SHORE LOCAL | Oceancity | July 11, 2024

Bands Jam on the Sand

Diving into Clam Farming

College O ers New Major: Cannabis

Staying Healthy in the Heat

Create a Butter y Garden

Waves for all

From the Editor

Every Saturday all summer long, you'll find me on the beach with the most incredible group of people. In 2014, Bob and I founded Heart of Surfing, a non-profit organization offering free adaptive surfing sessions for families with autism and related developmental disabilities.

The mission of Heart of Surfing is not to develop skilled surfers, although many do learn to surf well, popping up almost instinctively. Others ride the waves while lying down. Either way, we cheer them on, meeting each participant where they are with smiles and words of encouragement.

Our journey began with our son, Jamie, who was on the autism spectrum and loved to ride the waves. The

ocean, with its moving currents, was his happy place. Although he never stood on a surfboard, he enjoyed it

O ce - (609) 788-4812

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

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

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch

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

Web Designer - Holly Martin Social 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, Rachael Guebara, Elisa Jo Eagan, David Setley, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Whitney Ullman, Raymond Tyler, Bill Quain, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Lisa Zaslow-Segelman, Julia Train, Ursula Duffy, John Loreaux, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand Cover photo by Sean Gleason.

vision, which began with just five people on the beach, has grown rapidly. Now, 10 years later, we take more than a hundred participants with autism and their siblings surfing each Saturday throughout the summer.

The success of Heart of Surfing is its dedicated volunteers, who truly embody the spirit of our organization. Their time, skills, compassion, and encouragement make everything we do possible. We are also grateful for the unwavering support of the surf community, beach patrols, and our generous sponsors.

immensely. Sadly, our son passed at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 at the age of 25. The devastating loss left us heartbroken and uncertain if we could continue Heart of Surfing. But how could we not? What better way to honor our son's legacy? We quickly formed the Jamie Fertsch Memorial Scholarship and just last week, we presented the fifth annual scholarship in his memory to an amazing young woman heading off to college.

This summer, we are celebrating 10 years of Heart of Surfing. Our

Heart of Surfing brings Bob and me so much joy. Seeing the kids' faces light up as they catch a wave always makes my heart smile. Time and time again, it is the highlight of my week. Summer is my favorite season, largely because of the Heart of Surfing organization.

For more information about Heart of Surfing, please visit www.heartofsurfing.org, or call 609-705-5323. you can also follow Heart of Surfing on Facebook and Instagram.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Beryl starts what should be an active hurricane season

By Meteorologist Joe Martucci

Fourth of July’s weekend weather was just what you’d expect for the region: perfect to enjoy our greatest natural resource – the ocean and bays.

The big weather story the past week, and even the week before, was Hurricane Beryl, which rewrote the history books well before it made landfall on the Texas shoreline as a Category 1 hurricane on July 8. It was the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, which goes back to 1851. Beryl is the easternmost hurricane to form in June. She generated the most accumulated cyclone energy (metric based on storm duration and strength) for any storm before August. Beryl also broke records for intensity this early in the hurricane season.

Beryl is just the start of what is

nearly certain to be a very active hurricane season in the Atlantic Hurricane Basin. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as Colorado State u niversity – the two most trustworthy sources for tropical predictions from my perspective –both released a record high estimate for the number of storms this season would bring. let's see what the hurricane forecasts mean for New Jersey.

How Active Will the Season Be?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 officially. However, any storm within the January to December calendar year counts for this year.

The climatological average is 14.4 named storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those include tropical storms (maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or greater) and hurricanes (74 mph or greater). Of those 14.4 named storms, 7.2, or exactly half

become hurricanes on average.

Colorado State university is forecasting over 50% more than that, with 23 named storms and 11 becoming hurricanes.

The number of major hurricanes – Category 3, 4 or 5 storms, is forecast at 3.2. Maximum sustained winds must be at least 111 mph in this case. Colorado State forecasts five, and we already had one with Beryl.

Another aspect to look at is the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE). This term has been around, but like ‘polar vortex’ and ‘derecho’ before it, it’s a word that’s become popular in the public recently.

Specifically, we want to look at ACE west of 60 degrees longitude as that takes into account the united States East Coast, Gulf Coast, Central America and the Caribbean. Colorado State forecasts ACE here to be 71% above the average. So, not only are storms expected to be strong, but they’re expected to be close to the coast as well.

The National Hurricane Center paints a similar picture. They forecast an 85% chance of a more-activethan-usual season. There’s just a 5% chance of a below-average season.

What About New Jersey?

We turn to Colorado State u niversity’s forecast for the answer. They actually break down the risk for tropical systems within 50 miles of the shoreline, all across the united States.

In short, the risk is higher. However, it’s still more than likely that the Jersey Shore won't see a direct strike or very close call from a tropical cyclone. Here are the probabilities of a storm being within 50 miles of New Jersey’s coast.

Tropical storm or hurricane: 35%

Hurricane only: 11%

Major hurricane: 1%

Now, compare that with the average.

Tropical storm or hurricane: 23%

Hurricane only: 7%

Major hurricane: 1%

The risk is higher, without a doubt.

So it’s wise to be on alert, know your evacuation plan and have materials ready in case a storm does strike. However, the threat is still lower than the probability of calling heads or tails on a coin flip.

More than likely we will see remnant storms pass through. While we missed the worst of Ida in 2021 and Ophelia in 2023 in South Jersey, they brought death and devastation to the northern half of the state, as well as New york City. That can certainly happen in our area this year so remain vigilant. And remember, it’s the storm surge, not the wind, that brings the most fatalities.

Fourth of July Weekend Recap

The shore enjoyed a near 100% dry holiday weekend. High temperatures were between 75 and 85 degrees with a mix of sun and clouds. The cooling sea breeze felt delightful most of the time.

The weekend received a B+ in my seventh annual Shore Summer Weekend Weather Report Card. Inland was nearly 100% dry as well. However, maybe I should say ‘rain free,’ because it didn’t feel dry out there. It felt like South Florida, New Orleans or Houston, take your pick.

The dew point, a measure of moisture in the air, was oppressive at above 75 degrees July 5-7, according to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist in Woodbine, Dennis and Egg Harbor Township. At times Saturday and Sunday, it was over 80 degrees. Some people pay hundreds of dollars for the steamy, sauna experience we had for free.

Joe earned his Meteorology Degree from Rutgers University. He is approved by the American Meteorological Society as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Digital Meteorologist, the only one in the state with both. He's won 10 New Jersey Press Association Awards. You can find him on social media @joemartwx

A view of Hurricane Beryl from the International Space Station on Monday, July 1 (NASA).

By Julia Train

A dive into local clam farming

Hard shell clams are a favorite food for locals in New Jersey. Most know about clamming as a rec-

reational activity and commercial use, but did you know about the process of clam farming through aquaculture?

Hard clams are naturally found in bays and estuaries along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, being most abundant from Cape Cod to New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

Along with being a tasty treat, catching your own clams– or clamming in the wild– is also a fun recreational activity that has seen a decline in recent decades due to various factors such as loss of shellfish harvest areas closed due to poor water quality, overharvest and shellfish habitat loss from coastal development, according to NJDEP.

Clam Daddy’s, located in Brigantine, is a family-owned-and-operated clam farm that has supplied local restaurants and Brigantine’s farmers market with hard clams for 50 out of the 52 weeks of the year since 1984.

The business was started by Bill Mayer out of necessity because he started out as a wild clammer, but when the supply of wild clams was starting to dwindle and he couldn't keep up with the

OCEAN AQUARIUM

demand, he switched to farming.

Clam Daddy’s uses an aquaculture process, which is a method used to “produce food and other commercial products, restore habitat and replenish wild stocks, and rebuild populations of threatened and endangered species,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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Hard clam aquaculture was established in New Jersey in the 1970s and is the most important aquaculture industry within the state, according to NJDEP.

Mayer learned through a lot of trial and error because there weren't very many people doing it at the time, according to his son, Billy Mayer, Jr.

How clam farming works

Hatcheries like Clam Daddy’s harvest clams, seed and then plant the clams back in the bay after breeding them in the lab.

In nature, clams spawn in the spring. When coastal bays warm up, the shellfish release their eggs and sperm into the water, where they unite to form larvae.

After several weeks in a free-floating state, the clam larvae settle to the bottom, nestle into the sand or mud, and begin to grow to market size, according to NJDEP.

Hard clam aquaculture

mimics and accelerates this process in the lab.

Once clams reach pencil-eraser size, 8-12 millimeters, they're bay planted in plots with a screen over them to protect from predators like stingrays, crabs and birds.

Clam Daddy’s employees planting clams in the bay.

Billy Mayer, Jr. harvesting clams in the bay behind Brigantine.

After being harvested, the clams are bagged, cleaned and sorted to get ready for the market.

Clams ready to be planted

Clams cannot be harvested until they reach a legal (market) size of 1.5 inches, which takes about three to four years.

When the clams are ready to be harvested, Mayer’s team waits until low tide and uses a bull rake, which is 24 inches wide with teeth on it and a cage, to collect them. Once the tide gets low enough, harvesters catch the ones they missed by hand, a pro -

cess called treading.

They then put the clams in a bucket and bring them to land to clean, sort, bag and get them ready for market.

Although Billy Mayer, Jr. says it takes a lot of time to farm clams, he enjoys it.

“It's a passion of mine. I love being out in the water. We have a beautiful office, I like being on the bay watching

the sunrise,” he said. “Every single day, you're doing the same things, but it's different because you're dealing with Mother Nature.”

For those who want to clam in the wild, Mayer said to make sure you have a shellfish license to clam and visit the NJDEP website to make sure you’re clamming in clean and certified waters, because some areas restricted due to pollution.

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

Buckets of clams ready to be cleaned and sorted to meet the needs of local businesses.

Bill Mayer, Sr. is ready to plant clams.

Clam Daddy’s can be seen at Brigantine’s farmer’s markets.

South Jersey takes flight with new technology

By Steffen Klenk

The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) and the National Aviation Research & Technology Park (NARTP) recently hosted BETA

Technologies to model the latest all-electric AlIA aircraft, along with an in-flight demonstration.

The gathering, held at Atlantic City International Airport on Monday, July 8, provided an opportunity for aviation professionals, enthusiasts, and policymakers to witness the latest advancements in aviation and new developments taking shape.

Over the last four years, BETA Technologies, based in Vermont, has conducted several flight tests, and is on track to build a cross-country network of chargers capable of support-

ing electric-powered planes. So far, up to 20 chargers are online up and down the Eastern Seaboard, with 50 more sites in development, enabling a new platform that would not only reshape air travel, but provide a more efficient and eco-friendly option.

This most recent showcase of aviation technology is part of a larger expansion of South Jersey’s ever-growing aerospace industry, fueled by partnerships and collaboration. According to Mark logan, chairman of the NARTP, Monday’s aviation showcase highlighted just part of the innovation and growth. “I’m very excited to see what the potential is for airplanes like this. An all-electric airplane that can carry people and cargo, and are able to transition to unmanned technologies is very exciting in the innovation realm that we’re working in.”

The National Aviation Research & Technology Park sits adjacent to William J. Hughes Technical Center, and Atlantic City International Airport (ACy), a designated Smart Airport Research Testbed Facility. In 2023, the airport saw over 926,000 passengers, and is anticipated to surpass that number by year’s end.

“We are here to truly witness the unveiling and the future of aviation”, says Stephen Dougherty, executive director of the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). “We are committed to fostering innovation and embracing sustainable solutions that pave the way for a greener tomorrow.”

Over the last 10 years, college students have been acquiring experience in this innovative and growing field while earning their degree in fields such as aviation, air traffic control, and transportation management, among others. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape Community College, highlighted the importance of sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs

in education.

“We are able to upgrade our curriculum to ensure our students have the most up to date information as they enter the workforce. It’s important that we foster aviation education and economic development in our local area.”

“It’s critical that we’re on the cutting edge of new technology,” says Dr. Albert lowas, Air Mobility Command chief scientist under the u nited States Air Force. Dr. lowas highlighted the importance of flight testing and innovation. “This needs to be the beginning of a culture of experimentation.”

Officials with ACCC also highlighted the importance of collaboration with local aviation programs, including area high schools with aviation initiatives, in addition to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.

South Jersey’s growing aviation industry has received tremendous support from both local and state leaders alike. Several officials were in attendance for Monday’s event, including state Sen. Vince Polistina. l ast October, officials with the NARTP celebrated the groundbreaking of its second building, which is projected to be completed in 2025.

l auren Moore, president of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, says this is another step to showcase the capabilities and the resources that the ACEA and NARTP have built within seven years. “It takes time to put these pieces together,” Moore says. “None of this was done by accident; it is all been by design to demonstrate the strength of our region.”

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.

ALIA all-electric aircraft during a flight demonstration at ACY

Ventnor business is hitting new Heights

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Is Ventnor Heights becoming the trendy retail and food hub of Absecon Island? I would say a definite yes with the new Ventnor Produce and Deli, and the Fish Whistle Market/Wahine Wine Company.

If you have not been in the Heights recently, you are going to be pleasantly surprised with the new business activity. Aside from the fantastic rejuvenation that is occurring at the Ventnor Plaza, Dorset Avenue appears to be evolving into an attraction in itself.

(wine/spirits/beer): Fish and Whistle Market and Wahine Wine Company. located at and 101 N. Dorset Ave., the trendy exterior caught my attention so I had to stop in and learn more. It reminded me of something from New Hope.

owners/operators of Fishtown Social Bar and Wine Shop, located at 1525 Frankford Ave. in Philadelphia, which opened in 2016.

Fishtown has become a trendy area and Social has fit right in with a full bar, a menu of cheese, charcuterie and snacks, plus a wine shop with a curated selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines from small producers and lesser-known regions.

While driving over the Dorset Avenue Bridge, I noticed immediately to the right a new market and wine store

I was pleased to meet the owners, Ryan Slaven and Vanessa Wong, husband and wife. They could not have been nicer and prouder to talk to me about their new business.

I learned that they are both attorneys from Philadelphia, and the

The Slaven Family has had a home in longport since the early 1990s. Ryan, Vanessa, and their four children have spent their summers enjoying the Jersey Shore. They have always thought Ventnor had the diverse and eclectic vibe that would support their concept from Fishtown.

The focus on natural wine, craft beer, and spirits was a no brainer to duplicate. Dorset Avenue was the right choice to create a perfect combination of a market filled with plants, fresh flowers; a curated selection of cheeses, charcuterie, snacks, small batch goods, banh mi style

hoagies, artisanal coffee and other non-alcohol options.

This is a new must stop. See www. Fishwhistlemarket.com or on instagram @fishwhistlemarket.

Ventnor Produce and Deli is another new business which opened in May on Dorset Avenue in the former Wawa building. Its previous use was an indoor pickleball court. However, with the advent of Pickle Juice in the Ventnor Plaza, owners Bill and Mary Ann lacovara chose to establish Ventnor Produce and Deli.

It is a great location at 301 N. Ventnor Ave. and has proven successful beyond expectations as a produce and deli business. It’s a place worth visiting on a daily basis because they are constantly offering new special items.

The minute I walked in the door, I was greeted by Mike and Kim the managers. They could not have been

more pleasant not knowing who I was and why I was there. The presentation of the fresh fruit and vegetables is amazing. They even have a section of organic fruit and vegetables. The store is proud to offer Jersey Fresh produce as well. The owners thought it was important to support local farmers.

Along with the wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, customers can order all of their favorite deli meats. The store has partnered with well-known companies such as Tony Baloney’s with such items as mozzarella sticks and balls.

Other items include fresh honey from a local bee farm and candy-smoked salmon from another local vendor. Stop in and see what makes Ventnor Produce and Deli so special or call 609-541-6110.

Remember to stop, shop, play and stay at the Jersey Shore, especially at 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 www.steelpier.com

Naked and Unafraid: New Jersey’s official and unofficial nude beaches

By Sarah Fertsch

Tucked away on the north end of Sandy Hook, within the Gateway National Recreation Area, you’ll find Gunnison Beach, New Jersey’s only nude beach. There the motto is, “get naked or get lost.”

If you go there expecting supermodels and swingers, you’re in the wrong place.

Bodies of all ages and sizes line the beach. A few friends are tanning under the sun (they won’t have to worry about tan lines), and a couple are tossing a football along the tideline.

More modest personalities enter the ocean and, once they are covered by deep water, take their bikini tops off and the people on the sand cheer.

Claire, a woman in her 60s from Elizabeth who prefers that her full name not be shared, visits Gunnison Beach every weekend. She says that she loves the community she’s found at Gunnison, unafraid of embracing “the beauty of God’s creation.”

Claire and her two girlfriends who,

like many women at Gunnison, go topless, but keep on bikini bottoms, explained the unspoken rules of the nude beach.

you’ll draw more attention with your clothes on than without them. Also, it’s acceptable to wear clothing on your first visit, but if you come back a second time fully clothed, you’ll get some dirty looks.

“Gunnison is special because it’s a nude beach, so if you don’t wanna strip, go enjoy another spot,” said Claire.

Other rules relate to exposure. No cameras are allowed on any basis. Don’t litter, don’t bring your children, and don’t play loud music. These norms make Gunnison one of the quietest beaches on the East Coast.

Thirty years ago, curious beachgoers from Atlantic and Cape May counties didn’t have to drive two hours to “take it all off” on the beach. Higbee Beach, located just outside of Cape May in lower Township, was considered a nude beach until local governments, concerned about the morality of their beach town, made clothing a requirement, not optional.

However, in some spots, you can still find skinny dippers. Older beachgoers in particular will enjoy Higbee Beach while completely nude if there aren’t many people around, but when more people, especially families, set up their chairs and umbrellas, nudists will cover up out of respect.

law passed, nothing changed.”

Higbee Beach actually holds a lot of different unofficial titles. It’s considered a dog beach, a gay beach, a hippie beach, an anchor-your-ownboat beach, a horse beach, and even a haunted beach. yet it’s not considered a swimming beach, according to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, which manages the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area as a habitat for migrating birds.

According to a story by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Amy Rosenberg, “this is Higbee Beach 17 years after a ticket written by lower Township Capt. Martin Biersbach for public nudity found its way to the state Appellate Division, and nudist history, when that court ruled that townships could enforce ordinances against public nudity on state-run land.”

The official rules changed, but not necessarily people’s behavior.

“We have never been the kind of people to abide strictly by rules,” said George, a man in his 70s from Cherry Hill. “My wife and I always came down to Higbee a couple times every summer, and when that dumb

There are plenty of trails to explore with lush greenery and beautiful rocks. Higbee Beach is fairly deserted in the summer because most tourists opt for Sunset Beach a couple miles away. There’s no beach taggers and no lifeguards. Most visitors know to give other beachgoers distance so they can strip, play with their dog or hop on their boat.

“Just because something is official doesn’t make it true,” said George. “Higbee will always be special and I am thankful that other people love it just as much as I do.”

Events and Happenings

Multiday events

New Jersey State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival

▶Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14

2nd & Olde New Jersey Ave. North Wildwood

Experience the best in Barbeque and Blues at this exciting threeday festival, featuring live cooking demonstrations, incredible food and the top regional and national blues acts. Free admission. The event will run on Friday from 4 – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. More information is available at NJBBQ.com or AngleseaBlues.com.

Crying on the Camino starring Celeste Mancinelli

▶Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m. & Sunday, July 14, 3 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse 739 Bay Ave. Somers Point

Crying on the Camino is a one woman show written and performed by Celeste Mancinelli, the recipient of two Broadway World Awards including Best New Play and Best Performance in a Play. learn more and purchase tickets online at www. gatewaybythebay.org.

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring

▶Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 20

Frank S. Farley Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Teams up and down the east coast will participate in this 4th annual fishing tournament. Visit www.questfortheringac.com for the complete host city schedule.

Family Nights in Ocean City

▶Mondays & Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk

Free entertainment will include jugglers, music, characters, and more from 8th – 12th St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com.

Mummers Night

▶Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk

Watch the Mummers strutting the Boardwalk from 6th – 14th St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Beach Walks in Ocean City

▶Tuesday 9 a.m., Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

59th St. & Central Ave.

Thursday, July 11

Sand-Sculpting Contest

▶9 a.m.

6th St. Beach, Ocean City

Open to kids, teens, adults, and families. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Judging will take place at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Market Days

▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Ave. Ocean City

Enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors along Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Thrilling Thursdays Movie at the Beach

▶7 p.m.

Granville and Huntington Ave.

Beach

Enjoy a free movie on the beach behind the Bloom Pavilion. This week’s feature film is u nder the Boardwalk (2023). Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for free fun activities and giveaways, while supplies last. learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.

Sunset Yoga on the Beach

▶7 p.m.

William Morrow Beach, Somers Point

Bring some water, a towel, or a yoga mat of your choice, and join in a 60-minute gentle yoga on the beach. Classes will be held every Thursday through August. This donation-based class is open to all.

Friday, July 12

Beach Exercise: Low Impact

▶8 a.m.

6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City

Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Historic Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

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

Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races

▶6 p.m.

15th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood

Enjoy a nature walk along the beach in Ocean City. Meet at the beach entrance to Corson’s Inlet at 59th St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

This annual lifeguard race brings dozens of Beach Patrols up and down the South Jersey Shore to Five Mile Beach. The event is free to attend. Hosted by the North Wildwood Beach

Patrol. For more information, call (609) 522-7500.

Artists’ Reception at Ocean City Arts Center

▶7 – 8:30 p.m.

1735 Simpson Ave. Ocean City

Join the Ocean City Arts Center and experience the works of David Winigrad and Michael Cagno. For more information, visit www.oceancityartscenter.org.

Ocean Drone Show

▶9 p.m.

The Park at Ocean Casino Resort

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Enjoy a spectacular show created from illuminated, synchronized, and choreographed drones arranging themselves in various aerial formations. This breathtaking display will take place Fridays through Aug. 2. Watch the show from The Park, located on the lobby level of Ocean Casino Resort.

Saturday, July 13

Ocean Breeze Arts & Craft Show

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ventnor Cultural Art Center 6500 Atlantic Ave.

Support local artists at this fun community event. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more will be available for sale. For more information, contact ventnorarts@gmail.com.

Tailwise

▶10:30 a.m.

longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Enjoy science experiments for kids at the library. Please call (609) 4877403 to register or learn more.

The Peach at the Beach

▶3 – 11 p.m.

Island Waterpark at Showboat 801

Boardwalk, Atlantic City

A full day of music, featuring Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dogs in a Pile, Trouble No More, Karina Rykman, and Mykal Rose of Black uhuru. Plus, water park DJ sets, pre and after-parties, and more. Tickets and additional information can be found at www. thepeachmusicfestival.com.

Misty Meadow Sunflower Festival

▶2 – 8 p.m.

Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy 100

Dennisville-Petersburg Rd. Petersburg

Join Misty Meadow for a full day of fun for the entire family. Enjoy live music, local food and beer from ludlam Island Brewery, hayrides, a petting zoo, and thousands of sunflowers for picking. Plus, there will be plenty of photo opportunities in their beautiful sunflower fields. learn more at www. mistymeadowsheepdairy.com.

HSOC Beef & Beer

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Surf Dog Bar & Grill 1563 Dehirsch Ave. Woodbine

Join the Humane Society of Ocean City for their annual Beef & Beer. The festivities will include fantastic food

and drink, DJ, 50/50, raffles, and door prizes. Proceeds help shelter animals in need. $35 per person through July 6. limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $40. More information is available at www.hsocnj. com.

Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra combine lively tunes and cutting satire, capturing the essence of Philadelphia’s sports culture with a delightful blend of music and comedy. Fans can expect an entertaining performance that pays homage to the city’s beloved teams and their passionate supporters, creating an experience for both sports enthusiasts and music afficionados alike. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.

Tropicana Atlantic City Fireworks

▶10 p.m.

Iowa Ave. and the Beach

Catch Tropicana Atlantic City’s spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 31. Fireworks are launched from the beachfront and can be viewed along the boardwalk.

Sunday, July 14

Dragon Boat Festival

▶8:30 a.m.

l ake lenape Park East, 753 Park Rd. Mays landing

Join Cancer Support Communities New Jersey at Gilda’s Club for this annual event. The festival will include a day of Dragon Boat races, fantastic local food vendors, non-profits, and fun for the whole family, along with a flower ceremony for loved ones touched by cancer. Additional information is available at www.cscnj.org/ dragon-boat-festival.

Summer Garden Tour

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join the little Gardens Club of Atlantic County for their 25th Summer Garden Tour. Walk through private gardens in Absecon, Northfield, linwood, Egg Harbor Township, and Mays l anding. Tickets are $15. Proceeds benefit local civic and environmental organizations. Tickets are available at Joe’s Garden Center in Galloway, lang’s Garden Center in linwood, and Bob’s Garden Center in EHT. For more information, call Janet at (609) 2266596. This event is rain or shine.

Tony Bennett & Bill Evans: The Legendary Recordings

▶7 p.m.

Beth El Synagogue 500 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

Enjoy a special concert as the Joel

↘Continued on 18

Zelnik Trio and vocalist Tony Corrao perform a tribute to legendary recording artists Tony Bennett and Bill Evans. Reserved seats are available for $36. Regular seats are $25. For more details, please call (609) 823-2725. Sunday Night Concerts at the Tabernacle

▶7 p.m.

550 Wesley Ave. Ocean City

Join Ocean City Tabernacle for a free concert every Sunday night. This week, singer, songwriter, and pianist Fernando Ortega presents an inspirational set infusing classical, folk, and world music stylings. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Music of Elvis with Frankie Moreno

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

With 17 Top Ten albums, 117 Top Ten singles, an Emmy nomination, and being named l as Vegas “Headliners of the year” five times, Frankie Moreno is consistently breaking records and wowing audiences from coast to coast with his own brand of genre-blurring rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets and more information are available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.

Monday, July 15

Beach Exercise: Yoga

▶8 a.m.

6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City

Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900. We Walk Somers Point ▶8:30 a.m.

Shore Medical Center Parking lot 100 Medical Center Way

The City of Somers Point is hosting a walking club each Monday at 8:30 a.m. with the purpose of promoting health and creating opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals while meeting neighbors. The group will meet at different starting points each week. Open to all residents of Somers Point. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/SomersPoint or email dshallcross@spgov.org.

EHT Monday Morning Madness ▶11 a.m.

Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater in Tony Canale Park

Presented by EHT Recreation. Enjoy free weekly family entertainment at Tony Canale Park. This week, enjoy Basketball Entertainment with Hoop Wizard’s Blackjack Ryan. Visit www. ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/ EHTRecreation for more information and updates in the event of weather. Lunch Around Town ▶12 – 1:30 p.m.

la PizzaTega 210 New Rd. linwood

Join JFS Village for a leisurely lunch while supporting a local restaurant. This month, the group will dine at l a PizzaTega in linwood. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP by July 11 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email Tina Serota at tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

John lodge of The Moody Blues will perform Days of Future Passed in its entirety, along with a selection of classic hits. Produced by BRE Presents. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Tuesday, July 16

Funtastic Tuesdays

▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Ave. Ocean City

Enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors along Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Library on the Beach

▶10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

14th Street Beach, Ocean City Stop by the big blue tent at 14th Street beach and learn about all that the Ocean City Free Public library has to offer this summer. There will be free books and library giveaways, weather

permitting. Visit www.oceancitylibrary. org for more information or call (609) 399-2434.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company. Based on the award-winning children’s book, audiences can now hop on board for an unforgettable ride. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this musical is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. Tickets are available at www. oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Game Days

▶11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Beth El Synagogue 500 N. Jerome Ave. Margate

This event will take place weekly through Aug. 27. Cost is $15 per person and includes full lunch and snacks. Call (609) 823-2725 to reserve a table or to join a game.

Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.

All ages are invited to try their luck at Bingo. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.

Movies on the Beach in Brigantine

▶7 p.m.

38th Street Beach

Join Brigantine for another year of Movies on the Beach. Bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy The little Mermaid. For more information, visit www.brigantinechamber.com.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30 – 10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Hall 447 Bethel Rd.

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

Wednesday, July 17

Beach Exercise: Pilates

▶8 a.m.

6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City

Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.

Wacky Wednesday: French Fry Sculpting

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

use your creativity to shape and sculpt french fries into your very own unique masterpiece. The contest is free and open to the first 200 participants. Must be present at 10:30 a.m. start time to participate.

Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6 – 8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.

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

Broadway on the Boardwalk

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Broadway will truly come to the Ocean City Boardwalk as the Ocean City Theatre Company welcomes back two former OCTC performers who are now Broadway stars. Morgan Kirner of Broadway’s Merrily We Roll Along and Angel Sigala of Broadway’s New york, New york will join a cast of performers to celebrate The Great White Way. For tickets and information, visit www. oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Thursday, July 18

Railroads, Tourism, and Commuters of the Jersey Shore

▶7 p.m.

Somers Point Historical Society 745 Shore Rd.

Do you like trains? Join the Somers Point Historical Society for a presentation: Railroads, Tourism, and Commuters at the Jersey Shore, by Bill Elwell of Monmouth u niversity. Admission is free.

The Jersey Tenors

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

The Jersey Tenors are the newest

rock opera mash-up sensation, creating an explosive blend of iconic opera classics alongside rock ‘n roll greats like Queen, Elton John, and Bon Jovi. Presented by Friends of the Ocean City Pops. For tickets and more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.

Friday, July 19

Landsharks Band: The Premier Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk

Come celebrate Night in Venice and celebrate all things Jimmy Buffet with one of the premier tribute acts in the world, The landsharks. For tickets and more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

Saturday, July 20

ACHS Book Sale

▶10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

907 Shore Rd. Somers Point

Presented by the Atlantic County Historical Society. For more information, call (609) 927-5218.

Night in Venice

▶6:30 p.m.

Ocean City Bayside

Ocean City’s annual boat parade, one of the largest in the world, returns to the Bayside with Grand Marshal Marty Smith of ESPN. This year’s theme is

Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. The parade will start at the longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. along the bay. Then, enjoy a fantastic bayside fireworks display following the parade at 9:30 p.m. Additional information and event details are available at www.ocnj.us/NIV.

Health and Wellness

Living in the Moment Group

▶Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association 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, July 17, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma lane, Mays landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m.

These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individu -

als 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) 652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

Invisible Illness Support Group

▶Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m.

Salon Amici 319 E. Jimmie leeds Rd. Galloway

For more information, please contact Abby Ward at (609) 214-8777.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, Aug. 12, 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.

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

A delightful farmers market in Ventnor

By Chef Christina Martin

ow in its eighth season, the Ventnor Farmers Market prides itself as being a delightful place to shop, bring your dog, and having something for the whole family. They have more than 60 vendors each week.

Many shoppers ride their bicycles to the market, helping to make it a greener market. The Ventnor Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of the St. James Church, 6421 Atlantic Ave. Market hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon every Friday from May 24 through Aug. 30.

After many years as market managers, Penni and her husband Andy retired last year and the market is now managed by John Dowd.

One of my first stops at the Ventnor Farmers Market was for produce from Peplowski Fruit Farm, a farm

located in Swedesboro, Gloucester County. It has been a family-owned farm for generations.

Renee Peplowski’s grandfather started the farm raising cattle and chickens, then turned to tomato farming, supplying the Camden-based Campbell’s Soup Company. Strawberries and asparagus were added and 45 years ago, fruit trees were planted.

They have 30-plus varieties of peaches. Hard to believe that many peach varieties even exist.

The farm is now run by Renee, her two brothers, and their mother, along with Renee’s daughter. Her mom has a garden that includes peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes.

you can shop at their farm stand located on Route 45 in Swedesboro which is open seven days a week.

One of my favorite things at the market is the Farm Box which is available from Peplowski Farm. It costs between $10 and $15 and is

available most weeks.

In the box, there is usually a combination of peaches, corn, tomatoes,

eggplant, and sugar cube cantaloupe. These cantaloupes are incredibly delicious.

Renee told me she likes to include one unique item that people might not have tried before. It helps introduce shoppers to a new veggie that they might discover they could enjoy. There is a larger $25 Farm Box as well.

For those concerned about the spraying of fruits and veggies, this farm is part of the Rutgers Integrated Pest Management program. IPM helps reduce the pesticide usage and thus the cost of using chemicals on crops.

New Jersey requires a license for pesticide usage and is more strict

↘Continued on 22

Far and Away Flower Farm ready to create your personal bouquets

Jersey Fresh

Selecting flowers at Far and Away Flower Farm

than most countries where farmers are not regulated. By supporting local farms you can find out what is on your food versus food that is being shipped from out of the country.

Jersey farmers do not normally wax their cucumbers and apples, especially since many are not shipping them far. Renee said many of her fruits and veggies at the farmers

markets are not waxed, nor do they have ripening agents. you can find them showcasing peaches at the upcoming Glouces -

ter County and Salem County fairs as well as at other local farmers markets. Follow Peplowski Farm on Facebook for market updates. Market tip of the week: look for donut peaches this week. They are super sweet and great for little hands. you cannot help but stop at the Far and Away Flower Farm stand with their brightly colored flowers. located on 30 acres in Tabernacle, Burlington County, they are a favorite at the Ventnor Farmers Market. They

often sell out, so go early.

They might be from a few miles away, but the majority of their business is done at the Jersey Shore. you will find them at many shore town farmers' markets this season.

Back in the late 1990s, Sean Colton’s parents bought a farm for alpacas. His mom Mary Beth has a masters in biology and in 2019 they decided to start growing and selling cut flowers.

Sean was looking for something

to do with the farm when he met his fiancé Emily and her father Tom Dauria. Tom was a former florist and flower farmer and was instrumental in steering Sean into the flower farm business.

They began by selling to florists and then at farmers markets. Their main focus and source of enjoyment is selling directly to the public.

Sean gives credit to Penni and Andy, the former Ventnor market managers, for giving them a start at a big farmers market and taking a chance on their flower farm business. And it is a success.

What sets them apart is that their bouquets are not pre-made, they are carefully assembled right in front of the customer with the customer's tastes in mind.

Sean calls it “deli style;” some people like mayo on their sandwiches some don’t. It is the same with flowers. Some people love sunflowers and some do not.

So if you are someone who doesn’t like those yellow beauties, you won’t get a bouquet with one. Sean said he can make a tailored-to-you bouquet in 30 seconds.

He likes to put on a bit of a show, too. His employees at the farm stand have it down to just under a minute. Flowers, like fruits and veggies, change with the season, and they grow many different types. Some of what they grow include: zinnias, sunflowers, lisithus, and filler flow-

ers like feverfew. Celosia will be blooming mid to late July depending on the weather and is one of Sean’s favorites.

What is great about this flower farm stand is that no two bouquets are alike. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and they make them just as the customers want them. Follow Far and Away Flower Farm on their social media on Facebook and Instagram. Also on my farmers market visit, I spotted Free Bird Eatery, which is a

Farm box by Peplowski Fruit Farm

Free bird Eatery at Ventor Farmers Market

Pancake mix by Free Bird Eatery

plant-based meal prep service.

Free Bird offers items like black bean hummus, garlic aioli, buffalo chickpea salad, pancake mix, and chia pudding. These are great items to have on hand when you have guests with dietary preferences like vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

For more information check own -

er Stephanie’s social media at Free Bird Eatery.

With more than 60 vendors there are so many more to write about. I am looking forward to sharing with you more about these businesses that offer local, home-grown, homemade, and unique products along with their stories rooted at the Jersey Shore.

Peach Galette Ingredients:

● 2 large, not overly ripe yellow peaches (about 3/4 pound total), pitted, sliced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices from Peplowski Fruit Farm

● 3 tablespoons organic sugar

● 1 tablespoon unbleached flour

● 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

● 1 teaspoon butter (I use vegan butter)

● Sprinkling coarse sugar, optional

● Pie dough (premade) Procedure:

Preheat the oven with the rack in the middle position to 425°F. Place the peach slices in a bowl and sprinkle with the flour and sugar.

Toss gently to coat.

Sprinkle vanilla extract over the peaches.

Melt some butter, set aside.

On a lightly floured, clean, smooth surface, roll out the dough to about a

12-inch diameter.

Gently lift up the rolled out dough and place it on a rimmed baking sheet.

Arrange the peach slices in an overlapping pattern in a single layer in the center of the dough, forming about a 7- or 8-inch circle. Dot with a little butter.

Fold the outer edges of the dough round over the filling, by about 2-inches all the way around, in an accordion fashion.

use a pastry brush to coat the exposed dough with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.

Place in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until nicely browned.

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet, over a rack, about 15 minutes.

Serve with a little dairy free ice cream.

Chef Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy eating, and mother. Christina’s expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine and she has been awarded 2024 Chef Educator of the Year from the Professional Chef Association of South Jersey.

Morning at Ventnor Farmers Market

Stockton first in New Jersey to offer cannabis studies undergraduate degree

Beginning this fall, Stockton university will become the first college or university in New Jersey to offer an undergraduate degree in cannabis studies.

The Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management through Stockton’s School of Business will prepare students to join a booming industry that has seen a 66% increase in the number of jobs

in New Jersey, according to Stockton Adjunct Professor Rob Mejia.

“This year, New Jersey is on track to sell over $1 billion of cannabis products,” said Mejia, who teaches cannabis studies classes. “ you have to pay attention to a $1 billion business. Cannabis and hemp being so unique and regulated, you have to have special skills in order to get involved and be successful in the industry.”

In March 2023, the number of can -

JULY 12

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

JULY 12 - 14

NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival

JULY 12 -14

New Jersey Jeep Invasion

JULY 18

Anglesea Night Market & Food Truck Night

JULY 19 - 21

New Jersey Bronco Invasion

JULY 27

Foam N Glow

JULY 27 - 28

Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament

JULY 31

Wildwoods Baby Parade

AUGUST 1 - 12

Back to School Warehouse Clothing Sale

AUGUST 9 - 11

Tattoo Beach Bash

AUGUST 9-11 & 16-18

Wildwood Baseball on the Beach

AUGUST 25 - 29

Wildwoods Restaurant Week

FRIDAY NIGHTS

JUNE 28 - AUGUST 30 Friday Night Fireworks

SATURDAY MORNINGS TO AUGUST 31

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market

WILDWOODS ISLAND SHUTTLE - LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US

Jitney Service from Diamond Beach to Olde NJ Ave...and everywhere in between!

~ Download the Free Jitney Surfer App ~

nabis- and hemp-related jobs in New Jersey was about 7,400, according to Vangst, the cannabis industry’s No. 1 job platform. That number jumped to about 12,200 in March 2024 and continues to grow as the state opens new licensing classes in distribution, wholesaling and delivery.

Mejia added that New Jersey’s edible cannabis business — including infused chocolate, beverages and snacks — has just begun to expand, which will lead to an increase in job demand.

“It’s clearly an industry that is growing exponentially, and as a result, there are job opportunities that have surfaced, both directly within the industry as well as with ancillary jobs,” said Warren Kleinsmith, the dean of the School of Business. “It’s an opportunity for students to capture much needed talent in a booming industry.”

In addition to courses that focus on cannabis cultivation, social justice and cannabis and introduction to medical cannabis, the degree’s core is grounded in strong business classes, such as business policy and strategies, marketing principles and macroeconomics. The degree also builds on Stockton’s existing cannabis studies minor, which was introduced in 2018 and has more than 70 graduates.

The experiential learning component of the new degree is one of its strengths, Kleinsmith said, as there are two cannabis field internships offered.

“That part is key because it gives students hands-on experience,” Mejia said. “It also introduces students to employers. We have a very developed pipeline. We’ve placed (cannabis studies minors) in the hemp industry, with

labs doing cultivation, in processing, in dispensaries, in management, in marketing and working with consultants.”

Cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 of 50 states and for recreational use in 24 states, including New Jersey since 2021. At the federal level, it’s still classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, prohibiting its use for any purpose, but the federal law is generally not enforced where cannabis has been legalized. And in May, the Drug Enforcement Administration formally moved to recategorize cannabis as a Scheduled III drug, which signifies low to moderate risk for dependency and an accepted medical use.

Kleinsmith acknowledged cannabis’ complicated history, but emphasized the university is simply adjusting to the changing needs of businesses in New Jersey by being the first to offer the degree program. He said the design of the degree has come after much discussion with advisory boards, feedback from alumni and people involved with internships through the cannabis studies minor.

“We didn’t create the need, we are addressing the need,” he said. “If we don’t address the need, then are we really doing our job as an institution of higher education? If you don’t recognize how things change, you can get caught flat-footed, and your programs can be on the back burner of what people need.”

For more information about the bachelor of science and hemp and cannabis business management degree, contact Emmanuel Small, associate professor of Business Administration at 609-652-4300 or emmanuel.small@stockton.edu.

Ocean City Fishing Club names its 2024 scholarship winner

When it comes to ambition, Kelsea Bowman, this year’s recipient of Ocean City Fishing Club’s annual scholarship, doesn’t let any grass grow under her feet—not tall grass, that is.

In February, four months before she graduated from Ocean City High School, she started a part-time job in turf management at union league National Golf Club in Cape May Court

House. She’s combining that work with studies in Penn State university’s online turfgrass science and management program, while also taking classes in hospitality at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Kelsea’s course of study fits the criteria the fishing club has set for its scholarship program, which awards $500 annually to a graduating Ocean City High School senior who intends to study biology, environmental

sciences, oceanography, or a related field in college. The recipient is recommended by the school’s faculty and administration.

“I figure that if I want a career like this,” she said, “I have to be expert in my field and be able to get along with people at a professional level.”

Realizing that typical college life wasn’t for her, Kelsea sought the advice of a career counselor at OCHS who explored opportunities in the trades, and discovered an opening at the golf club, where she currently works four days a week, and starts early.

“I usually start at 4:50 a.m., sometimes rolling greens, which ends about 8:30,” she said. “After that there’s mowing and typical landscape work to keep the grounds and course looking great. I’m a visual and hands-

on learner, so this suits me perfectly. There’s a great crew there and I’m learning a lot.”

Her early hours don’t keep her from enjoying a number of activities. She still has lots of energy left to go to the beach, surfing, boating, and golf. Her family is fourth-generation Ocean City, according to her father, Charles, who recently retired from the city fire department. Her mother, Jennifer, is the club services manager at Ocean City yacht Club. Her sister Caroline is working toward a master’s degree in mental health counseling, while Katie, her other sister, is at Florida Atlantic u niversity studying exercise science.

Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continually operating fishing club in the u nited States.

Fishing club to collect food for the needy at July 25 open house

The Ocean City Fishing Club will welcome the public to tour its pier twice this summer in hopes of breaking records set last year for donations to the local food cupboard.

The club joins a challenge made by Mayor Jay Gillian to donate non-perishable foods in memory of Regina Ralston, the manager of the Ocean City Food Cupboard, who died earlier this year.

benefit the needy.”

The first open house is set for Thursday, July 25, while the second will be held two weeks later on Thursday Aug. 8. The pier, located at 14th Street and the Boardwalk, will be open to the public from 6-8 p.m. both evenings. Pier visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make cash donations when they tour the pier. The open houses coincide with the city’s Family Nights on the Boardwalk.

In 2023, 2,112 pier visitors brought 385 pounds of food and donated $1,924 in cash to benefit the local food agency. Each of last two open houses at the pier broke previous records for donations to the Ocean City Food Cupboard.

“We’re glad to join the city in collecting food for the local food cupboard in memory of Regina Ralston,” said Tom yucis, OCFC president.

“We’re hoping the public will again respond generously and set new records for the amount we collect to

The OCFC food collection program began in 2013, when the fishing club celebrated its centennial anniversary. Previously, contributions were given in memory of Bob Roth, a long-time OCFC member who died in 2022 and who had a strong commitment to the Food Cupboard throughout his life.

Fishing club members will be on hand to guide visitors and answer questions about the pier and the organization. The pier extends nearly 750 feet from the Boardwalk, over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. OCFC began a pier extension project in December 2020 to add about 113 feet to the structure. The addition was completed in spring 2021.

The Ocean City Fishing Club is committed to community involvement through its youth fishing tournament, scholarship program and advocacy for recreational fishing. It is the oldest continually operating fishing club in the nation.

OCBP rescues two boaters and a dog grounded in inlet

Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards rescued a couple and their dog on Monday afternoon from a boat grounded in Corson’s Inlet.

The guards responded to a 3:58 p.m. call and launched personal watercraft (PWC) from both the 59th Street and 34th Street OCBP stations. While en route to the scene, they received an update that the boat was taking on water.

They located a pontoon boat grounded on a shoal about 75 yards off the beach on the Ocean City side of the inlet in a heavy fog. The first PWC transported the boat operator and one dog to the boat ramp at Corson’s Inlet State Park. The second PWC transported the second dog.

Sea Tow was dispatched to retrieve the pontoon boat.

Ocean City Beach Patrol and Ocean City Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded by land, but neither the two people nor their dog required any treatment.

The Great OC Lagoon Race is back for its fifth year

By Julia Train

Created in 2020, after Ocean City’s Night in Venice parade was canceled due to COVID-19, the Great OC lagoon Race will be back for its fifth year on Saturday, July 27.

Tim Campbell and his wife, Kate, knew the island still needed an event to keep that sense of community that the annual boat parade provides.

So the couple, who live on the Car-

nival l agoon, started the event that now has two races – one for kayakers and another for paddleboarders – to bring that togetherness back to the island.

Being an avid water sports enthusiast, along with running three separate Ocean City-related social media groups on Facebook and Instagram, it was an easy decision, Tim Campbell said.

While brainstorming one night in 2020, he thought to himself, “What

if I could organize a community type event that would still get people out and having fun for a little bit?”

The Great OC l agoon Race was originally only a paddleboard race, but then Tim added kayaking to the mix.

The event takes place between the 16th and 17th Street lagoons — Carnival and Venetian – and starts at 11 a.m. in the 16th Street (Carnival) lagoon with the paddleboard race.

Following that, at 11:30 a.m., is the kayak race. Participants launch off of the bulkhead at the end of 16th Street and complete one loop around the 17th Street island.

to pump attendees up.

“It's usually a good atmosphere. People are excited,” he said.

Tim orders trophies from Amazon for the male and female winner of each race and gets gift cards donated from local businesses so that each winner gets a gift basket from those establishments.

After the event, Tim said he’ll usually have some of the attendees over to his house for a couple of drinks.

Now that Night in Venice is back, the Campbells usually plan their event to be within a week or two of the boat parade. As for the future of the race, Tim is hoping to add a

Tim described the area where the race takes place as almost like two lakes that were built with a tunnel that connects them.

“It's just for fun, nothing too serious. Some people do take it seriously, but the majority of people are just out there to bring the community together, have some fun and some laughs,” Tim explained.

Dozens turn out for the races and its attendance has been growing a little bit each year.

Music will be playing out of a loudspeaker, and Kate will be the emcee

third event and is thinking about the possibility of making it a fundraiser eventually.

The event is for any age and open to both single and double kayakers, with all levels of experience welcome. Tim mentioned that he has had participants as young as 6 years old and up to 70.

The Great OC l agoon Race is completely free and there’s no registration beforehand. Tim said to just show up 15 minutes before the race if you wish to partake.

Photos by Offshore Drones

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

What's happening in Ocean City

Weekly boardwalk and downtown entertainment kicks off for 2024

Registration is still open for Night in Venice Weekend events on July 19 and 20.

Weeknight entertainment comes to the Boardwalk starting this week with Family Nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and Mummers Nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Family Nights on the boardwalk will include free entertainment with stilt walkers, magicians, favorite characters and more set up at different spots between Eighth Street and 12th Street. On Wednesday nights,

Santa will be available for photos at the 11th Street Pavilion. Mummers Night will feature string bands strutting the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street. Family Nights and Mummers Nights will run through July and August.

Weekly entertainment along downtown Asbury Avenue also starts this week with Funtastic Tuesdays and Market Days on Thursdays bringing entertainment, face-painters, balloon-sculptors and more to Ocean City’s shopping and dining district from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekly events also include

Wacky Wednesdays at the Ocean City Music Pier loggia every week at 10:30 a.m. This event invites families and individuals to compete in friendly and creative competitions. The fun started last week with an old-fashioned pie-eating contest, and Wednesday (July 10) the contest was saltwater taffy sculpting. The event is free but limited to the first 200 participants.

Free beach exercise (yoga) classes are underway every Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the Sixth Street Beach volleyball courts. Free pilates classes take place every Wednesday

Night in Venice set for July 20

Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and registration is still open to participate in the boat parade or house-decorating contest. Visit www.ocnj.us/niv or call 609399-6111 for information and to sign up.

at the same time and place. Friday classes are low-impact exercise Bring a towel and a friend. For more information, call 609-398-6900.

Free guided Beach Walks will feature information on shells, birds, animals and the shore ecosystem at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays . Meet at the entrance to Corson’s Inlet State Park at 59th Street and Central Avenue.

The themed boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City- longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., and this year’s theme is “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.” ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith will be grand marshal, and Philadelphia Eagles veteran Brandon Graham will be a special guest. A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the festivities after the parade is complete.

Tickets for a July 19 concert featuring the Jimmy Buffett tribute band The landsharks are on sale now. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Ocean City Music Pier and will be a perfect warmup for Night in Venice. Tickets are available online at oceancityvacation.com/

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boxoffice , by calling 609-399-6111 or in-person at the Music Pier Box Office, City Hall, the Welcome Center on the Ninth Street causeway, and the 46th Street Information Center. Registration for the second annual Night in Venice 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk is open now. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 20, with the 1-mile walk beginning right after. Registration, packet pickup and the start of the race are behind the Ocean City Intermediate School at 19th Street and Haven Avenue. Online sign-ups and information are at www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/OceanCity/ NightinVenice5k

Tickets for a special viewing area at the Bayside Center are sold out, but free shuttle transportation will be available and free grandstands will be set up at street ends along the route. Presenting sponsors for 2024 Night in Venice are ACME Markets and OCNJ Watersports.

Also coming up soon

JULY 11 – Sand Sculpting Contest: Open to kids, teens, adults and families! Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth St. beach. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.

JULY 13 – Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Phila -

comedian Joe Conklin joins forces with the City Rhythm Orchestra for a night of comedy and music. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice

JULY 14 – Frankie Moreno Performing the Music of Elvis With the Ocean City Pops: The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

JULY 15 – The Moody Blues’ John Lodge Performs Days of Future

Passed: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com

JULY 16 – ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – The Musical:’ The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company’s children’s theater series continues with a musical adaptation of the Caldecott award-winning picture books. The show begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com

delphia

Athletes gain national publicity to OC

A Look Back

By Fred Miller

Eighty-three years ago this week, Ocean City was featured in the national news thanks to Archie Harris and

university of Indiana, cloaked himself in international glory today bettering the world record in the discus throw at the National Collegiate Athletic Association track and field championship. He sent the platter sailing 174 feet 8 ¾ inches.”

“ lO u IS, NEAR DEFEAT, STOPS CONN IN THE 13th AND RETAINS CROWN” was the headline on the front page of the June 19, 1941 New york Times. The article began, “Joe louis still is world heavyweight champion, after his eighteenth defense of the title he won four years ago from Jim Braddock in Chicago.

Billy Conn. Harris set a world record discus toss, and Conn almost beat world champion Joe louis. Harris grew up in Ocean City, while Conn, who grew up in Pittsburgh, vacationed in Ocean City.

“HARRIS SHATTERS DISC u S STANDARD; Toss of 174 Feet 8 ¾ Inches in N.C.A.A. Meet on Coast Breaks World Record” was the headline in the June 21, 1941 New york Times. The article reported, “Giant Archie Harris, great Negro athlete from the

“The famed fighter sank Billy Conn, former world light-heavyweight champion, with a depthbomb in the thirteenth round battle before a crowd of 54,487 wildly excited fight fans, who paid $450,000 in the Polo Grounds last night.”

Both Harris and Conn received coverage in the June 30, 1941 Newsweek magazine. “The u niversity of Indiana’s 50-point second place (u niversity of Southern California won the N.C.A.A. championship) was partly due to strength in the distance events, but mostly to the efforts of Archie Harris. Though he placed second to Al Blozis of Georgetown in the shot put, Harris sailed the discus 174 feet 8 ¾ inches to better the world’s

record by 6 ¼ inches.”

After reviewing the classic fight the article reported, “ louis collected $154,404 of the $451,743 gate and injured right wrist; Conn got $77,202 ($1,426,178 in 2021 money) and some wounded feelings. The latter occurred when his prospective fatherin-law, James l . Smith of Pittsburgh, forbade his daughter Mary louise to marry the defeated challenger. Smith added insult to injury by threatening to punch Conn in the nose without benefit of clergy or referee.”

The next issue of Time magazine included a picture of Mary louise Smith and Billy Conn above this caption, “BI lly CONN & BRIDE.” No report of Billy getting punched in the nose!

OC American Legion honors two military families with

By Doug Otto

Ocean City American legion Post 524 will again welcome two military families to “America’s Greatest Family Resort” on Sunday, July 14 for a week of fun and festivities courtesy of the Post’s Rest & Relaxation Program.

The families will be given the use of two free condominiums for the week, and a multitude of gifts from local Ocean City businesses as a way to say, ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifices.’

united States Air Force Staff Sgt. Dustin Panaccione, his wife Alexa and their three sons–10-year-old Hudson, 6-year-old Weston and 3-year-old l awson– will join uSAF Senior Airman Isaiah Shwarber, his wife Shauna and their three children: 6-year-old Emma, 1-year-old Eleanor and 3-month-old Isaiah, Jr. for the week’s activities.

“American l egion Post 524’s Rest & Relaxation Program began in 2013 as a way to pay tribute to service men and women for sacri -

fices made during their time in the military,” explained Joe Masington, co-chair of the R & R Committee. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment and we support their efforts as well.”

Following a police and fire department motorcade and an escort into town by the legion Riders motorcycle brigade, the Panacciones and Schwarbers will be honored during a lunchtime welcoming ceremony held at the American legion Morvay-Miley-Cruice Post 524 building, located at 46th Street and West Avenue. During the ceremony, members of The South Jersey Quilts of Valor Foundation will present personalized, handmade quilts to both service members. The pattern and stitching will represent the Air Force colors and designs.

On Wednesday, July 17, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian will host the families and present them with a key to the city. They will also receive free beach and parking passes, restaurant dinners and local product baskets. The Cape May County Zoo has donated

free admission passes.

“Post 524 is proud to welcome this year’s R & R families,” said Jerry Bonner, R & R Committee co-chair.

“We thank all our members – veterans, auxiliary and The Sons of The American legion for their many contributions to these deserving patriotic families.”

Panaccione, originally from Homosassa, Florida, is a 12-year active duty crew chief with the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- lakehurst. He has been deployed throughout the Pacific re -

gion, including Asia, the Middle East and Korea.

“I put a lot of time into my work, both on the clock and at home,” said Panaccione. “My mind is always thinking about how I can further and improve our mission and my troop. Being selected for this incredible vacation opportunity, that we otherwise could not afford, is such a blessing to my deserving wife and kids.”

Schwarber hails from Winchester, Ohio and is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- l akehurst. He enlisted in 2017, with multiple deployments including Qatar.

“We have not had a family vacation in four years,” commented Senior Airman Schwarber. “Our oldest child, Emma, will be turning 7 in July and has been begging us for a vacation. This trip is perfect, since it’s the week before her birthday.”

The public is invited to join the welcoming ceremonies.

For more information, call Morvay-Miley-Cruice American legion Post 524 at (609) 398-1751 or visit www.legion524ocnj.org

Fun options for kids in Ocean City

New outdoor recreation business to open next year

By Megan Antosy

Ocean City will be even more fun for kids and their families next summer.

The yard, a new outdoor recreational center for kids, was approved by the Ocean City Planning Board on June 26. They are aiming to open next year.

“There’s nothing really like that in South Jersey,” said TJ Heist, owner of The yard.

TJ Heist is no stranger to fun ac-

this fall and continue through the winter.

looking for other options for your kiddos?

Cheezy Taco Tuesdays at Peace of Wood

Visit Peace of Wood, 345 West Avenue, on Tuesdays throughout the summer for Cheezy Taco Tuesdays! Jam with Cheezy and the Crackers (try to say that out loud without at least cracking a smile), munch on some free tacos from l as Olas Taqueria, whack a bongo to the beat, snag a triple chocolate brownie Peace Pie from Marshall behind the counter, and let your creativity out during the all ages paint jam (but be sure to call ahead!). Cheezy Taco Tuesdays are held from 4-6 p.m.

Play in OCNJ!

let your kids run around at the various playgrounds! In Ocean City, there are playgrounds at North Street

tivities on the island. He also owns Totally Tubular Watersports, OCNJ Watersports, Beachy Tiki (tiki boat cruises), and Sharkbait (fishing charters).

“I have a handful of other activities but they gear toward older kids. This gears toward younger,” said Heist, a father of two young children.

The structure of The yard will look like a ship, complete with a crow’s nest, a mast structure, soft slides and rope ladders. There will also be cornhole, ping pong tables, and picnic tables outside as well.

The interior of the building that’s already on site will be transformed into a spot for more family fun. It is currently being used as storage. There will be a golf simulator inside. The space will also be available to hold birthday parties as well as group activities and possibly field trips.

Construction is poised to begin

and Haven Avenue, 15th and Bay Avenue, 8th and Haven Avenue, 29th and West Avenue, 34th and West Avenue, and 52nd and Haven Avenue. There are also fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse around the island. Basketball courts can be found at North, 6th, 8th, 15th, 18th, 34th, and 52nd streets.

Tennis courts are at 6th Street, 18th Street, and 35th Street. These courts are a mix of grass and hard courts. Play beach volleyball at 5th and the beach, or learn shuffleboard at 6th and boardwalk. Test out your skills and balance at the Ocean City Skate Park, 550 Asbury Avenue. Weather a little iffy? Head to the pool at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue.

Read a book

Take your kids to the Ocean City Free Public library to pick out some new books! let them pick out a few

for late night reading, bedtime or porch time before or after the beach. The library has tons of classes and events each week, making it the perfect place to visit rain or shine. While you’re there, consider checking out the new murals at the Ocean City Historical Museum and learn more about past and present events in Ocean City history. Visit the Ocean City Arts Center to see what classes they have going on and browse current students’ work.

Megan Antosy is a 2018 graduate of Penn State Berks with a BA in Professional Writing, a BS in Business with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing, and a minor in Women’s Studies. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Strategic Communications and Digital Strategy through the University of Oklahoma.

Grabel’s was the place to go in Atlantic City, all day and all night

By Bruce Klauber

It was a cocktail lounge, an after-hours mecca, a restaurant, a nightclub, a piano bar, a hangout. It was sometimes a dance club, sometimes a jazz club, and sometimes a karaoke bar. It was an Atlantic City institution for 33 years. It was Grabel’s, and people of a certain age still talk about it.

Harry Grabel was a Holocaust survivor. Several years after he came to this country, he served in the Korean War. He moved to Margate in 1966 with his wife, Doris, and his family. And in June of 1972, he took the plunge into the food and beverage business.

It was just about the worst time to open any business in Atlantic City as the resort was near its low point. legalized gaming, which wouldn’t be

instituted for six more years, was still a pipe dream. The old hotels were crumbling, crime and poverty were rampant, tourism was down, and the reputation of Atlantic City as a vacation destination was, to put it mildly, awful.

Despite that, Harry Grabel saw an opportunity. On June 2, 1972, what was formerly a Chelsea cocktail lounge called The Tropics changed hands. As the new owner, Grabel began extensive renovations.

“We’re going to give the lounge a completely new look, from the rugs to the walls,” he told the Press of Atlantic City at the time. “We’ll also feature nightly entertainment. Fulltime piano and vocal entertainment will start when the room has its grand opening, hopefully around July 4.”

Grabel’s, at 3901 Atlantic Ave., was an interesting locale for a new nightspot. The 275-unit Warwick

Condominium, which was home to Orsatti’s Restaurant since 1966, was several blocks away. Sherlock’s liquor & Pub, a package goods store that also occasionally featured live entertainment, was close by. But it was, said Realtors at the time, a “quiet and residential neighborhood.” It’s the same today, except the Warwick no longer has a restaurant, and Ryfe Bar and Restaurant stands where Sherlock’s once was.

live entertainment was always a feature at Grabel’s. One patron remembers seeing Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and Robert Hazard and the Heroes at Grabel’s.

Harry and Doris always treated the entertainers royally. Keyboardist Dennis Righter has fond memories of working there.

“We came to Grabel’s from the Golden Nugget,” Righter recalled. “We worked at Grabel’s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for years. It was a ‘beginning of the week’ home for us for probably 11 years. My wife, Nancy, was killed in an auto accident in 1991 and Doris and Harry were at the funeral. Club owners were a tough breed back then, but they treated us like we were their children.

“Harry and Doris were sweet-

hearts, but Harry was rarely in a good mood when dealing with the music. He was a tough manager and never stopped talking, commenting and asking for more. But Grabel’s was almost always where we auditioned for casino lounge gigs, and I think almost every casino job we got was secured from a Grabel’s audition, and all this was done with Harry and Doris’ approval and blessing.

“Every night at 4 a.m. Harry would come over to the bandstand and say, ‘Do me a favor. Stay up there and play a breakfast set for me.’ I would say, ‘Okay, one hundred dollars.’ He would say, ‘I’ll give you some pizza.’ We would sigh and say okay, even though the overnight shift would come in from getting off work at the casinos, cash their paychecks, fill up the bar, and ignore us. So it would be five or six sets for us, but I know we were one of the highest paid duos to ever work the place. Harry appreciated show business and a band that understood what he was doing to make a buck.”

The late and great Sinatra-inspired singer, Sonny Averona, profiled recently in these pages, was a frequent visitor to Grabel’s after his 4 a.m. shows at the Taj Mahal. Harry Grabel worshiped Sonny, and when Sonny’s party walked in to a mobbed Grabel’s at 4:30 a.m., Harry made

sure that everyone had seats at the bar and were treated to his bar food, especially “steak fingers.” Naturally, at some point, Sonny was invited to the stage to sing a few Sinatra songs.

Pianist, arranger, and conductor Dean Schneider was a frequent visitor, and would often drop in after finishing his work at one of the casinos.

“I'm just remembering all the times (late and iconic pianist) George Mesterhazy and I would go there after Tony’s Baltimore Grill at 3:30 in the morning,” Schneider recalled.

“Dottie and Harry Grabel were something else!”

There were trials, tribulations, and ups and downs through the years. It’s the nature of the business. When gaming was legalized in Atlantic City in 1978, it was hoped that existing businesses would benefit. Most did not, but Grabel’s did, most of the time. Even during the off-season, it was packed.

There was a setback in 1991. Because of a fire, Grabel’s closed that summer, but in November it reopened, complete with new décor, new sound system, and plans for new talent. The business continued to thrive.

Harry and Doris knew that evolution and innovation were essentials in the restaurant business, so in March of 1996, Grabel’s opened a 40-seat

restaurant in the club.

“The night crowd doesn’t come out anymore,” Harry said at the time. “By 11, 12 o’clock they’re gone. Most of Grabel’s restaurant patrons are unfamiliar with the longtime entertainment establishment. We’ve attracted a new crowd to see what we’re doing. We have to break that thing where people know we’re a nightclub. We’re a restaurant now. In New york City, there are a million places like this. Around here, we’re the only restaurant to have a piano bar.”

It’s difficult to describe just what went on at Grabel’s after hours. It was packed with dancers, drinkers, those in for a late-night meal, visiting celebrities, and friends of Harry and Doris who eventually divorced, but continued working together. And you never knew what the entertainment was going to be at that hour or on any particular night. There were rock cover bands, jazz groups, comedy and karaoke competitions, and everything in between.

By 2000, Grabel’s was still doing well, but Harry and Doris were getting up in years, and business in Atlantic City was changing. In April of 2000, Doris spoke to The New york Times about the effect of casino gambling on the business.

“I don't know if there's an answer

to this,” she said. “When the first casinos came in, this place was dynamite. We were jammed with the executives and everything. While the casinos still closed at 4 a.m., the workers poured in, but that business withered when they became 24-hour operations. At the same time, the cost of doing business went up.”

On Friday, May 13, 2005, Harry Grabel retired and announced that the club had been sold to Tom O’Grady, whose background was in education and sales. It was called “O’Grady’s” and had an Irish bar theme. It didn’t last long. It was wrong for the neighborhood, and without Harry and Doris on hand, it just wasn’t the same.

Harry Grabel passed away in 2013 and Doris Grabel died in 2021. The venue at 3901 Atlantic Ave. has been vacant and for sale, complete with all the kitchen equipment and sprinkler systems, for some time. Memories are not included.

is

author

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 Big Kahuna is custom built, US Coast Guard approved vessel for up to 25 passengers. There is no other Tiki Boat like it in the United States; professionally installed sound and lighting system, full liquor service, bar seats, sun deck, bathroom and more! Running May - October from Gardner's Basin, Atlantic City.

Bruce Klauber

the

of

Save a species with monarch waystations

By Marjorie Preston

“If we are ever to love a butterfly, we must first care for a few caterpillars.”

That quote, from French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, has special meaning for Jan Sarratore.

As a kindergarten teacher in Indiana, Sarratore taught her students to raise butterfly eggs from caterpillar to chrysalis. She didn’t tell them they were growing monarchs, the most recognizable of butterflies, with their vivid orange and black wings.

At last, when the winged creatures broke free of their shells, “The kids would just go, ‘Whoa,’” said Sarratore. “It’s a miracle, and wondrous to show to children.”

Today, as a member of the Brigantine Garden Club, the South Jersey transplant continues to teach, showing others how to create monarch waystations. These pollinator gardens help the butterflies survive—and they need all the help they can get.

loss of habitat, climate change, and the scarcity of milkweed, their sole host plant and food source, has imperiled the butterflies, whose annual migration to Mexico is one of the natural wonders of the world.

In 2020, the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged that monarchs are endangered, but declined to place them on the endangered species list due to “higher priority listing actions.” The International u nion for Conservation of Nature does list the species as endangered, saying it’s at high risk for extinction in the wild. luckily, people can help.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

First, a waystation needs at least six milkweed plants in soil that gets

at least six hours of sun per day. Adult monarchs lay their eggs on the leaves of the plants. After the eggs hatch, the caterpillars live on the sticky, bittersweet milk inside the leaves until they spin themselves into cocoons (the milk contains a toxin that makes the creatures inedible to predators).

A waystation also needs trees or shrubs for shelter, a water source (shallow, so the winged insects won’t drown), and a variety of flowering plants that will bloom from early spring to fall. The flowers’ nectar supplements the diet of the adult monarch.

For instance, Sarratore’s garden includes irises, daffodils and spider-

wort in the spring; day lilies, blackeyed Susans, butterfly weeds and sedum in the summer; and goldenrod, zinnias and chrysanthemums in the fall. The butterflies love them, and in migrating season, flock to her yard by the hundreds.

4-Hour Flounder ($495) 7:30AM or 12PM

3-Hour Bay Flounder ($425) 7:30AM, 12PM or 5PM

2-Hour Cruise ($375) 5PM or 7:15PM

Jan Sarratore looks for monarch eggs.

Kim Glomb in her monarch garden.

Kim Glomb, also of Brigantine, began raising monarchs after attending one of Sarratore’s demonstrations. Her summer garden includes tiger lilies and obedient plants, a perennial that resembles snapdragons. They attract not just monarchs but bees, other small insects and hummingbirds.

using starter milkweed plants is easier than growing from seed, says Glomb. But the plants are “pretty carefree, once you get them established.”

Milkweeds are an invasive species, so prune accordingly, pull up and give away any new sprouts, and in the fall, when the pods split open, let the seeds disperse, to create new plants. Of course, avoid using pesticides.

While it’s possible to grow milkweed in pots, the tap roots grow from eight or ten feet, and even a big pot can’t sustain that kind of growth for more than a season or two.

The Circle of Life

Having a monarch waystation in the yard is a great way to observe its life cycle from pinpoint-sized egg to adult. And it’s quite the drama. In mating season, a dominant male will circle the habitat, guarding his territory, before finally attaching to a female. Then, like Tarzan, he’ll fly her up a tree for mating.

Once impregnated, the female lays up to 400 eggs on the undersides of milkweed leaves; about one in 10 will survive to adulthood. Hand-raising in an indoor butterfly nursery helps them along.

outdoor enclosure for the chrysalis stage).

The butterflies form inside these cocoons, which are pale green with gold dots, and resemble jade pendants. In eight to 14 days comes the ”Whoa!” moment as they emerge, dry out their wings, and are ready to fly.

Simply place the leaves and attached eggs inside a small mesh container. Tiny caterpillars soon will emerge and feed on the leaves, continuing to grow and molt until they’re about three inches long (the caterpillars themselves are beautiful, with yellow, green, and black stripes). Then it’s time to weave their cocoons, or pupae, which hang vertically inside their nursery or other container (Sarratore maintains a separate,

Given the right environment, monarch butterflies will reappear every spring and reproduce every summer. Their average life span is about six weeks, with the exception of a “super-generation,” which is hearty enough to make the amazing trek south to Mexico. These migrators, which weigh less than a snowflake, fly up to 3,000 miles, then overwinter in the Mexican forest before beginning the flight back in the spring.

“Every monarch from the eastern seaboard east of the Rockies goes to Mexico, to the middle of nowhere,” marvels Steve Sarratore, Jan’s husband, a former college professor. “It’s the largest migration of any butterfly known.”

But the numbers are dwindling. According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), more than 90 percent of North American monarchs have been wiped out in the last 20 years. To help the species endure, and increase the health of the ecosystem, consider a monarch waystation.

“It’s just the wonder of nature,” said Jan Sarratore. “When the milkweed appears, the butterflies aren’t far behind.”

For more information, visit EDF. org or Monarchwatch.org.

Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.

Caterpillars in the nursery, feeding on milkweed leaves

Adult monarch

Phillies dominate N.L. All Star balloting

By David Weinberg

Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman had planned to spend the upcoming All-Star break at the Jersey Shore with family and friends.

Instead, he’ll be heading to Arlington, Texas to play in the 94th Mid-Summer Classic at Texas’ Globe life Field on July 16.

“We were going to go to the Jersey Shore for a couple of days,” Hoffman told reporters Sunday. “But this is way better. We’re very happy to cancel our plans.”

Hoffman will be among seven Phillies at the game, joining third-baseman Alec Bohm, first-baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner and fellow pitchers Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez and Matt Strahm.

Bohm, Harper and Turner were voted in by fans as starters for the game

while the pitchers were announced by manager Rob Thomson during a team meeting Sunday.

With Hoffman and Strahm, it marks the first time the Phils have had two relievers selected.

Hoffman has eight saves this season with a 1.21 ERA. He has 47 strikeouts against eight walks in 37.1 innings. Strahm has been almost as impressive, posting a 1.59 ERA with 45 strikeouts and four walks in 34 innings.

Ironically, Hoffman and Strahm warm up together before games by playing catch.

“I might be the only one there with my actual catch partner,” Hoffman said.

“(Thomson) announced Strahm’s name first and that took more of a weight off my shoulders than hearing my own name called. I’m really happy that we get to enjoy (the All-Star game) together.”

The Phils’ contingent is the largest in the majors and is also a franchise record. The team previously sent five players to the All-Star game on several occasions, most recently in 2011 when centerfielder Shane Victorino, third baseman Placido Polanco and pitchers Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff lee were selected.

The size of the Phils’ group isn’t

all that surprising, considering their fantastic start to the season. Despite losing 2 of 3 in Atlanta over the July 4th weekend, they still lead the Majors with 58 victories.

The argument could be made that even more players were deserving, such as injured catcher J.T. Realmuto, DH/outfielder Kyle Schwarber and pitcher Aaron Nola. Nola is 10-4 with a 3.48 ERA. His 10 wins are tied with Suarez for third-most in the majors.

“I’m really proud of this group,” Thomson said. “I’m proud of the seven guys and I told them if they put in the guys that I think deserve to go from our club, they’d have to put in a 40man roster for the All-Star game.”

RIP Greg Goodwin

The local high school basketball community is mourning the loss of one of its top coaches.

Greg Goodwin, who led the Absegami girls basketball team to two state championships and five South Jersey titles, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced Sunday night.

He was 63.

Goodwin, who also coached boys basketball at Absegami, St. James of Carney’s Point and Millville, earned a combined 406-252 record in 28 seasons as a head coach and is a member of the New Jersey Coaches and South Jersey Halls of Fame.

The Galloway Township resident, who was a standout player himself for Millville High School in the 1970s, also taught social studies and coaches lacrosse at Absegami. He served as an assistant coach for former Stockton university women’s coach Joe Fussner in 2010-11.

His most successful coaching stint came while directing the Absegami girls basketball program. He coached the Braves to a 227-54 record and won back-to-back state Group 4 championships in 1995-96 behind star players Tara Booker and Sara Mostafa.

“ l ove coach Goodie!!” former Stockton, Mainland Regional and At-

lantic City Seagulls coach Roy Heck said on Facebook. “So sorry to hear. He’s given so much to the South Jersey basketball community.”

Goodwin

Local golf courses celebrated

Five local golf courses were chosen by Golfweek’s Top Public Courses you can play in New Jersey. Seaview’s Bay Course was the top one at No. 3, followed by Twisted Dune (5), Shore Gate (8), Seaview’s Pines Course (11) and Ballamor (13). My personal list would also include Blue Heron Pines, Cape May National, Harbor Pines, McCullough’s Emerald links and Renault National.

Two more area courses – Galloway National (8) and Hidden Creek (12) –were chosen among Golfweek’s Top Private Courses in the state. To me, overlooking Atlantic City Country Club is a travesty and the magazine clearly hasn’t visited union league National since its amazing renovation.

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.

Greg

Kitchen, Bathroom

Renovations

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

TRUSTED SINCE 1949

By Marjorie Preston

This week, it’s a redemptive tale with a country accent; a charming winter romance; a bio of legendary newswoman Barbara Walters; a new horror novel; and a look at Alfred Hitchcock’s famous blondes. Be sure to take a book to the beach.

Colton Gentry’s Third Act

By Jeff Zentner Grand Central Press

like a great country song, this blockbuster has it all: tragic loss, love gone wrong, and a rough-hewn hero-with-a-heart who drowns his sorrows in a bottle of Jim Beam.

Country music star Colton Gentry has reasons to celebrate: he’s married to Nashville hitmaker Maisy Martin, and his newest single is climbing the charts. But after his best friend dies

school sweetheart luann, who loved him when he was a varsity football star, and loved him after an injury ended his NFl dreams.

But Colton, fearing he would hold her back, broke it off when luann went off to college. This is his chance to heal that long rift, and also mend fences with Derrick, a boyhood buddy left in the dust of his fame.

“Colton Gentry’s Third Act” is a big, fat, testosterone-heavy romance, rich with feeling and gorgeously written. It’s not preachy about gun control, and demonstrates that the two sides can find common ground, if only they try.

single mom named Hattie. like a perfect cup of cocoa, “The Book Club Hotel” is sweet, comforting, but never treacly. Its characters are beautifully wrought, and cope with loss, loneliness, fear, and betrayal through the power of friendship. A little bit of mystery makes the story even more compelling.

Think of this novel as Christmas in July—a holiday gift in the midst of summer.

The Book Club Hotel

By Sarah Morgan Canary Street Press

in a mass shooting, Colton takes the stage in a drunken rant against guns, alienating his fans, his record company and his wife.

Career and marriage in tatters, Colton limps back to his hometown to dry out and lay low until the dust settles. There he encounters high

Each year, three old friends meet in a different city for their annual book club reunion. This year will be special, as the 40-somethings all grapple with change. Anna, once a contented wife and mom, is distraught at the prospect of being an empty-nester. Chef Claudia is at loose ends after being fired from her restaurant job and dumped by her boyfriend at the same time. Their leader, Erica, is a globe-trotting CEO—all business, no spontaneity or romance. She has such cosmopolitan tastes, her besties wonder why she chose snowy Vermont for this year’s rendezvous. Her selection: a storybook B&B, the Maple Sugar Inn, run by a struggling young widow and

By Susan Page Simon & Schuster

Here’s a biography equal to its subject.

Barbara Walters was a broadcasting legend who powered her way to the top by any means necessary, fair and unfair. She was also a complicated woman, driven by fears of both failure and poverty. It’s no wonder. Her father was nightclub impresario lou Walters, who built several empires only to gamble them away, moving his family from mansions and penthouses to tiny apartments and back again. Even at the height of her success, Barbara was terrified of losing it all.

Shaped by troubled relationships with lou, her dependent mother, Dena, and her mentally challenged sister, Jackie, Barbara clawed her way to success, despite contempt from the old boys, like Frank McGee and Harry Reasoner, and ultimately became

Continued on 54

Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters

with Marjorie Preston

Summer wellness tips: staying fit and healthy in the heat

By Rachel Guevara

As the sun shines brightly and temperatures soar during the summer months, it is crucial for women with health and fitness goals to prioritize self-care and well-being. Keeping your body properly hydrated, nourished and motivated is key to staying healthy and fit during the hottest days of the year.

Hydration is vital:

One of the most important things to remember during hot summer days is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential to maintain your energy levels and support your body's functions. Carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go to ensure you can

sip on water regularly. Additionally, you can enjoy hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges to increase your fluid intake.

Nutrition for Energy and Vitality:

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for your overall well-being, especially during the summer when the heat can sap your energy. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals to provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Opt for light and refreshing meals such as salads, smoothies, and grilled vegetables to keep you feeling nourished and energized. Incorporating sources of lean protein like chicken, fish or tofu will help support your muscles and keep you feeling satisfied.

Staying motivated in the heat: When the temperatures rise, it can be challenging to stay motivated to exercise and work toward your fitness goals. However, there are several strategies you can use to keep yourself on track even on the hottest days. Consider exercising early in the

morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense. Choose indoor workout options such as yoga, pilates or dance classes to stay active without overheating. Setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself can help you stay motivated and focused on your health and fitness journey.

Self-care and sun protection: Taking care of yourself goes beyond just physical health – it also includes mental and emotional well-being. Remember to prioritize self-care activities such as meditation, journaling or spending time in nature to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, don't forget

to protect your skin from the sun's harmful uV rays by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses when spending time outdoors. By following these simple tips and making your well-being a priority, you can enjoy the season while working towards your health and fitness goals. listen to your body, stay mindful of your needs, and celebrate your progress along the way. Stay cool, active and healthy this summer!

Rachel Guevara is the owner of Lift & Glitz Training Studio in Northfield, NJ. With 13 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rachel holds certifications in Personal & Group Fitness through ISSA and is a Zumba Fitness Instructor. A proud single mother of two, Rachel balances her professional and personal life with grace and determination. She earned her BA in Communications from Stockton University and resides in Northfield.

Farmers Markets

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 l abor 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 e-mail wellness@thehoneytree.net.

Galloway Green Market

▶Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.

Historic Smithville Village Greene 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.

Go Green Galloway hosts their weekly Green Market, Thursdays through September 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, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Steve and Cookies Parking lot

9700 Amherst Ave.

The Margate Farmers Market is open for the 2024 season. Markets will be open starting Thursday, June 20 through August 29. For more information, visit margatehasmore. com.

Ocean City Farmers Market

▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th Streets

Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the Tabernacle, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. Wednesdays through Sept. 4. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-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 is open Saturdays on the grounds of the beautiful and historic Somers Mansion. 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 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.

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Confidently Smile with Dental Implants

By: Chie Li Ee DMD, PA

Missing teeth are detrimental to a person’s long-term health and replacing them can dramatically improve a person’s confidence, smile and chewing ability. Fortunately, the advances in implant dentistry have made it possible for people with missing teeth to speak confidently, enjoy their favorite foods and function as they would with natural teeth.

The consequences of not replacing missing teeth go beyond appearances, negatively impacting the health and stability of adjacent and opposing teeth. unreplaced missing teeth cause adjacent teeth to shift and become

mobile, eventually leading to more tooth loss.

Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by offering a much more stable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. They can be utilized for single or multiple missing teeth in a variety of different ways. For example, implant overdentures allow a person to comfortably bite into hard foods without the worry of the denture moving, trapping food, or causing embarrassing clicking sounds. New technology has even made it possible for some people to have “Teeth in a Day.” This procedure uses implants to anchor a fixed bridge and allows the person to go home with teeth the same day as the procedure.

A dental implant is a titanium post that simulates the root of a natural tooth and can support a crown, bridge, or overdenture. (Titanium is used due to its compatibility with bone and oral tissues.) They are very durable and can last a lifetime when properly cared for with regular brushing, flossing and routine check-ups.

Because dental implants provide the same function as a natural tooth root, they are becoming the optimum treatment choice for many adults that have lost permanent teeth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry the number of Americans with dental implants is estimated to be about three million and rising with a long-term success rate of over 95%. Recurrent decay,

gum disease and other factors often doom fixed bridgework to early failure, causing a need for replacement every 7-15 years. Within 5-7 years, a 30% failure rate in teeth next to the fixed bridges or removable partial dentures has also been demonstrated, proving that dental implants are even the most cost-effective treatment option in the long term for replacing missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ee today to determine what will best help you achieve your dental goals. Advanced Dental Concepts welcomes new patients and is always happy to answer any questions about your dental health. Call (609)601-9300 or email advanceddental08244@gmail.com today. Sponsored Content

Staying hydrated this summer

By Lela McAferty

It’s a beautiful summer day, and you are headed out to join a group of friends for a birthday gathering. you’re feeling unusually tired and a bit light-headed. No one invited dehydration to the party! As spring is

coming to a close and 80- and 90-degree weather days approach, we must reexamine our changing routines and our hydration habits. We will be outside enjoying a number of activities and even exercising or walking more outside while the weather is beautiful.

Why does our body need water?

Water makes up about 60% of our body weight and serves several functions throughout the body. It protects organs and tissues, lubricates joints, regulates body temperature, moistens tissues in the nose, eyes and mouth, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells and helps the liver and kidneys flush out waste. Water is absolutely vital to our wellbeing.

How much water do we need? This answer varies a bit depending on each specific person. In general, we lose about 8 to 12 cups of water a day or more, depending on factors such as hot weather, high altitude, exercise, sickness, a high-fiber diet, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or caffeine and alcohol consumption. It is imperative we replace our body’s water supply with drinks and foods that contain water. A couple of guidelines concerning replenishing our body’s supply are to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day or to drink about half our body weight of water in ounces. These are basic guidelines. For example, if you are exercising in a hot space or out at the beach for several hours you will need extra water.

Is water my only choice for hydration? No. Although without a doubt, it is the most efficient option. Beverages such as milk, juice, kombucha, coconut water and herbal teas all contribute to your daily water intake. Many foods include a high-water content. Foods such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, zucchini, pineapple, celery, peaches, lettuce, raspberries, grapefruit and tomatoes are all rich in water. Many of these foods may also provide amino acids and vitamins, essential minerals, and natural sugars, all of which can be lost during exercise. A mid-morning protein smoothie is a wonderful, balanced way to replenish hydration, along with

important vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.

What are some long-term benefits of water consumption? As many of the body’s processes depend on water, it is imperative to think about long-term consumption. A few long-term advantages that come into play include: water prevents kidney damage, water helps facilitate nutrients and vitamins to different parts of our body, water helps maintain healthy blood pressure, water may ease allergies and asthma as it lubricates our airways, water increases athletic performance, and water may alleviate constipation, heartburn and stomach ulcers.

How do I maintain my water intake throughout the day? This looks different for everyone. Do your best to drink before you feel thirsty. We may need to set a reminder to get up, walk around, and drink a glass of water. For others, this may be drinking a glass of water before and after a meal, or drinking a glass of water before our morning coffee or afternoon tea. Keeping our water bottle with us may be just the trick. For others that are not a fan of pure water, this can be remedied by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or mixing a half-gallon container of water to sit in the fridge with lemon, strawberries and basil. A water infusion sounds wonderful on a hot day! I hope these tips on water intake have reminded you of the fun summer days ahead. Enjoy!

lela McAferty holds a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition. She is a Nutrition and CrossFit coach at CrossFit OTG and owner of Armor Nutrition. She is a Coastie wife and mother of 2. Connect with lela on Instagram @ armornutrition or email lelamcaferty@ gmail.com.

NJ Trim Clinic’s IV

Nutrient Infusions are used to deliver vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, offering superior absorption over oral supplements. We offer several preformulated customized solutions to address a variety of issues, including:

• Immune system strengthening

• Anti-aging

• Optimal athletic performance and recovery

• Metabolism

• Hangover and headache relief

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain fog

J Trim doctors are proud to offer a wide range of cutting-edge services to help their patients look and feel their best. With a focus on personalized care and innovative treatments, NJ Trim is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and beauty goals.

One of our most popular services is the Semaglutide and Tirzepatide weight loss injections. With these injections, patients can lose 15-20% of their body weight with limited exercise and dieting, making it an effective and convenient option for those looking to shed unwanted pounds. In addition, they offer a variety of aesthetics services such as Botox and dermal fillers to help patients achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

frequency ultrasound machine, able to shred fat cells, diminish the appearance of cellulite, and eliminate fat deposits, giving patients a more sculpted and toned physique.

u ltimate body contouring treatment uses a new FDA-approved low

best from the inside out. IV therapies are designed to address a variety of health and wellness concerns including: hangover and headache relief, anti-aging, optimal athletic performance and recovery, cold and flu symtoms, chronic fatigue and more.

The team of providers, Dr. Debra Olaru, DPN, APN and Dr. Thomas Henderson, MD, are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to patients. With expertise and commitment to excellence, the doctors office is the premier destination for your weight loss and aesthetics needs.

In addition to weight loss and aesthetics services, NJ Trim also offers IV therapies to help patients feel their

To learn more about services or to schedule an appointment, visit NJTrimClinic.com or call (609)382-TRIM.

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Have you heard about slippery elm?

By Dr. LaToya Roberts

Slippery elm is a tree native to North America and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. The inner bark of the tree contains a substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, mucilage becomes a slippery, thick, gel-like consistency.

Native Americans used slippery elm externally to expedite wound healing and soothe open sores, boils, burns and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats and digestive ailments.

honey. However, it’s just as easy to find in capsules at any vitamin shop. Finally, some proponents believe poultice containing the powdered bark may be applied to wounds, irritated skin and sores to protect the area and help promote healing. I’ve even used the warmed tea bags in my home to apply on a skinned elbow or knee. While more research is needed

The mucilage in slippery elm bark works as a demulcent by soothing and decreasing irritation of the digestive tract, throat, esophagus and other mucous membranes. It is often included in antitussive remedies such as lozenges.

A sore throat can be nursed to health by using slippery elm tea bags 2-3 times daily, which I recently spotted in the tea aisle at the local grocery store. I enjoy drinking the powder form in hot water with a touch of

about slippery elm’s use on open skin, it has historically been used in this way.

So, remember this functional herb the next time you’re looking for a natural, easy go-to remedy. It’s an oldie but goodie!

LaToya Roberts, DO practices internal medicine at Harbor Internal Medicine. Her office is located in Bayside Commons suite 105, 501 Bay Avenue.in Somers Point.

For over three decades, Dr. Fred Coville has dedicated his career to Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, helping thousands worldwide discover their unique beauty. His unwavering commitment and personalized approach have made him South Jersey’s most sought-after plastic surgeon.

At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery, Dr. Coville combines techniques learned from the world’s top surgeons with his own innovative methods. His mission is to reveal each patient’s inherent beauty. “It’s my job to help you Find your Beautiful,” he says, highlighting his dedication to uncovering every patient’s inner beauty.

Dr. Coville personally selects every member of the Cornerstone Plastic Surgery team to ensure the highest level of care and safety from the initial consultation to the final follow-up. This commitment to excellence makes Cornerstone a premier destination for aesthetic enhancement worldwide.

Driven by the belief that "Foundational Health creates Foundational Beauty," Dr. Coville founded Rejuvenessence, an age-management medical spa. This spa focuses on

treatments and practices that lead to a vibrant life today and a healthy future tomorrow. The expert staff of board-certified physicians and aesthetic specialists, hand-picked by Dr. Coville, develops customized treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s needs.

Rejuvenessence operates on three core principles:

1. Identify and eliminate common diseases that reduce quality and length of life.

2. Maintain and optimize health to promote longevity, strength, and sexual wellness.

3. Promote biological youthfulness even as patients grow chronologically older.

This holistic approach to beau -

ty and wellness helps patients " look Better longer" and " live Better longer." By treating the whole body at a cellular level, Rejuvenessence embodies Dr. Coville’s comprehensive philosophy.

Dr. Coville’s remarkable skill, experience, and artistic sensibility are evident in his before-and-after gallery and glowing patient testimonials. He and his staff, proudly referred to as “The Best Team Ever,” provide unparalleled customer service and outstanding patient experiences.

At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery and Rejuvenessence, patients receive royal treatment, whether undergoing non-invasive procedures or complex surgeries. Dr. Coville’s commitment to patient safety, satisfaction, and achieving the best aesthetic outcomes makes Cornerstone the ideal place to “Find your Beautiful.”

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Dr. Fred Coville

Local practice offers access to mental health care

By Dawn Gadon

In today's fast-paced world, mental health care is more crucial than ever. As a Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, I am excited to share some insights into my practice, which focuses on treating addiction, anxiety and depression. licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, our mission is to offer accessible, affordable and science-based treatments that truly make a difference in the lives of our patients.

Understanding our approach

Our practice is built on clear expectations, empathy, and a strong allowance for mistakes. We believe that healing is a journey, and it's essential to create an environment where patients feel safe, understood and supported. This philosophy guides every aspect of our care, from the initial consultation to the ongoing treatment plan. We offer in-person and telehealth visits; your choice.

Comprehensive care for addiction, anxiety, and depression

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach. We offer personalized treatment plans that combine medication-assisted therapy with counseling and support groups. Our goal is to help patients regain control of their lives and achieve long-term recovery.

Anxiety and Depression

Care

Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, but with the right treatment, patients can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Our practice utilizes evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, to help patients reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being. Depression is a common yet serious mental health condition. We provide a range of treatment options, including psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions, to help patients overcome depression and rediscover joy in their lives.

Why choose us?

Accessibility

We understand the barriers that can prevent individuals from seeking mental health care. That's why we offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, as well as telehealth services. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for patients to access the care they need.

Affordability

We are committed to providing

high-quality care at an affordable price. We do not work with insurance, so we have no barriers to giving you the care that we decide you need.

Science-Based Treatments

Our approach is grounded in the latest scientific research. We stay up-to-date with advancements in mental health care to ensure our patients receive the most effective treatments available. This commitment to ongoing education and improvement is a cornerstone of our practice. Join us on the path to wellness

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, anxiety or depression, know that you are not alone. Our practice is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a healthier, happier future.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www. dawngadon.com or call 609-3650028. We look forward to helping you achieve your mental health goals.

the highest-paying broadcaster in history. Though she’s often held up as a standard-bearer for women in TV news, Barbara saw female colleagues as rivals, and undermined anyone she perceived as a threat, particularly Diane Sawyer.

wide fame and fortune, but could never outrun her demons.

Hemlock Island

By Kelley Armstrong St. Martin’s Press

Six people are stranded on an island, with no phone service and no way back to shore. Before long, severed body parts start popping up, and what began as a simple day trip turns into a bloody scream-fest.

“Rulebreaker” is an absorbing portrait of the woman who redefined the celebrity interview, achieved world-

English teacher laney Kilpatrick got Hemlock Island in her divorce settlement, and grudgingly rents it out to pay the bills and care for her orphaned niece, Madison.

When angry renters complain of blood and claw marks in a closet, she heads by boat to the island with her wealthy ex-husband Kit, his sister Jayla, niece Madison and onetime friends Sadie and Garrett. First, they discover that handyman Nate has met a violent end. Next, their boat disappears, along with every other boat on the island. Soon, what’s been shaping up as a murder mystery morphs into a supernatural thriller. laney is an overwrought narrator, even before she starts finding disem -

bodied limbs and bloody hex circles. No spoilers, but the plot twists—including an angry entity with a literal ax to grind—become truly far-fetched at the end.

Hitchcock’s Blondes

By Laurence Leamer G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Alfred Hitchcock’s fascination with women in jeopardy has become a film

genre unto itself. And he was particularly drawn to blondes, cool Scandinavian beauties who always looked good, even mid-scream or post-mortem.

Take “Psycho,” which made mincemeat of a shrieking Janet leigh. Or “The Birds,” which pitted Tippi Hedren against flocks of vicious ravens and gulls. Or “Vertigo,” in which a brunette Kim Novak was transformed into a shimmering blonde, then took a short walk off a tall belltower.

“Hitchcock’s Blondes” depicts these and other screen goddesses who worked with the rotund English director. He adored some (Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman), sought to punish others (Hedren, Novak), and was obsessed with them all, as his masterful body of work demonstrates. This is essential reading for movie lovers.

Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

This week is packed with must-see events and thrilling performances in our vibrant shore community. From Brian McKnight to The Peach at the Beach, TruTV’s “Impractical Jokers” to The O’Jays, there’s something for everyone. let’s show some love to our local venues and make our section of the Jersey Shore shine. Don’t forget to share your epic moments with the

hashtags #shorelocal, #gotowhitney & #thecitypulse.

Who: Brian McNight

Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall

When : Friday, July 12

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/headliners/brian-mcknight

Singer, songwriter and producer Brian McKnight takes the stage at Ovation Hall. Get your tickets to see this 16-time-Grammy-nominated artist.

Who: Christopher Cross

Where: Harrah’s Resort

When : Friday, July 12

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: www.caesars.com/harrahsac/shows

Christopher Cross is coming to the Concert Venue to perform his hit songs such as “Sailing” and “Ride like the Wind.”

Who: TruTV’s ‘Impractical Jokers’ Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour

Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Website : theoceanac.com/entertainment/comedian-headliners/ trutv-impractical-jokers-drive-drivedrive-drive-drive-tour

TruTV’s Impractical Jokers are on tour with an outrageous new show starring the Tenderloins; James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Salvatore “Sal” Vulcano live on stage.

The iconic comedy trio’s new show is a combination of easygoing banter, standup, and some of their classic practical jokes adapted for the stage.

Who: Steve Trevino

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Sound Waves

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 7 p.m.

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

Get ready to laugh out loud as Steve Trevino takes the stage. It’ll be an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, wit, and side-splitting humor.

Who: Amos lee Transmission Tour

Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa | Music Box

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 8 p.m.

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

Amos lee encompasses the heart

and passion of folk, rock, and soul music.

What : The Peach at the Beach

Where: Showboat Resort | Summer

Concert Stage at Island Water Park

When : Saturday, July 13

Time : See website for details and packages

Website: thepeachmusicfestival.com

Check the website for information on artists and ticket options, including the after party.

Who: Blue Oyster Cult

Where: Golden Nugget

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: goldennugget.com/atlantic-city/entertainment/entertainers/ blue-oyster-cult

Blue Oyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history with its blend of hard rock and heavy metal that appeals to mainstream and hard-core fans. Familiar hits include “(Don't Fear) the Reaper,” “Burnin' for you,” and “Godzilla.”

Who: The O’Jays with Special Guest The Spinners

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess Arena

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/the-o-jays

Get ready to groove to the soulful sounds of The O’Jays with special guests, The Spinners. Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away to the music that defined a generation.

What : Who’s Bad - The ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

Where : Harrah’s Resort | Concert Venue

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.whosbadmusic.com/ whos-bad

Who’s Bad - The u ltimate Michael Jackson Experience is bringing the King of Pop to the Concert Venue.

: Gimmie

Where: Anchor Rock Club

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 9 p.m.

CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE

What

Gimmie Disco

Website: anchorrockclub.com

Mamma Mia! If you like Abba and disco, then this is the night for you. The galaxy’s greatest disco night is back at Anchor Rock Club.

Who : Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra

Where: Ocean City Music Pier

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Website: www.oceancityvacation.

com/what-to-do/box-office/

Philadelphia comedian Joe Conklin joins forces with the City Rhythm Orchestra for a night of comedy and music.

Who: Craig Gass & Special Guests

Buda the Comedian and Ray Vazquez

Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Tower

Conference level

When : Saturday, July 13

Time: 6 p.m.

Website: resortsac. com/entertainment/craig-gassspecial-guests-2 l aughter is the best medicine and AC Jokes is sure to deliver big laughs with some of the East Coast’s best comedians. Craig Gass from “Family Guy,” “King of Queens,” and “Sex and the City,” joins Buda the Comedian and Ray Vazquez for a night of fun that you won’t forget.

for men, women, teens, and children impacted by cancer.

Who: Frankie Moreno Performing The Music of Elvis with The Ocean City POPS

What : Dragon Boat Festival | The Cancer Support Community NJ

Where: lake lenape, Mays l anding

When : Sunday, July 14

Time: 9 a.m.

Website: cscnj.org/dragon-boat-festival

The festival will be a day of dragon boat races, a flower ceremony for loved ones touched by cancer, live entertainment, fantastic local food, vendors, and fun for the whole family.

Where: Ocean City Music Pier

When : Sunday, July 14

Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Website : oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice

With 17 Top-10 albums, 117 Top10 singles, an Emmy nomination, and being named l as Vegas “Headliner of the year” five times, Frankie Moreno is consistently breaking records and wowing audiences from coast to coast with his own brand of genre-blurring rock ‘n’ roll.

Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million

At Farmers' Markets this Summer Brigantine Saturdays 8am-12 Margate Thursdays 8:30am -11:30

Outdoor Patio Seating

Scratch Recipe Buns

Savory Scones & Blueberry-Lemon Scones

Crumb Cake & Lemon Bars

Brownies & Apple Cider Donuts

Cookies & Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Fresh Coffee and Lattes

SOURDOUGH TOAST SPECIALS

Asia co-founder gone, but won’t be forgotten at Tropicana

By Chuck Darrow

When 1980s chart-topper Asia hits the stage Friday night at Tropi -

cana Atlantic City, there will be more than music on the agenda. The show by the reconstituted band--indeed its entire tour—is also a tribute to one of its charter members.

Bassist John Wetton—whose dramatic baritone was the signature of the unit’s career-defining single, “Heat Of the Moment”—died in 2017 of colorectal cancer at age 67. But his fellow charter member, Geoff Downes, is determined Wetton’s

memory be front and center.

“It’s very much a tribute to him,” Downes recently told Al .com, describing him as “just a fantastic guy. Not just as a fellow bandmate or as a co-writer; he was very intelligent, very interesting to be with. We’d always have a good laugh about everything. So we were just like a couple of brothers, really, that was the thing. We did a lot of things together and just had a lot of fun.”

For the record, Downes is the only founding member of the group who will be at the Trop on Friday. The original roster was filled out by once-and-current yes guitar whiz Steve Howe and Carl Palmer of Emerson, lake & Palmer fame. In addition to Wetton, the current lineup features drummer Virgil Donati and multi-instrumentalists John Mitchell and Harry Whitley, with the latter assuming Wetton’s role as lead singer.

exactly like the album.”

For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com

Fieri ‘Chickens’ out

And speaking of on-goings at AyCee’s oldest legal gambling den, Our Town’s newest casino munchies stop has been hatched at Resorts Casino-Hotel.

ORDER

SOMERS

And speaking of yes, fans of the British prog-rockers will be happy to know that Roger Dean, the graphic artist who created iconic logos and album covers for yes as well as Asia, is billed as the program’s emcee.

For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.

‘Ziggy’ comes alive

As noted here a few weeks ago, one of the summer’s highlights should be Saturday’s presentation at Resorts Casino-Hotel. That’s when the band that goes by the handle Classic Albums live does its tribute thing for David Bowie’s 1972 world-changing masterpiece, “The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars.”

Not only was it the album that announced Bowie’s arrival as an innovative and important artist, it pretty much single-handedly wrenched rock music out of the hippiedom of the 1960s and thrust it into the future with its tale of a gender-bending extraterrestrial who becomes a superstar rocker before being destroyed by his own fans.

Incidentally, those who attend the show should not expect to see someone in a bright-red pompadour and PVC spacesuit on the stage of the Superstar Theater.

“Think of it as a recital,” insists Craig Martin, who founded Classic Albums live in 2003. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound

That would be Chicken Guy! from “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” overlord Guy Fieri and serial restaurateur Robert Earl (Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich, et al), which opened last week. located at North Carolina Avenue and the Boardwalk, Chicken Guy! specializes in (wait for it!) chicken offerings in a fast-food format. The bill of fare features what are dubbed “Big Bite Chicken Sandwiches” and includes such fowl dishes (sorry, I couldn’t resist) as the Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ, the Hot Honey and the Buffalo Mac ‘N’ Cheese.

Also on the menu are fresh chicken tenders slathered with such house-made sauces as Garlic Parmesan, Chipotle Ranch and Donkey Sauce. The tenders are prepared in fresh lemon juice, pickle brine and buttermilk and infused with herbs.

Dessert options include the Flavortown Shake, which comes in various flavors including triple double mint, vanilla, strawberry, Oreo and chocolate. And of course, there is a full-service bar featuring handcrafted specialty cocktails.

“We’re ecstatic about the opening of Chicken Guy! at Resorts. These restaurants are known for their fantastic chicken and exceptional guest service,” said Mark Giannantonio, President & CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel. “Chicken Guy! is a fantastic addition to our boardwalk front.”

Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic

City casinos.

POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP

It’s Ladies Night on the Somers Point Beach

ven at the biggest concerts the Northeastern united States and

ultimately the contemporary sounds of l ady Gaga and Taylor Swift! It will be quite a ride that will take us all the way up to just before the 10 p.m. curfew!

That’s why The Atlanticare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point are the best in the country!

let The Good Times Roll!

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, July 12

Brian McKnight

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Asia

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

The Disco Biscuits

▶9 p.m.

Bourbon Ballroom at Showboat

Christopher Cross

▶9 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Saturday, July 13

Peach at the Beach Festival w/ Joe

Russo’s Almost Dead, Dogs in a Pile & More

▶3 – 11 p.m.

Island Waterpark at Showboat

The O’Jays

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Steve Trevino

▶7 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Impractical Jokers

▶6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

An Evening with Amos Lee

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Blue Oyster Cult

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Classic Albums Live perform The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Marco Benevento w/ Doom

Flamingo

▶11:30 p.m.

Bourbon Ballroom at Showboat

Sunday, July 14

Super Trans Am

▶4 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Monday, July 15

Pop Divas

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, July 19

Totally Tubular Festival

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess

Arena

Joey Fatone & AJ McLean

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Kathleen Madigan

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, July 20

Pete Davidson

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Kathleen Madigan

▶9 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata

Roy Orbison and Everly Brothers

Reimagined

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Atif Aslam

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Sunday, July 21

Kevin Hart

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Thursday, July 25

Matt Rife

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, July 26

Hank Williams Jr.

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Tom Papa

▶9 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata

Matt Rife

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Mike DelGuidice

▶9 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars

Saturday, July 27

Ludacris w/ T.I.

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV

▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Big Jay Oakerson

▶8 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata

Matt Rife

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Sunday, July 28

Matt Rife

▶7:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

On-Sale This Week

Luis Fonsi

▶Sunday, October 6, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Duran Duran

▶Saturday, October 26, 8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Tickets on-sale Fri. July 12, 10 a.m.

Somers Point celebrated the 4th with largest beach concert to date

Photos by John Loreaux

n July 4th, John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band drew one of the largest crowds ever to the Somers Point Beach. This band has been together for 51 years and they showed everyone the definition of Rock & Roll! PBS was in attendance filming a new movie "Eddie lives here" a tribute to the movie Eddie and the Cruisers and the 3 million selling soundtrack album by the band. They put on a non-stop show for over two hours highlighting their hits, 'On the dark side', 'Tender years', 'C.I.T.y '., 'Wild summer nights', 'Hearts on fire', and their latest song 'Day in the sun'. The evening was capped off with the sight of fireworks lighting up the sky across the bay.

International Cava Day – Spain’s sparkling wine

Drink Up!

By David Setley

Summer heat means that sparkling wines are flying off the shelves. you are likely familiar with Champagne and Prosecco, but have you enjoyed Spain’s contribution to sparkling wine? July 12 is International Cava Day this year, providing the perfect opportunity to pick up a bottle.

For Champagne to be called Champagne, it must be made in the Champagne region of France and it must be made with specific grapes of that region, primarily chardonnay, Pinot noir and Meunier. Similarly, to be a certified DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata, or, Controlled Designation of Origin) Prosecco, the wine must be produced in the Prosecco region in the northeastern Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of Italy and made primarily from Glera grapes grown there. Cava is the same.

Cava sparkling wine must be produced in Catalonia, Spain in the northeastern region of Penedès, primarily using the Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo grapes.

let’s talk about production. Prosecco is produced through a single fermentation process, whereas Champagne and Cava wines are produced through double fermentation. For all three wines, the grapes are crushed after harvesting and made into wine through fermentation. In fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugar in the juice and turns it into alcohol (wine) and carbon dioxide. For Prosecco, the carbon dioxide is captured within a pressurized tank, creating the bubbles and making it a sparkling wine. For Cava and Champagne, the carbon dioxide gas is allowed to escape during the first fermentation process. The wine is then bottled and aged. After the initial aging, the bottles are uncorked so that additional yeast and sugar may be added before being recorked. The amount of additional sugar helps determine if the end product is a brut

(dry), semi-dry, or sweet sparkling wine. The wines are then aged for a second time in the bottles. Cava is typically aged another nine months, while Champagnes typically age for 15 or more months. This second fermentation process is called the Méthode Champenoise or, more recently, the Méthode Traditionnelle.

is a very reasonably priced example of Cava wine that has earned a score of 88 from both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate. It is crisp and fresh with lots of bubbles and a balanced acidity. you will get notes of ripe apples and pears with a pleasant minerality. In addition, this wine is organic and vegan-friendly. Cava is also available in rosé, and the Dibon Brut Rosé is an excellent example. This wine is produced using the same basic process, but with skin contact to transfer color and flavors to the wine. The color is clear red and is darker than a Provence-style rosé with the aroma and flavors of raspberry and black current.

Now, price. Of the three wines, Champagne is the most expensive. Cava is significantly less, and Prosecco is usually even a bit less expensive than Cava. Why? It comes down to reputation and the fermentation/ aging processes described above. Champagne is known worldwide as the most exclusive sparkling wine and is generally aged the longest, which adds to the cost of production. Cava is much less known with a shorter aging timeframe, but it still follows the double fermentation process. Although Prosecco is more known than Cava, the single fermentation process and the shorter aging translates to a significantly lower cost of production. Hence, the price differences.

On to taste! When it comes to bubbles, Champagne and Cava are very similar. Both sparkling wines have fine and persistent bubbles. Prosecco bubbles tend to be larger and less persistent. Of the three, Prosecco wine is the lightest with an aroma and flavor dominated by lemon and green apple. Champagne’s profile is more acidic and is frequently described as yeasty, or brioche. Cava has more minerality with lighter fruit notes and is typically drier than Prosecco. Cava is great by itself but also pairs well with food. Many Europeans drink sparkling wine as an accompaniment to a meal. Try Cava with appetizers, oysters or other seafood, roasted vegetables, chicken, pork, charcuterie, or pasta with white sauce. My favorite is a sparkling Cava with Indian food or sushi.

Finally, the best part: recommendations. Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Or, the Caves Naveran Cava Brut is a classic! The Naveran family has been making wine in the Penedès for more than 100 years. Their Cava is produced from 100% estate-grown and organically farmed grapes. This wine was aged at least 12 months, longer than is typical for Cava, resulting in a more intense aroma of Meyer lemon and melon with notable notes of minerality. This wine is also organic and vegan-friendly.

The Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Cava 2019 is my must-try recommendation. Roger Goulart Winery was established in 1882 and has earned a reputation as the premier producer of Cava wine. Goulart was one of the first wineries in Spain to utilize the Méthode Traditionnelle. This wine is aged in the caves of the Goulart Winery for 36 months. The winemaker’s attention to detail and the extended aging of this Gran Reserva Cava results in light notes of tropical and stone fruits with a yeasty finish that is typically found only in Champagnes. In fact, your guests may think you are serving them Champagne with this one. The lower price will be our little secret.

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of Cava and has encouraged you to add some sparkle to your summer parties or porch time. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines. com, or stop into the store. until next time, “Salud” and Happy Wining!

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

Jersey Gumbo brings taste of New Orleans to Somers Point

By Steffen Klenk

Awonderful time was had by all at the annual Jersey Gumbo Festival, held at The Point Tiki Bar in Somers Point on Monday, July 8. All in attendance were treated to an amazing festival filled with outstanding world-class music, and the best gumbo in our local area. This funfilled event, produced by Tony Mart Presents, featured nearly a dozen of the area’s top chefs going head-tohead in a gumbo cook-off, with the

Academy of Culinary Arts

Chef Robert Levinson of Resorts, crowned as the Gumbo King

Group photo of the participating chefs

winning chefs being crowned the Mardi Gras Gumbo Kings for 2024. This year, Resorts Casino Hotel, led by Chefs Robert levinson, David Wong, and Director of Food and Beverage Jeffrey Wray, took home the top prize. In the People’s Choice Award category, Chef Dan luber of Greate Bay Country Club and Chef Niko Karamanis of Galloway Casual

Dining won the taste buds of many for their savory and unique blend of flavors.

In addition, the event was filled with a stellar lineup of music, as ‘ louisiana’s Rockin’ Fiddler’ Waylon Thibodeaux brought Cajun and Southern flare to Somers Point deck, backed by the Tony Mart Allstars, consisting of “Old School” Jimmy Glenn on the

drums, Danny Eyer on guitar, keys by Brian Conover, and an a-class brass section consisting of Howard Isaacson, Bob Ferguson, and Tommy Quayle.

The celebration continues every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. with Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City’s Kennedy Plaza, located in front of Boardwalk Hall. This weekly con -

cert series brings award-winning entertainers and musicians together for free concerts that are sure to make you dance. you can also check out the AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point each Friday, 7 p.m., at William Morrow Beach, and Tony Mart Rocks the Point on Thursdays at 6 p.m. with the Billy Walton Band. For more, go to tonymart.com.

Chef David Goldstein with the American Culinary Federation

Great Bay Country Club Gregory's Somers Point

Chef Philip Gormley, Smithville Inn

NFL Star Fletcher Cox to Headline the Katz JCC’s 9th

Annual Jackie & Hank Herskowitz Sports Night Event

The Milton and Betty Katz

JCC will host the 9th Annual Jackie & Hank Herskowitz Sports Night with keynote speaker Fletcher Cox on Thursday, July 25 at 5:30 pm. Fletcher Cox, a former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, was a dominant force on the Eagles’ defensive line from 2012 to 2024 and is known for his remarkable athleticism, strength and football IQ.

“From the moment he was drafted

as the 12th overall pick in 2012 until his final game, Fletcher Cox was a dominant force on our defensive line,” said Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey lurie. Cox’s unwavering dedication, hard work, and leadership qualities garnered immense respect from teammates and fans alike during his illustrious 12-year career in Philadelphia.

With numerous accolades, including being named to the 2010’s All-Decade Team, six Pro Bowls from 2015

Monday-Saturday 7am-9pm • Sunday 7am-4pm

to 2020, and a Super Bowl lII title, Cox cemented his status as one of the NFl’s most dominant forces. His impressive statistics, versatile skill set, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him an invaluable asset for the Eagles.

The JCC’s Sports Night event has been named after the late Jackie & Hank Herskowitz of Margate, whose philanthropy benefited many. Their legacy continues with the 9th annual event, which raises money for the JCC’s scholarship fund. This fund supports programs and services for the children and seniors of Atlantic County, enhancing and enriching their lives.

“The 9th Annual Jackie & Hank Herskowitz Sports Night helps to fund the vital needs of the JCC, particularly financial assistance for Camp, Early Childhood, and Membership. We are truly grateful for the support from the Herskowitz Family, our committee, sponsors, attendees, and staff for making this event happen year after year,” said Marg Rosenblatt, Milton and Betty Katz JCC Chief Executive Officer.

Jeff Herskowitz, Chairman of the Katz JCC Sports Night fundraiser, expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s event. “It is my pleasure to chair the 9th Annual Jackie & Hank Herskowitz Sports Night at the Katz JCC. We are thrilled to host Fletcher Cox from the Philadelphia Eagles. His outstanding contributions to our team’s success and his leadership on and off the field make him an exceptional keynote speaker. We look forward to a great evening!”

This year’s Sports Night event will also mark the 7th year of a recipient earning the Broken Glass Award. The

award is given to an individual whose commitment to giving back to the community is matched only by their perpetual positive attitude. It recognizes the true spirit of selflessness and resilience, and the award celebrates those exceptional individuals who tirelessly uplift and inspire those around them.

The 2024 Broken Glass Award will be presented to Alan Staller in recognition of his commitment to fostering athletic developments in Atlantic County. Alan has been an attorney with levine Staller and its predecessor law firm since 1973 and a partner since 1977. He is a member of the Atlantic County, New Jersey State, and American Bar Associations. He has a history of dedication to the Milton & Betty Katz JCC, having served as Chairman of its capital building campaign, and received the center’s prestigious lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Alan has been instrumental in creating collaborative urban rowing programs for Atlantic City youth and developing the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series.

General Admission for Sports Night is one ticket for $225 and includes dinner, open bar, and auctions. Ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are available and include a VIP Meet and Greet with Fletcher Cox during the reception.

For Sports Night sponsorship or ticket information, visit https://www. jccatlantic.org/2024/05/24/9th-annual-jackie-hank-herskowitz-sportsnight-with-fletcher-cox/, call 609822-1167, or email badler@jccatlantic. org. For more information on the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, visit www.jccatlantic.org.

Our newly renovated rooms at Chateau Renault are calling your name! Enjoy the ultimate Jersey Shore summer with some of our amazing offers!

Experience 158 years of history with modern comfort. Nestled among vineyards, enjoy luxury rooms, artisanal cuisine, and renowned wines.

Absecon Concerts in the Park

▶Sunday, July 14, 7 p.m.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City doubleheader featuring Dana

ATLANTICARE CONCERTS ON THE BEACH IN SOMERS POINT

July 12 Ladie� Nigh� Doubl� Header Dana Fuchs

Off Broadway MTV Billboard Diva

“Across The Universe” Beatles Music Movie

"The Girls Can't Help It" Tribute To The Women Of Rock N’ Roll, 60’s to Today

July 19 The Phantom Blues Band

Rocking for 31 Seasons! 31 Fridays 7pm

Special Guest Star Curtis Salgado

Multi Grammy Awards Winners, Soul Blues and BMA Award Winners Supporting The Blues Brothers, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, The Animals, Neil Diamond, Herbie Hancock and many more Heather 'Lil' Mama' Hardy on violin

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 Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Van Morrison and The Band from the Martin Scorsese movie

Aug 2 Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes

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

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 Joe Lewis Walker & his Big Band

Grammy nominated blues rock star! Fat Mezz

South Jersey's hottest young rock & rollers

Sept 6 Tony Mart Allstars Classic Rock, Country Rock, red

New Wave Dance Party, World Class Original Music

Attendance is free to the public, and there will be limited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at each concert. In the event of inclement weather, concert venue changes or cancellations will be posted to the Somers Point Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SomersPoint.

Platinum Sponsor

Photo by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics

ROMANELLI'S Garden

Peach at the Beach Festival takes over Island Waterpark Saturday

Tune In, Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

Be warned. A veritable musical tsunami will hit Atlantic City, Somers Point, and other Southern Jersey towns featuring live original music this weekend and beyond. Get ready for the Peach at the Beach and Anglesea Blues festivals, and national acts like Dana Fuchs, Phantom Blues Band, Billy The Kid, Greg Sover and more – all making area appearances.

Just as exciting, a new Atlantic City live music venue, Summer Concert Stage at Island Waterpark-Showboat Resort, debuts this Saturday. Tune in, turn on!

Peach at the Beach Saturday, July 13, is a virtual gift from the Grateful Dead/Allman Brothers Band Gods of Music, with a full day of nationally-known jam groups christening the brand-new Summer Concert Stage at the beautiful year-old Island Waterpark, located right off the Boardwalk at Showboat Resort.

What a friggin’ great idea, right? live Nation thought so, as they’re presenting Peach at the Beach, headlined by premiere Grateful Dead tribute, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead with

See bass-playing rocker Karina Rykman play the Peach at the Beach Festival Saturday, July 13. at the Island Waterpark-Showboat Resort. Photo by Jesse Faatz

drummer/co-founder Russo, Ween’s bassist Dave Dreiwitz, keyboardist Marco Benevento, guitarist-vocalist Scott Metzger, and Tom Hamilton (Brothers Past, American Babies), plus Asbury Park’s Dogs In A Pile, Trouble No More, performing iconic Allman Brothers Band album, “Eat A Peach.” Bass-playing rocker Karina Rykman, and Mykal Rose, one-time lead vocalist from influential Jamaican reggae band Black u huru, will

take the stage starting at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the waterpark opens slightly earlier that day (11 a.m.) and features a dance vibe, with sets from DJ logic, DJ King Mega, and uncle Jesse.

Dogs In A Pile will pull double-duty, playing this, too (if you can afford it, treat yourself to poolside VIP passes for this one, thank me later). This folks, should be a blast.

“Peach at the Beach is a beautiful celebration of live music featuring some of the hottest bands on the jam band scene who were inspired by The Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band,” said Ike Richman, Peach at the Beach spokesperson. “It’ll be a wonderful gathering for music lovers outside the Island Waterpark to reconnect and sing, dance, and groove to some of the sounds and songs we grew up with, as well as a possibility to discover your next favorite jam band artist. Get ready for some great playing in the sand!”

PATB is encouraging guests to bring pull tabs from aluminum cans to help support the Ronald McDonald House in Camden. live Nation, promoters of Peach at the Beach, and the Showboat Resort will assist by providing receptacle containers to collect tabs at points of entry.

Get there early : As in Friday, July 12, Philly-based trance fusion heroes the Disco Biscuits will perform a pre-party Peach After Dark set at the Bourbon Ballroom inside Showboat Resort. Plus, Marco Benevento and Friends, along with Doom Flamingo presents Queen Is Doomed, will perform a post-party Peach After Dark set on Saturday, July 13, also inside the Bourbon Ballroom at Showboat.

Saturday’s Peach at the Beach (a

rain or shine event, by the way) hopes to bring back that Dead/ABB vibe and more. Absolutely, let’s do this.

Tickets start at $79, available at livenation.com. Info: https://thepeachmusicfestival.com.

Tony Marts-sponsored shows happening this week include a hot "Mardi Gras on the (AC) Boardwalk" triple-bill of two-time Grammy winners Phantom Blues Band, joined by Chicago soul/blues vocal legend Curtis Salgado, and the always-fun fiddler/vocalist Heather Hardy and the ‘ lil Mama Band Wednesday, July 17. Admission is free. AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point on Friday, July 12, features a performance by soulful blues/rock singer, Dana Fuchs.

“First time I ever got on stage was with my older brother and sister’s band at a local Holiday Inn in Florida in the middle of nowhere. I was nine years old and I sang a Stevie Nicks song and got roaring applause and

it was then that I knew I had to do this!,” Fuchs told us recently. She released her latest album, “Borrowed Time,” on German label, Ruf Records. “‘Borrowed Time’ is my fourth album with Ruf Records. I have a great relationship with Thomas Ruf the label president; he is a true music fan and always affords me an immense amount of trust as an artist, which I appreciate.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. See www. tonymart.com.

Greg Sover’s Blues Coming to Anchor Rock Club: It’s not often that AC’s biggest non-casino live music room presents blues, but this Friday, July 12, guitarist-vocalist Greg Sover plays ARC in support of “His-Story,” set for a July 21 release, which he recorded in part with Billy Cox, the last remaining member of the legendary Jimi Hendrix’ Band of Gypsys group.

“I wanted to do a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Manic Depression’ for the album, and my manager came up with the idea to connect with (Cox). Fast forward, we did two songs (together) on the album. Working with Billy was fun and professional at the same time, a very cool experience hanging with the bassist who played

with Jimi.”

The 8 p.m. Friday, July 12 show takes place at Anchor Rock Club, 247 N. New york Ave. Admission is $13.32. See Anchorrockclub.com.

Elsewhere : live blues and barbecue (New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, to be specific) come together in harmony for three big days, July 12-14, at the Anglesea Blues Festival in North Wildwood. See angleseablues.com for info.

Finally, Billy the Kid & the Regulators, a high-powered, guitar-driven rhythm and blues band based in Pittsburgh and fronted by rising guitar slinger Billy Evanochko, will be at the lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton Saturday, July 13. Tickets/ info: lizierosemusicroom.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.

Soulful blues/rock vocalist Dana Fuchs will play at the AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point Friday, July 12. Photo by John Loreaux

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, July 11

Atlantic City

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Jason E

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Dane Anthony

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

B Street Band

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Sean Patrick & The Alibis

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Cheezy & The Crackers

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Tom & Kim

6 – 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Atley Moon & The Say Some -

things

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Doug Jennings

5 – 8 p.m.

Karaoke Night w/ Mike Dempsey

8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Starr

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Jay laBoy

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Fitzpatrick’s

Beth Tinnon

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

650 New Rd.

Gregory’s

Nikki

6 – 8 p.m.

900 Shore Rd.

Josie Kelly’s

40 North Duo

7 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Mexiquila

Shawn Q

6 – 9 p.m.

101 E. Maryland Ave.

Queen Jayne’s

6 – 9 p.m. 264 New Rd.

The Point

Billy Walton Band

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Ventnor

Ventnor Coffee

Open Mic Night w/ Pete Glaze & T Five

6:30 – 9 p.m.

108 N. Dorset Ave.

Friday, July 12

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Dominick Martino

6 p.m.

Kevin Story

9:15 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Greg Sover

8 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

The Way Outs Duo

7 p.m.

Night Anthem

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Nick Moccia Duo

6 – 10 p.m.

No Standards

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Steel Pier

J Soul

3 – 7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Party Wave

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Glitter Bar at Resorts

Abby and Vahe

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Cheers the Band

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Garden State Radio

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

6 – 10 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Taylor & Patty Blee Duo

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Galloway

Romanelli’s Garden Café

Chris lax

6 – 9 p.m.

279 S. New york Rd.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Dead Reckoning

6 – 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate

Bocca

Irish Goodbye

8 – 11 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside

Tavern

Going Rogue

6 – 10 p.m.

Marc Waves

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Blue Street Band

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Anchorage Tavern

D’arc Family Jams

9:30 p.m.

823 Bay Ave.

Caroline’s by the Bay The Company Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

That 70’s Band

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

JEFF X

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Fitzpatrick’s Phil Stocker

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

650 New Rd.

The Yard at Bally’s Stealing Savanah

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

late last Night

9:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Don’t Call Me Francis

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Philly Keys

Josie Kelly’s The Bumpuses

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Sidestory

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Goodman Fiske Band

7 – 11 p.m.

2780 7th Ave.

Saturday, July 13

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Open Mic w/ Back Bay Duo

9 – 11 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Rachel Ivy Alex

6 p.m.

Kristina Pruitt

9:15 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Gimme Gimme Disco

9 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Black Car Gina Dive

7 p.m.

lost in Paris

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

No Clue

5 – 9 p.m.

Wood Vibrations

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Steel Pier

Glenn Roberts

3 – 7 p.m.

Killer B’s

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The Deck Band

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The loop

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Glitter Bar at Resorts

Glenn Roberts

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Grooveheart

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Kicking Sunrise

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Yard at Bally’s

Kristen and the Noise

10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino

Twisted livin’

10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Fat Mezz

1 – 5 p.m.

The Whitewalls

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Kinger & Camille

12 – 4 p.m.

Acoustic Vybez

6 – 10 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Galloway

Romanelli’s Garden Café

Zach Runfolo

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

279 S. New york Rd.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Brian McConnell

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

Indelible Groove

6 – 10 p.m.

Cole Moore

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Brandon Ireland

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Somers Point

Anchorage Tavern

Toni T

9:30 p.m.

823 Bay Ave.

Caroline’s by the Bay

Twisted livin Band

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

X-Stream Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

That 70’s Band

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Bob & Nick

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Fitzpatrick’s

Glen Eric

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

650 New Rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Chris yoder Band

8 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

80’s Revolution

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Ian & Christina

12 – 4 p.m.

Disco Techs

7 – 11 p.m.

2780 7th Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Billy the Kid & The Regulators

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, July 14

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Jamie Ratchford

7 – 10 p.m.

5 N. Shore Rd.

Atlantic City

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Double Vision: Foreigner Tribute

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

lauralea Duo

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The Exceptions

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Dane Anthony

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Hometown Radio

4 – 7:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

12 – 4 p.m.

Goodman Fiske Band

5 – 9 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Warren Montgomery & Derailed

12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Galloway

Romanelli’s Garden Café

Erik Wozniak

12 – 3 p.m.

279 S. New york Rd.

Margate

Bocca

Jim Shaw

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Blue Street

6 – 10 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Brandon Ireland Band

4 – 8 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

lew london Duo

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Danny Eyer

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Traditional Irish Session

1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Mexiquila

Ryan Tennis

5 – 8 p.m.

101 E. Maryland Ave.

The Point

The Verdict

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Monday, July 15

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

95 live Trio

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Red

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Josie Tolson

6 – 10 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point Crab Trap

Gregg Clark

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

lew london Duo

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

The Point

Mike Tobin

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Tuesday, July 16

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Steel Pier

Jay laBoy

3 – 7 p.m.

Teddi Fusco

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Cat 5

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

Crab Trap

Michael l aGuardia

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

2 Old Friends 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway The Point AJ Jesson

6 – 10 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Wednesday, July 17

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Back to the Core: A Tribute to

Chester Bennington

8 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Steel Pier

Dan Klee

3 – 7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Sidestory

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Margate Bocca

Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys 7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

600 Huron Ave. Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House Cheers 6 – 10 p.m.

The Tommy Allen Band

7 – 10:30 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Vinny D

6 – 10 p.m. 998 Bay Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Robbie Fulks & Bill Kirchen

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Events subject to change.

Both locations are now open for summer to kick back island style! Whether you choose to indulge in one of our new hand-crafted menu items or a guest favorite like the Cheeseburger in Paradise, when quality comes first, it is easy to relax in paradise. Enjoy an ice cold Margarita or Boat Drink because it’s always 5 o’clock here!

Bally’s celebrates 45th anniversary by bringing back a classic, yet modern, steakhouse

By Scott Cronick

Longtime Atlantic City visitors and employees always reminisce about the good ol’ days of casino gaming.

Sure, they love all of the modern amenities, particularly the slot machines that now resemble video games more than their three-reel ancestors. But give a high roller a beautiful hotel room with a view of the ocean, a VIP lounge where you can eat and drink like royalty, great promotions and stellar service, and they will keep coming back.

Two must-haves in a casino are a great Italian restaurant and a classic steakhouse.

So, when Bally’s Atlantic City and Bally’s Corporation executives were putting together their plans to cel -

ebrate the casino’s 45th anniversary, they knew they already had a great Italian restaurant with Jerry longo’s Meatballs & Martinis.

But they needed that great, classic steakhouse that resonated with those old-school players and would also draw some new customers, including those who don’t gamble and are just looking for a great meal.

Enter Park Place Prime, a stunning steakhouse that is certainly classic in presentation, design and menu, but modern and contemporary in all of the right places.

“We have to be constantly reinventing ourselves and offering new amenities for our customers, and this place has come full circle,” said Bally’s Corporation Senior Vice President of Operations Paul Juliano. “This steakhouse was once known as Prime Place when Bally’s was called Bally’s Park Place, and this was a bit of a

nod to the nostalgia of the space. We called it Park Place Prime … adding that Park Place element to the name and the menu is a reflection of that nostalgia so that we have some of those classic items with a mix of the nouveau. We think it’s a great offering.”

Along the way, Bally’s eventually had to make the difficult decision to part ways with the Food Network icon whose Chophouse at Bally’s

offered stellar cuisine in a gorgeous setting but never resonated with players – or cash-paying customers –like it should have. It was perhaps the most underrated steakhouse in Atlantic City.

“We have a great deal of respect for Guy Fieri and his group,” Juliano said. “We liked the concept, but out of our focus groups and the master planning of the property, we asked, ‘What can we do better?’ and ‘How can we raise the bar?’ And the comment that kept being repeated was that ‘We needed gourmet. We needed fine dining.’ Although Guy Fieri was a nice steakhouse with an interesting menu and great food, we just lacked a proper gourmet room.”

A touch of class

Perched at the top of the tall escalators that deliver patrons from the

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casino floor to the sixth floor dining level, Park Place Prime sets the tone for the entire floor that has been massively renovated since Twin River – now Bally’s Corporation – took over operations in 2020.

With its dark wood exterior and an open floor plan, customers are welcomed by a giant bar and lounge area that boasts a granite bar top, mosaic tile bar base, plush black leather bar stools, hardwood floors and one of many custom crystal chandeliers that hang throughout the multiple dining rooms.

The main dining room overlooks the ocean and boardwalk, and diners will experience brassy metal accents, dark woods, deep blue fabrics on the seatbacks and banquettes, touches of emerald green and an overall classy, classic feel with modern flourishes.

“There is a real first-class feel to it,” Juliano said. “Guy’s Chophouse was much more casual. This represents the fine dining atmosphere that our customers were really asking for. It’s elegant, modern yet classic, new meets old, old meets new. It’s a nod to the nostalgia, to the heyday of Atlantic City and the formality that we sometimes long for as things go more and more casual. We wanted to go the other way to have a more formal yet comfortable dining space.”

Living Up to Its Name

As you would expect, Park Place Prime takes great pride in its steak offerings, offering prime cuts for its 14-ounce ribeye ($63) and its 14-ounce dry-aged New york strip ($68), and kicking it up a notch with a 6-ounce Australian Wagyu ($70) that comes with herb-roasted bone marrow and blackberry compote.

The star of the show is a 40-ounce prime tomahawk (market price) accompanied with bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts and truffle fries, which are Juliano’s favorite.

Other steaks on the menu include a classic N.y. strip ($55), a 40-ounce porterhouse ($140) served with mushroom and shallot confit with garlic mashed potatoes. There’s also 8-ounce ($55) and 10-ounce filets

($65), and the former which can be served au poivre style ($65), which means peppercorn-crusted, sauteed spinach with cognac cream and truffle fries.

“The decision to go prime was an important one,” Juliano said. “We knew that we needed to elevate the game here, and to have several prime steaks on the menu … they are just wonderful. Then you add enhancements like truffle butter and red wine demi or roasted bone marrow … those are fabulous flavor profiles.”

Surf with Your Turf

A quick gander at Park Place Prime’s menu will reveal this steakhouse takes its seafood as seriously as its meats. That’s because a lot of

thought went into the execution and planning of the menu, including stellar efforts from Director of Food and Beverage Jerry Beaver and Executive Chef Giancarlo Generosi, as well as Restaurant Chef Edwin Neris, who executes the menu every day with his talented staff.

A raw bar offers everything from oysters and clams on the half shell ($22) to shrimp cocktail ($24), shrimp ceviche ($18), tuna crudo ($23), scallop carpaccio ($22) and a crab stack ($27) that is as pretty as it is delicious with jumbo lump crab, avocado, cucumber, edamame, tomato, green onion, micro greens and lemon pepper remoualde.

Other starters include crispy cal -

Continued on 84

amari ($21) with cherry peppers and Calabrian chili oil; and crab bisque ($16) with sweet blue crab and sherry. And there are more than a half dozen seafood entrees including their soon-to-be-famous crab cakes ($45) with summer corn, edamame, chipotle aioli and buttery parmesan couscous; an Asian-style Chilean sea bass ($52) with baby bok choy, ginger-soy black bean sauce and sushi rice; surf and turf (market price) featuring a 9-ounce lobster tail with filet mignon, grilled asparagus and rosemary potatoes; a whole Maine lobster (market price); Scottish salmon ($42) with parmesan butter fregola sarda, lemon

beurre blanc and shaved asparagus; and ahi tuna ($44) seared with a sesame crust accompanied by cucumber kimchi and black garlic miso.

you can even enhance your entrees with everything from grilled shrimp ($16) to crab Oscar ($19) to crab imperial ($25).

“Being from the shore, we love our seafood, and we know our customers love seafood,” Juliano said. “Dishes like our scallops carpaccio are subtle and very elegant with a more modern take, and then dishes like our tuna crudo with sliced ahi, ponzu, sesame. Cilantro, lime, avocado and house-made wonton chips is all about freshness and honing in on

THURSDAY - JULY 11

Doug Jennings 5pm-8pm

FRIDAY - JULY 12

The Company Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - JULY 13

Twisted Livin Band 4:30pm-7:30pm

X-Stream Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - JULY 14

Brandon Ireland Band 4pm-8pm

THURSDAY - JULY 18

Sindi Raymond Band 5pm-8pm

FRIDAY - JULY 19

Rooftop Dogs Band 8pm-12am

SATURDAY - JULY 20

Afternoon Entertainment 4pm-8pm

Radio Revolution Band 8pm-12am

SUNDAY - JULY 21

Turtle Heads Band 4pm-8pm

the flavor profile. The seafood tower is more old school and incorporates oysters and clams on the half shell, ahi tuna poke, shrimp cocktail and chilled lobster. We absolutely love the seafood on the menu.”

And there’s more …

Other starter highlights include steak tartare ($25) with crispy capers, shallots, herbs, Dijon quail egg and toasted brioche; a phenomenal crab bisque ($16) with sweet blue crab and sherry; two salads including a wedge ($15) with everything from deviled egg to pickled onions to bacon lardons and homemade blue cheese dressing.

Specialty entrees that are musthaves include a 10-once Wagyu Park Place Prime burger ($33) with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese and truffle butter on a brioche wth “garlicky” fries; lamb chops ($60) with rosemary jus, garlic mashed and sauteed spinach; roasted duck ($42) with seasonal berry gastrique, grilled asparagus and rosemary potatoes; and roasted chicken with rosemary jus, garlic mashed and grilled asparagus ($39).

And no steakhouse is worth its scraps without some amazing sides ($14 to $24) like lobster truffle mac and cheese, bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, truffle fries, creamed or sauteed spinach and a loaded baked potato.

For dessert ($10 to $14), check out

the chocolate gateau, a chocolate layer cake with chocolate mousse ganache and chocolate shavings; vanilla crème brulee; house gelato in a variety of flavors and the popular cheesecake.

Happy Anniversary Bally’s

Park Place Prime Steakhouse is the cherry on top of a 45th anniversary celebration that also includes a new High l imit Slot lounge, a renovated VIP players club called the legacy lounge, a new ’70s-themed revue show every Sunday in the summer called Disco Inferno; and a $1.45 million anniversary sweepstakes.

“We are not going anywhere,” Juliano said. “We here at Bally’s Atantic City are throwing punches, and we are excited about it, and we think we have a great offering. So, come down this summer and let us show you all of the things that we’ve been doing.”

(Park Place Prime at Bally’s Atlantic City is open 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hours change seasonally. Go to BallysAC.com)

Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

8:30pm -12:30am

1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City – A 60-year

By William Kelly

As we approach the Republican and Democratic national conventions, when party candidates are selected for the election, it is appropriate to reflect on the 1964 Democratic National Convention held 60 years ago in Atlantic City.

While it was party politics at the time, it has since faded into history, and in reflection we can see what effect it had on the city and the nation.

The decision to hold the convention in Atlantic City was made at the 1960 Democratic Convention in los Angeles, where Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy was nominated to serve as the party’s candidate. But the story begins even before then.

bosses – John Rosselli, Sam Giancana, and Santo Trafficante, to assist them in their attempts to oust Cuban leader Fidel Castro by murdering him. When Castro took power and closed the mob-owned casinos, the mob began investing in hotel-casinos in Nevada.

Sam Giancana of Chicago used his friend Frank Sinatra to serve as a front man to buy controlling

It was during the Eisenhower administration when the CIA, under Allen Dulles, recruited three Mafia

interest in the Cal-Neva lodge and casino in Northern Nevada, which straddles the California border. The

state line ran through the building and the casino was on the Nevada side.

To run the casino, Sinatra turned to a friend and associate he could trust – Skinny D’Amato, owner of the 500 Club in Atlantic City, where Sinatra often performed. Skinny took over the casino at the Cal-Neva, and his family kept “the Five” operating while he was away.

Sinatra was also a good friend, cigar-chomping and drinking buddy with Sen. Kennedy, and a big support-

er when he ran for president, providing him with the song, “High Hopes,” which became Kennedy’s campaign theme song.

The West Virginia primary election was big that year because it was a mainly Protestant state and an important test for the Irish-Catholic Kennedy. In support of Kennedy, Giancana and Sinatra sent D’Amato into West Virginia with suitcases full of cash. The West Virginia Sheriff’s Association held their annual convention in Atlantic City and frequented

↘Continued on 88

the 500 Club, so they knew Skinny and the sheriffs controlled the polling places.

Kennedy won the tight West Virginia primary against Sen. Hubert Humphrey, which helped eliminate religion as an issue in the election.

When Kennedy was made the Democratic Party candidate in los Angeles, he selected lyndon Baines Johnson (lBJ) as his running mate and vice presidential candidate, against the wishes of his brother Bobby. That’s when they also decided to hold the 1964 convention in Atlantic City, thanks to a lobbying effort by Atlantic City political boss H. “Hap” Farley, D’Amato and Sinatra. With the anticipated renomination of President Kennedy, it was expected to be a grand occasion.

After Kennedy won a close election in 1960 over Richard Nixon, JFK asked Frank Sinatra to arrange the entertainment for the Washington, D.C. inaugural parties and balls. Sinatra also introduced Kennedy to Judyth Campbell, who was also involved with John Rosselli and Sam Giancana. She even visited JFK at the White House on occasion.

with then Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and informed him, thus ending JFK’s association with Judyth Campbell and Sinatra.

The Nevada Gaming Commission also learned of Giancana’s control over the Cal-Neva lodge. Giancana not only lost his interest in that casino, but RFK was cracking down on the mob nationwide, calling it “the enemy within.”

Giancana thought he was playing it safe with Sinatra being tight with the president, his deal with the CIA to help them kill Castro, and his role in securing the West Virginia primary and nomination, but he was wrong.

When President Kennedy went to Dallas, Texas in November of 1963, everything changed. JFK was killed, and lBJ automatically became president. To investigate the crime lBJ appointed the Warren Commission,

man, lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone, was responsible for the assassination.

FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover learned of the arrangement. He met

led by Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, which concluded that one

A month later the Democrats convened in Atlantic City, but instead of renominating JFK, it was lBJ who was to remain the party’s candidate. RFK was scheduled to make a tribute speech in honor of his fallen brother to begin the proceedings, but it was moved to the end. Some believe it got moved because lBJ was afraid someone would place Kennedy’s name in nomination. He would sweep the delegates and be named the party candidate.

lBJ was also afraid that RFK had his hotel room bugged, so instead he secretly stayed at the beachside Ventnor home of Carroll Rosenbloom, owner of the NFl’s Baltimore Colts football team. He died mysteriously while swimming alone in Florida in 1979.

As his running mate and vice presidential candidate, l BJ named Hubert Humphrey, the liberal senator from Minnesota, whom JFK had defeated in the critical West Virginia primary.

Bobby continued: “I realize that as individuals, and even more important as a political party and as a country, we can’t just look to the past, we must look to the future.”

That week would be the last time Frank Sinatra performed at the 500 Club, though he would remain lifelong friends with Skinny D’Amato and served as a pallbearer at his funeral.

lBJ’s teenage daughters stayed behind in Atlantic City to see The Beatles perform the following weekend at the same Convention Hall, now Boardwalk Hall, where the convention was held.

On Aug. 27, on the last night of the convention, when it was Bobby’s turn to take the podium, the former president’s widow, Jackie Kennedy, slipped a piece of paper into RFK’s hand. RFK received a standing ovation that lasted an unprecedented 15 minutes, then gave a fitting tribute to JFK, during which he read a line from the paper Jackie had given him, from Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet”.

“When he shall die take him and cut him out into stars and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.”

u nfortunately the national and international press and media gave Atlantic City a black eye, as they truthfully reported that the city’s century-old and aging hotels were shabby, unkempt, had leaking pipes and were in dire need of repair. It would be more than a decade before the casino legislation would breathe new life into the old Atlantic City.

And now there’s Kennedy Plaza in front of Boardwalk Hall, where concerts are performed, and there’s a beautiful bust of JFK and sculptures by the renowned Evangelos Frudakis, as a memorial to what might have been, but never was.

Billkelly3@gmail.com

Robert F. Kennedy

Your dog swallowed a sock. Now what?

By Heidi Clayton

If you think your dog has a foreign body obstruction, my motto in these situations is always better safe than sorry.

My boy Ki was a fool when it came to eating things he shouldn’t. About every two years, he would manage to find something random that has zero business being ingested and end up in the hospital. Each of his indiscretions, while not exactly shocking, was a surprise because he was so sneaky about finding things to eat. I tell my clients that obstructions never present themselves at 3 in the afternoon on a Wednesday; it is always 3 a.m. on the weekend or a holiday.

The most common symptom of an intestinal blockage is profuse vomiting. When Ki had foreign body obstructions, the first symptom I noticed was profuse vomiting of what seemed like days’ worth of food. The

smell of everything unable to pass the obstruction coming back up was repulsive. If this makes sense, it was a different kind of vomit than when a dog throws up leaves or grass. In an effort to alleviate the pain, he would stretch in a manner similar to a play bow. Other symptoms can include diarrhea, struggling to poop, drooling, and dehydration.

An intestinal blockage left untreated can kill your dog. left stuck in the intestines, a blockage can cut off the blood supply to the intestines, cause inflammation of the stomach lining, and cause sepsis. A linear obstruction can actually perforate the intestines. All of these issues can be fatal to your dog, so if you suspect they ate something that could be stuck, it is never wrong to rule it out as a cause of their discomfort or vomiting.

Three of Ki’s obstructions were missed on normal X-rays, which is why I always request an ultrasound when I suspect an obstruction. This was not due to negligence on anyone's part, but because of how the object was lying in the intestine or what they were made of which made it hard to see on an X-ray. On these occasions, he was sent home loaded up with fluids and given Cerenia for

the vomiting. When he continued to vomit, I rushed him to the ER where ultrasound testing immediately found the blockages in the small intestine, which were then surgically removed. I am not suggesting that you walk into an ER and demand an ultrasound. However, in my experience and that of many of my clients and friends, I do not find X-rays to be terribly accurate in finding something stuck in the intestinal tract. I will always gladly pay more for an ultrasound or barium X-ray.

Surgery is the most likely form of treatment for a true intestinal blockage. These surgeries can range from the intestine having to be opened for the object to be removed, portions of the intestine that may be damaged being removed and resected, and possibly the object (if small enough) pushed into the colon to be passed. I have a $7,000 squeaker as a result of the latter. A partial intestinal obstruction where there is no danger of the object perforating the intestines can be treated with a hospitalization stay where the dog is given fluids that help the foreign body move along and eventually be pooped out.

The prognosis for recovery is usually quite good if the foreign body

does not cause secondary damage to any of the internal organs. It is an invasive and painful surgery where post-operative care should include crate rest and short leashed walks until cleared by the veterinarian to resume normal activity. Preventing your dog from eating foreign objects is obviously the best way to prevent this surgery. However, some dogs insist on eating random bizarre things. For example, there's the dog that ate 43 socks, unbeknownst to its owners and made national news. Just remember if you think there is something stuck, a quick diagnosis is the key to saving your dog. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.

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

By Andrew Hoffman

Hello all, I welcome you to an ongoing series on a lighter subject of death, the epitaph. An epitaph is defined as a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, as an inscription on a tombstone. The words we choose for our gravestone say a lot about who we are and were.

I’ve highlighted some creative, eccentric and funny engravings.

Some epitaphs make reference to the actual cause of death some are quite funny and clever, like on a tombstone on Prince Edward Island Canada: “Here lie the remains of THOMAS l AMB, killed by a great big tree falling upon him, slap bang.”

In a cemetery in Pembrokenshire:

Eccentric Epitaphs The fourth part of an ongoing series

“Here lie I, and no wonder I’m dead, For the wheel of a wagon went over my head."

On a tombstone in Ithaca, New york: “Here lie the body of our Anna, Done to death by a banana, It wasn’t the fruit that laid her low, But the skin of the Thing that made her go."

Here are some quick and to the point humorous epitaphs, like the one for Richard Burbage a Shakespearian actor who lived from 1567 to 1619, his stone simply reads “Exit Burbage”

On an auctioneer’s monument in Greenwood, New york “Going, Going, Gone.”

Dr J.J. Subers tombstone in Rosehill Churchyard in Mancon, Georgia reads “Been Here and Gone, Had a Good Time.”

On a tombstone of a pauper in England, the church parish took up a collection and wanted to spend as little as possible, so the stone reads “Thorpe’s Corpse.”

Believe it or not, not all epitaphs

are written with humans in mind. Quite a few monuments have been placed for our four-legged friends, and some beautiful sentiments have been written on their eternal monuments. On a monument in Aspen Hill Cemetery of Pets in Aspen, Maryland: "MAJOR: Born a dog, Died a Gentleman.”

lord Byron’s inscription on the monument of his dog reads: “Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices,

the praise, which would be unmeaning flattery, if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of BOATSWAIN, a dog, who was born at Newfoundland, May 1803, and died at Newstead Abby November 18th, 1808."

And finally, a beautiful tribute to Maggie an army mule in France that served during World War II whose epitaph reads: “In memory of MAGGIE who in her time kicked two colonels, four majors, ten captains, twenty-four lieutenants, forty-two sergeants, four hundred and thirty-two other ranks AND One Bomb."

Stay tuned to my next article as we go deeper into art of the epitaph and highlight a few more.

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.

Small business succession planning

By Eric Reich

As a business owner, I think about my business a lot. Actually, that’s an understatement, I think about it constantly. like many business owners, my business is also my largest asset. Clearly, I’m not alone. In a 2023 PwC family business survey, 78% of business owners said that protecting their business was a top priority. The problem, however, is that only 34% of business owners have documented or communicated their intended succession plan.

Not planning for the succession of the business can lead to you having a new partner that you may not want, may not like, or worst of all, you may not even know. This is a real potential concern for the remaining business partners.

u nfortunately, business owners failing to plan for the company’s succession isn’t much different than everyone else failing to do their own estate planning. I can tell you from experience, that failing to plan for either is going to be a disaster in the best of cases. In the case of a business owner, it will almost certainly be much worse.

While there is no best way to plan for the succession of your business, there are things that can help make it easier. Here are a few considerations when planning your succession.

1. Who will buy it?

Will it be an internal sale to em -

I think this is one of the greatest threats to small business owners and one of the main reasons that only 30% of small businesses are ever successfully sold. The remaining ones simply close shop. This is important now more than ever because it is expected that over half (51%) of all baby-boomer-owned businesses will be ready for transition within the next 10 years. As with most business owners, I’ve worked too long and hard to not be able to monetize my company someday.

Some business owners feel like their family will “figure it out” when they’re gone. If they have partners, my response is usually, “ like you’ll figure it out when your partner is gone?”

ployees, partners, etc. or will it be to an outside unrelated third party? If it is internal or to an already identified buyer, then you will want to execute a buy-sell agreement. A buy-sell agreement stipulates who can buy your shares and how they can buy them based on what valuation and under what circumstances, etc.

2. Valuation

As business owners, we almost always overestimate the value of our businesses. It’s human nature. When what you think it’s worth and what a potential buyer thinks it's worth don’t match, you may not be able to come to an agreement. I suggest that you go out and get a professional valuation done by either a business

appraiser or a certified valuation analyst (CVA). Ask your CPA, as some CPAs are also CVAs.

3. Timeline

If you are planning to exit your business, don’t wait until you want out in order to prepare. Planning for your exit can take three to five years if you want to maximize your valuation. Know when you want to exit, how you want to exit, and then exit. Don’t stick around longer than necessary. let the new owners take over. If you trust them enough to buy it, then trust them enough to run it.

4. Plan for the unexpected.

Not all business owners exit their business voluntarily. Death or disability are some of the most common reasons for a change in ownership. Failing to plan for these events is by far the most disastrous situation for a small business. This is why I suggest you try to identify potential buyers before you exit so that you can set up a buy-sell agreement in advance.

If your small business is so important to you that you have dedicated much of your life to it, then taking an appropriate amount of time needed to plan your succession should be a top priority for you. Reach out to your CPA, estate planning attorney, or financial advisor to get the process started right now.

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

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

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 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 Newsmagazine 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.

Horoscopes for July 11 – July 17

♈ Aries: Parting from “stuff” can happen in unanticipated ways. There is always a process of creation even when things fall away. Remember this, as well as that you and your time are your greatest resource.

♉ Taurus: When life’s pace slows down, oftentimes it’s a nudge to rest. Spend some extra time being still and tuning into your surroundings. Be extra cautious this week in doing any activities that carry the risk of injury.

♊ Gemini: Insightful, yet surprising information may come from an unexpected source. Handle it with care and focus on how it can apply to your hopes and dreams.

♋ Cancer: Friends and acquaintances can come and go. Goings can be sad; remembering how friendship enriched you and your own experience serves the purpose and mends the wound.

♌ leo: Taking action and making moves in your work are extra emphasized this week. The optimal change is one that empowers your voice, your creativity and offers a better balance between work and play.

♍ Virgo: A chapter of higher learning is ending, however the lessons carry on in you. Shift from student to teacher by deeply embodying the information and determining the best method to communicate it to others in a big way.

♎ libra: undoing intimate entanglements with others is a process. The healing opportunity in the unraveling is recognizing how you gave too much of yourself. Find those important threads and release the patterns that created them.

♏ Scorpio: Be mindful of any tendencies to battle things out with partners or close friends. Oftentimes what’s projected onto others is that which needs to be addressed within oneself.

♐ Sagittarius: u nfavorable information or results regarding your overall health and well-being can create space to shed deleterious habits and practices. Allow what’s not working to fall away and redirect your efforts into something better!

♑ Capricorn: This is a good week to actively let go of anything that doesn’t bring you joy. Continue forward momentum and putting your efforts into the path of coming home to yourself.

♒ Aquarius: Moving things around, even getting rid of things, in your home or immediate surroundings can freshen up the space. A better flow of energy around you will offer daily benefits to your own energy.

♓ Pisces: Mind your words! your usual peaceful and poised presence may feel unusually fired up this week. Allow the emotions and energy to flow in productive ways such as fueling your creativity, dance and movement, or writing and journaling.

Weekly Summary:

Energetic explosions like last week’s fireworks continue in this week’s cosmic vibe. It may feel like a roller coaster ride that peaks on July 15. Surprises, things unexpected and unstoppable forces can accompany the experience of the planetary alignments occurring. Tending to our own emotional state and discovering the personal healing opportunity are two important areas of focus. See the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific information. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can learn more in my info/tutorial video on our Sea Goddess Healing Arts youTube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.

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

The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy

Summertime outdoor improvements to increase the value of your home

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

As summertime is in full swing, it’s time to turn your attention to your outdoor spaces. Whether you are updating your home for a quick sale, or just want to choose a project that will contribute to increased equity down the road, it’s important to choose wisely and with the projects that sell.

Doors, siding, and roofing

They are not as hot as other outdoor projects, but these elements are among the most value-added improvements that you can make to your home’s exterior. year after year, new exterior doors, garage doors, siding, and roofing lead the pack in return on investment.

Remember, these improvements don’t have to be strictly utilitarian – they can contribute to updating and upgrading your home’s curb appeal as well. Go for a different color, different material, and a different look, and enhance these updates with new exterior lighting and hardware for maximum impact.

Landscaping updates

One of the most cost-effective ways to add value, no matter what your plans are for selling your home, is planting trees. Offering a host of benefits, including improving your ecological footprint, savings on heating and cooling costs and appreciation year after year, mature trees add beauty and value to your home and to your neighborhood.

In addition, consistently well-maintained landscaping can make a big difference in the way your home looks, without breaking the bank or requiring weekend warrior DI y

credentials. Consider a lawn service and the installation of an irrigation system to help your lawn reach its full potential.

Patios and decks

Patios and decks are always a popular upgrade, and they generally recoup much of their cost. Take a look at what the market will bear before deciding on an over-the-top, elaborate patio or deck. Multiple levels, pergolas and other bells and whistles may seem like a major selling point during the spring and summer, but it’s important to consider year-round maintenance costs.

Pools

kitchen. Add a nice-sized table and chairs with a roof or pergola and you are ready to party.

Firepits and seating

Though summer is warm for the majority of the time, the evenings can sometimes turn cooler, especially at the beginning and at the end of the season. A large firepit or fire bowl with seating makes for a perfect place to cozy up for a long evening of marshmallow roasting and storytelling with family and friends.

As a bonus, fire features can range from elaborate, gas-powered setups to simple, cost-effective DIy projects – meaning they are a value-added update that you can afford no matter your budget.

Pet projects

Our pets are our family, too, and for many buyers, pets are a major consideration, so projects that appeal to pet parents are particularly popular selling features. These can include:

● Pet-friendly fencing options or dog runs.

● Animal pools or bathing stations.

location is a major factor in determining the return on investment for a pool. In some locations and neighborhoods with many luxury properties, a pool may be considered a must-have. To some, a pool is considered a home oasis and a place for staycation time. For others, a pool is a detriment, especially when closed and not usable in the fall and winter months, and is considered a liability and an unnecessary expense.

In addition, a positive return on your pool installation investment is difficult to create since it is a costly upgrade, with high ongoing expenses for maintenance and upkeep. A general rule of thumb is to not install a pool unless it is something that will enhance your quality of life during the years you are living in your home.

Outdoor kitchen and dining room

A summer kitchen or outdoor kitchen can provide a beautiful setting for outdoor lunches, dinners and entertaining opportunities.

The key to enhancing your return on investment with an outdoor kitchen is scale. While a luxury property might require extreme upgrades, for most homes, an inset grill, stainless steel ice chest and drawers, and sufficient counter space are all that is required for a functional outdoor

● Climate-controlled dog house.

● Dog potty areas.

● Pet friendly landscaping.

● Splash fountain water feature. Since 67% of united States households own a pet, a marketing plan that includes pets may make your home the top choice for more buyers.

Don’t forget to include additional features like outdoor lighting and audio to enhance your updated space. For upgraded landscaping, ensure that you have a plan in place to keep it healthy and optimally maintained, no matter the season.

A real estate professional has the insights and professional resources to help you determine which outdoor improvement will have the most impact at the closing table for you, depending on your specific home and a variety of factors, including buyer demand, comparable properties, and market conditions.

u ntil next time...enjoy the pool... and keep cool.

SHORE FUNNY

SUDOKU

Solution on page 106

ACROSS

1. '70s hairdo

5. used for Chinese cooking

8. Part of uRl

11. *____-and-slide

12. Cone-shaped quarters

13. Formerly known as dropsy

15. "les Misrables" author

16. Hissy fit

17. Sink hole

18. *It varies widely in different regions

20. One from the Magi

21. Native American emblem

22. lavatory, abbr.

23. like #21 or #37 in this crossword

26. Borrower's warranty

29. Geological time period

30. Experienced sailor

33. Wraths

35. Turning abstract into real

37. Zippo

38. Carl Jung's inner self

39. It's considered abominable

40. Ticks off

42. Mightier than sword?

43. *Popular July 4th event

45. Climb Kilimanjaro, e.g.

47. Bigheadedness

48. Hawaiian veranda

50. Vegetarian's protein source

52. *It won't last long in the heat

55. Canada's favorite tree

56. uN civil aviation agency

57. Another spelling for #54 Down, sing.

59. listens to #19 Down

60. Accepted behavior

61. Copenhagen native

62. Flower precursor

63. D.C. time

64. Church part

DOWN

1. *Bonfire residue

2. Mess up

3. Capital of latvia

4. Porto, to many English-speaking tourists

5. Painful expression

6. Poppy product

7. *In need of a breeze

8. like Beethoven

9. Fail to mention

10. *A farmer's ____

12. Sleeping sickness vector

13. Hoover's middle name

14. *Blast from past in movie watching

19. ____-boots

22. Car nut

23. Bald eagle's nest

24. Do like ivy

25. yogurt-based dip

26. Cobbler's concern

27. Nonsense

28. Red Sea nation

31. Actress Hathaway

32. Mammoth site, e.g.

34. *Summer castle material

36. *light bearer

38. Very, in music

40. Big fuss

41. Kidnapper's demand

44. Fits of shivering

46. *Noisy insect

48. El Pollo ____, pl.

49. Not together

50. Off-limits

51. Newspaper piece

52. Conifer

53. like 2016

54. Ages and ages

55. Flash dancers

58. Born, in society pages

THEME: SUMMER FUN

Atlantic County agrees to accept $1M grant for Central Municipal Court

At a special emergency meeting held on July 10, the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the county executive to accept up to $1 million in state grant funding for the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County.

The special emergency meeting was necessary due to the time constraints of the local Efficiency Achievement Program (lEAP) grant that required acceptance on or before July 11.

According to County Executive Dennis levinson, the funds are being provided to offset the costs incurred by the Central Municipal Court from January 2022 through July 2024 in handling state police summonses from the 13 Atlantic County towns that do not participate in the Central Municipal Court.

Approximately 10,000 state police cases a year are heard by the Central Municipal Court that originated from nonparticipating towns. But beginning Aug. 1, 2024, as a result of a bill sponsored by Senator Vince

Polistina to amend the original legislation, state police summonses will be filed in the municipality in which they originated.

“The legislation and the substantial state grant will greatly assist the court and the citizens it serves,” stated Commission Chairwoman Maureen Kern. “The 10 towns that currently participate in the Central

police summonses that are filed by July 31 will still be processed by the Central Municipal Court, which could take up to a year to complete. He believes, however, that by early next year, there will be a noticeable difference in the caseload.

Municipal Court will see even more savings.”

Superior Court Assignment Judge Michael Blee noted that all state

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Custom Built-in Shelving, Formal Dining, Full Walk-up Attic has extra room plus lots of storage, Original Vintage details in the Kitchen and Bath and thru the inside and outside of the home, original crystal doorknobs, Basement with Utility Room and Workshop and additional storage plus a 2 1/2 Car detached Garage too! You will enjoy the Lovely front side covered porch which overlooks the beautiful 100 x 150 +/-Homesite with lush yard and property complete with gazebo! Award Winning Northfield Community School Pre K to 8th Grade and Mainland Regional School district plus Bike path nearby and Birch Grove Park and All Sports Field in Town, some of the perks of living in Northfield!

Call/Text Elisa Jo Eagan Balsley LOSCO Realty (609)703-0432

The Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County was established in January 2022, the first of its kind in New Jersey, with 10 participating municipalities: Corbin City, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Galloway,

Hamilton Township, linwood, Northfield, Port Republic, Ventnor, and Weymouth Township.

levinson offered any nonparticipating town that would like to join, the option to do so.

“It’s not too late to realize savings for your taxpayers by joining the consolidated court. Home rule’s duplication of services is unnecessary and costly.”

The county executive admitted to some growing pains but feels the court is making headway.

“We’ve had some challenges and we’ve addressed them. In addition to the savings towns enjoyed by joining the court, we’ve been able to reduce the cost of security and, through legislation, reduce the caseload,” he said. “With this state grant, we will be able to help our towns save more money for their taxpayers at a time when costs at the supermarket and elsewhere continue to rise. We are encouraged about the future of this court.”

Elisa Jo Eagan

Peace CelebrationPilgrimslated for July 20

The Friends of Peace Pilgrim will be holding its annual Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at Peace Pilgrim Park, 500-block london Ave.

The event aims to keep alive Peace Pilgrim’s message that peace in the world is possible when everyone finds inner peace.

The rain or shine event includes outdoor yoga practice at 9 a.m. Participants will gather at 10 a.m. to take a group photo before stepping off in the 1-Mile Walk for Peace. Following the walk, the group will gather in the grove of pine trees to share Peace Pilgrim’s message of peace: “Overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” The service includes music, words and meditation.

include face painting and arts and crafts.

A potluck picnic follows at noon. Bring your own food and drinks. The friends will provide the cupcakes and sing Happy Birthday to Peace Pilgrim.

The family-friendly event will

For more information, contact Barbara Reynolds at barbreynolds123@gmail.com or 609-9922294.

Photo credit: peacepilgrim.org

5 years old in Ocean City

By Bill Quain with returning guest columnist Herb Sudfeld

A note to all my readers

Each week, I end my column with an invitation to send me your own six-word stories. On July 27, 2023, my good friend Herb Sudfeld wrote an entire column for me titled “Fly a Kite, See the Wind.” Herb is returning as a guest columnist with today’s Six Words on a Boardwalk Bench. It’s written from the perspective of his 5-year-old grandson, Tristan. I know you’ll enjoy this story. Thanks again, Herb!

Meet 5-year-old Tristan, visiting the shore

Hi, my name is Tristan, and I am five years old. I live in Burlington, Vermont with my mom and dad. you can see lake Champlain from our house. I like to go swimming in the lake. It is not as good as the ocean because

there are no waves unless there is a storm.

I am here in Ocean City because my Pop-Pop is taking care of Mr. Bill’s and Miss Jeanne’s house and Mr. Bill’s dog, Trudy, while they are away. They went to Florida to celebrate Miss Jeanne’s father’s 90th birthday. That is really old. I am glad they went to Florida because I got to go to the beach.

Last year, I saw the wind you might remember that my Pop-Pop wrote Mr. Bill’s column last year when they took a cruise. My picture was in the paper flying a kite with Pop-Pop. He said everyone can feel and smell the wind, but you can even see the wind in the flapping of the kite. I saw it too.

This is my Ocean City story

This year, I told Pop-Pop that I wanted to tell about my stay in Ocean City so he is going to write down what I tell him.

First, it was a long ride from Vermont. Over seven hours, but we made it.

As soon as I woke up the first day, I got my bathing suit on and was ready to go to the ocean. But before we went to the beach, my Pop-Pop went out for donuts all the way to a place

called Sea Isle City. He says that the Maryanne Pastry Shoppe has the best donuts at the shore. Something about the yeast rising at sea level. Whatever that means. I had a chocolate-covered donut with cream on the inside. yum!

The best part of Ocean City is going to the beach and jumping in the ocean. I like to jump over the waves and splash my dad. Once a wave hit me, then I fell and got all wet. When I got back on the sand, I dug holes and filled them with water. I carried so many buckets my arms hurt, and the holes never got filled. I dug one hole, sat in it, and covered myself up to my waist. My mom had to dig me out.

My legs are tired from walking up on the Boardwalk, we took long walks and didn’t seem to buy much even though my mom went into a lot of stores. Boring! Then at night, we went to a place called Playland’s Castaway Cove. I rode on a lot of fun rides, but the best was the log flume. My mom and dad and Pop-Pop went with me. My grandmother, Jo-Jo, held our bags and things. We got so wet when we went down the flume that our clothes took a long time to dry. I also went in the haunted house with Jo-Jo, and it was real scary.

Biking is more fun than walking I just learned how to ride my bike without training wheels in May. My dad said I had to learn so I could ride on the Boardwalk. We rode on the Boardwalk every morning early so my dad could get coffee at a place called Ocean City Coffee Company. I think my dad would live in Ocean City just so he could go there every day. The best thing was that I didn’t run into anybody when I rode my bike. I’m not very good at braking yet.

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK

BENCH

by Bill Quain

and played again the next day. I also played Tee Time Golf and Pirates of the Golden Galleon. I had the most holes-in-one at Tee Time, but I really liked the Pirates too.

More rides and lots more food

We went to Gillian’s Wonderland a couple of times. I rode the log flume there, the giant Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, and the carousel. I played the Wicked Tuna arcade game

I made holes-in-one playing mini golf!

I also played miniature golf a lot. I played five times and even got some holes-in-one. The best was Haunted Golf. They have real ghosts in pictures on the wall that change from nice people into ghosts and monsters. There are a lot of skeletons and a pit covered in glass with skeleton bones all down under the glass. Very scary! At the end, I won a free game when I dropped my ball in the slot, and it ended up in the free game hole. I went back with my Pop-Pop

and caught some pretty big fish. I ate pizza at a place called Manco & Manco; had a great flounder dinner at a restaurant called The Anchorage; a seafood boil from PJ Buckets; ice cream from lots of different places; caramel corn from Johnson’s; macaroons from George’s; donuts and sticky buns from Mallons; fudge from Fudge Kitchen; and saltwater taffy from Shriver’s. I told my Pop-Pop that I was all sugared out. He laughed when I said that.

Come up and visit me sometime

My week at Ocean City was full of fun things to do. But of all the things I did, the best was going to the beach every day and riding my boogie board and playing in the sand. I certainly hope Mr. Bill and Miss Jeanne go on another vacation, so I can visit again. until then, I have kindergarten coming up, and lots to do in Vermont. Come see me sometime!

Oh, and Mr. Bill wants me to tell you something. He’ll see ya in the papers!

Atlantic City Airshow Canceled

Ajoint statement from the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, in association with Visit Atlantic City and the South Jersey Transportation Authority has been released:

“We regret to announce the cancellation of the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow due to a major act withdrawing from the Airshow. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment it may cause. We

extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who have supported this event over the past number of years.”

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