament,” recalled Ward, “because my boss, the golf pro Harry Obitz, always said, ‘Don’t mix girls and golf.’ So during the tournament I bet against arnie. But

↘Continued on 85

Kitchen, Bathroom

Renovations

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

TRUSTED SINCE 1949

he could hold Winnie’s hand and still beat everybody, and he won (the tournament).”

“Nobody had to bring us together or promote the match,” noted Palmer. “By Friday night my amateur partner, Tommy Sheehan, and I were leading the tournament; but more importantly, I was completely taken with Winnie Walzer and a plan was forming in my brain. at the dinner, I reached under the table and took her hand and said, ‘What would you think if I asked you to get married?’”

amateur because there wasn’t that much money in turning pro, so amateurs stayed amateurs, they didn’t turn pro.”

But for a guy like Palmer and Walter Hagan ahead of him, he could envision the ability to take his game, and golf itself, to another level.

But how to break the news to Winnie?

“We met in the afternoon. I told her I was turning professional, certainly before the start of the new tour season out West. England and the Walker Cup were out; the uncertain

“The question appeared to startle her, though only for a second or two. ‘Well, I don’t know. This is so sudden. Can I have a day to think about it?’ she replied.”

“‘Not too long,’ I said to her. ‘I have places to go.’ I told her my grand plan: we would get married in the spring and use the Walker Cup tournament (in England) as our honeymoon.”

Palmer said it’s no surprise that word quickly leaked out about the proposal.

But things had changed in the meantime. For one, while Palmer won the money to buy Winnie an engagement ring by playing his boss and a few friends over three rounds at Pine Valley, he suddenly decided to turn pro.

a s Ron Ward points out, “Back in those days it was better to stay

life of a tour rookie’s bride was in. Her face fell, but she didn’t seem as upset as I thought she might be at this idea.”

So instead of getting married in a big church wedding with a reception with all their friends and family back at the country club, they eloped to Falls Church, Va., not far from the home of Palmer’s sister, Cheech, where they were married.

a s Palmer put it, “We spent our honeymoon night at a trucker’s motel off the Breezewood exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It wasn’t terribly romantic, and in retrospect, it makes me realize what a true gem I had found in Winifred Walzer. Here was this classy, educated, beautiful girl who risked her father’s eternal wrath and gave up her girlhood wedding dreams. and goodness knows what else, to follow a guy who’d never made a plugged nickel as a professional golfer.”

a nd so they set out on the pro tour and hitched a trailer to their car like vagabonds. at the same time, television had started to broadcast tournaments. They slowly picked up arnie’s army, took golf to primetime, and brought millions of new amateur players into the game. a nd things have never been quite the same since.

William Kelly is the author of “Birth of the Birdie – The First 100 Years of Golf at Atlantic City Country Club,” and is currently writing “The Flight of the Eagle,” on the growth of golf in America. He can be reached at Billykelly3@gmail.com.

Cleveland Fri. 5/10 2-6pm PING Sat. 5/18 12-4pm Tour Edge/Exotics Fri. 5/31 2-6pm

When selling your home, it’s the outside that counts

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

It was just a few short weeks ago, after the frost of a long winter, that we saw the first signs of spring. The crocus flowers began to emerge from the ground in their signature variety of bright colors – in shades of yellow, purple, lavender, blue, cream and white. This started the cycle of beauty that we so long for each year, giving us hope and promise of a new beginning of a new season.

Next we saw the lovely, bright and cheery gold, yellow and white daffodils fluttering and dancing in the breeze, and the yellow flowering forsythia bushes burst forth in full bloom. Everywhere we go now, we see the beautiful colors of spring, bright, pink and red geraniums, too, which make happy memories and warm hearts as this week is Mother's

Day weekend.

Many say and feel that because of all of this beauty, that this is the best time of the year to sell your home. I am sure that you have heard the saying, “It is the first impression that counts the most,” right?

Well then, when selling your home, it is what is on the outside that matters first. Buyers will be “judging your book by your cover.” In other words, curb appeal matters.

a National a ssociation of Realtors survey of buyers who purchased their home last year indicated excellent “curb appeal” can increase the sale price of a home by up to 14 percent.

With that in mind, here are some good tips to help you get get top dollar for your home.

- First and foremost, keep your grass trimmed, neat, edged, crisp, sharp, watered and clean. Cut your grass and sell your home.

- Second, green is good. Fertilize your lawn with pet-safe products of course.

- Third, keep your flower beds free

from all weeds.

- Fourth, be sure to replenish your gardens and flower beds with fresh brown mulch or root mulch. It lasts longer. Black and red mulch is dyed and when it rains, it loses its color faster.

- Fifth, neatly trim your hedges and flowering trees.

- Sixth, plant vibrant, colorful, hearty primrose and/or pansies in the gardens, and along entrance walkways of your home or in decorative flower pots on your front porch for a warm inviting appeal. Using a variety of colors is pleasing to the eye. Think

of your landscaping as the frame around the picture which is your beautiful home.

- Seventh, freshly paint your front door. Choose an accent color that makes a clean, bright statement such as red, black, turquoise, or yellow.

- Eighth, place a decorative wreath on your front door in floral or patriotic red, white, and blue.

- Ninth, proudly install and fly an american Flag on your home in support of our military and to show your love of the United States of america.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, mothers, mommies, grandmothers, fur baby moms, and all of the angel moms too that continue to inspire each and every one of us every day.

“...investigating and eliminating all conflicts of interest and nepotism to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of many not just an entitled few”

“This year there was a line item [budget] increase of 2900% we need to cut the waste and prioritize what is right for our town and our tourists” “I