SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | May 23, 2024

Memorial Day Weekend Events

The TV 40 Team Ten Years Later America Votes: Lucy Wins Greatest Hits that Played on Steel Pier

Remembering the Fallen Heroes

Summer kicks off with Memorial Day celebrations: Honoring the fallen and embracing the fun at the Shore

From the Editor

With beach chairs and umbrellas in tow, thousands will head to the beach this Memorial Day weekend. Balls and frisbees will be tossed through the air as little ones work diligently on sandcastles, toting buckets of water up and down the sand. Merchants will serve up ice cream cones, pizza, fries, and more. It’s here, at last – summer has arrived!

The start of the summer season at the Jersey Shore comes with great fanfare. Five thousand beach balls will be dropped over the atlantic City Boardwalk, the ocean will be ceremoniously unlocked, and in Ocean City, business owners will plunge into the waves in full office attire. Fireworks will explode in the night sky, Ferris wheels will spin, and merchants will

be busy, to say the least, as hundreds of thousands flock to the Jersey Shore.

Shore Local has all the area’s events and happenings, including Memorial Day observances and parades. Be sure to also peruse through Wahoo, Shore Local's entertainment section, outlined in yellow. Whitney’s Weekly Picks highlight the week's

largest and best area happenings. Live music calendars, outdoor concerts, and much more are within these pages.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on and honor those who have fought

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, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Lisa Zaslow-Segelman, Julia Train, Erica Hoffman, John Loreaux Mainland edition cover photo by John Loreaux. Coastal edition cover by Steffen Klenk.

and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It offers us a pause, a moment to reflect and express our gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Read “The Real Meaning of Memorial Day” on page 32, which illustrates what these heroic soldiers endured to preserve our freedom. a s we enjoy the festivities and the unofficial start of summer, let us not forget the true significance of Memorial Day. While beach balls fly and children laugh, let us also take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have given everything for our country.

Their courage and dedication ensure that we can enjoy these precious moments of peace and happiness with our loved ones.

Whether you are year-round, seasonal, or weekender, you can count on Shore Local to keep you in the know. We will continue to spotlight the people, places, and events that make our community the place to be this summer.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and God Bless america.

Peace & Love, Cindy

‘Remember to make my sacrifice worthwhile’

By Bill Quain

Iam writing this column on a Sunday morning. It’s the 52nd time I have faced my computer with a column deadline looming, and the 52nd opportunity I have had to reach my readers with messages that will cause them to pause – just for a few minutes – and reflect.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege to share my six-word stories on topics ranging from regulating backpacks on the Ocean City Boardwalk (“Whose back is the pack on”) to the student loan crisis (“Student loan sentence – Twenty to life”). Sometimes my columns come from a childhood memory (“Watson’s – More than a summer job”), and sometimes from a current event (“The tide’s turning – Free speech wins”).

Sometimes, there are significant traditions that command my atten -

tion. With Memorial Day approaching, I knew I would dedicate this column to remembering the men and women who sacrificed everything in order to give us the freedom to begin another summer season at the shore.

My first memory of Memorial Day occurred in Veterans Park, here in Ocean City. My grandfather, the gentlest man I ever knew, was a Marine who fought in World War I in France. He never spoke about it. But one Memorial Day, he took me to Veterans Park and showed me the obelisk with the names of the Ocean City heroes who died in that war. Seeing the names carved into that stone monument made those people real to me. In this week’s Memorial Day column, I hope to make them real to you as well.

“Remember to make my sacrifice worthwhile.”

Notice that I put quotation marks around this week’s title. Those words are not coming from me. They are coming from every person who died defending our country and our freedoms. you see, in Veterans Park, all those years ago, I imagined what those soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guard members, and Marines who

died would say if they were given the opportunity. I believe they would have just one request: “Remember to make my sacrifice worthwhile.”

Each of them went to war, knowing the price they might pay. Each of them accepted and shouldered that responsibility. We must thank each and every one of them for their ultimate sacrifice, and we must try our best to make that sacrifice worthwhile.

The biggest sacrifice: dying for ideas

When the voices of those service people implore us to make their sacrifice worthwhile, they are talking about things such as a peaceful life. However, they also want us to remember their sacrifice in terms of the ideas they died for — freedom, justice, and liberty. That’s the legacy they bequeathed to us. Those are the ideas we must support if we really want to honor them on Memorial Day.

We are here because they sacrificed.

This Memorial Day, I’d like to challenge all of us to look back at our lives. If you are one of the fortunate americans to be reading this column at the start of another summer season at the Jersey Shore, then someone gave you an opportunity.

So many of us first came to the Jersey Shore with our families. My paternal great-grandparents had a home in the “Irish section” of Ocean City back in 1904. My maternal grandparents had a small grocery store in atlantic City in the early 1930s and a boarding house packed with family and friends in Ocean City during World War II. I am grateful to all of those people who made the Ocean City tradition a gift for me and my children. None of this would have happened, for my grandparents or for me, without the freedoms we have in america. We wouldn’t have those freedoms without the sacrifices made by those service people who gave their all.

Honor those who died in action.

How can we honor those who died in action? It’s simple. We can step into the shoes of those who have fallen. We need to walk the next miles for them, in their memory. They were stopped in their tracks, but the direction they were going in was clear to them. Let’s make it clear to ourselves and the next generations. For each of the fallen, one of us needs to step forward. For each hero who died in action, one of us needs to “live in action.”

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK

BENCH

by Bill Quain

There is no doubt that there are now clear challenges to the a merican way of life – both from within and without. Thinking about it and talking about it is not enough. Each of us needs to live the ideals that so many have died to support. you can start today. I can start today.

American exceptionalism: It’s worth living for.

What can we do at the Jersey Shore to honor those who have sacrificed so much? We can start like we always do – with our families. We can start by talking about it. Begin some serious discussions in your family. Raise the awareness of what it means and what it takes to be truly free and independent.

Remember, in six weeks or so, we will swing from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. What can you and your family do to celebrate and live the american dream of freedom in these next six weeks? Begin by exercising your right to free speech and granting that right to others as well.

OK, now tell us about it!

I’d like to thank Shore Local Newsmagazine for the opportunity to share my “Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench” with you, my readers, over this past year.

Now, as always, I invite you to send me your thoughts and comments to bill@quain.com. Tell me about your Memorial Day to Fourth of July “a merican Exceptionalism” plans. 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.

Lucy voted Best Roadside Attraction in USA Today competition

By Erica Hoffman

Lucy has won the title of the best roadside attraction in the United States! The nationwide competition, organized by USa Today, featured a diverse array of unique and beloved landmarks from coast to coast.

Lucy beat out roadside attractions such as Kansas’s World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Ohio’s Pencil Sharp -

ener Museum, Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan and his pet Babe the Blue Ox, and other interesting side-of-the-road oddities are in the running for the winning title.

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

The iconic elephant-shaped building located steps away from the Margate shoreline off of S. Decatur avenue has been capturing the hearts and imaginations of visitors for almost a century and a half. With her endearing charm and unique architecture, Despite facing numerous

challenges throughout her lifetime, including damages from natural disasters, Lucy has endured as a testament to resilience and community spirit. Generations of visitors have marveled at her elephantine stature, climbed her spiral staircase, and soaked in panoramic views from her

majestic howdah.

Lucy is a beloved symbol of Margate City and a cherished and quirky local landmark that residents and summer visitors are proud to call a part of their personal and family nostalgia. There is no doubt, it is the best roadside attraction in the country.

PBS to spotlight Tony Marts, beach concerts

Somers Point City Council president, Janice Johnston, announced that Steve Rogers, executive producer of PBS, has reached out and met with the Somers Point Beach Committee and is making arrangements to tell the story of “Eddie & The Cruisers” in Somers Point.

PBS will be covering the 4th of July Beach Concert with John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band and reporting on the unique musical history of Somers Point.

Below is the Summer 2024 lineup.

June 14: Bywater Call Hot Emerging americana/Canadian Roots Rock & Jam with Southern Soul

June 21: The Billy Walton Band with Destinee Monroe Rock, Motown,

July 12: Ladies Night Double Header: Dana Fuchs Off Broadway “across The Universe” To The Beatles Music Movie and Her Songs On The Billboard Charts

“The Girls Can’t Help Themselves” Tribute To The Women Of Rock N’ Roll, 60’s To Today Featuring Patty Balbo

July 19: The Phantom Blues Band with Special Guest Star Curtis Salgado Multi Grammy awards Winners, Soul Blues and Bma award Winners

Heather ‘Lil’ Mama Hardy On The Funky Fiddle

July 26: Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz Starring The Radiators’ Dave Malone, Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, Honey Island Swamp Band, Bob Margolin & Johnny Sansone Doing Original Songs From The Movie

Funk, Disco, Soul & Blues One of The Best Bands In The Northeast

June 28 - Dane a nthony Band Rock, Motown, Funk, Soul and Blues

July 4: John Cafferty & Beaver Brown Band Celebrate Somers Point Legacy of Eddie & The Cruisers: Hear “Dark Side” “Wild Summer Nights” “Tender years”

July 5: Mardi Gras In July: Waylon Thibodeaux & Ben Levin at The Piano With Danny Eyer World Class Cajun Fiddler & Bourbon Street Entertainer, New Orleans Party Music

August 2: Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes Preeminent Nashville Producer Of The Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zz Top, Susan Tedeschi, Kevin Pakulis

August 9: Third World One Of The Greatest and Most Popular Reggae Bands In The World: “Now That We’ve Found Love” “Try Jah Love” “96 Degrees In The Shade”

August 16: Wildflower 70’s Night at Tony Mart’s With Original Members Who Played Somers Point In 1970! Popular Horn Band Sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire and Philly Funk

E Street Shuffle Premiere Springsteen Tribute Band

August 23: Jimmy Carpenter Band Saxophone Star & Musical Director Of The Big Easy Cruise New Orleans Party Music

August 30: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers One of The Greatest Blues Rockers In The World, 4 Time “BB King Entertainer Of The year”

September 6: Tony Mart allstars: Red Classic Rock, Country Rock, New Wave Dance Party, World Class Original Musi

Photos courtesy of John Loreaux

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19, 2024 early

Memorial Day Observances

Monday, May 27

Absecon Memorial Day Parade and Patriotic Bicycle Brigade

▶9 a.m.

a bsecon Firehouse 544 New Jersey ave.

Join the City of absecon at the Firehouse parking lot. Lineup will start at 8:15 a.m. and the contest will start at 8:30 a.m. Helmets are required. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. with members of the VFW, Legion, local officials, Oakcrest Marching ambassadors, Girl Scouts and more. The parade will take place on New Jersey ave. traveling south to Station ave. north along Shore Rd. and left onto Church St. The american Legion will host Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park thereafter.

Atlantic City Memorial Day Observance

▶12 p.m.

Brown Memorial Park 135 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Honorable Kaleem Shabazz invites the public to remember and honor those who served. This year’s keynote speaker will be presented by arthur Freeman, U.S. air Force (Retired). In the event of inclement weather, the

observance will be moved to City Hall Council Chambers at 1301 Bacharach Blvd.

Egg Harbor City

Memorial Day Service

▶10 a.m.

Lincoln Park White Horse Pike & Buffalo ave.

Hosted by the City of Egg Harbor along with the Rudolph Elmer Post 158 a merican Legion and auxiliary and the Richard Mc anney VFW Post 5341. The event will feature performances by the Cedar Creek High School Marching Band, under the direction of Valerie adams, and the Cedar Creek High School Select Choir, directed by Jim Goodrich. The public is invited to Egg Harbor City Fire Dept. Fire Hall following the event for refreshments and hot dogs.

Egg Harbor Township Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

▶9 a.m.

Zion Rd. to Veterans Memorial Park on Ocean Heights ave.

Join the Egg Harbor Township Veterans advisory Board for its annual Memorial Day Parade. Staging

of marchers and vehicles will begin at 8:30. The parade will commence at 9 a.m. starting at Diamond Dr., traveling west on Zion Rd. to North Mount airy ave. and continuing up Ocean Heights ave. to Veterans Memorial Park, where a ceremony will be held afterward. additionally, two F-16 Fighter Jets will do a flyover.

Linwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

▶10 a.m.

Shore Rd. and Laurel ave. to all Wars Memorial Park

begins at Margate City Hall, 8900 Winchester ave., at 9:15. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Following the parade, a ceremony will take place at all Wars Memorial Park on the Margate Parkway. Learn more at www. margatehasmore.com.

Northfield Memorial Day Ceremony

▶10 a.m.

Veterans Park 1913 Oak ave. The City of Northfield will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Please bring a chair if you would like to sit.

Ocean City Memorial Day Service

▶11 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park Wesley ave. between 5th & 6th St.

Hosted by the Linwood Board of Recreation. The parade will start at 10 a.m., traveling down Shore Rd. from Laurel ave. to all Wars Memorial Park. Members of the Legion Riders, Mainland Band, Military Vehicles, Linwood Fire and Police Departments, and other groups will participate. at approximately 10:30 a.m. a ceremony will be held along with a flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing.

Longport Memorial Day Parade and Program

▶11 a.m.

33rd & atlantic ave. to 35th & Ventnor ave. to Reed Park a merican Legion Post 469 will kick off its program with a flyover of two F-16 “Fighting Falcon” fighter jets. The parade will start at 33rd & atlantic, turn down 35th ave. to Ventnor ave. and proceed to Thomas B. Reed Park near the Longport Bridge. Following the ceremony, a traditional hot dog picnic will follow behind Borough Hall. Residents and visitors can learn more at www.longportnj.gov.

Margate Mothers Memorial Day Parade

▶10 a.m.

Ventnor ave. from Union to Mansfield ave.

This event is hosted by the Margate Mothers a ssociation. Lineup

Join Ocean City in honoring all who served and those who gave their lives for our country. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com.

Somers Point Memorial Day Parade and Service

▶11 a.m.

Dawes ave. and Shore Rd. to City Hall and Patriots Park

The parade will start at Dawes ave, School, traveling south along Shore Rd., continuing past City Hall, and up to Patriots Park. Participants will include vehicles, bands, and walkers. at the conclusion of the parade, the public is invited to attend the ceremony at Patriots Park. For information on how to participate, please contact Doug Shallcross at dshallcross@spgov.org or call (609) 833-5428.

Ventnor Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony

▶9 a.m.

City Hall atlantic & Cambridge ave.

Join Ventnor City at the flagpole for a ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Photo by Marc Berman

Brigantine Farmers Market

▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Brigantine Community School

Parking Lot Sheridan Blvd.

The Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers on Saturdays, rain or shine, until Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/brigantinefarmersmarket.

EHT Community Farmers Market

▶Sundays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

atlantic County Library 1 Swift Dr.

Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health host a Community Farmers Market on Sundays, featuring a variety of local pesticide-free farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters, music, and fun activities. Support family farmers. Now through Sept. 1. For more information, visit thehoneytree.net or email wellness@ thehoneytree.net.

Galloway Green Market

▶Thursdays, June 27 – Sept. 5, 4 - 7 p.m.

Historic Smithville Village Greene 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Go Green Galloway hosts their weekly Green Market, Thursdays through Sept. 5, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Visit gogreengalloway.org/ greenmarket for information and updates.

Margate Farmers Market

▶Thursdays, June 20 –aug. 29, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Ocean City Farmers Market

▶Wednesdays, June 5 – Sept. 4, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds a sbury avenue from 5th – 6th Streets

Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the Tabernacle, and crafters in the street at 6th & a sbury ave. For more information, call 1-800-BE aCH-NJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.

Somers Point Farmers Market ▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd. Somers Point Farmers Market returns to Somers Mansion for 2024. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.

Ventnor City Farmers Market ▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

St. James Church Newport & atlantic ave.

The Ventnor City Farmers Market is a most delightful place to shop every Friday throughout the summer.

Steve and Cookies Parking Lot 9700 amherst ave.

The Margate Farmers Market is now open for the season. Markets will be open Thursdays through aug. 29. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.

The parking lot at St. James Church brims with 60+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and beautiful handmade wares. Open Fridays through aug. 30. Visit vcfm. org for more.

A pup’s lessons for children

By Julia Train

Deirdre Palm adams just released her third children’s book in a series inspired by her poodle, Rocky, and their walks on the beach.

The book series is called “The adventures of Rocky” and each story focuses on helping children build up their confidence with affirmations to overcome negative feelings, like fear in “Don’t Be afraid Rocky” and worry in “Don’t Worry Rocky.

The books’ illustrations were brought to life by a dams’ niece Lindsay Morano, who has adorned the author’s Ocean City house with her art for years. Morano is a lifelong artist with her talents that span across children’s books, graphic design, painting, jewelry, making and even food art.

The third book was released on Tuesday, with the title “Don’t Be Bullied Rocky,” in which the pup encounters a bully and learns how to find courage to stand up for herself and empathize with the bully, who turns out to be mean because of their lack of friends.

year in 2019.

While on her strolls with Rocky, adams noticed the pooch was afraid of just about everything, except for children.

While adams doesn’t have children herself, she loves them and was inspired to write a book for them while seeing how Rocky interacted with them on their walks.

“She would see children and the interaction between the two, I always felt such joy…There's no emotion more pure than that,” said adams. “I love to inspire children to feel good about themselves and to believe in themselves.”

“Rocky found through friendship, how to help the bully to overcome being a bully,” said adams. according to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 20 percent of students ages 12–18 reported being bullied at school during the school

This led adams to come up with the idea to write a book for children about life lessons and how characters on the beach could teach Rocky to overcome her fears.

Rocky even has a “fan club” who looks for her on the beach, which adams discovered at one of her book signings at Sun Rose Words & Music.

adams’ work to help others feel good isn’t just through children’s books. She’s worked 40 years in the fashion industry and works full-time as a fashion executive.

adams also has an online wellness brand called “Love How Good you

very positive person and I get motivated by positivity.”

On the newest book’s launch day, a portion of proceeds were donated to Kidpower International, a nonprofit that teaches both kids and adults “how to build confidence, prevent bullying and abuse, and stay safe through open communication and personal safety skills.”

Upcoming events

Saturday May 25: Book signing at Sun Rose Words & Music in Ocean City. Saturday June 1: Live book reading and dog adoption by The Humane Society of Ocean City at Bright Spot Cafe in Sea Isle, along with the debut of their Puppy Menu with breakfast items for the pups!

Feel,” promoting wellness products and feel-good fashion.

“I always felt like fashion helps you feel good. and then writing these children's books is part of it as well,” said adams. “I'm always looking for ways to help people feel good. I'm a

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

Events and Happenings

Multiday events

AdventureFest at Smithville

▶Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Join Historic Smithville and the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater for Fantasy adventureFest, a weekend of live theater. Enjoy the premier of “Riddlesbrood’s Wizard of Oz”. More information is available at www.historicsmithville.com.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

▶Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 9 Gateway Playhouse 739 Bay ave.

Somers Point

This biblical story of Jacob’s sons comes to life on stage. Enjoy this amazing rendition set to the music of andrew Lloyd Weber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Upcoming shows are Friday, May 31; Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

Thursday, May 23

Linwood Family Food Truck Night

▶5 - 8 p.m.

Belhaven Middle School 1500 Wabash ave.

Join the Linwood PTO for their annual food truck night. This popular outdoor community event will feature multiple food trucks, games, music, and plenty of fun.

Friday, May 24

Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge

▶12 p.m.

Moorlyn Terrace Beach

Join the City of Ocean City as the beach is unlocked for the 2024 summer season. Then, watch as participants dress in business suits, carry briefcases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Atlantic County Veterans Memorial Program

▶2 p.m.

Richard E. Squires Veterans Cemetery 109 Route 50, Estell Manor atlantic County will honor the sacrifice and service of its fallen military veterans this Friday. Longport resident and retired U.S. air Force Captain, Daniel J. Brestle, will present the keynote address. The program will also feature the atlantic County Sheriff’s Color Guard, the atlantic

County Corrections Officers’ Honor Guard, Sandpipers’ Pipes and Drums, and a tribute to former County Executive Richard Squires. More information is available at www.atlanticcountynj.gov.

Movie at the Library: Taste of Things

▶2 p.m.

Longport Public Library 2305 atlantic ave. Join the library for a screening of “Taste of Things”. Set in 1889 France, simmering passions between a master chef and his longtime partner bubble over in this sumptuous award-winning period love story. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Resorts Beach Ball Drop

▶5 p.m.

much more. The Beach Ball Drop will take place at 5 p.m. with special guest Kelsey Grammer.

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5 - 8 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

1133 Boardwalk, atlantic City

Join Resorts atlantic City in a celebratory kickoff to the start of the summer season. Enjoy live entertainment on the Boardwalk from 12 - 5 p.m., with an Opening of the Sea Ceremony, music from Sidestory, remote broadcast from Way V, and

Car Cruises are back at Smithville. 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.

Saturday, May 25

Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes

▶8 a.m.

9th St. Beach, Ocean City

The main obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids fun run. Staging is at 9th St. Beach. For registration information, visit www.memorialbeachchallenge.com or call (856) 905-0583.

Pancake Breakfast

▶8 a.m.

Ocean City Masonic Lodge 940 Wesley ave.

Enjoy Saturday breakfast with specialty pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, and juice. $12 for adults, $8 for children, and $10 for veterans. Proceeds will benefit the Masonic Lodge restoration fund. Richland Vintage and Toy Fest

▶8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Shoreline Vintage 1434 Route 40, Richland

This third annual Memorial Day weekend event features dozens of vendors selling rare and unique vintage, retro, toy, antique, pop culture, and art collectibles, along with records, video games, trading cards, and more. Food trucks will be on-site

↘Continued on 16

to satisfy your taste buds. Rain date: Sunday, June 2.

Flea Market in Ocean City

▶9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

2988 Bay ave.

Holy Trinity’s annual Memorial Day

Flea Market and Hoagie Sale will be held this weekend. Dozens of vendors will sell antiques, collectibles, clothes, jewelry, crafts, and more.

Saracini-O’Neill Atlantic City Memorial Day Ceremony

▶10 a.m.

Jackson ave. & the Boardwalk

The Saracini-O’Neill 9/11 Memorial Committee honors the brave veter-

available, along with homemade strawberry jam and bread for sale, handmade crafts, and live music by Linda and Ollie. Rain date: Sunday, May 26.

Sunday, May 26

Kenny Wayland Memorial 5K & 10K Run

▶9 a.m.

Stratford & atlantic ave. Ventnor Join Ventnor City for its annual 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Walk. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kenny Wayland Scholarship Program, aiding high school seniors in the city of Ventnor. For more information, visit www.ventnorcity.org/

ing, 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 29

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.

Thursday, May 30

Cape May County Community Day

▶1 - 6 p.m.

Wildwoods Convention Center

with a casual evening on The Deck. Guests will enjoy dancing and live entertainment, chef-curated food and specialty cocktails, plus exciting silent auction items, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Proceeds benefit case management services, sports and recreation programs, and family respite for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Tickets and additional available at www.thearcatlantic.org. South Jersey Reflections: Opening Reception ▶6 - 7:30 p.m.

Seaview Dolce 401 S. New york Rd. Galloway a ll are welcome to attend the

asm for Village events and services while enjoying the sea air and an opportunity to shop from local farmers and vendors. admission is free.

Saturday, June 1

Bungalow Beach Boardwalk Run

▶8 a.m.

Boardwalk at Iowa ave. and Tropicana Casino, atlantic City

Join the atlantic City Marathon Race Series and your favorite runners for this five-mile race. The race kicks off on the Boardwalk with a quick dash to the finish line in the sand next to the atlantic Ocean. Finish at Bungalow Beach to enjoy music, great food, and drinks. Register at www. acraceseries.com.

Rockabilly Uprising

▶10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Join Historic Smithville for a full day of rockabilly fun at the Village Greene. Hosted by Underground, events include live music and vendors. More information is available at www.historicsmithville.com. Rain

date: Sunday, June 2.

Ocean City Pride Fest

▶9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Ocean City Civic Center 840 E. 6th St.

The event will begin with a Pride Walk on the Boardwalk at 6th St. at 9 a.m. This year’s special guest will be Michael J. Hartman, Founding artistic Director for the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. afterward, enjoy music, family fun, and resources next to the Civic Center. Hosted by We Belong CMC.

Sunday, June 2

Le Tour de Downbeach

▶9:30 a.m.

Newport ave & the Beach, Ventnor

Join the boardwalk peloton and the wave of yellow shirts at this year’s bike race. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The family-friendly 12-mile bicycle tour begins at Ventnor Library, travels through atlantic City at Kennedy Plaza, Margate and Longport, ending with a barbecue at Tomatoe’s restaurant in Margate. Learn more and register at www.margatehasmore.com.

Wednesday, June 5

Grace Kelly High Tea

▶1:30 p.m.

Flanders Hotel 719 E. 11th St. Ocean City

Ocean City Historical Museum will host an afternoon High Tea at the Crystal Ballroom in Flanders Hotel. The program titled, “Grace Kelly: Her Legacy” will be presented by al Crescenzo, OCHM Docent. Reception begins at 1:30, followed by tea

at 2 p.m. Tickets and information are available by calling (609) 399-1801.

Health and Wellness

Living in the Moment Group

▶Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Mental Health a ssociation of atlantic County 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. Suite 8, Galloway

Slow down and spend an hour with like-minded people working on developing gratitude, self-love, and other character traits that encourage mindfulness. Weekly meetings include meaningful discussions, camaraderie, and a group activity. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 ext. 0306 or email ytran@ mhanj.org.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, June 5, 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. Support Group for Individuals with Invisible Illnesses

▶Saturday, June 8, 2 p.m.

Salon amici Galloway

Join support advocate abby Ward for an afternoon of connection, awareness, and support. There will be light refreshments, research and education materials, and connection among others. For questions and additional information, please call (609) 214-5777.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, June 10, 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.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶Thursday, June 13, 10 a.m.

These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress reduction, self-care, resources, and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at (609) 6523800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj. org to receive a meeting link. Do

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic City enjoys Morale Day at Island Waterpark

Showboat Resort atlantic City hosted the U.S. Coast Guard Station atlantic City at Island Waterpark for the unit’s Morale Day, when members get together ahead of the busy summer season to

enjoy camaraderie and unity. The USCG aC got to experience the world’s largest beachfront waterpark and take advantage of the various amenities, courtesy of Bart Blatstein, Tower Investments CEO and Showboat owner.

USCG AC members slide into fun at Island Waterpark at Showboat for the unit’s Morale Day.

USCG AC members float on the Lazy River at Island Waterpark at Showboat for the unit’s Morale Day.

Horoscopes: So much is written in the stars

Astrology, by definition, is the study of time and light. It is an art and science that has been utilized by

humanity for millennia to provide a better understanding of how the cosmos affects life on Earth. One’s personal horoscope, also known as a ‘birth’ or ‘natal chart’, is a snapshot of the sun, moon, planets and more at the moment of one’s birth date, time and birth location. This snapshot holds many keys and secrets to one’s personality, characteristics and can be considered one’s personal map, guidebook and lesson plan for life. Everything in the cosmos continues moving beyond the moment of your birth and influences your life in various

Wholesale

and cyclical ways. Cycles according to the rhythm of the sun, moon, planets, stars, seasons and even at specific ages influence your life and possibly your attitude towards life. The weekly horoscopes provided here by Shore Local Magazine are written based on your Rising Sign. These horoscopes are intended to provide guidance and insight based on these rhythms and the cosmic connection to your lived experience. So much is written in the stars! It is my intention that these entries will assist you in deciphering what is encoded within you.

quired to feel emotionally balanced, especially if there’s been added stress in the workplace.

Leo: The birth of a creation is coming to fruition. Bask in the glory of its release into the world and go for whatever new endeavor you’re pursuing. your tribe will grow and there’s so much potential for your future!

Horoscopes for May 23 – May 29

Aries: you may be finishing a new course of study or returning from long distance travel. Communicating about your newfound knowledge and applying it in your local community may assist you in networking and growing into a leadership role you desire.

Taurus: Intimate secrets about yourself or others may rise to the surface, possibly in a public way. Remember to stay grounded in your authenticity, maintain boundaries and get ready for a boost to your self-esteem and personal resources.

Gemini: a resolution may arise in a close partnership or a legal matter. Keep an open mind about the situation and stay curious about how it can contribute to your own personal growth and perspective.

Cancer: Nurturing yourself is essential to your own health and wellbeing. Treat yourself to something that makes you feel rejuvenated in mind, body and spirit. More alone time than usual in your own shell may be re -

Virgo: Home is where your heart is, and in your own heart is where you are home. Create separation between what’s yours and what isn’t, get organized and be ready for a new career opportunity. Shed things that no longer belong in your space.

Libra: Keeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself disturbs your own peace. Speak up for yourself, communicate with grace and be open to new opportunities to broaden your horizons.

Scorpio: Reflect on how much you’ve transformed over the last six months. Valuing yourself is growth, especially in proactively detaching from others. Shared resources may grow, making way for an even deeper dive into yourself.

Sagittarius: Enjoy the satisfaction of embodying your true, adventurous free spirit. Stay steadfast in creative projects, especially if they lead to a new relationship, or learning more about yourself from a new perspective.

Capricorn: Pay attention to your dreams and intuition. Daily habits and routines that increase your vitality are important to both physical and mental health. Give yourself time to rest when needed.

Aquarius: you are on the brink of a new chapter of personal transfor-

The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy

mation. Growth in your community, your vision for your future and your creativity are activated at this time. allow what serves you and release what doesn’t.

Pisces: Something is culminating in your career or public image. Enjoy the abundance! Be open to a potential move or interest in your ancestry. Trust your intuition will guide you.

Weekly Summary:

Gemini season began earlier this week on Monday, and an uplifting and expansive Sagittarius Full Moon graces us on Thursday, May 23 at 9:52 a.m. The planet of expansion and benevolence, Jupiter, changes signs also this week on May 25 for the first time since May of last year! a new area of our lives will receive fresh energy and a boost; now’s a good time to develop your sense of discernment around information. Stay curious and open to new ideas and perspectives, but beware of falsities, attempts to deceive

and pay attention to how what you’re receiving feels in your body. See the above horoscope for your Rising Sign for more specific information.

See a stro-Weather Check at: https://youtu.be/fnkkfHTs7k4

Ursula Duffy is a professional astrologer, founder of Ursa alchemy and founding partner/ Goddess of Operations (GOO) of Sea Goddess Healing arts, atlantic City. NJ. Find her services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.seagoddesshealingarts.com/ursaalchemy/

Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, founder of Ursa Alchemy and founding partner/ Goddess of Operations (GOO) of Sea Goddess Healing Arts, Atlantic City, NJ. Find her services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www. seagoddesshealingarts.com/ ursaalchemy

Atlantic City, Brigantine, Margate, Ventnor, Longport

Somers Mansion to host garden tour

The Green Thumb Garden Club welcomes all to its 2024 “Down to Earth Garden Tour ” on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join them as they celebrate growing in Somers Point by collaborating with other community organizations.

advance tickets are $15 and are available at both Lang’s and Bob’s Garden Markets. On the day of the tour June 22 they will sell tickets at the Somers Mansion starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a rain or shine event. The tour is self-guided. The table for tickets and information will be adjacent to the Mansion colonial garden leading to the SP Farmers Market. Plus, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a live performance by the famed Tom angello Trio complements of the South Jersey Jazz Society. To add to the experience note an Observation Bee hive provided by Gary Schempp of Busy Bees NJ . Visit the three sisters garden bed and more while hearing live music, appreciating history, learning about bees, all

while exploring only the first garden on the tour. Tours inside the Mansion will also be available.

additionally, the Somers Point arts Commission will have a floral inspired student art exhibit at the SP Senior and Community Center at 22 N. ambler Road throughout the day. Come experience the charm of gardens weaving through Somers Point

www.steelpier.com

from the bay to the golf course. They promise an eclectic, beautiful mix of private and public down to earth gardens augmented by a day mixed with flowers, music, art, history, and an appreciation of bees. The beauty of it is you can set your own pace. For more information about the tour or the garden club please contact Lisa Gasper at lisag@foxocnj. com.

SPRING INTO ACTION

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

Celebrating a century of Memorial Day music at the Steel Pier

By Bruce Klauber

When George a . Hamid, Jr., who ran the Steel Pier and the Million Dollar Pier from 1946 to 1975, got out of the entertainment business at the shore, he could have easily rested on his considerable laurels and elected to live in the past. after all, this was a man who brought the most famous performers in show business history to the Pier for 30 years. But he had no time for nostalgia.

years ago I asked him the whereabouts of Steel Pier memorabilia such as posters, backstage photos, booking schedules, and assorted collectors’ items. His simple answer was, “Most of that stuff is gone. My interests are today and tomorrow.”

However, given that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season, and one of the four biggest holiday weekends at the shore along with Labor Day, July 4, and Easter weekend, it seems fitting to scour the entertainment vaults and see just what stars were headlining at the Pier on Memorial Day weekends past. Given Hamid’s disinterest in things past, the list of Memorial Day headliners is

far from complete, but each one we do know about is a story in itself.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the big swing bands were, in many cases, the headline name attraction. In 1938 there was no bigger name anywhere than clarinetist/bandleader Benny Goodman. On the weekend of May 29, 1938, the Goodman band starred at the Pier’s Marine Ballroom. That stand was important historically, as Goodman’s star drummer, Gene Krupa, left the band several months be -

BEST INSURED Rates

fore this date, and in fact, as reported in these pages previously, premiered with his own band at the Steel Pier on april 16 of 1938.

The jazz press was on hand at the Marine Ballroom that weekend in large numbers, just to see how Krupa's replacement, the great Dave Tough, would fare with the band of the King of Swing. The press loved Tough, but agreed that he was no Krupa.

The orchestra of trombonist Tommy Dorsey was widely known during the swing era as “the General Motors of the band business.” That name inferred that Dorsey not only treated his band like big business, but along with Goodman and Glenn Miller, was one of the most popular anywhere. On Labor Day weekend of 1939, Dorsey visited the Pier; but his star vocalist, Frank Sinatra, would not join him until several months later. The long-forgotten allan DeWitt was Dorsey’s male vocalist until the arrival of Sinatra. Note that Sinatra’s first appearance at the Pier was with Harry James’ band on Easter weekend, 1939.

The Ink Spots were one of the most popular vocal groups in history. The Spots’ recording of “If I Didn't Care,” sold an astounding 19 million copies. Often cited by music journalists as one of the musical forerunners of doo-wop and rhythm and blues, The Ink Spots reportedly packed the pier over the 1942 Memorial Day weekend.

Pier records simply don’t exist for the rest of the 1940s and most of the 1950s, although we do know that frequent visitors included abbott and Costello, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, Jimmy Durante, Perry Como, Billy Eckstine, alan King, Louis armstrong, Burns and allen, Danny Kaye, the a ndrews Sisters, Eddie “Rochester” anderson, and mostly all of the big name bands.

The first rock booking on record to play the Steel Pier was Bill Haley and His Comets.

The Ink Spots packed the Steel Pier over the 1942 Memorial Day weekend.

The year 1958 represented a turning point for bookings at the Steel Pier. Whatever his personal feelings about it were, Hamid just couldn’t ignore rock and roll.

The first rock booking on record that we know of was a relatively tame one: Bill Haley and His Comets, a group still going strong after turning the music industry upside down with their 1954 version of “Rock around the Clock.” In the ballroom was a big band led by a regional favorite, bassist Lee Vincent, and featuring one of the great trumpet stylists in jazz, Bobby Hackett.

The Haley booking at the Pier went very well, and the success of rock couldn’t be ignored. On Labor Day weekend, aug. 1 and aug. 2 of 1958, the Pier brought in Ricky

Nelson for two days. Note that the others on the bill were The Four Preps and comic Henny youngman. They really weren’t necessary. The youngsters came to see Ricky Nelson, and they came out in record numbers. There were 44,221 people at the Pier to see the show, which set an all-time attendance record for the Pier.

The tide had turned.

In the ensuing years, Hamid booked rock and rock-oriented groups like The Everly Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, Peter and Gordon, Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder and his group, and “single acts” that included Chubby Checker, Frankie avalon, Bobby Rydell, and even Wayne Newton.

The Turtles hit the Pier stage on Memorial Day weekend of 1967, likely playing their hits including “Happy Together,” “ you Know What I Mean,” and “She’s My Girl.” The group, with many changes in personnel, still tours today as a part of the “Happy Together” tour.

The Grass Roots, first formed in 1965, sold a lot of records, and George Hamid saw fit to book the

group during the 1972 Memorial Day weekend. The Roots’ No. 1 recordings included “Let’s Live for Today,” “Sooner or Later” and “Midnight Confessions.” Sharing the bill with the Roots, believe it or not, was cabaret singer Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland and Sid Luft, and Liza Minnelli’s half-sister.

Though there were Pier bookings post-1972, things were never the same once Hamid got out in 1973, although he did lease the Pier from the new owners for two more years.

Things were never the same in atlantic City, either, but the good news is that the Steel Pier is still thriving as an amusement pier with great rides, plenty of food and drink, games, and

the famed, 227-foot Ferris wheel, which the Pier simply calls, “The Wheel.”

The Steel Pier is a wonderful place for families to celebrate the 2024 holiday weekend, and it’s been a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday since the day the Steel Pier opened on June 18, 1898.

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.

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra performed on the Steel Pier in 1939 on Labor Day weekend.

The Turtles hit the Steel Pier stage on Memorial Day weekend of 1967.

The faces of TV 40: Where are they now?

By Steffen Klenk

For nearly 50 years, TV 40 served the South Jersey community, carrying local news, sports, weather and entertainment reports to a growing population. During its tenure as an affiliate of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), the station was a hub for programming and information you couldn’t find anywhere else.

a s the only television station dedicated solely to serving atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties, WMGM-TV quickly became a vital source for local news, weather and sports. It was also the only network television station licensed in the state of New Jersey. Viewers became acquainted with the many names and faces that appeared on screen during

FULL SERVICE SHOP

its evening newscasts.

It first hit the airwaves as WCMC-TV on Jan. 25, 1966. Howard Green purchased the station in the late 1970s, and oversaw its transition from black-and-white to color, while also giving it new call letters as WaaT. Green owned several radio stations in the region, including WOND and WMGM-FM, along with an aBC affiliate in Elmira, N.y. He hired the expertise of Jane Stark, who began her career at the station as sales manager, working her way up to general manager.

Shortly thereafter, the station presented its first news broadcast, presented by the late Michael Schurman, TV 40’s first news director and anchor for WOND Radio. around the same time, the station settled on a permanent set of call letters, WMGMTV. Its studios were first located in a building along avalon Boulevard, with an office on Shore Road in Linwood.

In 1990, the station saw several on-air changes, including a new office and studio facility on New Road in Linwood. By 2002, Joe Jingoli oversaw the construction of a new news set, one that would include new onair graphics and a continued passion for delivering local news.

When the station closed its news department at the end of 2014, many of its former staff moved on to new and exciting opportunities. Here at Shore Local, we wanted to check in to see where some of the familiar names are today.

Many who watched TV 40 between 1999 and 2014 will likely

remember Michelle Dawn Mooney, lead anchor for the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Following her departure from the station, the former Miss New Jersey contestant went back to her roots, hosting and producing a midday radio show featuring conversations with national and local celebrities.

In recent years, she started her own podcast called “Michelle Dawn Mooney Conversations,” interviewing celebrities from all walks of life. Recently, Mooney has relaunched her website and is starting a trek into communication coaching. “My goal is to help people learn, love, give and live their best life,” she states on her website. Her podcast is also slated to relaunch this summer, with more details to follow.

Nor’easter Nick Pittman is no stranger to South Jersey. He found his passion for weather at a young age. While attending Brigantine Elementary School at 6 years old, he would present the weather in front of his classmates. “I remember begging my computer lab teacher to print out a doppler radar map so I could talk about something every day.”

In 2003, he won the CBS 3 Kidcaster competition, an experience which solidified his path to broadcast meteorology. about a year later, Pittman invited Dan Skeldon for a tour of his school’s studio. It was during this encounter that he was given the title, “Nor’easterNick,” a name that would become Nick’s brand identity for the next 20 years.

In 2010, while in his junior year at Hammonton High School, Pittman’s media teachers, Mr. Josey and Mr.

Joseph, informed him of a job opening at NBC 40. “I didn’t think I had a chance, but they believed in me,” Pittman said. He created a demo reel and sent it to the station. Within a few days, he received a call from Skeldon asking him to come in for an interview.

at the age of 17, Nick made his debut as one of the youngest on-air personalities at WMGM-TV. He began forecasting during a very active winter season in 2010.

“I had a lot of snowstorms to cover, and I learned a lot in the process.” Pittman learned a great deal in just a few years at NBC 40, picking up new methods as a professional forecaster. “It was a baptism by fire. I think the most valuable lesson I learned was how to ad-lib and think quick on my feet.”

Shortly after NBC 40’s closure, Pittman led the weather department at SNJ Today News for nearly four years. Upon its demise, he had already grown a loyal following on social media and launched his own hyperlocal weather platform, NorCast Media.

Today, the company operates three branches. The Norcast Weather platform consists of daily reports online, via Facebook, and an around-the-clock streaming channel. The company also provides video production services, along with weather consulting for businesses and entertainment venues. you can also hear Nor’easter Nick’s around-the-clock weather updates on several local radio stations.

What Nor’easter Nick enjoys the most about forecasting is the challenge, noting that our South Jersey weather is fickle and can change in an instant. “We see everything from nor’easters, hurricanes, strong thunderstorms, to derechos, blizzards, droughts and wildfires, etc. you have to be well versed in many different areas of meteorology.”

Meteorologist Dan Skeldon was a regular fixture on evening newscasts for over a decade. He found he was passionate about weather when he was growing up in Rhode Island.

a fter briefly forecasting the weather in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Vermont, Skeldon was brought on to WMGM-TV by late news director Harvey Cox. He quickly filled the role of chief meteorologist. During his tenure with NBC 40, he became accustomed to forecasting our local weather conditions. “It’s challenging to forecast with sea breezes, and fog and clouds, but I entered South Jersey in a quieter couple of years weather-wise.”

↘Continued on 28

Jacqueline Loder presenting entertainment headlines, 2014.

Jeff Whitaker and John Kosich at the anchor desk on Election Night 1992. Credit: John Kosich

But that would change later in the decade when our region was impacted by three blizzards over a 12-month period. This was followed by Hurricane Irene in 2011, and a very active year of weather in 2012, which included a derecho and, most notably, Hurricane Sandy, a span of events which tested the limits of meteorology and the community. Following the events of Sandy, viewers of NBC 40 filled 14 box trucks with food and supplies for residents in need. “It gave me a new respect for the science of meteorology, and it also grew my love of the South Jersey community that was home at the time to me,” Skeldon said.

Since 2015, Skeldon has continued to report on regional weather for WFMZ-TV, a station based in a llentown, Pa. He is currently the station’s chief meteorologist and can be seen on weeknights forecasting conditions for the Lehigh Valley and Berks County, Pa.

Jeff Whitaker maintained a long career at WMGM-TV. His broadcast journey started on the radio, interning in the news department at WOND. He took an opening at Channel 40 as cameraman, worked up to the 6 o’clock news and became news director in 1986. He left the station in 1997, but returned to anchor Sunday night

Jo Eagan

newscasts, and eventually working Saturdays from the mid-2000s until 2014.

For Whitaker, working in South Jersey enabled him to interview some of the biggest names that came through our region.

“I had the opportunity to cover big city stories in a small-town atmosphere.”

Today, he specializes in leadership and communication training, and is a member of Maxwell Leadership.

Ted Greenberg began working at WMGM-TV as a 17-year-old intern. Over the span of five years, he worked his way up to the anchor desk and served many roles from assignment editor to radio anchor, reporter and producer.

He recalled one memory that stood out during his time at the station during a major coastal storm. “I thought it might be a good idea to go outside on Route 9 and read the school closings live in the middle of a blizzard.” With high winds and snow blowing around, it didn’t quite go as expected. “The papers I was holding in my hands, with the information on it, basically melted in the snow.”

Greenberg left TV 40 in 1997 to work in Rochester, N.y., and Hartford,

In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More Important To Choose The Right Agent To Represent You! Over 40 Years of Real Estate Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You!

• ABR-Accredited Buyer Representative- Expert Negotiator To Get You The Home That You Want !

• CRS-Certified Residential Specialist-To Optimize The Highest Sales Price For Your Home and Get SOLD Quickly!

• GRI-Graduate Realtor Institute-Continuing Education and Technology Like No Other!

• MRP-Military and Relocation Specialist-Proficient in All Aspects of Veteran and Active Military Real Estate!

• Full Time Awarded Professional Realtor Since 1985

• NJ Real Estate Broker Since 1989!

• Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.

Your

Conn. He eventually returned for a brief period in 2002 to serve as news director and anchor the 6 p.m. news. Today he continues to report on local headlines as Jersey Shore Bureau reporter for NBC 10 in Philadelphia and News 4 New york (WNBC-TV).

an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Lisa Johnson began an internship as assignment editor at K y W-TV during the station's NBC affiliation. The longtime South Jersey resident and Mainland Regional High School grad decided to switch gears and wanted to be on camera. “I was living in Cherry Hill at the time and heard about this station in atlantic City.” Johnson applied for the job and was interviewed by Mary McGinnis, former Miss New Jersey, at the station’s office on Shore Road.

Johnson started out as news reporter and anchor before briefly leaving to do PR for an atlantic City casino. She served as news director and anchor for NBC 40 during the 1990s, later becoming news anchor and reporter for CBS station KL aSTV in Las Vegas before returning to South Jersey, where she hosted the “Casino Connection,” a regular feature updating viewers on headlines in the casino industry. Today she is the president of Lisa Johnson Communications, a media and public relations agency representing clients and entertainers throughout the country.

Throughout the week, many would tune in to watch “Health Today,” a weekly 30-minute program that featured discussions on important health-related issues. This, alongside regular Health Update segments, was hosted by Robin Stoloff. “I had just graduated from Villanova and it was my first job.”

She recalls the pre-internet technology used while starting at the station in the mid-1980s. “Back then we used three-quarter-inch tape, so when you wanted to run something, you had to run the tapes back and forth between the studio and the office.”

Today, she is the host of “Living Well with Robin Stoloff,” a podcast that empowers people to live a healthier life. The program can be found on your favorite podcast platform, and on Lite 96.9 WFPG Sunday mornings.

John Kosich grew up in Philadelphia with an interest in television news. While vacationing in Ocean City, he would always watch Michael Schurman on Channel 40. Kosich got the opportunity of a lifetime to see the station as a senior in high school. He called the station and was invited by Howard Green to sit in during the evening news and knew instantly that he would return to work for the station.

after graduating from Temple University, Kosich returned to the shore to launch his broadcast career, anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast from 1990 to 1994. He covered a plethora of stories, interviewing names such as Merv Griffin, Tony Bennett, andrew Dice Clay. Today, Kosich is an Emmy-winning reporter for aBC station WEWS-TV in Cleveland.

“I grew up in Camden County watching Philly news,” said Phaedra Laird, who started at NBC 40 in 2003. “To come down and see this NBC station covering hyperlocal stories was so interesting and appealing to me.”

Phaedra Laird held several responsibilities, including, but not limited to, assignment editor and assistant news director. She shared many stories that highlighted what makes South Jersey most unique. “To be able to tell those stories was not just fun and interesting, it was also special.”

Laird recalled working at NBC 40 during major weather events, ones that not only knocked out power to thousands of residents, but even the station. “I came into work after a blizzard. Myself, the chief photographer Ben Parsons, and Dan came in and we decided to do a show that was all-weather related. I know that the public appreciated it.” Today, Laird is a member of Laura Bishop Communications.

The station helped launch the careers of many aspiring reporters, including local sports anchor Mike Frankel, who is now a contributor for Jersey Sports Zone, a website devoted to covering high school athletics. Veronica Dudo is the host of a program called “South Jersey In Focus,” which can be seen via On New Jersey (ONNJ), an online streaming platform. ↘Continued on 30

Phaedra Laird and Ted Greenberg on assignment during a snowstorm.

a nd that’s just scratching the surface; many anchors and reporters have gone on to have bright careers in other television markets, working in cities such as New york, Boston, Baltimore, Shreveport, and Sioux Falls, just to name a few.

Some have ventured into other career paths. Jacqueline Loder, present-day owner of Brig Chic boutique in Brigantine, produced the evening

go on air and I’m looking at the live TV and nothing was showing up, and I was the only person there that day that could run the whole show. I had to sprint from the control room to the other control room to hit this big red button to get us on air.”

Former general manager Jane Stark is still a South Jersey resident and serves as executive director of the Sam a zeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage.

newscast on NBC 40, eventually transitioning to entertainment reporter and morning show producer. She described her experience being behind-the-scenes on the morning of New year’s Eve.

The final morning broadcast didn’t go quite as planned. “We’re about to

a nd then there are the familiar names that have left us, including Michael Schurman, who came back to NBC 40 in the mid-2000s to anchor the Saturday night newscast while serving as atlantic County highway safety director prior to his passing, and longtime South Jersey resident and radio host Pinky Kravitz presented a weekly talk show titled, “WMGM-TV Presents Pinky.” and then there was “Curtain Call with David Spatz,” a celebrity interview series hosted by the longtime entertainment columnist which produced over 200 episodes.

The station’s longtime owner Howard Green passed away in 2002,

Cele ating 50 Years

after which followed a series of ownership changes. Following the loss of its NBC affiliation, WMGM-TV closed its news department on Dec. 31, 2014. Nor’easter Nick describes being in the studio as the lights went down on TV 40’s final newscast. “Earlier in the week we all recorded our goodbye and thank you messages; it was emotional to see them run live on the air.” In 2017, the WMGM-TV signal was purchased by the owners of the Spanish-language channel Univision.

While so much has changed in the last decade, the station’s legacy, and the impact it had on South Jersey remains strong to this day. It doesn’t just resonate from the staff who worked in front of and behind the camera each day, but it also lives on with the viewers who made it their station of choice.

gree at Stockton University last year. He expressed his profound thanks to the people of TV 40 for making his dreams come true. “I am beyond grateful to Jeff Whitaker and Jane Stark for giving me a chance there; without them, I don’t think I would be where I am.”

“I was at an event and these people came over and said how much they miss TV 40, and that’s all I ever hear. Decades later, people will still recognize me from that role,” Johnson recalled.

although technology has come a long way, Skeldon said there will always be a need for hyperlocal weather. “NBC 40 was a smaller station. We did not have a fancy weather system with satellites, radars and moving maps,” said Skeldon. “I look back at it now and think, ‘How did I ever make that work?’ But we could keep it local despite the technology.”

Behind-the-scenes, you had a dedicated crew, from photographers to technicians, working hard to keep the station on-the-air. “Frank Polisano, the chief engineer, kept our equipment up and running,” Laird recalls. “It may have been held together with bubblegum and paper clips, but somehow we made it work.”

after 30 years in the journalism field, Ted Greenberg finished his de -

Whether you tuned in to watch the nightly news reports, primetime programs, weekly public affairs shows such as “Forum 40,” or seasonal specials like the “Christmas Chorale,” TV 40 still holds a special place in many hearts and minds throughout South Jersey. “To have your own specific local station was really special,” Laird said, “and that was something that I took great pride in and was very conscious of, this responsibility of keeping people informed in your own backyard.”

For those interested in a trip down memory lane, check out NewsCenter 40: The Stories Behind the Station on youTube. The hour-long documentary features many clips and interviews with many of its most notable staff.

Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Nor’easter Nick Pittman

Behind the scenes at NBC 40 circa 2014. Mike Frankel, Michelle Dawn Mooney, and Dan Skeldon at the desk. Source: YouTube

John Kosich and Lisa Johnson at the desk. Credit: John Kosich

The real meaning of Memorial Day

By William Kelly

Memorial Day is now primarily noted as the beginning of the summer season, but it began as a day to memorialize those who were killed in combat while serving their country, and also to recognize veterans for their service. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 to honor those who served and died in the Civil War.

My uncle Leo, my father’s brother who I never met, and who my younger brother Leo was named after, was killed in the South Pacific in 1942 while serving aboard the USS South Dakota, a battleship he helped build at the New york Ship yard in Camden.

My father, who was a Camden politceman, also enlisted shortly after Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the 8th US army air Force in England where he served as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 dubbed The Flying Fortress. They were the first americans to see combat in the European theater.

While the British fllew their bombing missions at night, the americans flew what they called precision daylight bombing raids hitting strategic

targets throughout Nazi occupied Europe.

They set the number of missions that had to flown at 25, and while a plane named Hells angels was the first to acomplish that, a few days later the Memphis Belle did the same thing on May 17, 1943, and became one of the most famous planes in american history. Movie director, William Wyler made a documentary film about the Belle and its crew and later, in 1990, a popular major motion picture would be made under the same name.

Other films about the 8th a ir Force have also been made including Command Decision, starring Clark Gable, who was also a B-17 waist gunner in my father’s squadron, and Twelve O’Clock High, with Gregory Peck, that was the basis for a long running TV series as well.

One evening, while the family was watching the origional William Wyler documentary on the Memphis Belle, that features actual aerial combat

scenes, one plane, all shot up, was seen landing. My mother screemed when she saw a medic assisting a wounded airman out of the plane.

“Bill, that’s you!,” my mother said, and sure enough, it was him, assisted onto a stretcher and carried away.

I later found my father’s war journal and learned that it was his 19th mission, May 17, 1942, and it was only recorded on film because William Wyler was there to make the Memphis Belle documentary. More famous for directing such classic movies as Ben Hur, Roman Holliday and The Best years of our Lives, the Memphis Belle documentary stands out for it’s realism. One of Wyler’s cameraman was killed when the plane he was on was shot down.

Dad’s plane was nicknamed Old Pus, and had a black cat holding a machine gun painted on its side. a s a waist gunner my father fired a 50 caliber machine gun, with four inch shells that dropped at your feet. a roll of 50 caliber machine gun bullets ran nine yards, hence the saying – “The whole nine yards,” that people mistakenly thought was a football term.

their target, and flack burst inside the cabin sent shrapnel into his forehead, so he was wounded twice.

With William Wyler’s film crew rolling, Old Pus rolled to a stop and the medics entered the plane, assisting the wounded out to stretchers and ambulances.

While dad was in England his mother, my grandmother died, so he couldn’t attend her funeral. It took him a few months to recouperate, and he was sent to a hotel -hospital in atlantic City where my mother visited him.

after seeing Wyler’s documentary on TV, my father wrote to the TV production company in Hollywood and someone went to the trouble of finding the relevant scene and sent him three stills of color prints.

The Hollwood producers also said they had a TV show interviewing combat veterans and would fly him and his family to California to get his story on film, and while the family was excited to go, he declined. He just couldn’t talk about it.

They were primarily up against the German air force, the Luftwaffe and Focke-Wolf Fw 190 fighters that packed a machine gun and a 20 mm cannon. My father was shooting at a Focke-Wolf coming directly at him when he was wounded, hit in the hand, a finger being shot off, though the German flyer was probably hit, as my dad was credited with two confirmed kills.

When the fighter planes left, the flack guns from the ground started shooting as the planes were over

My mother however, kept a scrapbook of news clipping that mention him, his plane or his squadron. One item stood out, descriping how, while returning to base, Old Pus left the formation and dropped a dud bomb through the roof of the French radio station where a xis Sally, real name Mildred Gillars. The bomb was enscribed with a song request - Marlene Dietrich’s Lilli Marleen.

So every Memorial Day weekend I know it’s the beginning of summer, but I can’t help thinking about my Uncle Leo, and my father, who almost didn’t make it.

Culinary Competition Benefits Boys & Girls Club

Cool breezes and an island vibe formed a tropical backdrop for the return of Let’s Get Cookin’, the culinary competition to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City held May 21. The return of the event, after a five-year hiatus, brought 500 guests to the Island Waterpark at the Showboat to taste delicacies prepared by 50 amateur and professional chefs.

“It was a picture-perfect evening featuring some of the greatest culinary talent in our community, but more importantly some of the most passionate supporters of our mission,” said Dr. Charles a . Wallace II, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City. “We are grateful to the Showboat for hosting us at this spectacular venue, to the chefs who shared their time and talent, to the community partners, the Boys & Girls Club dedicated staff and volunteers who supported us throughout this journey, and importantly to everyone who came out for this amazing cause—to build great futures for our kids.”

Guests had a chance to sample heirloom recipes and gourmet creations from professional and amateur chefs in the atlantic City area and from Philadelphia. Heading the

committee of judges was Chef Pam Green, Executive Director of Hospitality Initiatives at the Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City. Chef Green was joined by media personalities Nick Pittman and Robin Stoloff and by Chef Larry alexander from the atlantic City Convention Center, who judged the entries.

The event featured two celebrity chefs who had previously been on the Food Network. Philadelphia Chef Chad Rosenthal is known for his appearances on Chopped Grill Masters and Beat Bobby Flay (which he did).

Executive Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino atlantic City, was a featured chef on Guy’s Grocery Games and defeated three

other contestants to win that competition.

awards were given in a variety of categories:

Appetizer, Soup, Salad

amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves

Professional Chef: Demetrios Haronis, Tropicana, Lobster Bisque

Entrée

amateur Chef: GGTI, Chefs Luis, Robert, Ozzy, Stuffed Long Hots with a side of Chimichurri

Professional Chef: Chef Stephan, Docks, Wasabi Crusted Tuna

Dessert

amateur Chef: Nancy adler Nutrition, Cake Batter Balls

Professional Chef: Michael D’angelo, Caramel apple Crumb Cheesecake

Healthy Food

amateur Chef: Nancy adler Nutrition, Cake Batter Balls

Professional Chef: Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Compressed Melon Dish

Best Overall

amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves

Professional Chef: Michael D’angelo, Caramel apple Crumb Cheesecake

Best Decorated Table

amateur Chef: Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves

Professional Chef: Chef Tiffany Rando, Florida Cold Cuts, Charcuterie Wall/6 ft. subs

Longtime supporter Fran Coppola was surprised with a special award for her 20 years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City.

“Ever since I walked into the club at that very first Men ‘R Cookin’ event, I was taken by its incredible mission,” she said. “Watching the kids blossom over the years and learning about the programs has been a real joy and a true passion of mine.”

Guests received a bound recipe

book as a memento of the evening. They also had a chance to win raffle baskets and bid on auction items, all to support the cause. Proceeds from Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 will directly contribute to sustaining and expanding the various programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the club empowers youth to build a brighter future.

Let’s Get Cookin’ 2024 was chaired by Larry Sieg, President and CEO, Visit atlantic City, and Sharon Franz, Sales & Marketing Director, Steel Pier. a committee of professionals volunteered their time to work with aCBGC staff to coordinate the event.

About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:

The Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of atlantic City - visit acbgc.org, call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org.

Harlem Wizards to take on Absecon Schools staff in basketball fundraiser June 10

Absecon Schools staff will face the Harlem Wizards 7 p.m. Monday, June 10 at absegami High School, 201 S Wrangleboro Rd, in Galloway Township, in a basketball game fundraiser benefiting the absecon Parent Teacher Organization.

throughout the country.

Despite the challenges they are sure to face, the a bsecon School Staff team, which recently came off a win for the second year in a row against the attales Middle School 8th Grader team, is optimistic about their chances.

“The absecon PTO is excited to have the Harlem Wizards basketball team play against our teachers and staff. It is a great opportunity to bring out your family for a night of fun and entertainment, while supporting our school district,” said Katie Hubner, president of the absecon PTO.

The Harlem Wizards combine amazing basketball talent with a magical display of tricks and comedy to create awe-inspiring events

The a bsecon team will be led by attales teachers Korey Morgenweck and a manda Witmer.

Win or lose, the entertainment will be nonstop. Throughout the game, fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction.

Tickets purchased before the event are $17 for adults and $15 for students, and can be purchased at harlemwizards.com/tickets/ absecon. Tickets can be purchased online until three hours prior to the event. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20 for adults and $18 for students.

For more information on the Harlem Wizards visit harlemwizards. com. For more information on the absecon PTO, contact Katie Hubner, President, absecon PTO at pto2023@ abseconschools.org or visit https:// linktr.ee/abseconpto.

FACIAL SKIN RESURFACING & TIGHTENING

COOLSCULPT ELITE, EMSCULPT NEO & EMSCULPT ULTHERAPY, COOLPEEL CO2 LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

EMSELLA - URINARY INCONTINENCE

FACIAL VEINS & PIGMENTATION

HYDRAFACIAL, MICRONEEDLING & RADIOFREQUENCY

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

DERMAL PLANNING & VI SKIN PEELS

MEDICAL SERVICES

PHYSICIAN DIRECTED WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - Featuring Industry Leading InBody Full Body Composition Analysis, FDA Approved Medical Therapies including GLP-1 Medication, SEMAGLUTIDE - WEGOVY / OZEMPIC, and other evidence-based treatments, ADIPEX. LOOSE FAT AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH NOW!

BIO IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

BIOTE CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN DIRECTED HORMONAL TREATMENT

PROGRAM - Designed to help MEN & WOMEN Suffering from the Aging Process - LOW TESTOSTERONE, PERI MENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE, THYROID DYSFUNCTION, & NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES.

SEXUAL WELLNESS FOR

MEN & WOMEN

GOOD SEX = HAPPY & LONGER LIFE - Learn how MEN & WOMEN can reclaim the passion, improve relationships and become healthier featuring GAINSWAVE and Regenerative Therapies, P/O-Shot.

Dr. Hernberg, a Board-Certified Physician Specializes in Helping Individuals Optimize their Health, and Appearance with Evidence Proven Medical Therapies. Serving South Jersey for Over 20 Years.

TOMORROW’S WELLNESS CENTER

1750 Zion Road, Suite 204, Northfield, NJ 609-407-1119 TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com

Planning the perfect Jersey Shore picnic experience

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

Picture this: the sun-drenched shores of atlantic and Cape May counties along the Jersey Shore, practically begging for a picnic. With sandy beaches, lush parks, and waterfront views that could charm the socks off anyone, it's the perfect backdrop for some outdoor grubbin'.

From fresh seafood to locally-grown goodies, and all the fun stuff to do in between, crafting the ultimate picnic in this coastal paradise is like hitting the jackpot. So, toss your goodies in a tote, round up your crew, and get ready for a chill day out as we spill the beans on how to nail the ultimate picnic scene along the Jersey Shore in atlantic and Cape May counties.

Why Plan a Picnic?

Picnics are a part of our heritage. Medieval hunting feasts, Renaissance

country banquets, and Victorian garden parties are all precursors of a merican cookouts. There’s something traditional and lovely about enjoying a meal in nature with the ones you love, pets included.

Planning a picnic is more than just dragging leftovers into the backyard. Throwing a great picnic is the result of a few factors: the setting, the weather, and the ease of serving and assembly, and seasonal treats like lemonade, potato salad, and club sandwiches.

Best Picnic Spots

● 59th St. in Ocean City: Enjoy stunning beachfront views beneath the wooden gazebo overlooking the dunes. Take advantage of this space before it becomes too congested with summer crowds.

● Cape May County Zoo: Nothing beats a sunny day, free animal encounters, and a packed lunch at a picnic table by the playground. Whether you’ve got kids or feel like a kid-at-heart, this day trip will be the highlight of your year.

● Kennedy Park in Somers Point: Watch the boats bob on the bay. add some fishing or frisbee to make this moment special.

OCEAN AQUARIUM

● Galloway Veterans Memorial Park: Grab a book from the Galloway Library and enjoy a sunny day. There’s a dog park, playground, and a looping trail, so you’ll never get bored.

● Ski Beach in Ventnor: This is one of the best places in South Jersey to catch a stunning sunset over the bay. "Golden hour", dusk here is a extraordinary with photo opportunities galore!

Best Picnic Munchies

● Pick up a hoagie (a South Jersey essential) and a soft drink from your favorite deli. Don’t forget the condiments and chips!

● Visit your town’s farm market and prepare healthy foods in advance. yogurt parfaits with Jersey blueberries, spring salad with leafy greens and herby dressing, or farm-fresh cheese with sourdough are highly recommended.

● Try something unique - like getting takeout breakfast from the corner diner, making an experimental recipe recommended by your grandma.

Best Picnic Supplies

● The quintessential checkered blanket will give vintage vibes and farm-family feels

● a game! a deck of cards, cornhole, and even a soccer ball can turn awkward silence into tons of fun for everyone.

● Reusable napkins and silverware helps reduce litter and waste, and the Great Outdoors will thrive thanks to your extra effort.

● There can be no picnic without a basket…? a cooler might work even better though, especially if you want to keep your refreshments fresh.

● Bug spray will prevent creepy critters from ruining your outing. If you will be in full sun, sunscreen is a good idea.

Phillies fever continues to climb

By David Weinberg

The Phillies are in the midst of what is shaping up to be a special season.

Last Sunday’s 11-5 victory over the Nationals left them 20 games over .500 at 34-14. It matched the best start in franchise history set by the 1976 Phils and matched by the 1993 squad.

Don’t order those championship t-shirts just yet, however, for neither of those previous Phils teams won the World Series. The 1976 Phils won 101 games, but were run over by the “Big Red Machine” of Cincinnati in the NLCS. and everyone under 50 remembers where they were when Toronto’s Joe Carter ruined the Phils’ dream in ’93.

Just for fun, let’s compare the ’76 and ’93 teams with the current team. Here’s one opinion of how they stack up.

C aTCHER – Bob Boone (’76), Darren Daulton (’93), J.T. Realmuto (’24): Boone was an all-star and was a master at handling the pitching staff. Realmuto is also off to a good start, but “Dutch” was the reason they won in ’93. EDGE: Daulton.

FIRST Ba SE – Dick a llen (’76), John Kruk (’93), Bryce Harper (’24). allen was the best of the bunch but was at the end of his career. Kruk batted .316. Harper has worked to become a good first baseman to go with his outstanding hitting. EDGE: Harper.

SECOND BaSE – Dave Cash (’76), Micky Morandini (’93), Bryson Stott (’24). Cash made the all-star team that year and was the best second baseman not named Joe Morgan. EDGE: Cash.

SHORTSTOP – Larry Bowa (’76), Kevin Stocker (’93), Trea Turner (’24). Turner is the most talented player, but Bowa was the sparkplug of that ’76 team. EDGE: Bowa.

THIRD BaSE – Mike Schmidt (’76), Dave Hollins (’93), alec Bohm (’24). Be serious. EDGE: Schmidt.

LEFT FIELD – Greg Luzinski (’76), Milt Thompson (’93), Brandon Marsh/ Kyle Schwarber (’24). you mess with “The Bull,” you get the horns. EDGE: Luzinski.

CENTER FIELD –Garry Maddox (’76), Lenny Dykstra (’93), Johan Rojas (’24). Two-thirds of the world was covered by water. The other third by Garry Maddox. EDGE: Maddox.

RIGHT FIELD – Jay Johnston (’76), Jim Eisenreich (’93), Nick Castellanos (’24). Eisenreich was in his first season with the Phils after playing with Kansas City. He filled a huge void in the field and in the clubhouse. EDGE: Eisenreich.

have the talent to make a strong playoff run.

STaRTING PITCHING: Steve Carlton, Jim Kaat, Jim Lonborg, Larry Christianson, Tommy Underwood (’76); Curt Schilling, Danny Jackson, Tommy Greene, Ben Rivera (’93); Zack Wheeler, aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker, Spencer Turnbull (’24). you know you have a deep rotation when you’re No. 3 starter (Suarez) is a Cy young candidate. But no one touches “Lefty.” EDGE: 1976.

BULLPEN: Tug McGraw, Gene Garber, Ron Reed (’76); Mitch Williams, David West, Larry anderson, Roger Mason (’93); Jose alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, etc. (’24). With apologies to “Tugger,” Williams registered 43 saves and also gets bonus points for managing the atlantic City Surf. EDGE: 1993.

M a N aGER: Danny Ozark (’76), Jim Fregosi (’93), Rob Thomson (’24). Ozark pushed all the right buttons in ’76 and won 101 games. Fregosi doesn’t get enough credit for overseeing his rowdy bunch. I’m just not sure yet about Thomson. EDGE: Fregosi.

Eagles poised for Super Bowl run

The Eagles have known for months who they will be playing this season.

Now they know when the games will take place.

The Birds will open the season against the Packers in Sao Paolo, Brazil on Friday, September 6th in the NFL’s first-ever game played in that country.

Given the price of travel to Brazil, I’ll be going wild in my living room on September 6, but there are a few road trips – Tampa, Los angeles and New Orleans are all awesome citieson the schedule that I might consider.

Here’s one way too early prediction as to how the regular season will play out. Barring injuries, the Eagles

Friday, Sept. 6, 8:15 p.m. - Eagles-Packers in Sao Paulo: Packers WR Bo Melton (Cedar Creek High School) catches two TD passes as the Pack waxes the Birds. LOSS

Monday, Sept. 16, 8:15 p.m.Falcons at Eagles: Philly welcomes back former center Jason Kelce as an ESPN analyst. Eagles try to convince him to unretire at halftime. WIN Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. - Eagles at Saints: Birds put the Easy in “The Big Easy.” a .J. Brown burns Saints rookie CB Kool- a id McKinstry for three TDs. WIN

Sunday, Sept. 29, 1 p.m. - Eagles at Buccaneers: Birds never win in Tampa, especially in September. Baker Mayfield and company show that playoff game last season was no fluke. LOSS

Bye

Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. - Browns at Eagles: Props to Browns for using legendary Pro Bowler Pete Weber to announce their schedule. But the Eagles will bowl them over. WIN Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. - Eagles at Giants: Saquon Barkley enjoys his return to the Meadowlands by rushing for 150 yards. WIN

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m. - Eagles at Bengals: Birds feast on some Skyline Chili beforehand, then feast on Bengals QB Joe Burrow. WIN

Sunday, Nov. 3, 8:20 p.m. Jaguars at Eagles: Dougie P. outcoaches Nick Sirianni with Jacksonville’s version of “Philly Special.” LOSS

Sunday, Nov. 10, 4:25 p.m. - Eagles at Cowboys: Cowboys S Markquese Bell (Bridgeton) returns an interception for a touchdown. LOSS

Thursday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m.Commanders at Eagles: Brandon Graham gets two sacks against rookie QB Jayden Daniels. WIN

Sunday, Nov. 24, 8:20 p.m. – Eagles at Rams: Eagles secondary can’t stop Rams WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. LOSS

Sunday, Dec. 1, 4:25 p.m. - Eagles at Ravens: Ravens rookie edge rusher yvondy Rigby (Egg Harbor Township) gets two sacks. LOSS

Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. - Panthers at Eagles: Growing pains continue for QB Bryce young and the Panthers. WIN

Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:25 p.m. - Steelers at Eagles: Jalen Hurts outduels Russell Wilson to give the Eagles state bragging rights. WIN

Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 p.m. - Eagles at Commanders: at least they’re not playing on Christmas Day. Commanders play them tough with division race on the line. LOSS

Sunday, Dec. 29, 4:25 p.m. – Cowboys at Eagles: Cowboys running back

Ezekiel

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.

Elliott retires at halftime. WIN TBD – Giants at Eagles: Eagles clinch NFC East and No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs with a victory. WIN SEASON RECORD: 10-7, first place NFC East.

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

Memorial Day honored in Ocean City

By Fred Miller

emorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was originally 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 local resident and veteran of the Civil War, led a small group of men along a sbury 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, with 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 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 in 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 Memorial Day tradition will continue on May 27, 2024. at 11:00 a.m. with a ceremony at Veteran's Memorial Park between 5th and 6th streets, on Wesley avenue.

Ocean City Beach Patrol begins season on Memorial Day weekend

The Ocean City Beach Patrol will begin the 2024 season on Memorial Day Weekend.

The OCBP guards beaches from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

From Saturday, May 25, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024, the following beaches will be guarded:

● St. Charles Place

● Brighton Place

● 8th Street

● 9th Street

● 10th Street

● 11th Street

● 12th Street

● 26th Street

● 34th Street

● 58th Street

Ninth Street Beach will be guarded starting on Friday, May 24. Check back at ocnj.us/ocbp as more guarded beaches are added throughout June.

EMT services will be available at 1st Street, 12th Street, 34th Street and 58th Street stations.

Lifeguard stands may not be exactly at street ends as guards will place the stand in the safest area depending on water conditions. Thank you for helping to keep Ocean City safe. The Ocean City Beach Patrol strongly urges bathers to swim only at guarded beaches. If you have any questions, please call 609-525-9200. For all emergencies, call 911.

The public is invited to join OCBP members for coffee, conversation and beach safety tips at a “Lattes & Lifesaving” event at 8:30 am. Saturday, May 25 at the OCBP Headquarters at 12th Street and Boardwalk.

What's happening in Ocean City

Ocean City to ‘Unlock the Ocean’ and Take a Plunge

After a long winter and rainy spring, city and Chamber of Commerce officials will finally turn a ceremonial wooden key to “unlock the ocean” for the season at noon Friday, May 24. The free public event provides an early start to Memorial Day Weekend and welcomes a long-awaited summer. It takes place on the beach between the Ocean City Music Pier and Ninth Street.

With the ocean officially open, a fully-clothed entourage will then march into the chilly atlantic Ocean to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Business Persons Plunge. The Ocean City High School band will play

“Pomp and Circumstance” and a banner plane will fly by as local business owners and employees take the first swim of the summer.

The Business Persons Plunge has grown in popularity since it first started in 2004, and anybody is invited to participate. It’s a chance to get some exposure for your business or organization or just to start Memorial Day Weekend with a splash. Participants are asked to muster on the beach at 11:30 a.m. for instructions.

The daily boardwalk flag-raising ceremony – a beloved tradition in Ocean City – will begin for the 2024 season at the Ocean City Music Pier starting on Friday, May 24. The event

includes the playing of the national anthem and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S. a .” The ritual will take place at 9 a.m. every morning through Sept. 11.

Saturday morning (May 25) brings the Memorial Beach Challenge, a spectacle to behold as athletes complete a two-mile obstacle course that covers much of the beach on both sides of the Music Pier. Proceeds from the event benefit The 31 Heroes Project, an organization that specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportunities for service members, veterans and their families. The race

begins at 8:05 a.m. near the Ocean City Music Pier. It also includes a Kids Fun Run. Visit memorialbeachchallenge.com for more information on the races and for registration.

Ocean City’s Memorial Day Service starts at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park (500 block of Wesley avenue). a ll are encouraged to attend. Ralph Galati, a U.S. air Force veteran, will be the keynote speaker. Galati’s plane was shot down over Vietnam in 1972, and he spent 14 months as a prisoner of war. He has been a veterans advocate

throughout his life.

The National Moment of Remembrance is also set for May 27. Established by Congress, the event asks americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. Greg Murphy of Buglers across america will sounds Taps from the Ocean City Music Pier to commemorate the moment. The performance will be broadcast on the boardwalk public address system.

Jitney service will be available 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Monday (May 24 to 27), and daily service will begin on June 21. More information on rates, routes and schedules is available at ocnj.us/jitney.

Ocean City Triathlon results

Ocean City held its annual OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon on Sunday, May 19. The race saw 115 finishers in the combined events. The friendly event includes a quarter-mile pool swim (timed separately), 2-mile run, 16-mile bike and another 2-mile run. The race also includes duathlon (runbike-run) and kids course options.

The following are the top three overall finishers in the triathlon, and the top finishers in the duathlon and kids courses. Bea Pinkerton, 91, was the oldest finisher, and M. Jaros was among the youngest, winning the Kids Course Triathlon at age 8. a relay team of Special Olympics athletes competed against the individuals in the adult triathlon and finished 10th overall.

Registration for the Emergency Responder 5K race in Ocean City on June 8, 2024 is open now. More information and online signups are available at ocnj.us/race-events.

OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon

Top 3 Overall Male Triathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. Nicholas Matousch, 30, Ocean View, 1:13:15.09

2. Christopher Richards, 29, Philadel -

phia, 1:20:19.03

3. Kyle Kissick, 20, Brigantine, 1:20:50.28

Top 3 Overall Female Triathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. Kaitlyn Weatherby, 25, Sewell, 1:33:21.34

2. Georgia Majka, 25, Ocean View, 1:35:12.98

3. Michelle anderson, 44, Linwood, 1:37.52.46

Top Overall Male Duathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. John Beck, 33, Churchville, Pa., 1:20:28.54

EAR NOSE & THROAT DOCTOR

Top Overall Female Duathlon (Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. Laura Salvesen, 39, Cape May Court House, 1:22:37.80

Top Overall Male Kids Course Triathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. M. Jaros, 8, Marmora, 59:09.48

Top Overall Female Kids Course Triathlon (Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. avari Thoensen, 13, Linwood, 52:08.86

Top Overall Male Kids Course Duathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. L. McHale, 11, Ocean View, 54:21.37

Top Overall Female Kids Course Duathlon

(Name, Age, Hometown, Time)

1. P. Larsen, 9, Ocean View, 56:36.07

Photos by Steffen Klenk

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

Get ready to discover the coolest happenings around town in The City Pulse Update. 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.

What: MDW at Boogie Nights

Where: Boogie Nights Tropicana

When: Thursday, May 23, Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25

Website: boogienightsac.uvtix.com

Celebrate MDW, Boogie style. Show your military ID for free admission all weekend long.

What: Lost in the Bermuda Triangle

Where: anchor Rock Club

When: Thursday, May 23

Time: 7-11 p.m.

Website: anchorrockclub.com

Suspend your disbelief, embrace

uncertainty, and get lost in the Bermuda Triangle night market. Featuring hyper-local atlantic City artists and vendors offering otherworldly artifacts and earthly delights beyond imagination. Those who dare to embark will uncover the truth. $10 entry 18+

Who: Heart

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess arena

When: Friday, May 24

Time: 8 p.m.

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

With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have earned global recognition selling more than 35 million albums worldwide, with 20 Top 40 singles to their name. Heart will be performing their catalog of

chart-topping classic hits including “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on you,” and “These Dreams.”

What: Beach Ball Drop & Memorial Day Weekend Events

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/kick-off-to-summer-memorialday-weekend/

Margaritaville

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

On Friday, May 24, enjoy the official kick-off celebration to the start of the summer season with live entertainment on the Boardwalk from noon to 5 p.m., then the special beach ball drop at 5 and the grand opening of the Glitter Bar. On Saturday, alter Ego performs at the Superstar Theater, while Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performs in the Starlight Room 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday there are fun sweepstakes and giveaways and Monday is the start of Hot Summer Fun. More details in the link above.

Who: Stephen Moore Summer Jam Night

Where: The Deck at Ventura’s Greenhouse

When: Every Friday Night

Time: 7-10 p.m.

Website: venturasgreenhouse.com

What: Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Person’s Plunge

Where: Ninth Street Beach in Ocean City

When: Friday, May 24

Time: arrive by 11:30 a.m.

Website: www.ocnj.us/bizplunge

In a Memorial Day Weekend tradition, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of

Commerce, the City of Ocean City and Ocean City Beach Patrol officially “unlock the ocean” for the season with the turning of a giant wooden key. The first to plunge into the newly opened ocean is a collection of fully clothed (and half-sane) representatives of Ocean City businesses and organizations. Everybody is invited to participate in the fun. Plan on plunging? arrive by 11:30 a.m.

Who: Tim Dillon: american Royalty

Where: Ocean Casino Resort

When: Saturday, May 25

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/comedian-headliners/tim-dillon-american-royalty

Known for his podcast, “The Tim Dillon Show,” and “Tim Dillon's Real Ny Tour,” his unique brand of cultural

commentary and satire has established him as one of the nation’s top comedic voices.

Who: a Brother’s Revival: Tribute to the allman Brothers Band

Where: Tropicana atlantic City

When: Saturday, May 25

Time: 8 p.m.

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

The most authentic allman Brothers Band tribute, a Brother’s Revival is coming to Tropicana Showroom.

Who: Chad and JT Go Deep

Where: anchor Rock Club

When: Saturday, May 25

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Website: anchorrockclub.com

Chad Kroeger (aK a Tom allen) and JT Parr are on a mission to do good. Using their digital platforms, the duo take action to raise awareness and bring change for some of the most important causes in pop culture and beyond.

What: Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes

Where: Ocean City Ninth Street Beach

When: Saturday, May 25

Website: memorialbeachchallenge. com

The obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run. Staging at Ninth Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.

What: Herbert Holler’s Old School Dance Party

Where: anchor Rock Club

When: Saturday, May 25

Time: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Website: bit.ly/WhitneyMDW Come dance and sing along to all your favorite hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, rock, disco, pop and dance hits from the ’70s through today. Slide through, bring your friends, make new ones, wil’ out, and we’ll see you on the dance floor. The event is sponsored by Way V as part of their 50th birthday & summer celebration. Benefits, Lucy the Elephant, a national historic landmark.

What: Jus Nice Sneaker Convention presented by aCX1 Studios

Where: aCX1 Studios - Pier at Caesars When: Saturday, May 25

Website: jusnicesneakerconvention. com

This will be the biggest Jus Nice Sneaker Convention ever. Special ↘Continued on 50

guests Cheeseaholic, Jay the Sneaker Guy, Jumperman Kris, Unbreakable Kicks and many more. Including: collectibles, streetwear, art, hats, trading cards and vintage clothing.

What: Memories in Margate Grand Reopening Weekend

Where: Memories in Margate

When: Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26

Memories in Margate is reopening for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. Get ready for a full weekend of exciting entertainment, events, giveaways, and more to celebrate bringing Memories back to Margate.

What: Brunch is a Drag - Summer Kickoff

Where: Hard Rock Cafe - atlantic City

When: Sunday, May 26

Time: Noon-2 p.m. (Doors open at 11)

Website: www.ticketweb.com/ event/brunch-is-a-drag-hard-rockcafe-tickets/13434053

Get ready for an afternoon filled with laughter, fabulous performances, dancing divas, and mouthwatering food. It’s the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon, with exciting audience games and non-stop entertainment that will leave you dancing in your seats.

What: aCX1 Music Launch Event

Where: aCX1 Studios Pier at Caesars atlantic City

When: Sunday, May 26

Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Website: acx1studios.com

Featuring over 40 performances, this music launch event will have giveaways, surprise guests and more.

What: National Moment of Remembrance

Where: Ocean City Boardwalk

When: Monday, May 27

Time: 3 p.m.

The obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run. Staging at Ninth Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583. and earlier

at 11 a.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Park between 5th and 6th streets on Wesley avenue, a Memorial Day service will take place.

What: Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Where: The Wildwood Convention Center

When: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27

Time: 2 p.m.

Website: www.facebook.com/WildwoodsConventionCenter

On the beach at Rio Grande avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Event begins Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities include opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m. Illuminated Night Kite Fly. Saturday includes the Silent and Loud auctions (open to all); and Saturday and Sunday include the flying of large

inflatable kites, team flying, as well as family games from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. FREE to spectators. Visit SkyFestivals.com

What: Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam

Where: Newport avenue Beach

When: Saturday, May 25

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Website: ventnorcity.org/special-events

The Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam on Newport avenue Beach is back again for another incredible season.

What: ‘Wizard of Oz’ at the Riddlesbrood Outdoor Festival

Where: Historic Smithville, The Village Greene

When: Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26

Time: 5 p.m.

Website: www.riddlesbrood.com/ fantasyadventurefest

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Fantasy adventureFest, where the enchantment of “Riddlesbrood's Wizard of Oz” and a plethora of fantasy-themed festivities await in the picturesque setting of Historic Smithville. This free public event promises a day filled with magic, adventure, and entertainment for all ages. activities include The Mains Wizard of Oz Show, a kids puppet show with the Little Mermaid, a kids play zone by the barn, and more.

Who: Comedian Cocoa Brown

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel

When: Sunday, May 26

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Website: www.tixr.com/fnoeventculture

Who: Fat Joe

Where: Harrah’s The Pool after Dark

When: Sunday, May 26

Time: Doors open at 10 p.m.

Website: thepoolafterdark.com

Ocean City to ‘Unlock the Ocean’ and take a plunge

After a long winter and rainy spring, city and Chamber of Commerce officials will finally turn a ceremonial wooden key to “unlock the ocean” for the season at noon Friday, May 24. The free public event provides an early start to Memorial Day weekend and welcomes a long-awaited summer. It takes place on the beach between the Ocean City Music Pier and Ninth Street.

With the ocean officially open, a fully-clothed entourage will then march into the chilly atlantic Ocean to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Business Persons Plunge. The Ocean City High School band will play “Pomp and Circumstance” and a banner plane will fly by as local business owners and employees take the first swim of the summer.

The Business Persons Plunge has grown in popularity since it first started in 2004, and anybody is invited to participate. It’s a chance to get some exposure for your business or organization, or just to start Memorial Day weekend with a splash. Participants are asked to muster on the beach at 11:30 a.m. for instructions.

The daily boardwalk flag-raising ceremony – a beloved tradition in Ocean City – will begin for the 2024 season at the Ocean City Music Pier starting on Friday, May 24. The event includes the playing of the national anthem and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S. a .” The ritual will take place at 9 a.m. every morning through Sept. 11.

Saturday morning (May 25) brings the Memorial Beach Challenge, a spectacle to behold as athletes complete a two-mile obstacle course that covers much of the beach on both sides of the Music Pier. Proceeds from the event benefit the 31Heroes Project, an organization that specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportu -

nities for service members, veterans and their families. The race begins at 8:05 a.m. near the Ocean City Music Pier. It also includes a Kids Fun Run.

Visit memorialbeachchallenge.com for more information on the races and for registration.

Ocean City’s Memorial Day Service starts at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park (500 block of Wesley avenue). all are encouraged to attend. Ralph Galati, a U.S. air Force veteran, will be the keynote speaker. Galati’s plane was shot down

over Vietnam in 1972, and he spent 14 months as a prisoner of war. He has been a veterans advocate throughout his life.

The National Moment of Remembrance is also set for May 27. Established by Congress, the event asks americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. Greg Murphy of Buglers across

SPRING SPECIALS

Tuesdays 12oz. Prime Rib 22 Wednesdays 12 oz. Sirloin 30 Fridays 10-12 oz. Lobster Tail 38

STUFFED FLOUNDER FLORENTINE 25

Crab, spinach, roasted red pepper and sun dried tomato stu ed ounder served with mashed potato and asparagus

FISH & CHIPS 22

breaded cod served with F rench fries and cole slaw

BRAISED SHORT RIB 22

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

10 OZ AMERICAN WAGYU RIBEYE 28

over grilled asparagus and mashed potato topped with caramelized mushrooms & onions

a merica will sound taps from the Ocean City Music Pier to commemorate the moment. The performance will be broadcast on the Boardwalk public address system.

Jitney service will be available 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Monday (May 24 to 27), and daily service will begin on June 21. More information on rates, routes and schedules is available at ocnj.us/jitney.

PANKO CRUSTED MAHI 18 over grilled asparagus risotto APPS ALA CARTE

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS 8

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

COCONUT SHRIMP POPPERS 9 in a sweet Thai chili sauce

PUB PRETZELS 10

garlic parmesan pretzels with mustard and cheese sauce

Ocean City, NJ held its Unlocking of the Ocean & Business Persons Plunge ceremonies on May 26, 2023. The Ocean City Chamber staff pose for photos. (Photo by Donald Kravitz)

Brigantine Summer Concert Series

Free Outdoor Concerts

Complex 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. Bring your blankets and chairs

atlantic City Tony Mart Presents Mardi Gras

ATLANTICARE

June 14 Bywater Call Hot Emerging Americana/Canadian Roots Rock & Jam with Southern Soul

June 21 The Billy Walton Band with Destinee Monroe Jersey Shore Rock and Soul Guitar Hero

June 28 Dane Anthony Band

Rock, Motown, Funk, Disco, Soul & Blues One of The Best Bands In The Northeast

July 4 John Cafferty & Beaver Brown Band

Celebrate Somers Point Legacy of Eddie & The Cruisers: Hear “Dark Side” “Wild Summer Nights” “Tender Years”

July 5 Mardi Gras In July

Waylon Thibodeaux & Ben Levin With Danny Eyer

World Class Cajun Fiddler & Bourbon Street Entertainer, New Orleans Party Music

July 12 Ladies Night Double Header Dana Fuchs Off Broadway “Across The Universe” To The Beatles Music Movie And Her Songs On The Billboard Charts “The Girls Can’t Help Themselves” Tribute To The Women Of Rock N’ Roll, 60’s To Today

July 19 The Phantom Blues Band with Special Guest Star Curtis Salgado Multi Grammy Awards Winners, Soul Blues And Bma Award Winners Heather ‘Lil’ Mama Hardy On The Funky Fiddle

July 26 Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz

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

Aug 2 Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes

Preeminent Nashville Producer Of The Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zz Top, Susan Tedeschi, Kevin Pakulis

Aug 9 Third World

One Of The Greatest And Most Popular Reggae Bands In The World: “Now That We’ve Found Love” “Try Jah Love” “96 Degrees In The Shade”

Aug 16 Wildflower 70’s Night at Tony Mart’s With Original Members Who Played Somers Point In 1970! Popular Horn Band Sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire And Philly Funk E Street Shuffle Premiere Springsteen Tribute Band

Aug 23 Jimmy Carpenter Band

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

Aug 30 Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

One of The Greatest Blues Rockers In The World, 4 Time “BB King Entertainer Of The Year”

Sept 6 Tony Mart Allstars

Classic Rock, Country Rock, RED

New Wave Dance Party, World Class Original Music

Platinum Sponsor

Beautiful wines for a glorious spring day

Drink up!

By David Setley

Ahhh, spring. Flowers are blooming. Birds and butterflies have returned to decorate the skies. When the weather cooperates, it’s quite

beautiful! Though I don’t typically encourage you to judge a wine by its label, many winemakers have gone to great expense to decorate the fruits of their labor with beautiful labels and bottles. I’m dedicating this article to providing suggestions of beautiful wines: those that are delicious on the palate and pleasing to the eye.

Let’s begin with a wine from Spain called Galerna Garnacha, produced by a female winemaker named Ruth Fernandez. This red wine has the classic aroma profile of the varietal –cherries and violets – and an equally

FRIDAY - MAY 24

Brandon Ireland Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - MAY 25

Twisted Livin Band 4pm-7pm

The Company Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - MAY 26

Turtle Heads Band 4pm-8pm

FRIDAY - MAY 31

DJ Jim McCabe 4pm-8pm

Stay Tuned Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - JUNE 1

The O'Fenders Band 4pm-8pm Flip-N-Mickeys Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - JUNE 2

Twisted Livin Band 4pm-7pm

TUESDAY 7pm-11pm Enjoy

lovely flavor. The tannins are soft and the palate is long-lasting. The 100% Garnacha grapes used are organically grown with no chemical herbicides or pesticides. There are less than 100 parts per million (ppm) sulfites in this wine, as no sulfites are added to those naturally occurring in the grapes. The label itself is absolutely lovely, featuring soft flowers. a s a long-time business professor, I always told students to strive for a win-win scenario. The Galerna Garnacha is a win-win-win wine scenario!

Moving on to Italy, the a llumea wines are absolutely beautiful. These wines have become incredibly popular and feature labels that would make the recipient feel like they’ve just received a bouquet of flowers and wine all in one. allumea is derived from the Italian word for “enlightenment.” These wines are produced with biodiversity and sustainability as the driving force. The allumea Grillo-Chardonnay is a white blend (70% Grillo, 30% Chardonnay) from Sicily. The flavor and aroma are dry, mildly citrus, and tropical, without the buttery oaky notes common in California Chardonnay. The allumea Nero d’avola – Merlot Blend is equally perfect for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied red wine. This wine has the intense flavor and aroma of black cherries, coffee, and chocolate with notes of Italian baking spices. Finally, from the abruzzo region of Central Italy, comes the allumea Rosso Terre di Chieti, a 100% Montepulciano d’abruzzo red wine. If your preference is a lighter-bodied red with flavors of red berries, plums, and pepper, this is a clear winner. The soft, well-structured tannins make it the perfect choice for meat dishes, lasagna, Italian cheeses, or

mushrooms. all three allumea wines are organic, with minimal sulfites and minimal intervention. In addition, all three are vegan-friendly and feature a beautiful label with multi-colored flowers and butterflies.

Speaking of butterflies, the Lobetia wines from Castilla, Spain all feature a beautiful butterfly on the label and equally beautiful wines in the bottle. The Lobetia Tempranillo-Petit Verdot red blend is a classic Spanish red with a rich dark garnet color and earthy notes of soil, tobacco leaf, and smoke. If you are a birdwatcher, try the Zorzal Garnacha from Navarra, Spain. This is a classic Spanish wine featuring a dark ruby color and the

aroma of black raspberries, leather, and rich soil. This wine is easy to find, just look for the colorful cute bird on the label! When your guests ask how you learned of this great wine, tell them a little birdie told you.

The Montinore Estate Vivacé Prosecco and Vivacé Prosecco Extra Brut Rose are both wonderful sparkling wines from the Veneto of Northern Italy with beautiful springy labels. Vivacé is Italian for “in a brisk and spirited manner.” That word beautifully describes this crisp, aro -

matic sparkling wine produced from organic grapes grown in the company’s vineyards within the Prosecco D.O.C. Montinore is among the wine industry’s leaders in biodynamic and organic wine production.

Encantado is a new wine from the alentejo region of southern Portugal. The RavasqueIra Vineyards winemakers – David Baverstock and Vasco Rosa Santos – have created a beautiful wine that leverages the grapes of the region. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Touriga Franca, and alicante Bouschet. Wines made of alicante Bouschet have become my passion. you may recall my top wine of 2023 was Cartuxa from this same region and was created by blending alicante Bouschet with other grapes from the

appellation. Encantado is a deep, dark red color with a surprising smoothness. If you like rich flavorful dry red wines that are just as pleasant to drink in warm weather as in cooler months, this could be your new favorite. The label on the bottle is just as much a treat as the wine itself. The artist has created a fantasy woodland with butterflies, birds, and even a fox peeking out of a notch in the tree. Pour a glass of this beautiful wine and gaze at the label. It's like a visit to the art gallery.

a s you can see, sometimes a beautiful wine has a beautiful bottle/label. I hope these recommendations help with finding a beautiful wine for your spring entertaining. a s always, if you have questions or comments, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the Somers Point 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, New Jersey.

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

Atlantic City Headliners

Jay Leno

▶9 p.m. Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

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 Caesars

Forever Seger

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Thursday, June 20

Kurt Vile and the Violators

▶8 p.m. anchor Rock Club

Friday, June 21

A Day to Remember

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Justin Silva

▶7:30 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

An Evening with John Legend

▶8 p.m. Borgata Event Center

Happy Together Tour

▶9 p.m.

▶8 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Prince Royce & Wisin

▶8 p.m.

adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

▶9 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Eric Roberson & Avery Sunshine

▶8 p.m. Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Saturday, June 22

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess arena

Sheng Wang

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

The B-52s

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

A Night of Love AC w/ Keyshia

Cole, Trey Songz, Jaheim

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Barenaked Ladies

▶8 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Yannis Pappas

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s atlantic City

Kev Herrera

▶7 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Chris Distefano and Sam Morril

▶7 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Friday, July 12

The Disco Biscuits

▶9 p.m.

Bourbon Ballroom at Showboat

Saturday, July 13

Peach at the Beach Festival w/ Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dogs in a Pile & More

Island Waterpark at Showboat

Atlantic City Beer & Music Fest

Summer Session w/ Fortunate Youth & The Menzingers

▶12 - 4 p.m. & 6 - 10 p.m.

Bader Field

On-Sale Now

Crowded House

▶Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Atlantic City Comedy Festival

▶Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra

▶Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Annual Memorial Day Weekend Beach Ball Drop at Resorts Casino Hotel returns with special guest Kelsey Grammer

A weekend filled with thrilling promos, live music, giveaways and much more begins Friday, May 24

Resorts Casino Hotel is set to kick off the summer like no other! Throughout Memorial Day weekend, guests will be able to enjoy can’t-miss

live entertainment from Sidestory; Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; and alter Ego Experience, plus get the chance to putt for slot cash and other prizes. additionally,

SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

guests won’t want to miss out on the annual Opening of the Sea Ceremony and Beach Ball Drop, where Kelsey Grammer is set to make a special appearance!

Friday, May 24

Throughout the day, guests can join Resorts Casino Hotel for the official kickoff celebration to start the summer! From noon – 5 p.m., the iconic atlantic City Boardwalk will be filled with activities and live entertainment including the annual Opening of the Sea Ceremony, photo opportunities with Kelsey Grammer, music from Sidestory, live model

painting, a 95.1 FM Way V radio remote, a DJ on wheels and Putt Putt for Slot Cash, a competition where guests can take their best shot to win slot cash and other prizes. at 5 p.m., Kelsey Grammer will say a few words before the highly anticipated annual Beach Ball Drop! To top off the night, guests can head inside to Bar One to get their glitter on at the grand opening of The Glitter Bar.

Saturday, May 25

at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to

the Starlight Room. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Resorts aC.com. Guests hoping to kick off Memorial Day weekend with the ultimate dance party can look no further than Resorts Casino Hotel. alter Ego Experience is bringing Top 40 hits from the '70s through the 2000s and beyond, complete with live music, dancing and infectious energy, to the Superstar Theater on Saturday, May 25. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the party starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35, $45 and $55 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com. additionally, Star Card members can enjoy 10X Tier Points from 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 through 5:59 a.m. on Sunday, May 26. Guests must opt in at the kiosk prior to playing.

Sunday, May 26

Guests are invited to experience Resorts Casino Hotel’s newest Cleopatra slot machines from noon - 4 p.m. in an exclusive slot tournament. Located at the new slot tournament area near the VIP Club, guests will have a chance to win their share of $3,000. Guests who did not receive an invitation will have the opportunity to be invited. These tournaments are open to Epic Star Card members and above. Epic, Paramount, and Paramount Plus members play once and Red Carpet members plays twice. Premiere members can play but they must earn eight Tier Points on the day of the event, before the event begins.

Monday, May 27

Monday, May 27 marks the official start of hot summer fun! To celebrate the start of a summer filled with sizzling promotions, guests who earn 20 Tier Points throughout the day can head over to the Promotions Booth between 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. to pick up a "Hot Summer Fun" long sleeve T-shirt. additionally, guests can head over to The Glitter Bar from 7 - 10 p.m. for trivia night!

For more information about Resorts Casino Hotel’s Memorial Day weekend festivities, visit ResortsaC. com.

Atlantic City is red hot with new Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Mark Callazzo, the developer of many of the businesses in the Orange Loop at Tennessee avenue in atlantic City, had a vision to create a fun entertainment, non-casino zone. His dream is rapidly becoming a reality as more and more people are discovering what a fun place it is with all of the complimentary, synergistic businesses.

The Tennessee avenue Beer Hall was the start of the fun entertainment activities. It is a great venue which provides an attractive anchor as an outdoor music venue for the surrounding businesses. Other businesses include Bar 32 Chocolate and Cuzzies Pizzeria, which are both

doing very well.

Now we have the latest attraction which is going to draw customers from all over the region… Tennessee avenue Tobacco Company.

Callazzo often partners with people in his many successful businesses. He chose a well-known local person, Coby Frier, to pair up with at the Tennessee avenue Tobacco Company. Coby has owned several businesses in the area and was most recently director for the Matt Blatt Dealerships.

He was a natural for this business with his passion for cigars for the last 40 years. Their history and “seed to product” process have always interested him.

He has consulted with larger companies like Macallan Scotch, Patron Tequila, Rabbit Hole Bourbon, Glenfiddich Scotch on pairing their product with various cigars. He is a master tobacconist who loves to share his passion with newbies and

aficionados.

The new opening of the store was timed perfectly as the casinos put a cigar ban in place on Jan.1. It not only has a tremendous variety of hard-toget cigars, but they also have many mainstream brands as well.

They pride themselves on providing a welcoming, knowledgeable staff who make all their customers feel relaxed. It’s a great social atmosphere not offered anywhere else. Some of the hard-to-get brands they offer include Didier, atabey, Paul Garmirian, Lampert and Vicente Blends.

They traveled the world to capture the right blend of cigar culture and lounges to incorporate the finest aspects into the Tennessee Tobacco Company. Coby and Mark want their clients to be relaxed and enjoy a little cigar vacation from the everyday hustle and grind.

They have eight TVs showing sports with light music in the back-

ground. The furniture is designed for comfortable “lighting up,” and spending a few hours.

you can find Tennessee Tobacco Company at 129 S. Tennessee ave., atlantic City. you call at 609-7062101, www.tennesseeavenuetobaccocompany.

com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.

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

Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Claridge

After 21 years,

it’s still

a high ‘steaks’ game at Borgata’s Old Homestead

By Chuck Darrow

There are many excellent restaurants under atlantic City casino roofs, but only one can trace its history back to 1868. There is also only one that has been in business at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa since the bayside pleasure dome opened in July 2003. Both are Old Homestead Steakhouse, which by any measure, is a signature ayCee eatery.

The dramatic and plush — but not stuffy — bi-level beefeteria that sits just off the casino floor bustles with customers seven days a week throughout the year. and, unlike the typical gaming hall top-tier dining room, it’s not just high-rollers enjoying comped meals who keep the lights on there. a s Marc Sherry — who with his brother, Greg, co-owns the original location in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District as well as the local outpost — noted, a significant portion of their business is derived from repeat visits by cash customers.

So what made the Sherry family, who has owned the Old Homestead brand since the 1940s, decide to roll the dice at Borgata? Sherry didn’t hesitate before responding to the question during a recent chat at the restaurant on a typically jumping Friday evening.

a s he explained it, in the early days of the new millennium, “a single gentleman came three nights in a row to the Old Homestead in New york City. On the third night…I went over and introduced myself. His name was Bob Boughner and he said to me, ‘I'm building a hotel in atlantic City and I would love to put this restaurant there.’

“I said, ‘Listen, Bob, I'm really good. I'm not in the expansion mode. We're okay. Thank you. I appreciate

“He said, ‘Just come down and see the project.’" Sherry did, and was impressed with what Boughner, Borgata’s visionary founding president and CEO, showed him — and by Boughner himself. “It was because of my belief in Bob Boughner that I signed on to the Borgata in 2001, which was two years before it opened,” he said.

“It was a combination of Bob's approach, Bob's personality, Bob's intellect, the way that he operated. He didn't just say ‘Order the beds.’ He laid on the bed to make sure that it was right. He had complete dedication to this project, and that's the kind of people that you want to work for and with.”

Sherry added it didn’t take long for his faith in Boughner and the casino exec’s vision for the property to be validated: “We opened [on July 4, 2003], and we haven’t had an empty seat since,” he declared.

although Old Homestead’s history — and menu that emphasizes top-shelf meats and seafood like lobster and crab (“The crab meat cocktail is the biggest lumps that I've ever seen!” bragged Sherry) — pretty much makes it the template for the american steakhouse, it isn’t mired in tradition. For instance, the room’s wood trim and fixtures are not the kind of heavy, dark decorations favored by so many high-end casino steak houses throughout North america. and the atmosphere, while luxurious, is not oppressively so, as is often the case.

Nonetheless, Brian Palin, the salon’s general manager believes there’s more to Old Homestead’s recipe for success than interior design and large portions. Consistency, he suggested, is key.

“Everything's consistent from the service standpoint. Everything's consistent from the kitchen standpoint.

“When you go somewhere and you start to like a dish and you come back and it doesn't taste the same, you're like, ‘What happened?’ So we

thrive on consistency: consistency of food and service.

“Customers come to expect that you acknowledge them, that you know who they are, and you know what they like, because these [are often] repeat customers.

“The prices at every restaurant have gone up. Food prices have gone up, so the prices on the menus have gone up. But our customers walk out of here and say, ‘I feel like I got a bang for my buck here. The service was great, the food was great. I'm full.’”

Or, as Sherry, put it, “If steak is your religion, then this is the cathedral.”

Figuring out Penn & Teller

Ever since I first saw them (as part of a comedy-magic-and-music trio called the a sparagus Valley Cultural Society) in the summer of 1979 at a small “black box” venue on the fifth floor of Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theater, the team of Penn (Jillette) & Teller have never relinquished their status as my favorite live-entertainment act of all time.

I have spent the ensuing decades spreading the Penn & Teller gospel with the determination and blind

enthusiasm of the most zealous true believer. When pressed for why I hold the duo in such high esteem, my stock response has always been to praise the intelligence, cleverness and belly-laugh hilarity of their one-of-akind act.

But last Thursday, while watching them perform at the Sound Waves theater inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino atlantic City, I finally realized what has made them so special to me the past four-and-a-half decades: It is simply the pure, unadulterated joy that radiates within me when I watch them perform.

at Hard Rock, as has always been the case, from the moment the lights dimmed to the moment they took their final bows, I sat there amazed, enchanted and with an enormous smile that never left my face.

Never in my almost 50 years of being an entertainment writer-critic has any act in any genre provided me such pleasure. More importantly, Penn & Teller have never disappointed me. I go into every performance expecting to have a wonderful time, and that’s what happens.

So, to Penn (the one who talks) and Teller (the one who doesn’t), I offer my heartfelt gratitude for all they’ve given me through the decades. and to everybody else, I offer my heartfelt wish that you get the chance to see them perform at least once if you haven’t already done so.

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

The Weird and Wonderful Penn and Teller

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, May 23

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Lost in the Bermuda Triangle

7 p.m.

247 S. New york ave.

Bar One at Resorts

Karaoke w/ Cowboy Kevin

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Council Oak Lounge

David Farrell Melton

5:30 - 9 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Evan Edge. 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

The Loop

7 - 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Tom & Kim

6 - 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

atley Moon & The Say Somethings

6 - 10 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey

9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Gregory’s

Brandon Ireland. 6 - 8 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Mexiquila

Shawn Q. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Queen Jayne’s

Jeff & Barney. 6 - 9 p.m.

264 New Rd.

The Point

Billy Walton Band. 6 - 10 p.m.

998 Bay ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Juicy Trio. 7 - 11 p.m.

2780 7th ave.

Ventnor

Ventnor Coffee

Open Mic Night w/ Pete Glaze &

T Five

6:30 - 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset ave.

Friday, May 24

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Brian Samson

7 - 11 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Kristina Pruitt. 6 p.m.

Jeremy Oren. 9:15 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Emo Night w/ David Earl & Karle

Gwen. 9 p.m.

247 S. New york ave.

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Luke Carlos O’Reilly. 6 - 9 p.m.

Live DJ. 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Who Brought the Dog Duo. 7 p.m.

Sean Patrick & The alibis. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Lauralea Duo. 6 - 10 p.m.

Big House. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Glitter Bar at Resorts

DJ Pat. 12 - 4 p.m.

DJ Ben. 4 - 9 p.m.

DJ Gary. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Billy Walton Band

5 - 8:30 p.m.

White Wedding

9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Freezie. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Steal the Sky. 10 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Lenahan Band. 9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Lost in Paris. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

FM Band. 6 - 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Tony & Taylor. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

500 St. andrews Dr. Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Escape Plan. 6 - 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate Bocca

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Sara & Tom. 7 - 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Brandon Ireland Band

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Josie Kelly’s Born to Run Down the Dream 8 - 11 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Brian McConnell. 3 - 6 p.m.

52 Pick Me Up. 6 - 10 p.m. 998 Bay ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Cat 5. 7 - 11 p.m. 2780 7th ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Matt O’Rae Band. 7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, May 25

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Chelsea Rae & The Rescue. 8 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

DJ Herbert Holler’s Old School aC

10 p.m.

247 S. New york ave.

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Dan Jose Trio. 6 - 9 p.m.

Live DJ. 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Isn’t it always Duo. 7 p.m.

Liquid a . 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget NC3. 5 - 9 p.m.

Love Jones. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Loose Cannon. 8 - 11 p.m. 133 S. Tennessee ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The Knockouts

2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cheers the Band

7:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Mitchell Faber. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

600 Huron ave.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Surrounded by Idiots. 6 - 10 p.m.

J. Garz

8:30 - 11:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd. Northfield

Taproom at Atlantic City Country Club

Doug Jennings

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

1 Leo Fraser Dr.

The Glitter Bar at Resorts

Gerri Mingori

6 - 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock yani

5 - 8:30 p.m. aftershock

9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

↘Continued on 66

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Joey Dino. 5 - 9 p.m.

DJ adub. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Gypsy Wisdom. 10 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Cat 5. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Kono Nation. 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

The Whitewalls. 1 - 5 p.m.

The Way Outs. 6 - 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

yacht Rock Gold Experience

12 - 4 p.m.

Cheezy and the Crackers

6 - 10 p.m.

72 N. Bremen ave.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Blue Street Band. 6 - 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate

Bocca

CJ Sooy. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Chris yoder Band. 6 - 10 p.m.

Scott Horner. 8:30 - 11:30 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

Chad Miller. 7 - 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Twisted Livin’ Band

4 - 7 p.m.

The Company Band

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

Gregory’s

Live DJ. 9 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Mid Life Crisis

9 p.m. - 12 a.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Brian Kmetz

1 - 5 p.m.

80’s Revolution

6 - 10 p.m.

998 Bay ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Danny Eyer

12 - 4 p.m.

Blitz

6 - 10 p.m.

2780 7th ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Bell Bottom Blues

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, May 26

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Thomas John young. 6 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Phish and Ween Tribute Bands:

Rift & Learn 2 Ween. 8 p.m.

247 S. New york ave.

Council Oak Lounge

Joe Vlado. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dan Jost Solo. 6 - 9 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Indelible Groove Band. 7 p.m.

3 aM Tokyo. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Bar None Band.

5 - 9 p.m.

Dane anthony

10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The Exceptions

2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Don’t Call Me Francis

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Glitter Bar at Resorts

DJ Eric

2 - 6 p.m.

Jexxa

6 - 9 p.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s

DJ Patrice McBride

5 - 9 p.m.

DJ Rashaun

9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Kicking Sunrise

10 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Slay Town City. 6 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Wild Wild West

Pulse

10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

1 - 5 p.m.

1400 Ocean ave.

Margate

Bocca

Steph Owens

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Going Rogue

6 - 10 p.m.

Sean Loosh

8:30 - 11:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Turtle Heads Band

4 - 8 p.m.

450 Bay ave.

Josie Kelly’s

Traditional Irish Session

1 - 4 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

The Verdict

6 - 10 p.m.

998 Bay ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Jake

12 - 4 p.m.

Hotlanta

6 - 10 p.m.

2780 7th ave.

Monday, May 27

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Tommy & The Hot Flashes

7 - 11 p.m.

600 Huron ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Red

2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

600 Huron ave.

Somers Point

The Point

Jerry Watkins

6 - 10 p.m.

998 Bay ave.

Tuesday, May 28

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K. 5 - 9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Dan Ward. 6 - 10 p.m. 998 Bay ave.

Wednesday, May 29

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

600 Huron ave.

Margate Bocca

Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys

7 - 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

450 Bay ave.

The Point

JD Valenteen

6 - 10 p.m.

998 Bay ave.

Events subject to change.

Snoop Dogg coming to Hard Rock Casino June 1

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

While longtime shock

jock Howard Stern once proclaimed himself to be the “King of all Media,” that title really belongs to one Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., aka Snoop Dogg, who makes an appearance at the Mark Etess arena in Hard Rock Casino June 1 at 8 p.m.

Best known as a prolific rapper from Long Beach, Calif., who got his start in 1992 as a protégé of another well-known rapper/music producer, Dr. Dre, Snoop has grown his career multi-dimensionally through the years like few others.

Snoop emerged from the West Coast rap explosion in mid-’80s/early ’90s, which included NWa , Nate Dogg, Cypress Hill, Tupac Shakur, Freestyle Fellowship and the aforementioned Dre.

He has made movies including “The Underdoggs,” “Mac & Devin Go To High School,” “BBy H Boys,” to name a few; costarred in a TV cooking show, “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” with Martha Stewart, and founded the Snoop youth Football League in 2005, which helped produce future NFL stars JuJu Smith and John Ross, among others. The rapper even attempted to buy a professional hockey team, the Ottawa Senators, but was unsuccessful in that venture.

“From underdog to wonderdog…I started out as an underdog, you know. It’s the best dog to ever be, ‘cause you’re the one that they don’t pay attention to,” Dogg told “Good Morning america’s” Michael Strathan when discussing his latest film, “The Underdoggs.” Universal Studios is partnering with Snoop’s newly formed Death Row Pictures for a biopic on the iconic rapper (Snoop owns Death Row Records, formerly helmed by convicted rap mogul Marion “Suge” Knight).

Those attending Snoop’s Hard Rock show can expect to hear the hits including “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” “What’s My Name” and more. Don’t be surprised if he brings a few special guests on stage that night, as he often does at his concerts. Tickets start at $99. Info: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/snoop-dogg

Bill ‘Maher-velous’ at Borgata: Caught a performance by television personality/comedian Bill Maher at Borgata’s Event Center last weekend, and he didn’t disappoint. The 68-year-old has a keen mind for virtually any topic he discusses. On this night a capacity, appreciative audience heard Maher let loose on topics ranging from Donald Trump and today’s political climate to dating and sex (he’s a notorious ladies man).

we will be carrying on the legacy of The allman Brothers Band,” aBR bassist/vocalist David “Rook” Goldflies told us by phone last week.

“Blues guitarist-vocalist Junior Mack will be joining us as we extend the creativity inherent in the allmans’ iconic music. Like myself, Junior performed with The allman Brothers and knows how to bring the magic for an authentic performance.” Goldflies was bassist with The allman Brothers Band from 1978 to 1982, playing on three of their albums. Tickets/info: www. caesars.com.

The “Real Time With Bill Maher” host also promoted his new book, “What This Comedian Said Will Shock you.” an apropos title. Borgata continues to be perhaps aC’s top casino property for bringing in a -List comedians (including Israeli-comedian Modi (Rosenfeld) aug. 3, while still presenting headlining rock acts (just announced: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Sept. 13) and guitar great Robin Trower (Oct. 19). Tickets/info: www.borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment

A Brothers Revival Channels

ABR: There are numerous spin-off/ legacy bands faithfully re-creating the music of The allman Brothers. a Brother’s Revival (aBR) is one of the best.

“at our upcoming show at the Tropicana Showroom on May 25,

Holler If You Want The Funk: anchor Rock Club on New york avenue features a special Dance Party May 25 hosted by renowned New york City DJ Herbert Holler, “Kippah of the Funk,” who’s been “packin’ dance floors, makin’ smiles and movin’ butts for 25-plus years,” says his Instagram account. The affable Holler also has a local angle: He’s originally from Margate. He’ll be spinning from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets/info: www. anchorrockclub.com.

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

See the multitalented Snoop Dogg at the Mark Etess Arena in Hard Rock Casino June 1 at 8 p.m.

Former Allman Brothers’ bassist David “Rook” Goldflies performs with A Brother’s Revival (ABR) at the Tropicana Showroom on May 25.

Embracing the shady garden

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

Have you ever visited a sunny garden bursting with big beautiful flowers and come down with a case of garden envy? you can almost sense those flower heads gloating at you, knowing that when you return home, a plain, shady garden awaits you. Take heart, sun-challenged gardens don’t need to be boring. Shade-loving plants can provide color, interest, and texture. If flowers are your goal, simply choose the proper plants that will thrive in your shady environment. It is true that plants that call for “full sun” require at least six hours of sunlight per day. If your garden is on the shadier side, it can present some challenges. Even plants calling for partial shade need four to six hours of sun. How closely have you monitored your garden from beginning to end? you may be judging your garden by

looking outside at lunchtime and begin to think that you’ve been passed over. However, a few hours of early morning sun or a few hours in the late afternoon may provide the ideal conditions for plants that would otherwise succumb to a full day of harsh direct sun. you may find that some of your favorite plants and flowers need a respite from full sun during the peak hours of the day.

Let’s start with foliage. you can become quite creative with the use of different types of foliage in the garden. Hostas, for instance, come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and sizes. Their leaves can be silver, blue, green, yellow, and white. add in variegated mixes of these colors and your options are almost limitless. Though hostas are most appreciated for their foliage, they will send up tall stems topped with purple, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers that will attract hummingbirds. you could create an entire garden from hostas alone by combining all of the different types. In my own garden, variegated hostas line the curving path from the front yard to the back. This shady transitional garden gives off a peaceful vibe before you are thrust into the

sunny garden in the back. On a hot day, you’ll appreciate the return to this cooler garden, and the greenery, enhanced with a variety of ferns, provides a soothing feeling.

Coral bells, or heuchera, are the sweethearts of foliage. Their ruffled, heart-shaped leaves can be found in every color from purple and red to chartreuse and peach. Sprays of tiny bell-shaped flowers also come in many different colors that complement the leaves. Though heuchera are deer-resistant, the little flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

When considering foliage plants for the shady garden, you can’t miss coleus. Though these are annual flowers, they can be easily propagated from cuttings and grown indoors over the winter. Coleus will send up small flowers, but they are insignificant compared to the knock-out foliage with vibrant colors in pink, purple, chartreuse, red, orange, green, or yellow.

another interesting plant for your shade garden is Solomon’s Seal. The elegantly arching stems and leaves will produce tiny white bell-like flowers that resemble lilies of the valley. you can find these swooping plants with both variegated and non-variegated leaves.

Bleeding hearts have a similar growth habit of arching stems. However, as the name suggests, these plants produce heart-shaped flowers in red, pink, and white, fitting for the romantic gardener. you’ll be smitten with these unique flowers. Plant bleeding heart for early spring interest since as the weather heats up, they will fade away and go dormant. But love will return again the following spring if you take care of this perennial beauty.

My favorite shade-loving flowers have to be hellebores. These elegant belles of the ball bloom just when you have almost lost hope in the winter and everything seems bleak. Just in time, hellebores emerge from their dormancy revealing stunning flowers that nod their heads with a

bit of shyness. Each flower can last for weeks making it perfect for cut flowers. The plant itself can bloom for months.

For a touch of the exotic, grow fuschia flowers in your shade garden. a hanging basket of these dramatic flowers will steal the shade garden show. Hummingbirds and other pollinators will love these flowers as much as you will. Living by the shore, of course we must include our favorite coastal flower — the hydrangea. Inspiring festivals, garden tours, and hydrangea queens, their white, blue, and pink flowers grace cottage gardens all along the East Coast. Hydrangeas thrive in partially shaded gardens but can wilt in the heat. It shows when they get thirsty, so be sure to keep them well-watered. The shady garden will give them the relief they need from the summer sun. you can take cuttings from your favorite hydrangeas to grow new plants for yourself or a friend. Even after the pom-pom flowers fade, they retain their shape and look lovely in dried arrangements.

With a little research, you will realize that a shady garden can be an asset. Flowers that would be overwhelmed by the heat of summer in the sunny garden will thrive in the shade. Creative use of foliage can provide unique interest and exotic flowers will make you want to linger. Pretty soon you want to embrace the peace of a shade garden and realize there’s no place that you’d rather be.

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

Exotic fuchsia flowers look they are dressed for the gala, but bask in the shady garden.

When it comes to foliage, choose colorful coleus for vibrant color in the shady garden.

Atlantic County’s first sensory gym opens

By Julia Train

Atlantic County’s first sensory gym for pediatric occupational therapy services just opened on May 9.

Pediatric Therapy of South Jersey, located on Chris Guapp Drive in Galloway, provides a fun and safe environment for children to learn how to regulate their nervous system and body.

The gym has a rock wall, a zipline, a foam square pit, monkey bars, swings and more to help strengthen the child’s core, shoulders, wrists and hands.

“I just noticed that there's really nothing in the area and there's so many kids who are struggling and aren't being helped,” said Serena Lopez, 23, owner of Pediatric Therapy of South Jersey.

The sensory gym has four therapists who specialize in primitive reflex and sensory integration and shares a building with Wayfinders Therapy Center, owned by speech therapist Nellie Flynn.

Services are offered in schools, daycare and at home, but they do prefer patients to visit the sensory gym.

“That way we can see what

they like, what they don't like, and they're in an environment where they feel safe and where they know that they could jump and crash and do all these things that make their body feel good,” said Lopez.

Primitive reflex and sensory integration are cornerstones of their approach so that they can address the root causes of difficulties that are often overlooked.

according to the National Institutes of Health, primitive reflexes are involuntary motor responses originating in the brainstem present after birth in early child development that facilitate survival. They’re supposed to go away within the first year of life.

If they don't integrate, it can inhibit the child's overall development.

Lopez said the kids who are jumping and crashing into the floor or can't stop moving because they're always fidgeting are the ones who most likely don't know how to regulate their body.

“They're craving something called proprioceptive and vestibular input to regulate their body and they just don't know how to do it,” said Lopez. “We teach a child that it's kind of like

a puzzle. So we try to learn [about] the child a little bit, we see what they like, see what they don't like.”

Proprioception is one’s awareness of their body and the space around them, according to the National Institutes of Health.

a ccording to the Neurological and Physical a bilitation Center, the vestibular sense is located in the inner ear and lets the brain know what position a person’s head is in. The sense works with other sensory systems to tell one where their body is in relation to space. The vestibular system contributes to one’s ability to balance, maintain an upright posture, and stabilize the head and body when moving.

When a child needs either input, they need to learn how to read the cues from their internal sensory system that tells humans when they’re hungry, need to use the bathroom, feeling certain emotions and more.

Lopez helps children work on all of those skills to help regulate their body and feel safe and comfortable in their own bodies.

The therapists at Pediatric Therapy of South Jersey focus on sensory and primitive reflex integration in their approach.

If they do not integrate it can inhibit emotional regulation, coordination for sports, social skills, problem-solving, reading/writing, focus and anxiety.

Pediatric Therapy of South Jersey’s services include working on a

child’s motor skills, sensory processing (body awareness, fidgeting, seeking or avoiding movement, tactile defensiveness, light/sound sensitivity, crashing, jumping), visual processing (tracking, scanning, eye-hand coordination, letter/color recognition, puzzles, word and letter searches), social skills (empathy, interest and connecting with others, initiating play, problem-solving) and self-care.

Lopez’s gym works on all those skills through fun, engaging activities tailored to each child's interests and abilities.

To learn more visit their website: www.pediatrictherapysj.com/

Serena Lopez, owner of Pediatric Therapy of South Jersey and CEO

Kitchen, Bathroom

Renovations

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

TRUSTED SINCE 1949

The history of the epitaph

By Andrew Hoffman

Hello all, it has been some time since I have written an article and looking back, I have focused a little more on the serious side of the funeral industry. I know what you are thinking, of course it is serious because you are talking about death! I agree that the subject of death is something not to be taken lightly.

That being said, I often say that one should not fear death but try to understand how it works in our society and also build a healthy relationship with it. Meaning, we should talk about death and our mortality openly and not treat it as a dirty secret or something that is taboo. Sometimes dealing with the subject of death with humor and wit can be a defense mechanism.

To that end, I am going to be having a little “fun” with death in regard

to tombstones, more accurately what is written on them. The writings on tombstones (with the exception of the names and dates of the deceased) are known as epitaphs. an epitaph is defined as a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.

The use of epitaphs goes back to the time of Genesis 25:1-11, which was abraham’s epitaph. The first physically surviving epitaphs are those written by the Egyptians, written on the sarcophagi and coffins of royalty. Picking up from the Egyptians, the next great society to use epitaphs were the Greeks, an example of which were epitaphs that were ascribed to Simonides of Ceos (556-468 BC) on the heroes of Thermopylae, the most famous of which has been translated to “Go tell the Spartans, thou that passest by; That here, obedient to their laws, we lie”. The Romans, in contrast to the Greeks, for the most part contained nothing beyond a record of facts; however, a good number of Roman epitaphs included a statement of disapproval for anyone who would violate the tomb or grave. a similar denunciation can be found on William Shakespeare’s tomb

which reads “Good friend, for Jesus’s sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here; Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones.”

The oldest existing epitaphs in Britain are those of Roman soldiers who were occupiers of the country and are written in Latin. Latin was

the preferred language for epitaphs for centuries, and the use of English began about the middle of the 14th century. Most of the epitaphs that survive today before the Protestant Reformation were inscribed in brass. In Elizabethan times, epitaphs were being placed on stone monuments and were in English. By the end of the 16th century, the writing of verse epitaphs had become a trade for writers and poets. Many of the best-known epitaphs are primarily literary memorials and were not necessarily intended to be placed on a tomb. Some of the best memorable epitaphs were written by poets William Browne, Ben Jonson, Robert Herrick, and authors John Milton and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Stay tuned to my next article as we go deeper into art of the epitaph and highlight some humorous ones.

Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.

Beach Bum Cooking Club

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

As much as we all get nostalgic for a pot of soup simmering for hours on the stove, summer’s coming, the good weather’s already here and who wants to be inside stirring the pot?

If you have a pressure cooker then you most likely have made soup in it. If you don’t have one, you might consider purchasing one to save time, not compromise on quality, and even enhance the results.

a pressure cooker works by turning liquid into steam and cooking the food in a sealed pot. It doesn’t cook by boiling; instead, it cooks with superheated (almost 250ºF) steam. Because the food cooks faster than the traditional stovetop method, and very little moisture gets out, the

flavors tend to be richer and more developed.

a multi-functional pressure cooker can serve many functions. It can sear, sauté, and steam less hardy foods like eggs, fish and vegetables. It’s also a rice cooker, yogurt maker, and can produce porridge,

Crock Pot Precursor

Before the advent of the pressure cooker, there was the crockpot: slow cookers which emerged in the 1950s as women began working in greater numbers outside the home. With domestic chores not exactly shared yet, women were able to get dinner cooking in the morning before heading out to work, and finish preparing the meal in the evening when they came home.

This still required some planning and chopping either the night before as women (or the occasional male at the time) were headed out the door, often with kids in tow.

The pressure cooker is a much better solution because you can come home with your groceries in hand and still put the dinner on the table within 30 to 40 minutes. There are lots of

recipes out there. Just Google any vague idea, like “ pressure cooker chicken” or “ pressure cooker enchiladas” and you’ll most likely find more than a few recipes to choose from.

What to Buy

a well-known brand of multi-functional pressure cooker (which I use) is called Instant Pot, which comes in 3, 6, 8, and 10-quart sizes. Three-quart Instant Pots work best for singles or couples. The 5-quart serves three to five people, and the 8-quart will easily cook for six or more. a 6-quart appli -

ADULTS

ance starts at about $89. Megachef, Farberware and Comfee make quality pressure cookers as well.

One important thing to consider before you choose a size is the storage space you have. a s much as you may want to cook and freeze, make sure you have a place to store your pot and that retrieving it won’t be more trouble than it’s worth. Of course the pot comes with an instruction booklet, but the company has a robust customer service staff who can troubleshoot with you on the phone and through a 24/7 live chat.

The pot takes about 15 minutes after the lid is sealed to build up the pressure. after the dish cooks for the allotted time, you’re called upon to release the valve and let the steam go, and the appliance is not shy about showing off this function that makes a whistling tea kettle look tame.

Make sure kids are out of the way, although they will get a huge kick out of watching the steam spurt out rapidly for two to three minutes. Until this function is finished, you won’t be able to open the lid. This sounds like ↘Continued on 78

Atlan�c County Execu�ve Dennis Levinson

County Board of Commissioners Maureen Kern, Chairwoman

Tire and Ser vice Experts

a lot, but once you get the hang of it, and you’re cutting down that cooking time, you’ll love it.

For instance, the vegetable soup recipe below takes 10-15 minutes to pressure cook once you’ve prepped. you can use that saved time to whip up another dish, dish the dirt on a neighbor or hit the beach.

/30/24

This column is just the first of a series that will run all summer as part of the Beach Bum Cooking Club. If you’re reading this column, you’re already a member. and feel free to send me your speedy recipes that I can include here: redshoeslzs@gmail. com – you know those ones that are so fast and good, they keep everyone happy, especially the cook.

● 2 15 oz. cans cannellini beans

● 2 28 oz. cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes

● 2 small zucchini, diced

Vegetable Soup, Serves 12

Prep time: 35 minutes

Pressure Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

● 2 tsp. olive oil

● 4 medium carrots/peeled, halved lengthwise & sliced

● 4 stalks celery, sliced

● 2 medium onions, diced

● 8 cloves garlic, diced

● 2 red bell peppers chopped

● 2 lbs. yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and chunked

● 2 small bunches kale, stems removed and coarsely chopped

● 10 cups chicken or vegetable broth, homemade preferred but boxed/canned works, too

● 2 tomato paste

● 1 bay leaf

● Kosher salt

● Fresh ground black pepper

● 4 tsp. Italian seasoning

Optional additions to top soup:

● 2 tsp. lemon zest or to taste

● Fresh chopped parsley for serving

● Grated parmesan and a hunk of crusty bread

Method:

Step 1: Plug in and turn on multi-functional pressure cooker and push sauté function.

Step 2: add olive oil, celery, onion, carrots, red pepper and salt. Cook for 4 minutes and add in garlic and red chili pepper, tomato paste and sauté for another 2 minutes. add potatoes, zucchini, kale, bay leaves. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and stir. Close and lock lid.

Step 3: Choose high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions and set timer for 12 minutes. allow for 15 minutes for the pressure to build.

Step 4: Once pressure cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure using the pressure release method your pot calls for and step out of the way. Unlock and remove the lid. Serve soup as is or add in a crusty bread toast and some parmesan cheese or lemon zest and parsley or any combination that suits your taste. Store extra in smaller containers to “pull out of the freezer” another night when time is even more of the essence. Enjoy.

Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. If you have a fast/easy/delicious recipe for the Beach Bum Cooking Club (of which you’re already a member), send it to Lisa here: redshoeslzs@gmail.com

How to teach dogs to come when called

By Heidi Clayton

Teaching your dog to come to you when called is, in my opinion, the most important command any dog needs to know. While we would like to believe that our dogs hang on our every word and will come to us merely because we ask them to, by and large, I find that is almost never the case. We are not as interesting as the rest of the world to our dogs. For example, in the kitchen, we have to compete with smells, sounds, and other stimuli that render us almost invisible to our dogs.

First of all, a young puppy is not going to come to you all of the time as they do not speak our language and actually don’t know what the word “come” means. a s with every command we teach a puppy, they need to learn the meaning of the word first. To teach a reliable recall, your puppy

must first 100 percent know their name. That means if you say their name when their back is turned, they actually turn and look at you. Most people I know use the praise of “good boy” or “good girl”. Instead, I say their names, not just “good girl”, so that my puppies hear their name in the form of praise. To teach your puppy or dog their name, you can sit for about three minutes with them and simply say their name in a happy tone. Then, give them a piece of their food or a treat. Test it by saying their name when they are distracted with their back turned to you. a nother of my pet peeves is people saying the word “come” 100 times when the dog clearly has no intention of doing so. When you say come repeatedly, you are making that word lose its absolute meaning of “get over here the second I ask” and turning it into “get over here when you are ready”. I don’t say the word “come” until I am certain my dogs or puppies know what it means. How I teach them that I am as interesting as whatever it is they are doing and it

pays to come to me is turning it into a game. When my puppies are involved in something, I approach them with a handful of outrageous treats and make a clown of myself. I give them a few treats, then turn and run away. If they follow me, I turn and praise them while saying the word “come”. When they get to me, I give them a jackpot of treats. If they don’t follow, I try again and slow down my retreat. another way to remind your dog that you are the giver of all things is to call them to you for their meals. Everyone who comes to me makes a

huge fuss over their dogs sitting for their food. I honestly don’t ask my dogs to sit for their meals, but I do ask them to come to me. Running from outside or anywhere into the house and getting their food for coming when called is one of the easiest ways to reward your dogs for their compliance. Making a game of coming when called and rewarding the dog or puppy for getting to you will make a huge difference in the struggle to compete with the world for their attention.

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

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

Fur Real Solutions: Taming the hairball hassle

By Erica Hoffman

As a cat owner, it's crucial to grasp the reasons behind hairballs, especially during the transition of seasons when cats tend to shed their winter coats. This shedding leads to increased grooming and, consequently, more hairballs.

Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are unsavory, unwanted clumps of fur that cats ingest during self-grooming and discard in the middle of your new carpet or other unfortunate places.

alas, fear not, cat lovers; hairballs are a normal part of a cat's life and digestive system. However, they can quickly become a gross nuisance in your home and a health risk to your furry friend if you don't play your part in their grooming and overall well-being. your role is crucial in keeping hairballs at bay.

Regular grooming is not just a simple task, but one of the most effective ways to combat hairball season. By brushing your cat frequently, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose fur that your cat ingests, thereby minimizing hairballs. This simple act can give you the confidence that you're doing your best to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.

another less simple way to remove excess fur is to bathe your cat. However, most cat owners know bathing a cat can be problematic. It might leave you with a few scratches, so take the proper precautions by wearing the right gear, such as gloves, long sleeves, and pants. always remember to use a cat-specific shampoo and ensure your cat is comfortable with the process to avoid undue stress for both of you. That part is easier said than done.

Making dietary adjustments also prevents hairballs from ruining your rug or wood floors. Changes in food and a high-fiber diet can help move hair through the digestive system more efficiently. Myriad-specific hairball control cat foods formulated with increased fiber are available at

your local pet stores or veterinarian's office.

additionally, many supplements contain natural ingredients that help prevent hairballs. These can include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which improve coat health and reduce shedding. However, it's important to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new products to your cat's diet. This step ensures that you're making informed decisions about your cat's health and safety.

Just like humans, cats need to hydrate. adequate water intake can help maintain digestive health and facilitate hair movement through the gastrointestinal tract. always ensure your cat has plenty of water, especially in the upcoming hot months.

a nother thing to consider is environmental changes you can im -

plement yourself. These include, but are not limited to, regularly cleaning your home to reduce the amount of loose fur in the carpet and in the air, running a humidifier, frequent vacuuming, and regularly cleaning your cat's bedding. These steps have been shown to minimize fur likely sticking to your cat's coat, ultimately adding extra fur your cat could ingest.

Managing cat hairballs requires a multifaceted approach, particularly during the warmer months when shedding increases. Regular grooming, dietary adjustments, maintaining a clean environment, ensuring proper health care, and addressing behavioral issues can all contribute to minimizing hairballs. Taking these proactive steps can help you and your cat navigate seasonal changes comfortably and keep hairballs to a minimum.

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

Investing is like baseball

By Eric Reich

This week, Kyle McClure, an advisor in my office, wanted to share an interesting analogy on baseball and investing. Go Phillies!

Iam an avid baseball fan with a great appreciation for “small ball”. In baseball, “small ball” is the strategy of getting runners on base and advancing them using methods that include: bunting, the hit and run, and steals. In 2022, the game of baseball has changed dramatically and rarely includes the small ball strategy anymore. The game has transitioned to power baseball. all anyone wants to do anymore is hit home runs. Unfortunately, that means there are plenty of strikeouts to go around. I think it’s hurting the game (viewership will agree) and can ultimately hurt your portfolio. What is the connection? Let me show you.

The New york Stock Exchange has been around since 1792. That’s over 230 years of history we can use for reference. a s advisors, we often look in the rearview mirror at certain periods of time to gauge how we expect the market to react at certain events. For example, right now we are looking at the history of conflicts and prior rising interest rate environments to try and help our clients navigate through such events. It’s important to note that the market has performed well shortly after most conflicts.

If we have enough data and time, history may show how we expect to perform while investing. The S&P 500 (the index) has averaged a 10.5% return per year since 1957. That is a long track record. Well, what is an index? an index is simply an indicator, sign or measure of something. When you buy an index fund, you are essentially buying the entire market. you hold positions (albeit small in some cases) in every holding of that index. In the case of the S&P, that number is 500 to be exact. Therefore, you can expect a return similar to 10.5% over a given period of time if you purchase

funds isn’t always fun or exciting, but history tells us this strategy can work. Soon enough I think baseball will return to its glory days if we stop trying to swing for the fences and focus on doing the little things, like singles, steals and bunts.

an S&P 500 index fund. By owning an index fund, you spread out the risk in your portfolio. If one company in the index performs poorly, you would expect the other 499 to help prop the portfolio up. In baseball, I refer to this as “small ball”.

Buying individual stocks comes with a greater risk/reward proposition. When you own a large share of one company your portfolio is strictly tied to their performance. There are so many factors that could disrupt a stock price. This dramatically increases your risk because all your eggs are in one basket. In baseball, I refer to this as the home run.

Owning individual stocks is like trying to hit the big home run. Every once in a while, you will buy a stock and it will do great. It doesn’t come around often, but when you hit that “home run”, it’s a big boost to your portfolio. However, you can be just as likely to strike out instead of hitting that home run if you picked an underperforming stock. When you buy an index fund, you are playing small ball. your offensive strategy is diversified by hitting singles, taking the base on balls, or stealing a base. Buying index

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINR a/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra advisory Services, LLC (Kestra a S), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich a sset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra aS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/ KF-Disclosures.

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

9 great summer home improvement projects

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

With Memorial Day weekend here, and summer on its way, it’s time to enjoy fun in the sun. But the season isn’t all about barbeques and vacations – this is a great time to tackle some home improvement projects.

Whether it’s an upgrade to your house or yard, the warmest months of the year provide plenty of opportunity to improve the look, and better yet, the value of your home.

Make your home readyto-sell with these simple, effective home projects. Potential buyers love to see these upgrades and they can help move along the process if your buyer requests an inspection.

Here are nine of the best home improvements you should plan to tackle over the summer months.

Install New Siding

your home’s weather resistance and lead to higher heating and cooling costs. Even if you feel comfortable doing the project on your own, it can be beneficial to use a professional team. Vinyl siding is there to protect your home from moisture, and a poor installation can lead to water damage.

Power Wash Your Home

If your siding is in good shape, your home might just need a refresh. Power washing your home and walkways can help cut the grit and grime built

you can make your home look brand new by changing the color and style of your siding. However, this is more than a cosmetic improvement. Loose or missing siding can affect

up over the winter and spring. While you can do this chore on your own by either buying or renting a power washer, you may want to use a professional company. If your home is particularly large, professionals have the personnel and equipment to safely do a more efficient job and get to areas you may struggle with.

Replace

The Roof

This is a repair many homeowners dread. But if your home needs a new roof, summer is a great time to have the project taken care of as new shingles require heat to form a weather-tight seal. The lifespan of a roof can be up to 20 years or more. Delaying a roof replacement can lead to leaks, which could result in water damage and mold.

Replace Your Windows

Winter may still be months away, but summer is the time to replace inefficient windows. The cold weather will sneak up on you, and old windows can lead to a chilly, drafty house. While this isn’t the most exciting home improvement project, it is one that will likely give you a high return when you sell your home. you’ll also be excited over the cuts to your home energy costs in summer and winter by replacing drafty windows.

Reseal Your Driveway

Extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway by resealing it. Sealing your driveway can last, on average, from three to 10 years. you may have to reseal your driveway more often depending on where you live. areas with rainy and snowy winters as well as areas with hot, steamy summers, will need more frequent sealings.

Add A Deck

Summer is the time of year for outdoor entertaining, and you can extend your living space by adding a deck to your home. a wooden deck can be a strong investment, as it can help increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell it. If you already have a deck, take a weekend to strip and stain it. It can give your home a huge appearance upgrade.

Replace The Garage Door your garage door can take a

beating. Whether it’s a miscalculated parking attempt or from a rough game of pickup basketball, your garage door can easily become dented and scraped up. Sometimes a coating of paint just isn’t enough, so taking time over the summer to change out your door can be a great renovation. Not only will it increase curb appeal, but this is another project that increases home value.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Depending on the layout of your yard, you have almost limitless possi -

bilities for upgrading your landscaping. There are a number of plants, trees, and flowers that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Best of all, most of these projects can be done yourself.

Replace The Gutters

Gutters serve an important function by channeling water away from your roof and foundation. If they are worn out, it can lead to leaking inside your home. New gutters can also give your home an appearance upgrade and instantly improve your curb appeal. Not only are they available in classic white; they also come in black and copper upgrades, which add a classy, rich detail that makes your home stand out.

By adding in some of these projects to your calendar, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in good shape, allowing you to enjoy some rest and relaxation this summer. a s we celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, remember to honor our fallen military heroes. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

Mark Franks gets his first win of the year at Brambley Golf

By the Handicapper IV

Mark Franks did not let jet lag stop him from leading the group at the Brambley Golf League this week, held at the 12-hole Ocean City Municipal Golf Course. Mark’s transcontinental flight arrived home late the previous evening, and we weren’t even expecting him for our early morning gathering. He not only made it on time on minimal sleep but shook off the cobwebs to shot a 41, his best round of the year, to win the Overall Low Gross competition. Mark’s round featured his usual trademark of consistency garnering eight pars for the winning round. Not to be overlooked was the fine play of Rich Hawthorne who shot a 43 and Toni Herting who rejoined us after a year’s hiatus to shoot a 44.

returned to form to claim the Ladies Low Gross title with a fine round of 47, narrowly edging out Joa nn Bonanni by a single stroke. Jean Bush excelled in the Senior Division, winning the Low Gross title with a remarkable round of 48, which she started strong with a birdie on the first hole.

In the other divisions, Derek Rearden’s consistent play earned him the Flight B Low Gross title with a 50. In the Ladies division, Mary Hughes

In the Low Net competition, John Master and Ron Herman both shot net scores of 35 to share the Low Net Flight a honors. Mike Bravoco, a new addition to the league this year, celebrated his first win with a net score of 36 to secure the Low Net Flight B honors. Congratulations, Mike! The Ladies Division saw intense competition, with Helene Weathers finishing with a net score of 31, six strokes under her handicap, to secure the Flight B Low Net award. Joann Bonanni claimed second place with a net score of 35, and Joanna Johns and Liz Dykie tied for third with a net score of 36. In the Senior Division, Walt Thompson shot three strokes

under his handicap to win the Low Net title with a net score of 34, followed by Elaine Rearden and arlen Gottschall win at 37.

Birdies were rare this week, but the golfers who managed to score them included Carmine Bonanni, Joann Bonanni, Jean Bush, and Rich

Hawthorne. Players who shot in the forties this week included Mark Franks, Rich Hawthorne, Toni Herting, John Master, Ron Herman, Mary Hughes, Joa nn Bonanni, Tom Bowman, Jean Bush, Carmine Bonanni, and Joe Karwowski. Closest to the pin honors went to Toni Herting, whose tee shot landed just 4’5” from the pin on Hole #12. additionally, Ron Bush added to the excitement with a chip-in par on Hole 12, an excellent way to finish the round.

The Brambley Golf League extends a warm welcome back to returning players Jean Bush, Ron Bush, Bill Gardner, Toni Herting, Nancy Ryan, and Joe Landi. We also welcome new player Tom Downam. The league plays every Monday at 8 a.m. and is still accepting new players for the season. Membership Chairperson Jeanne Robinson will be at the scorer’s table every Monday morning to sign up new members.

Low Gross Winner Mark Franks at Ocean City Municipal Golf Course

CollegePride

KZZTEQMJSSOKIN

YVBMUFGWRAILLW

VAVBQFGENPELTE

NWICRFDSXERHOA

NZLEOIMTBNLGTD

ZILPRWZCDNTIXE

XLATZZAHSSOQFL

XTNEPAVERTGPKA

HDOMMQDSPAPDKW

SFVPJNVTRTAGEA

BQALMOREIESSZR

LMVEGSURNLJAKE

MONMOUTHCKSRYU

JNLQLDGLEUTSRF

FTAQHIEKTKATUD

MCSKCFRCODYJDR

FLAXBDSINAXOOE

WALCDCOIQLREFX

YILYUJKCWRVSSE

DRETIGNCPWGGYL

STOCKTONVLTNDK

YTSLJQQROWANHW

DELAWARE

DREXEL

LASALLE

MONMOUTH

MONTCLAIR

PENNSTATE

PRINCETON RIDER ROWAN

RUTGERS STJOES

STOCKTON TEMPLE

VILLANOVA WESTCHESTER

SHORE FUNNY

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. Smoothing tool

5. Broadband access overseeing org.

8. attorneys' org.

11. Length times width

12. *Lined up single ____

13. Lump of stuff

14. Carpet attribute

15. Cut the crop

16. Lingo

17. *Entire ship's company

19. Toothy wheel

20. Gives a helping hand

21. They're from mars?

22. Language family, includes Turkic and Mongolian

25. Indian spice mix, pl.

29. Bachelor's last words

30. Baby Ruth component

33. One of the Earnhardts

34. She goes by Lo?

36. actors' grp.

37. Mister in Madrid

38. Colossal

39. With no effort

41. american cuckoo

42. Leave hastily, two words

44. *Commissioned officer of the lowest rank

46. "____, drink, and be merry"

47. *Omaha ____

49. Baby whale

51. *It's a wall to a civilian

54. Hands, to #12 Down

55. Check out

56. Cambodian money

58. Welcoming sign

59. Went down slippery slope

60. *Date of allied landing

61. *Opposite of stern

62. "For ____ a jolly good.."

63. Dried-up

DOWN

1. Grammy category

2. Diva's solo

3. Unload

4. Saffron-flavored rice dish

5. Evil one

6. Wears

7. Porcini mushrooms

8. aquarium scum

9. Uncouth one

10. address abbreviation

12. Spanish dictator, 1939-1975

13. *Throwing weapon

16. Ice, dark, and middle, e.g.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers' ____ Field

21. Dojo turf

22. Was sick

23. Parkinson's disease drug

24. african antelope, pl.

25. Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior

26. Veranda in Honolulu

27. "____ came a spider..."

28. European finch

31. *"Excellent in all we do" org.

32. None left when on E

35. *____ formation, or on diagonal

37. Make synchronous

39. Credit card payment alternative, acr.

40. What Deep Throat did

43. Stumblebums

45. Type of shards

47. *announcement device

48. Island off Manhattan

49. Head of family

50. all over again

51. Silly talk or writing

52. *____-de-camp

53. Letter opening

54. Flash dancers

57. NaOH

See Solution on Page 90

THEME: ARMY AND NAVY

Abdullah anderson, a South Jersey native who is currently a defensive linemen for the NFL’s atlanta Falcons and going into his 7th season, has partnered with atlantic City Recreation for their second annual free football camp and high school combine.

The camp and combine will take place on June 22 at atlantic City High School. It is for kids in grades 3rd-8th and will be from 1011:30 a.m. with check-in from 9-10 a.m.

The HS combine is for kids in grades 9th12th and will be from 2-5 p.m. with check-in

from 1-2 p.m.

Registration is now open. all campers and combine attendees need to pre-register to secure their spot. There are limited spots for the camp and combine.