Making lasting memories this summer
From the Editor
Believe it or not, summer is halfway over, although it feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Memorial Day. I keep telling myself I will have that cool experience or adventure I've been talking about later. After all, I have all summer, right? yet, the days are slipping by faster than I can catch them.
When I reflect on summers past, it's always the extraordinary moments and adventures that I treasure. Whether it was paddleboarding on the bay, parasailing over the ocean or that rare occasion I made it to the beach in time to see the sunrise, those are the experiences that make each summer special. These moments, filled with joy and a sense of adventure, are what define the season for me.
But, when work and obligations
pile up, I sacrifice my plans, always thinking I can do it “later.” It's a common trap many of us fall into, thinking that our responsibilities are more important than our need for relaxation and enjoyment. life is all about balance, though. As I learned in yoga class, my balance improves with practice and intention. By being intentional with my time and prioritizing unique experiences, I aim to make the most of the remaining weeks of this summer. After all, lasting memories are not created behind a computer screen! life is meant to
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 credit: Mainland edition Elizabeth Chiola, Ocean City edition Bob Fertsch, Coastal edition Charles Eberson
packed with fun things to do, local places, people and events that make our corner of the world the absolute best. From hidden gems to popular hotspots, there's something for everyone.
be lived, experienced and cherished.
The Jersey Shore is a perfect place to make lasting memories, offering countless opportunities for fun, adventure and laughter. Whether you learn to surf, go crabbing, ride roller coasters, go boating or parasailing, there is fun to be had for everyone. It is a vibrant wonderland of experiences waiting to be explored. The smell of the ocean, the sound of laughter and the taste of boardwalk treats all combine to create a magic like no other.
This issue of Shore local is jam-
Please also take a look at the advertisers featured in Shore local. Many of them offer the finest services and goods plus some unique ways to make memories with your loved ones. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. When we as a community think local first, we win on every level. Our food and beverages are fresher, we are supporting our friends and neighbors, and we are keeping our dollars in our own communities, supporting our schools, real estate, and everything we do. It's a cycle of positivity and growth that benefits us all.
As we move into the latter half of the summer, let's commit to making it unforgettable. let's embrace the warmth, the adventures, and the opportunities to connect with loved ones.
Wishing you and yours a summer full of beautiful memories.
Peace & Love, Cindy
Urban heat island effect felt at the Jersey Shore
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
By the time you read this, you likely lived through our third inland heat wave of the year. A heat wave, defined in the Northeast as three or more days of 90 degree or greater air temperatures, came with a big dose of humid air, too. The cooling sea breezes worked hard, though. They kept our coastal communities a good bit cooler, giving us the reason to enjoy the beaches, boardwalks and bays.
Urban Heat Island
Speaking of heat, new research by Climate Central, a non-profit group based in Princeton, breaks down how much additional heat communities across America experience due to the “built environment”.
In the weather world, we call this the u rban Heat Island (u HI) effect. Black asphalt, tall buildings, dense
housing and lack of green spaces allow the sun’s heat radiation to be amplified during the day and hang around longer at night. ClimateCentral uses this data to estimate the u HI.
Our most urbanized city in the area, Atlantic City, has an urban heat island effect of 7.7 to 10.9 degrees higher than surrounding areas.
However, you don’t have to be Atlantic City to experience an urban heat island effect. We know how built up our shore is. Margate experiences temperatures 8.4 to 11 degrees higher than other surrounding coastal communities. The core of Ocean City, right over the Ninth Street Bridge, is over eight degrees warmer. Inland Marmora, upper Township is 7.6 degrees warmer.
Now, the increased heat from the urban heat island is not constant. We come to the shore for the cool ocean breezes. It sounds odd to say that the shore is hotter than surrounding areas. We come to the shore to escape the heat! However, think of it this way.
When I was a kid (OK, really until I was 28 years old), our family went to Seaside Park for vacation. you’d be on the beach and it was comfortable. However, as soon as I walked over the
dunes and down from the boardwalk, the air was still. It immediately became hotter. It would literally be hottest in the middle of the island, only three or four blocks wide.
That’s where the most amount of roadways, housing and businesses were. That’s the urban heat island effect.
Two hundred years ago, the barrier islands were barren. Temperatures were about the same from the water’s edge to the center of the island, all of which was barren of development.
How does this relate to climate change?
The urban heat island amplifies the warming seen since the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s. However, it doesn’t impact global climate change, for the most part. The land area of the urban heat island is so small compared to the Earth, that it doesn’t significantly impact the warming seen across the globe.
New Jersey is tied for the third fastest warming state in the country since 1970, Climate Central says. There’s been a 3.5-degree increase in annual temperatures since then. The national average is 2.5 degrees.
It’s not just temperatures either. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture. The average amount of rain that falls in an hour has increased up to 10% since 1970, the National Centers for Environmental Information reports.
Per year in Atlantic County, trees avoided 226 million gallons of storm runoff, absorbed 18 million pounds of air pollution and removed 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide, Climate Central says. The trees also reduce the urban Heat Island impacts.
I’m often asked about climate change in the three dozen or so talks I do a year in the state. Climate change isn’t a religion, you don’t believe in it or not. There are facts and forecasts and how we choose to think about that reality is where your beliefs come in. That’s not my job.
Cape May Bubble Pops, Again
For the second time in two weeks, Cape May County was the state’s epicenter for torrential, heavy rainfall. July 12-13, Friday into Saturday, saw a plume of tropical moisture move onshore from the south.
The result was a strip of heavy rain from Cape May on north to Toms River and Point Pleasant. Generally, Cape May County picked up between 3 and 7 inches of rain. Woodbine picked up 7.09 inches of
Places with less vegetation, more asphalt and population density are warmer than surrounding areas. Even a park in a dense, urban landscape is cooler. (Climate Central)
rain, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That’s historic. I noted on X that this much rain during this time has roughly a 2.5% chance of happening in a year.
Egg Harbor City, in Atlantic County, was soaked in 4.30 inches of rain. Egg Harbor Township, Northfield and Galloway all picked up over 2.0 inches of rain.
On June 29-30, upper Cape May County was drenched with three or more inches of rain also. It looks like the infamous Cape May Bubble, which does keep the county drier and less stormy than the rest of the state, has taken a few weekends off.
Closing Notes
l ast weekend’s shore weather was my first grade below a ‘B’ in my 7th Shore Summer Weekend Weather Report Card. I went with a ‘C’. Friday’s soggy, wet day was a poor start. Saturday wound up gloomy until late in the day, too. Sunday had morning fog, but wound up nice for the South Jersey shoreline. However, in Monmouth County, the afternoon was a near washout.
As the first half of the period between Memorial Day and labor Day end, 2024 has a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 so far. That’s a ‘B’. Typically, our second half has better weather and earns better grade than the first half. So, look for that GPA to rise in the weekends ahead.
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
How the urban heat island effect works.
Visit these South Jersey farms for sunflower picking this summer
By Chloe Cramutola
Sunflowers are known to symbolize happiness, long life, good fortune, positive opportunities and personal growth.
Bright and golden, these flowers are famous for raising their heads high to face the sun throughout the day. Heads consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined together by the receptacle at its base. Its large petals are actually individual ray flowers, and they cannot reproduce. These beautiful flowers bloom in the late summer and fall, usually 70 to 100 days after planting the seeds.
South Jersey visitors and locals looking for activities to do
during the summer have come to the right place — these four farms are perfect for enjoying the day and picking baskets of sunflowers.
Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy Farm, Upper Township
After establishing itself in 2016, Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy’s mission has been “to educate [the] community and provide wholesome, farmfresh local food and services,” according to its website. The
farm also strives to be a fun, safe and interactive environment for families to get together and learn.
Two acres of black oil sunflowers are grown on the farm, which means they are an all-natural sunflower, according to owners Bill and Barbara Simmerman.
“Actually, we have a special going on, because I want everybody to experience the sunflowers,” said Bill Simmerman.
Customers who arrive during store hours, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., can buy something and then pick as many sunflowers as their baskets can carry.
Two months of the growing season have been without any rain, and “the heat has been horrible,” Bill Simmerman said. While the sunflowers did not grow over 5 feet tall, as they do in normal weather conditions, the heads still bloomed fully and beautifully.
On July 13, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the farm invited guests to enjoy a day of live music, local food and a specialty sunflower beer at its annual Sunflower Festival. Working with ludlam Island Brewery birthed the Sunflower Pale Ale with a uniquely nutty, but-
tery taste. With hayrides, a petting zoo and thousands of sunflowers for picking, the farm transformed into a summer celebration.
From May through September, the farm’s goods can be found at local markets with fresh yogurts and cheeses, sausages, ground meat, and more. Check out its website for more market locations, hours and addresses.
Good Old Days Sunflower Farm, Upper Township located in u pper Township, this farm offers thousands of sunflowers that sprout up and invite guests to take photos and take bouquets home. Situated at the corner of Old Tuckahoe and Dennisville-Petersburg roads, owner and founder Donald Westergom works with Ketty lippi to plant the bright flowers until mid-October.
Westergom grew up on a farm in Cologne, where he planted corn. He would plant sunflowers as a necessity — to keep birds away from the fields. When more and more people wanted the sunflowers, he started planting more flowers and less corn.
farm, giving the fields and flowers an additional flare of charm that has hooked guests for more than 20 years. Every year, Westergom plants a couple hundred thousand seeds.
From July through mid-September, Westergom and lippi tend to “their girls” — the sunflowers — and sell them for 50 cents on their roadside farm stand.
Butterhof’s Shady Brook Farm, Egg Harbor City
The Butterhof Family has been farming their land since 1854. Their farm started out as The Chestnut Grove Winery, but the family switched to produce during the prohibition period. Not only does the farm offer sunflower picking, but there is strawberry picking, corn, tomatoes, squash, peaches and freshly baked pies in the summer.
Other farm products include cider and juices, holiday products, honey, jams and jellies. Other arranged activities include fundraiser events, private parties, private tours, school tours, weddings and receptions. The farm also allows picnicking and large groups.
Sunset Flower Farm, Belleplain
At this farm, owners linda and David Rau “pride [themselves] in quality, freshness, and presentation of [their]
cut flowers,” according to their website. They offer special varieties such as peonies, hydrangeas and of course, sunflowers.
The Raus are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Cape May County Beach Plum Association, and the Southern Shore Tourism Region in Cape May County. They also host seasonal events and weddings.
linda Rau has a degree in horticulture, the science and art of the development and production of quality foods and plants. She has also worked in the flower industry since she was 12 years old. David Rau grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, where he gained experience in farm equipment repair, farm operations and management.
South Jersey may be known for its blueberries, but there are also plenty of wonderful sunflower farms. It’s never too late to grab the family, dress up for charming photos in the fields and enjoy the day picking these golden flowers.
Chloe is a multimedia editor and journalism major at Boston University, where she is Editor at The Daily Free Press. She will be graduating Spring '25. Connect with her on LinkedIn @ chloecramutola
An antique flower cart and a 1957 Chevy truck sit on the
World’s largest pipe organ accompanies silent film for first time
By Julia Train
Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, previously known as Convention Hall, is a premier spot for sports and entertainment.
The hall has hosted a plethora of exciting events, from the Miss America Pageant, boxing matches, and the 1964 Democratic National Convention to musical performances by The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones.
Now, that list includes the organ in the venue's main auditorium’s organ–the world’s largest and loudest pipe organ and instrument– accompanying a silent film, which is a first.
On Wednesday, the Historic Organ Restoration Committee presented
a music-filled day centered around the organ.
It started at 10 a.m., with the usual weekly Curator’s Tour of the organ, where people can step in it, and a free lunchtime concert with Ian Frazier, winner of the American Theatre Organ Society young Organists Competition.
From 2 to 4:30 p.m., there was a classic car show on the floor, and then at 5 p.m., with all the cars still on the floor,
“The Black Pirate,” a 1927 silent film, played and 22-year-old Brett Miller accompanied it with the historic Midmer- losh pipe organ.
Miller, who is originally from Doylestown, Pa., but resides in Ocean City in the summer, fulfilled his dream of accompanying a silent film with the world’s largest instrument after playing lunchtime
concerts at the hall for the past six summers.
“I've been here since I was 16, and I've always wanted to do a film and I'm really lucky they asked me to do one,” said Miller.
While the film played on a large screen at the front of the arena and the Hall’s new jumbotron was used, the hard part was making sure the music stayed in sync with the film with just his monitor, since he couldn’t see the film from his seat at the organ, according to Miller.
Miller’s background
The musician started playing piano at 8 years old after seeing his brother play the instrument.
When he was 10, Miller fell in love with a new instrument after watching an organist accompany a silent film at the university of Pennsylvania.
“I thought that was just the coolest thing,” Miller said.
He then received lessons from Ben Model, a Museum of Modern Arts film accompanist in New york. He learned how to score, or create the music, for a silent film.
“ luckily, [my parents] didn't think they had a crazy child on their hands,” he laughed.
At 12 years old, Miller started professionally accompanying silent films on the organ, mostly by himself, but occasionally playing with orchestras like the Philadelphia Orchestra and Boston Symphony.
As one of the youngest in the field, he plays both original music and some written specifically for the films.
The world’s largest instrument
The main purpose for the event was to get the community into the
Hall to see the world’s largest and loudest instrument.
The organ’s construction started in May 1929 and completed in December 1932 by the Midmer- losh Co., of Merrick, long Island, N.y
The instrument is often described as “The Sonic Mt. Rushmore,” with the specifications drawn-up by Atlantic City native and Atlantic County state Sen. Emerson l . Richards.
Sitting on the right side of the stage, the organ’s pipes are controlled by a seven-keyboard console that sits on the right side of the stage.
There are ten 32-foot ranks, the world's only 64-foot diaphone and four voices on 100 inches of air wind pressure – double that of any other organ ever constructed– and has an official total of 33,112 pipes. It has a total of 1,235 stop tabs which control the 449 ranks, or voices, of the organ,
according to the Historic Organ Restoration Committee’s website.
Although it has not functioned fully since 1944, it’s currently at a bit above 60% functionality and being restored, with the project completion anticipated for 2030.
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
Dog owners rejoice at Dog Beach
By Chloe Cramutola
Between the l ongport Causeway and the Ocean City- l ongport Bridge, South Jersey welcomes puppy paws on the sands of Malibu
lindsay Plesniarski, a regional customer service supervisor for Caesars Entertainment. She ran a hand through her husky’s fur. “We love the Dog Beach. We think it’s a great place and I’ve been bringing her for many years.”
Plesniarski stood up from her beach towel as lulu padded away, sniffing the sand.
The beach has no time or leash restrictions, so any
“Cosmo is a mini bernedoodle and he’s two years old, and Honey is a mini bernedoodle and he is 3 years old. I got them in 2021 and both their birthdays are in June,” said Peters.
She sat on a collapsible chair with her two pets at her side. The gray and white puppies circled around her chair with their tails wagging. Many owners said hello or struck up a conversation with one another, thanks to
Horoscopes for July 18 – July 24
♈ Aries: your uniqueness has a place in this world. The path to realizing and embracing that yourself is the key. Anything holding you back from your fullest self-expression will surface and require brazen action. Keep your cool and remember “the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are”. -C.G. Jung
♉ Taurus: Becoming who you truly are has been a steady journey for a while, pushing you out of your comfort zone. Even more of the road less traveled will be illuminated. It’s up to you to continue carving your way to your highest potential regardless of the influence or opinions of others.
♊ Gemini: The influence or opinions of others are sometimes unavoidable, however your connection to yourself and your inner dialogue are what truly matter. Concentrate
on taking a deeper look within with appreciation of new insights.
♋ Cancer: New insights into your closest relationships are being revealed. Have no fear around how matters of your heart may become less secretive. your relationship with yourself, your heart and voice are your greatest assets. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” -Ida B. Wells
♌ leo: In the light of truth is where you’ve been standing, and it takes courage to wear your heart on your sleeve. Keep your creative spirit alive and remember to feel in the wake of recent changes. As you continue pioneering new terrain, draw upon this sentiment for encouragement: “I don’t mind going, as long as I can look brave and be brave.” -The Cowardly lion, The Wizard of Oz
♍ Virgo: looking brave and being brave through the creative process, especially when the battlefront is within, is no small feat! Keep pushing through any self-doubt or self-criticism. The fuel tank of your gift to the world is full and perfection doesn’t exist.
♎ libra: The fuel tank for your independence has been maintaining the spark. It’s a brave new world when
constructing a new container for oneself fully takes form. Breathe deeply through lingering tension. Artistic tools can be handy to move through feelings of overwhelm.
♏ Scorpio: Feelings of overwhelm may have already begun before this week as you are so deeply sensitive. Clarity may be shrouded in murkiness around what’s yours and what belongs to the collective. Keep the emotional waters moving through song and dance. Shake it off and out!
♐ Sagittarius: Shaking it off and out with movement keeps your free spirit moving! The results from your efforts in keeping that fire stoked may finally come to light. Move forward with the experiences and people that have shown up as champions and feel through release of those that have not.
♑ Capricorn: Championship of anything comes with hard work and extreme discipline and endurance. The fullness of rebuilding oneself over and over will be felt. Acknowledge what’s rising in you and keep in mind “the summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.” -Conrad Anker
♒ Aquarius: The climb itself is ahead of you, the caverns of your subconscious are the terrain. Dreams and feelings illuminate pathways into this
new landscape. Open communication with confidants can help work through the unfamiliar.
♓ Pisces: Working through the unfamiliar and navigating its waters are your natural talents. Taking responsibility for yourself and your inherent abilities creates a path for the unknown to take form. “Don’t let others hijack your dreams. Be captain of your own ship and master of your own destiny.” -Joanne Madeline Moore
Weekly Summary:
The second of two Capricorn full moons culminates on Sunday, July 21 at 6:17 a.m. Whenever there are two consecutive full moons in the same sign, it’s important to reflect on what’s unfolded during the time between. Revisit the horoscopes from the week of June 20 – June 26 (they can be found on shorelocalnews.com) and think about the connection between the first Capricorn full moon on June 21 and this week’s experience. The cosmic connection involves taking action and responsibility for our contribution to the journey with an open mind and an open heart. 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
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 Sept. 5, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates.
Margate Farmers Market
▶Thursdays, 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 Aug. 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 Fifth to Sixth streets.
Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the Tabernacle, and crafters in the street at Sixth & 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.
Events and Happenings
Multiday events
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
▶Friday, July 19 & Saturday, July 20, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 21, 2 p.m.
Margate Community Church 8900 N. Ventnor Ave.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum combines ancient Greek comedies with vaudeville and is one of the funniest musicals ever written. This fast-paced show promises to have audiences laughing all night. Additional shows July 26 –28. Purchase tickets online at www. foolmoontheatre.org.
Family Nights in Ocean City
▶Mondays & Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Free entertainment will include jugglers, music, characters, and more from Eighth to 12th 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.
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.
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.
Thursday, July 18
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
It’s Thrilling Thursdays in Margate. Enjoy a free movie on the beach behind the Bloom Pavilion. This week’s feature film is Ratatouille. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for Crafts for Kids from lucy the Elephant, while supplies last. learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.
Railroads, Tourism, and Commuters of the Jersey Show
▶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 university. Admission is free.
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.
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. The group also features tunes from some of Jersey’s finest like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Frank
Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and others. Presented by Friends of the Ocean City Pops. For tickets and more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Friday, July 19
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) 3986900.
Food and Film: Arthur the King
▶6 – 8 p.m.
longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
A film about an adventure racer who adopts a stray dog named Arthur who joins him in an epic endurance race. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Landsharks Band: The Premier Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
↘Continued on 18
Come celebrate Night in Venice and celebrate all things Jimmy Buffett with one of the premier tribute acts in the world, The l andsharks. They have opened up for, backed up, and played with Jimmy Buffett in concert, in Key West, and at Margaritaville. For tickets and more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice.
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 20
Night in Venice 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk
▶8 a.m.
19th St. & Haven Ave. Ocean City
Join the Ocean City Track & Field and Cross Country Boosters for an invigorating start to the Night in Venice festivities. Registration/ Packet Pick- up will occur behind the Intermediate School on the basket-
ball courts. The course will start and finish at 19th & Haven. More details can be found at www.runsignup. com/Race/NJ/OceanCity/NightinVenice5k.
Electronics Recycling Fundraiser
▶9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds
3210 Route 50, Mays landing
Hosted by the Atlantic County 4-H STEM Club, this event, held on the third Saturday of each month, provides the opportunity to get rid of old equipment. Accepted items include AC adapters, handheld or table mounted scanners, keyboards, PC speakers, laptop and cell phone batteries, TVs, toner and ink cartridges, and more. See the complete list at www.ac4hfair.org/electronic-recycling.
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.
Funny Farm visits the Library
▶10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Kids can meet some of the many rescue animals that live at the Funny Farm. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
EHT Movie Under the Stars
▶6 p.m.
Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park
Join Egg Harbor Township Recreation for a free movie night. Bring your blankets and chairs and watch Wonka under the stars. Visit www. ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/ EHTRecreation in the event of inclement weather.
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. Additional information and event details are available at www. ocnj.us/NIV.
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 21
Zumba at the Library
▶11 a.m.
longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Dance for fitness at the library. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Sunday Night Concerts at the Tabernacle
▶7 p.m.
Join Ocean City Tabernacle for a free concert every Sunday night. This week, Rhett Walker performs live. He is a Grammy and Dove Award nominee with two top 10 radio singles and multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Under the Boardwalk: Songs of Summer
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
Enjoy the perfect blend of summer songs with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra featuring Scott Coulter & Friends. The night will take you through memory lane with the best summer songs throughout the years, with songs ranging from The Beach Boys to Jimmy Buffett. Tickets and more information are available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.
Monday, July 22
Beach Exercise: Yoga
▶8 a.m.
Sixth 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) 3986900.
We Walk Somers Point
▶8:30 a.m.
Kennedy Park 24 Broadway
550 Wesley Ave. Ocean City
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
Enjoy free weekly family entertainment at Tony Canale Park. This week, Starfire Entertainers present a u nique Performance of Jugglers and Artists. Visit www.ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/EHTRecreation for more information and updates in the event of weather.
MS Bay Race
▶6 p.m.
Deauville Inn Willard Rd. Strathmere Beach patrols up and down the Jersey Shore participate in a six-mile bay race, raising money for the fight against MS.
Somers Point Kid’s Concert Series
▶6:30 p.m.
William Morrow Beach
Join Somers Point every Monday for an evening of family fun on the beach. This week, Mark Rust will perform a family music show with fun sing-a-longs on a variety of in struments. Everyone will learn how to play and participate in traditional country dances. For more infor mation, visit www.facebook.com/ SomersPoint.
Bingo at the Library
▶6:30 p.m.
longport Ave.
All ages are invited to try their luck at Bingo. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Tuesday, July 23
Funtastic Tuesdays
▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave. Ocean City
Enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and ballon sculptors along Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company. Seven dwarves, a beautiful girl, a jealous queen, a magic mirror, and a poisoned apple create a diabolical combination in this musical adaptation of the classic Grimm fairy tale. Tickets are available at www. oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
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LASER HAIR REMOVAL
DERMAL PLANNING & VI SKIN PEELS
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue 500 N. Jerome
This event will take place weekly through August 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.
↘Continued on 20
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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 24
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) 3986900.
Wacky Wednesday: Christmas in July
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
Celebrate the Christmas holiday season in July with a special craft and a visit from Santa while he is in town on vacation. Visit with Santa from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and enjoy the sounds of the season with Christmas Music Bingo at 11 a.m. Must be present at 10:30 a.m. start time to participate.
Children’s Summer Playhouse: Cinderella
▶11 a.m.
Stockton Performing Arts Center
101 Vera King Farris Dr. Galloway Watch as Cinderella, despite the best efforts of her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, triumphs at last with a little help from a Fairy Godmother and becomes the most beautiful princess attending the Royal Ball. Tickets can be purchased at www. stockton.edu/pac.
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.
Friday, July 26
Chip Miller Surf Fest ▶8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
7th Street Beach, Ocean City
Grab your surfboard, catch a wave, and join the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation for their 20th annual Surf Fest. Check-in will open at 7 a.m. This grass-roots family event has grown to be one of the largest surf events on the East Coast attracting some of the biggest names in surfing. Get your surfboard and join the fun or watch the best surfers compete all day long. Other activities will include plenty of merch and free apparel launches. Visit www.chipmiller.org to learn more.
MBA Wine & Spirits Tasting
▶6 – 9 p.m.
Memories in Margate 9518 Amherst Ave.
Join the Margate Business Association for their 21st Annual Wine and Spirits Tasting. Immerse yourself in a serene ambiance while indulging in an array of wine, craft beer, and spirit tastings complemented by delectable hors d’oeuvres and sweets. Plus, enjoy a silent auction featuring a variety of coveted items to bid on, accompanied by live entertainment. learn more and purchase tickets at www.margatehasmore.com.
Dutch Hoffman Lifeguard Championships
▶6:30 p.m.
lincoln Avenue Beach, Wildwood u p to 15 South Jersey beach patrols participate in this annual competition, honoring the memory of Captain Frank Dutch Hoffman. Hosted by the Wildwood Beach Patrol. Call (609) 525-8258 for more information.
Saturday, July 27
Great OC Lagoon Race
▶11 a.m.
Carnival Bayou off 16th St., Ocean City
Join the 5th Annual Great OC l agoon Race at the 16th St. lagoon. The Paddleboard race begins at 11 a.m., followed by the Kayak race at 11:30. Each race is one loop around the 17th St. Island. Single and double kayakers are welcome. All levels of experience welcome. Please show up 15 minutes prior to race time.
T. John Carey Masters Swim
▶6:15 p.m.
Ocean City Beach between 6th – 14th St.
Rescheduled from July 6. The Master’s Swim is one of the premier open-water swimming events on the Jersey Shore, consisting of a onemile ocean race following a pointto-point course running parallel to the beach. Competitors will enjoy
memorable views passing the iconic Music Pier as spectators cheer on the swimmers. Registration is open now at www.raceforum.com/johncarey. Visit www.ocnj.us/departments/ OCBP for updated information and starting location.
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) 4026966 for more information.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶Wednesday, July 17, 10 a.m.
These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by
mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources, and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at (609) 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, August 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.
Welcome to Coast, Host, Post: A conversation about hosting at the shore
Life is What Happens
By Lisa Zaslow Segelman
If you have a residence of any size or shape in Atlantic or Cape May counties, you’re most likely a host as well.
Shore locals enjoy having a builtin summer vacation. For many of us, that’s why we’re here. No travel, hotel, car rental or expensive excursions are required to get the most of the Jersey Shore experience. We may be working all week, but here at the shore, the sun shines a little longer and the weekends arrive a little sooner. like the George Gershwin song says, “Summertime… and the livin’ is easy..”
That easy living can get harder once guests start to arrive, and we’re not the only ones. Hosting is a topic
of conversation on tennis courts, golf courses, and in supermarkets all over the shore.
So how do we manage? In the Host, Coast, Post we’ll feature different residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties talking about their hosting styles, and bringing together ideas about how to make it work. How do we offer our guests a great time at the shore while keeping our own sanity and energy?
We’ll explore what makes good hosts, what makes good guests, and what we can all do to ensure a wonderful stay. Together we’ll determine if we’re in the “Mi Casa es su casa” (Spanish for “my house is your house) camp, or if we identify more with Benjamin Franklin who famously quipped that “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”
We’ll refine our hosting styles and pick up a few tips from others. We’ll share some trials and tribulations, have a few laughs, and figure out what practices to keep and what to revise for our next set of guests.
I’ll kick things off with some of our hosting history. At our house, once
we get through my accountant husband’s busy season, which of course ends April 15, we gear up for “guest busy season,” which for us begins on Mother’s Day and continues non-stop until mid-September.
Growing up in a summer-home family, I watched my mom as a host in three Ventnor, one Brigantine, and one Atlantic City home.
“Nine-course Naomi” was a good cook who didn’t love the beach, but loved when family and friends would visit, and those visits always included meals.
My mom’s parents lived in the house all year – a giant plus for us grandkids.
With four children and eventually 13 grandchildren, my mom kept the houseguest list to kids and grandkids only, and hosted her friends as weekend guests only. She said she didn’t want her home to turn into what she and my grandma referred to as a “flophouse.”
In Brigantine in the 1960s my mom would have my great aunt and uncle over for lunch on the screened-in porch of our North Beach Street summer home at the end of the island. They were former chicken farmers from Vineland who had moved to the Inlet in Atlantic City.
Other guests included cousins from Canada who were campers and more than happy to enjoy a homecooked meal on real plates at some point during their campground stay.
Then there were cousins from Brooklyn – family on my dad’s side and the list went on.
My folks didn’t have a ton of rules but they had some:
1. No bare feet in the house or at the table. They considered their shore house a real house.
2. Say good morning to your parents or grandparents when you enter a room.
3. Don’t leave cabinet doors open or your stuff around the common areas. Keep your things in your room.
4. Rinse feet from the beach.
5. Turn off lights when you leave the room.
My parents were fastidious, my father more so than my mom.
When he would bring up whatever guest habit that annoyed him, my mother would tell him it was short-lived. She would ask him “not to say anything” and rest assured that guests eventually return to their own homes.
Now that the shore hosting baton has been passed to me, I try to
maintain my folks’ graciousness, but I don’t hesitate to ask that shower doors get squeegeed, paper towels don’t get wasted, and leftovers find Tupperware mates.
I’m not as realistic as my parents when it comes to inviting people, and I skew toward the more the merrier, only to realize too late that accommodating constant guests is exhausting.
I shouldn’t keep saying, “how about coming down during the week!” That’s a time to work, restock, recharge and write for Shore local.
As hosts we realize that for our guests, the visit is a vacation for them and it’s our turn to host. Still, hosting large is a huge undertaking. It’s nice when guests help out with setting up for a meal or cleaning up afterwards.
Most people hear their mom’s voice in their heads when packing for a shore weekend at a friend or relative’s house, “Don’t forget to bring something.”
It’s a great idea for guests to ask what they can bring – food, beverages, paper products for what could be many meals over the course of a weekend.
Replenishing during one’s stay also works. One friend asked what she could bring and I said, “a side dish.” She brought six. It took us through the six meals of the weekend. Others brought cookies from their region, tequila from Costco, whatever it is, it helps.
If none of this happens, sending an Amazon-anything post-stay, or a simple thank you note shows awesome manners. Texts, emails and calls are also nice. A hand-written note could get you an invite for summer 2025! Sharing our homes by the sea with friends and family is what the shore is all about. If we all stroke together like the Princeton crew, we’ll be making priceless memories.
These are some of my hosting thoughts. What are yours? let me know if you’d like to be featured in my a Coast, Host, Post column. Just reach out at redshoeslzs@gmail.com.
Next week: Pam and Rob Kornfeld of Ocean City.
Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com
Dragon boats race to support cancer patients, families
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Paddle’s up! The eighth annual Dragon Boat Festival returned to l ake lenape East in Mays landing on Sunday, July 14, for an exciting day full of friendly competition, all while raising funding and awareness for cancer patients and families throughout our local community.
The day began with a traditional dotting of the eye ceremony, "waking the dragons" from their long sleep. Over forty teams, hundreds of paddlers, dozens of volunteers, and countless spectators enjoyed a full day of activities, from the friendly race competition along the lake to delicious food and thirst-quenching beverages, along with games and raffle drawings. A touching flower ceremony was held along the beach, honoring individuals battling cancers and those we have lost.
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club. Proceeds from the event directly benefit CSCNJ, providing much-needed support and resources for individuals and families touched by cancer.
Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club is located at 700 New Rd. in linwood. you can reach them online at www. cscnj.org.
MBA 21st Annual Wine Tasting to celebrate new memories at legendary location
The Margate Business Association’s Wine and Spirits Tasting has traditionally been a highlight of the summer season and the 21st edition will be no different.
This year’s event will be held at the stunning, newly renovated Memories in Margate on Friday, July 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where the beautiful bayfront ambiance of this iconic Margate institution will complement a wide selection of wines, craft beer and spirits.
Feast on an array of hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats from Jagielky’s and bid on exceptional gifts and experiences during the silent auction, all accompanied by dynamic live music by Mike D’Arc and hosted by renowned local realtor and auctioneer lou Solomon.
Tickets are available at $100 per person and are available at mbawine. com.
This year’s silent auction features outstanding items like a surfboard from Heritage Surf and Sport, Samsung 65-inch “The Frame” Q lED TV
sociation’s Daniel and Maria Walters Scholarship Program, which has granted over $130,700 in scholarships to high school seniors from Margate City schools. Additionally, the Wine Tasting supports the MBA's Children Fund, in
donated by Shore Sound and Cinema, exquisite jewelry from Roberts Fine Jewelers, Philadelphia Phillies tickets donated by A-Best Swag, gift certificates to local restaurants and retailers and 100.7 WZXl has donated four tickets to Sebastian Maniscalco on September 27 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
A portion of the proceeds will support the Margate Business As -
collaboration with Margate schools, providing essential resources such as warm clothing, school supplies, food, eyeglasses, and summer camp opportunities for local children in need.
Purchase your tickets at https:// one.bidpal.net/mbawine/welcome now and join in making a meaningful impact for local school children while enjoying a delightful evening of community and celebration.
The event is sponsored by The Hartman Home Team, 95.1 WAy V, Jagielky’s Homemade Candy and Shore local.
Summer Green Market in Galloway
By Chef Christina Martin
It may be hot and humid outside these days, but that doesn’t deter those who love shopping at farmers markets like I do.
Galloway Green Market
My latest visit was to the Galloway Green Market, located on the grounds of the historic Smithville Village Greene. Theo, my rescue dog, braved the heat and came with me.
The Galloway Green Market is held on Thursday evenings and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 5.
The market is in its seventh year and features locally grown produce, baked goods, food trucks, handmade crafts and more. The market managers are Regina Bell, Steve, and Barbara Fiedler.
There were 30-plus vendors the evening I visited, each with quality products. This market is farm focused
with at least four farms. If you are looking for veggies with no pesticides and organic farming practices, this is the place to shop. All the farmers were friendly and were answering the customers' questions. Many were repeat customers to their farms.
Enlightened Farms
Hansen Foundation, a source for recovery for those that have substance use disorders.
Enlightened Farms is located in Egg Harbor City and is a non-profit organic farm which was started in 2016 “to provide equine therapy, organic farming, job training and a volunteer program.”
The first one I want to spotlight is Enlightened Farms, owned by the
I visited the farm last year and purchased some seedlings that did really well in my home garden. Besides the usuals like basil and tomatoes, I got chamomile, amaranth and borage.
At the Galloway Green Market you will find a beautiful assortment of in-season veggies such as potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, scallions and my favorite, microgreens. I love the pea shoots and picked some up this week.
They also have garlic scapes which are great blended in salad dressings. They will be at Galloway Green Market the following dates: July 25, Aug. 8, 22, 29, and Sept. 5.
The farm is also open to the public for Farm Market Fridays through November from 2 to 6 p.m. Follow their Facebook to see what is happening at the farm, and for some great information about the vegetables they are growing.
Generous Greens and Flower Company
The second farm you may have seen me highlight in a recent article is Generous Greens and Flower Company. Farmer Mark always greets everyone with a smile, takes time to talk to customers and genuinely loves what he does. His farm is in Woodbine and there is a stand at that site.
At the Galloway Green Market he offers produce, plants, and this week had loaves of fresh-baked, honey whole-wheat bread. I heard from a customer that the bread is delicious. Generous Greens is also a no-till, no-tractor farm which preserves soil diversity and uses sustainable habits on the farm.
I purchased some baby carrots for this week’s recipe. They also have an online store at generousgreens.com where you can not only purchase Jersey Fresh vegetables, but also eggs, bread, compost, and firewood along with new items like farm t-shirts and an adorable tote bag.
Stockton
University Sustainability
Farm
The next farm stand at the market was Stockton university Sustainability Farm, a student-run farm which was started in 2012.
They are not certified organic, but they do follow organic and sustainable practices such as transition to no-till, cover-cropping and the use of biodegradable plastic mulch.
Enlightened Farms from Egg Harbor City
Go Green Galloway at the market
Produce from Stockton Sustainability Farm
Galloway Green Market at Smithville Village Greene
The farm is on 1.5 acres and is a market farm which is a classroom to students wanting to learn farming. The program is run by associate professor of biology Ron Hutchinson and Sustainability Farm Manager Richard Vetter.
At the market they had a bounty of produce with students helping customers. Produce from the farm included beautiful colored swiss chard, eggplants, purple peppers, fresh garlic bulbs, turnips, beets and radishes. Also onions that were so gorgeous I
had to pick up a bunch. It is nice to see students involved and learning to be our future farmers. you can find them on Instagram @Stockton_sust_farm.
Howey Farm
last but not least is Howey Farm located in Cologne. This farm began with owner Richard helping out at a friend’s farm which sparked an interest for him to start his own family-run farm.
Richard, a retired teacher and his wife Jamie, also a school teacher, along with their children are involved
in the farm as well as working at the farmers market.
The day I visited the market Richard’s father was helping out and shucking some corn.
The Galloway Green Market evolved into a family affair and gives their kids a summer job. Richard told me that being local they get to see people they know, and he enjoys the conversations with his customers.
Currently this is the only farmers market where you will find them this year. They also use organic farming
practices. They grow the basics such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and this year he added eggplants.
One of Richard’s favorite vegetables to grow, which you can say he specializes in, is peppers: from bell peppers to jalapeño, long hots and habanero peppers. Garden State Brewery uses Howey Farm habaneros in their Peach Habanero brew. It is wonderful to see these local connections being made.
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Garlic scapes and scallions from Enlightened Farms
Howey Farm family from Cologne
It is really nice to go to a farmers market and be able to support multiple farmers who are doing their best to be sustainable, using organic practices and supplying us what is truly
Tostadas is a summer recipe that the whole family will love. Serve with a Jersey Fresh cucumber, tomato, onion salad that is simple and light for a hot summer evening. (cucumbers from Howey farm)
Jersey Fresh. I am looking forward to returning to this farmers market. Market tip of the week : look for more Jersey corn at the markets this week. Did you know it takes 90 days from planting for an ear of corn to grow? This year it’s super sweet and delicious. Skip the butter and go healthy!
Brown Rice
1 cup of brown rice soaked in water for 8-12 hours. After soaking discard soaking liquid and rinse rice. The soaking water could contain toxins which interfere with digestion. Cook however you prefer. I used a donabe pot which you can purchase online. Add water, rinse rice, and a
pinch of salt and stir to combine. Once the water boils, turn the heat to low and cover. Simmer according to rice type below, until water is absorbed. let rice sit 5 minutes after cooking. Brown rice 30 - 40 minutes White rice 15 - 20 minutes
Tostada
● 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
● 2 small carrots, julienned (carrots from Generous Greens)
● 1 small onion sliced (red onions from Sustainable Stockton)
● 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
● 1 Pinch sea salt
● Sprouted corn tortillas
● 1/4 cup vegan mayo or regular
● 1 -2 limes juiced
● Pea shoots or micro greens (from Enlightened Farm)
Sauce
• 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
Combine the vegan mayo or regular mayo, and lime juice to make a sauce for the tostadas.
In a sauté pan heat with oil, add veggies and salt. Sauté until veggies
Book online.
are golden brown.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a sheet tray place corn tortillas, scoop some rice on top of each, squeeze some lime juice on the rice, top with the sautéed veggies and place in oven and cook for about 10 minutes just until warmed through. you can add vegan cheese or regular cheese before putting in the oven if you like. Once warmed take out of oven and top with sauce and pea shoots or microgreens.
Photos by Christina Martin
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.
Farmer Mark of Generous Greens and Flower Co. with beautiful carrots
Stockton Sustainability Farm
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Property Of The Week!
Guide to 2024 Ocean City Night in Venice
When is Night in Venice?
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Where does the parade route begin and end?
The boat parade begins near the Ocean City- longport toll bridge and travels along the bayside to Tennessee Avenue, looping in and out of lagoons along the way.
Where can I watch the parade?
To view the Night in Venice boat parade, grandstands will be set up at street ends along the bay from Battersea Road to 16th Street and also at Tennessee Avenue. These are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Streets include: Battersea Rd., North Street, First Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, 11th Street, 13th Street, 15th Street, 16th Street and Tennessee Avenue. Spectators with their own seating can access the parade route from any other public street end and from the bayside park at Second Street.
walk along the bridge with motor vehicle traffic. Ocean City Police will be present monitoring the bridge while the parade is in progress for assistance.
Tickets for a special viewing area at the Bayside Center, 520 Bay Avenue, are sold out. This area includes a picnic area, snacks for sale and bleacher seating plus DJ entertainment.
The Ninth Street Bridge also provides a good vantage point. All pedestrians and bicyclists should use the Shared use Bike Path and stay to the south side shoulder for viewing. No persons will be allowed to bring chairs for seating onto the bridge. At no time will persons block the free movement of the Shared use Bike Path. No open alcoholic beverages are permitted on the bridge at any time. Persons are not permitted to
What does it cost?
The parade is free to watch at all locations except the Bayside Center. Where can I park?
Free parking and shuttle service will run starting at 4 p.m. Parking will be available at:
● Ocean City Municipal Airport: 25th Street and Bay Avenue
● Soccer Field at Tennessee Avenue: Off Shelter Road
● Ocean City Community Center: 1735 Simpson Avenue
Shuttles will drop off spectators at street ends where they can watch the parade and return them to the parking lots afterward. The shuttle also drops off at the Bayside Center. The service is free and will be available until 10 p.m.
Parking restrictions will be in effect for the entire day of Saturday (July 20) for the following locations:
● West side of Bay Avenue between 14th Street and 24th Street
● East side of Bay Avenue between 14th Street and 24th Street.
● West 16th Street, West 17th Street and West 18th Street will have parking restrictions in place.
Parking regulations will be strictly enforced. Violators will be ticketed and in severe cases, the vehicles will be towed if public safety is affected. A one-way traffic pattern will be in effect for Spruce Road (eastbound toward the ocean) and Walnut Road (westbound toward the bay) in the Riviera neighborhood. This is to allow for safe passage of all pedestrian and vehicle traffic and emergency vehicle access to isolated areas of the bayfront.
of the Ninth Street Bridge, roughly off Third Street. The start time is estimated to be at some point between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on when the parade ends. The display should be best viewed from street ends or the bayfront between the Ocean City- longport toll bridge and 16th Street.
Who participates?
Anyone with a boat or anyone with a house along the bayfront parade route can participate by decorating their boat or home. Judges pick winners among boats, homes and condominium complexes.
What is the Night in Venice theme?
The event's theme is “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett,” a chance to celebrate the music and carefree persona of the songwriter, who passed away in September after more than five decades of writing, recording and performing timeless classics. This theme is optional.
When and where are the fireworks?
Night in Venice will include a fireworks display launched after the parade from a barge in the bay north
for one private tiki boat charter for up to 32 guests, but it also could be broken down and used for any of the OCNJ Watersports activities.
Prizes for the other boat parade categories (“Best Decorated,” “Best Comic,” “Best Original” and “Best Musical” for boats over and under 24 feet) will include a $300 gift card to OCNJ Watersports for first place, $200 gift card for second place, and $100 gift card for third place.
Prizes for the 14 zones in the house-decorating contest will include a $100 gift card to OCNJ Watersports for first place, $75
gift card for second place, and $50 gift card for third place.
The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will donate a one-year membership and two marketing email blasts (combined $600 value) to the “Best Commercial Entry” and “Best Community Organization/Non-Profit Entry” categories in the boat parade. ACME Markets – with locations at Eighth Street and 34th Street in Ocean City – provides catered food trays to the lead entries in the boat parade, and they are a great resource for anybody planning a party along the parade route. ↘Continued on 32
How do I participate?
you can register your boat or house online at ocnj.us/niv
Do participants get anything?
ACME Markets and OCNJ Watersports return as presenting sponsors, and they made cash and in-kind contributions to help enhance the 69th annual event this year.
“Best in Show” prizes (for boats over and under 24 feet) will include a $1,000 gift card to OCNJ Watersports (Beachy Tiki boat tours, Totally Tubular Watersports or Totally Tubular Aqua Park). The prize is good
How can I see results of the contest?
Results will be announced on ocnj. us and oceancityvacation.com by noon Sunday, July 21, and awards can be picked up starting at 1 p.m. July 21 from the City Hall Welcome Center. Are paddleboards and kayaks part of the parade?
For safety reasons, paddleboards and kayaks are not part of the Night in Venice parade.
Who sponsors Night in Venice?
ACME Markets and OCNJ Watersports are the presenting sponsors and will have stands at the Bayside Center.
Will there be a grand marshal?
ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith will be grand marshal and be joined by family members. Smith is one of the most recognizable personalities in sports media. For nearly 20 years at ESPN, Smith has produced in-depth interviews, vulnerable storytelling, game broadcasting and breaking news across every ESPN platform, and in almost every major sport, including college football and basketball, the NFl , NBA, NASCAR and IndyCar, Formula 1, the horse racing Triple Crown, including the Kentucky Derby, the Masters Tournament and the PGA Tour. He co-hosts “Marty & Mcgee” weekly on the SEC Net-
work, during which he and co-host Ryan McGee meld sports with Southern culture, pop culture, news and nostalgia.
Smith's 2019 memoir, “Never Settle: Sports, Family and the American Soul,” is a New york Times bestseller. His latest book, “Sideline CEO: leadership Principles from Championship Coaches,” has become a standard of the leadership and motivational speaking circuit nationwide.
Smith's wife of 24 years, lainie (Cocozza), is an Ocean City native, a 1995 graduate of Ocean City High School, and Miss Night In Venice 1995. The Smiths reside in l ake Norman, North Carolina, and have three children, Cambron (18), Mia (15) and Vivian (12). Every June, the Smith family makes the trek north to come back to Ocean City, where they spend the entire summer vacation season in “America's Greatest Family Resort.” Who else will be in the parade?
Philadelphia Eagles veteran Bran -
don Graham and his family will be special guests. Graham will return for his 15th season with the Eagles this year. He is a former first-round draft pick and all-Pro defensive end. He helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2018 and provided a strip sack of Tom Brady that helped seal the victory in the closing minutes. His work ethic, talent and loyalty to the team have made him a fan favorite, and the Graham family has made Philadelphia their home.
How can I stay safe during the parade?
Do not swim or allow your guests to swim during the parade. Make sure nobody throws water balloons or other objects at or from boats or houses during the parade. Standup paddleboarders must wear life jackets and carry whistles. Do not enter or cross the parade route in any boat or craft during the parade. The final boat in the parade will have a flashing yellow light. The start of the parade will be signaled by the flyover of a Coast Guard helicopter. Do not anchor in any channel during the fireworks. See video. Are there keepsakes available?
A limited number of event posters featuring artwork by local artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky will be available for free at the City Hall Welcome Center (9th Street entrance at 861 Asbury Avenue) starting on July 13 and while supplies last.
What else is happening on Night in Venice Weekend?
The Night in Venice weekend festivities this year will include the return of a five-kilometer run and one-mile walk sponsored by the Ocean City High School Cross Country/Track and Field Booster Club.
This event will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Ocean
Marty Smith
City Intermediate School on the morning of the annual Night in Venice boat parade. The race will follow a flat, out-and-back course along Haven Avenue and the adjacent bike path. Prizes will be awarded for all age groups. Online registration is available at: www.runsignup.com/NIV5k. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. behind the Intermediate School (near 18th Street and Haven Avenue). Tickets are available online at 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/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.
Meet local novelist Amanda Quain
By Steffen Klenk
Ocean City High School graduate, Amanda Quain is an excelled writer, indie bookseller, and playwright. She and her family spent summers in Ocean City, before eventually moving to the area in the mid-2000s. She attended Ocean City High School, where she was involved in the marching band and theater productions. Quain graduated from OCHS in 2009 and went on to attend Cornell u niversity, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on communication and technology.
u pon completing college, she began working at a string of fascinating jobs, becoming a tavern wench, Segway tour guide and a practice patient for students in medicine. Quain described one of her first jobs as a character performer and attendant at
Walt Disney World. “It’s certainly the most eye-catching of the jobs that I’ve had and the one that people are always most interested in.”
It was shortly afterwards that she landed a job at an indie bookstore, an experience she loves more than anything. “I have so many memories of growing up and going to smaller bookstores and being handed the perfect book.” Quain especially enjoys putting the right books into the hands of excited readers, an experience she says is more powerful than anything. “ you can’t get that kind of personal connection anywhere else besides in the bookstore.”
Quain also stresses the importance of supporting indie bookstores and other retailers providing one-onone personal service, an experience that is often not found with the click of a mouse or the swipe of a phone. “Anyone can go online and search for the top ten books of the year, but the book that’s for you, that’s going to change your life, may not be the number one bestseller.”
Quain has released a series of novels, each one retelling classic Jane Austen writings for young adult readers. Her first novel, ‘Accomplished’, was released four years ago
and recounts Pride & Prejudice from the perspective of one of the characters in the book, Georgiana Darcy. This was followed by the release of "Ghosted" in 2023. The novel is a retelling of the 1818 Austen classic "Northanger Abbey."
Quain’s latest novel, "Dashed", has recently hit bookshelves across the country. Based on Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility," this story follows the book’s main character, Margaret Dashwood, as she finds her own place in the world as she sets sail on an unexpected journey with her sister Marianne. “This is my most summery and fun book to date.”
Part of Amanda’s inspiration comes from her father, Bill Quain, an acclaimed motivational speaker and author of over two dozen books devoted to hospitality, business, life and success. “I always got to see writing as a field that you can get into and make a career out of.” Amanda says. While their styles of writing
may be different, she points out some similarities. “I grew up around dialogue and books that sound like real life conversations.”
“I’m proud of her,” sayd Bill. “It’s great having another writer in the family.”
Amanda Quain will be at Sun Rose Words & Music (756 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City) for a book signing on Saturday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be sure to visit www.amandaquain. com for the latest information or to purchase signed copies of her most recent releases. "Dashed" is available for purchase at Sun Rose. you can also request a copy at your local library or wherever fine books are sold.
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.
The greatest band to ever play Tony Marts
Eddie and The Cruisers was not a real band, but the movie stars the great sax player named “Tunes.”
All of us who lived through the decades from the '50s to the '80s at Tony Marts know that there was clearly only one “greatest band that ever played” there.
The band has been enshrined in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame follow-
Twitty convinced Tony “Mart” Marotta to hire “ levon and The Hawks.”
They quickly became the rage of the Jersey shore. They were the most popular rock ‘n’ roll band playing an entire season as the house band.
In August of that year, levon Helm came down from the apartments over Tony Mart’s and took a call in the old, wooden phone booth in the back.
ing its final concert and immortalized in the famous movie, “The last Waltz,” one of the greatest concert films ever made.
The enigmatic, musically famous event in the history of Tony Marts occurred in May 1965 when Conway
The call was from Bob Dylan, offering them good money to tour and record with him as he went electric.
With Tony Mart’s blessing, they left Sunday of that week, on or about Aug. 20, 1965.
Conway Twitty rocked at The Mart for six years from 1960 to 1965. He played his last rock ‘n’ roll concert there in 1965 and went on to become a great country music star.
The rockabilly sound that they performed nightly was truly a major influence on what has now become the popular music genres known as Americana roots, rock ‘n’ roll and jam music.
Eleven years after levon and The Hawks left Tony Marts and became
The Band, they performed the famous final concert, which will now be reenacted in one of the major entertainment events at the Jersey shore this summer, “The Tony Mart legacy last Waltz.”
The shows will be performed on Wednesday, July 24 at Mardi Gras on the
Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Friday, July 26 at The Atlanticare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point.
For the first time ever, Tony Marts will present a legacy concert at Cape May Convention Hall on Monday, July 29, complete with excellent acoustics, a VIP section and ambience for southern Cape May County visitors and residents who will especially enjoy their own Howard Street Ramble performing at the show.
In the movie, you hear and see performances by Bob Dylan and The Band, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Neil young, Ron Wood, Ronnie Hawkins and Neil Diamond.
On stage at The Tony Mart legacy l ast Waltz performances, you will see Dave Malone, the star lead vocalist and guitarist from The
Radiators; Mark Mullins from Bonerama leading the horn section, including South Jersey’s own Howard Isaacson; Bob Margolin, who appeared in The last Waltz as Muddy Waters’ guitar player; The Honey Island Swamp Band and Johnny Sansone.
This will be an awesome three-night residency in South Jersey that should not be missed at any of these venues!
It is one of the most complex and involved productions ever presented by Tony Marts, celebrating the Tony
There was only one greatest band to ever play Tony Marts. It was levon and The Hawks!
Mart legacy of rock 'n' roll at the Jersey shore.
Dave Malone of Radiators
Mark Mullins of Bonerama
Johnny Sansone
7/29/24
'I heard it on the Boardwalk'
By Bill Quain
It’s an interesting life to be a blind runner on the Ocean City Boardwalk. As many of my readers know, I train for the annual Ocean City Half Marathon (13.1 miles) by running with either a human guide or with my guide dog Trudy. And my favorite place to run is on the boardwalk. In the summer, it’s often too hot for Trudy to run with me (and too crowded on the “boards.”) While I sometimes run with a sighted runner to guide me, my favorite guide is my wife, Jeanne, who rides a bike, wearing a bright, fluorescent “Guide” vest. I can hear you all saying, “But Bill, if you are blind, how does a bright vest help you?”
Good question! Very few people are totally blind. Most of us have a little sight. If I’m right off the rear wheel of Jeanne’s bike, and we work as a finely tuned team, we can do it.
But how we do the running isn’t the subject of this week’s column. I wanted to talk about the things we hear – because they are so interesting. And anyone who is up on the boards can enjoy the same experience.
Have you ever heard these things?
Jeanne and I created a list of our “Top 10” favorites. Here they are, with commentary.
Note: These aren’t six-word conversations, and I didn’t want to change them. They are presented just as we heard them as we passed by the people saying them on the Boardwalk.
1. “We have enough beer to get through today.”
We heard this in passing today. The guy who said it sounded quite concerned. Did anyone get his address?
2. “I have a sixth-grade prep to do…”
We heard this at almost the same time as the beer guy, but you’ll be happy to learn it was another person who said it. (Although, teaching sixth grade could drive a person to drink!)
3. “There’s not a lot of people who live that kind of life…”
Okay, we have a few questions about this one. Are you talking about people who live a fantastic life, a life of crime, or who have become a hermit? If you were the person who said this, please email me! I want to know who you know.
4. “What’s going to happen to the kids if something happens to me?”
They’ll probably be fine. But, from all the television commercials we’ve seen lately, you can get life insurance for as little as $9.95/month. Oh, and one more piece of advice: Don’t go swimming after eating a heavy lunch.
5. “So many memories…”
Jeanne told me that this was spoken by an older person as she looked out at the beach. Whoever you are… God bless you! We hope all those memories are good ones. We hope you make more of them!
6. “These chicken tenders are the best chicken tenders I’ve ever had.”
This was said by a young surfer to no one in particular as he was
SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK
BENCH
by Bill Quain
grabbing a bite next to his board. And I’m going to sneak in another quote here since it’s also food-related: “It’s ice cream!” This was gleefully said by a 3-year-old holding a large Kohr Brothers vanilla cone with sprinkles. (Actually, it was hard to understand either of these two remarks, because the chicken finger eater’s mouth was full, and the ice-cream eater’s brain was frozen.) you gotta love the “Boardwalk Diet.” We hope they washed it down with some pizza!
7. “I told them I was going to put my money…”
Where? We heard this as we were heading north, and the person speaking was headed south. I guess we’ll never know.
8. “Are you a musician? You have the hair for it.”
Jeanne heard this as we passed the 7th Street Surf Shop, where a group of kids had gathered for lessons. It was asked by the surf instructor Matt, who is a great musician himself. you can catch him at The Point in Somers Point on Sunday evenings.
9. “I dropped the coffee…”
Okay, I’ve heard of people spilling the coffee, but you dropped the coffee? On whom?
10. “You guys are doing great. Keep it up.”
People will say things like this to
Jeanne and me all the time. As they run past us, we often hear, “ you are so inspirational.”
I do appreciate their encouragement, but I often think to myself, “I wonder if I would be so inspirational if I was passing you!”
Three years ago, in the O.C. Half Marathon, I actually passed a group of runners, and one of them said, “Oh no! Even the blind guy is passing me.” I got a lot of satisfaction out of that one!
Okay, now it is your turn!
Here is your assignment, Shore local readers. Get up on the Boardwalk and keep your ear to the ground! (Actually, that would be kind of dangerous up there. If you do, wear a helmet!)
Start listening to what is going on around you. There are thousands of people all living their own lives, but you can get a small peek into their personal moments just by listening. Send your snippets to bill@quain.com. I’ll share them with the readers, and we’ll have a laugh, a cry, or a memory together.
As I say each week, “I’ll see ya in the papers!”
Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.
Now Located in Ocean City and Cape May
Ocean City Wins New Jersey’s Favorite Beach Contest
For the 11th consecutive year, beachgoers chose Ocean City as “New Jersey’s Favorite Beach” in a statewide poll.
Representatives of the NJ Sea Grant Consortium announced the winners of the annual contest in a presentation on the Ocean City Music Pier on Friday morning.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium introduced the survey in 2008 to “inspire pride in and stewardship of New Jersey’s beaches while promoting a little healthy competition between New Jersey’s favorite beach towns.”
The contest is decided by online voters who are prevented from voting more than once. The contest included winners for the four coastal counties, and Ocean City was the top beach in Cape May County, in addition to being overall winner. Complete results are as follows:
● Overall: 1) Ocean City, 2) Margate
● Monmouth County: 1) Asbury Park, 2) Spring lake
● Ocean County: 1) Point Pleasant Beach, 2) Seaside Heights
● Atlantic County: 1) Margate, 2) Brigantine
● Cape May County: 1) Ocean City, 2) Cape May
Ocean City in recent years has been named “Best Beach in America” and “Best Beach” in many other statewide polls. “America’s Greatest Family Resort” also has been recognized for its boardwalk, downtown, ecotourism, family destinations, women-owned businesses and more.
“It’s great to see Ocean City achieve this honor,” said Mayor Jay
Gillian said. “Every year, we face new challenges. But Ocean City remains the best beach in the state and a tradition for generations of families. I want to congratulate and thank the city team, our public safety departments, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Development Commission, the Boardwalk and Downtown Merchants associations, local businesses, all volunteer groups and the entire community in making Ocean City a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
A look back at the history of Night in Venice
A Look Back
By Fred Miller
The 69th annual Night in Venice boat parade will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 starting near the Ocean City- longport bridge at 6:30 p.m.
The first Night in Venice was held Aug. 12, 1907. The next day, the Ocean City Daily ledger reported the successful event under the headline, “A Night in Venice attracts thousands.” The boat parade was held every summer until 1914.
Early in the summer of 1923 a group of public spirited citizens led by Jack G. Jernee, captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, decided to revive the bay boat parade. It was held on Sept. 8, 1923. The Ocean City Sentinel covered the parade in the Sept. 13, 1923 newspaper with the headline, “Entire bay front gaily decorated and a blaze of illumination.” The boat parade was held every summer until 1927.
As the summer of 1954 began, people were looking for ways to celebrate Ocean City’s 75th anniversary. Captain Jernee again revived Night in Venice. It was held on Aug. 14, 1954. Three days later the Ocean
City Sentinel- ledger reported, “What was believed to be have been the largest crowd ever assembled along the Ocean City bayfront clogged the area Saturday night to witness a colorful and entertaining pageant by 115 craft of the resort’s pleasure boating fleet.”
The article went on to say, “The pageant of boats, arranged by a committee of yacht Club members in cooperation with Captain Jack G. Jernee, of the Jubilee Committee, was the largest event of its kind ever staged on the local bay, which was the scene of many a boating festival years ago.”
By Marjorie Preston
This week, it’s a delicious novel based on the life of Maria Callas; a Southern Gothic drama; the memoir of New york’s first house-call veterinarian; a rock star retrospective; and a gripping murder mystery. Check them out!
"Diva"
By Daisy Goodwin
St. Martin’s Press
Operatic supernova Maria Callas was called “ l a Divina,” the Divine One, for her golden soprano and striking beauty. But she was just as well known—perhaps better known—for her romance with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. All her life, Maria felt valued only for her voice. Her mother turned a gifted child into the family breadwin -
ner. Her husband treated her like a commodity. In Onassis, Maria found someone who loved the woman more than the superstar.
For Ari, she left her husband, renounced her u.S. citizenship, and almost abandoned her career. Then the world’s richest man married the world’s most famous widow: Jacqueline Kennedy. And a devastated
with Marjorie Preston
Maria was left to pick up the pieces. you don’t need to be an opera fan to love this fictional portrait of the music star, who cloaked her insecurities in a mantle of hauteur, and found true happiness elusive.
"American Pop"
By Snowden Right William Morrow
The Forsters of Mississippi build their dynasty on a cola brand bigger than Coke and Pepsi. But they soon go from riches and renown to obscurity.
Behind the counter of his father’s pharmacy, young Houghton Forster creates the fizzy confection that changes the world. l ater, with wife Annabelle, he raises up a stable of children whose destinies seem assured.
But politician Montgomery harbors a tragic secret from the Great War. Twins l ance and Ramsey, children of the Jazz Age, live only for pleasure. Harold, or Haddy, is mentally challenged and so childlike, he’s overlooked even by those who love him.
While the cast gets crowded—we also meet Houghton's grandchildren, who eventually vie for control of Pan
Cola, and assorted love children—the characters aren’t caricatures, and it's easy to care for them all.
This dynastic drama is extraordinary in its inventiveness, grand in its use of language, and satisfying in its resolution.
"Pets and the City"
By Amy Attas
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
New york City veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas has no plans to start her own practice. But her boss, an egotistical vet with a Park Avenue clinic, is jealous of her bond with celebrity clients like Joan Rivers. “Dr. B” reneges on a promised partnership and, without warning, fires Attas. Out of work and panicking, she has a bright idea: why not create a house-call practice, so patients and their owners can be treated in the comfort of their homes?
It’s a winning formula. Attas zips from the Bronx to the Battery to long Island, visiting dingy walkups and fancy penthouses, and caring
for all creatures great and small. She soon realizes that her human clients need as much help as the animals—help coping with a pet’s disability or death, or help understanding when neglect or misinformation contributes to an animal’s health woes.
“Pets and the City” is a charming, funny, often moving account about the unique connection between people and their pets. It also dishes about famous pet owners like Billy Joel, Cher, Paul McCartney, and Rivers, who became a devoted client and loyal friend.
love animals? you’ll love this book.
"What A Fool Believes"
By Michael McDonald Grand Central Press
McDonald was the unmistakable voice of ’70s and ’80s rock and R&B. He lent his soulful baritone to the music of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and sang backup on hits by Kenny loggins, Toto, and Christopher Cross.
In “What A Fool Believes,” the Grammy-winning singer and musician tells the story of his life, from Irish-American boyhood in St. louis to the glittering and sometimes dissolute life of a rock star.
McDonald’s father was a street-
car operator who sang in local bars. little Mike tagged along, sent by his mother to ensure her husband didn’t stray. At just five years old, he got up and sang “ love Is A Many-Splendored Thing.” That’s all it took for him to choose showbiz over the priesthood.
Though insecure about his talent, McDonald got lucky with an invitation to join the Doobies (he’s been both credited and blamed for changing the
band’s fundamental sound). Along with riches and fame, he found drugs and alcohol. After years of abuse, he finally achieved lasting sobriety along with his wife, Amy.
This retrospective, co-authored with, of all people, comedian Paul Reiser, offers an insider view of the music scene of the time, and snapshots of luminaries like Ray Charles, Elton John, Carly Simon, and Patti l aBelle.
"No One Can Know"
By Kate Alice Marshall Flatiron Books
After the shooting deaths of their parents, the Palmer sisters lost touch. For years, the home where they all lived sat empty. The killer was never found.
years later, Emma Palmer learns she is pregnant just as her husband Nathan loses his job. Scrimping to survive, they make the difficult decision to live in the vacant house until their fortunes change.
Returning to the scene of the crime, Emma must reunite with her siblings, Juliette and Daphne, and confront lingering suspicions about her involvement in the murders.
This dark psychological thriller has more twists and turns than a Tilt-a-Whirl. Many times as I sped toward the conclusion, I thought I
knew whodunit—only to be surprised, again and again. “No One Can Know” will keep you guessing, too.
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.
THE FUN STORE AT THE SHORE
Solar system walk is back on Ventnor Boardwalk
The Solar System Walk is a scaled representation of our solar system where 1 inch is equivalent to 100,000 miles. Poster Boards with fun facts representing each planet (including Pluto, a dwarf planet) and other astronomical facts are placed at the appropriate scaled distance from the sun. At this scale the sun is the size of a soccer ball (about 8-1/2 inches) and the earth is the size of a peppercorn (about 3/16 of an inch). The 93 million miles from the earth to the sun is reduced to just 73 feet.
The self-guided tour starts at the “Sun” on the boardwalk behind the Ventnor Community Center between New Haven and Newport Ave. and heads towards Atlantic City, ending with Pluto at Oxford Ave. (yay Pluto!) Boardwalk strollers can walk the 3.6 billion miles from the Sun to Pluto in
just a half-mile and can read about all the planets and other interesting facts along the way. Posters are QR coded to NASA websites for those in search of more information.
The boards representing the planets are placed at the appropriate distance from each other as if all the planets were lined up in a row. This gives the strollers a better idea of the spacing between the planets and just how large the solar system is.
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Between the planets are poster boards with information about the Solstice, Comets, Exoplanets, Black Holes and more. New posters this year include a summer skywatching calendar, information about the April solar eclipse, auroras and the Milky Way Galaxy.
The sun is 865,000 miles in diameter. At a scale of 1 inch equaling 100,000 miles, the sun will be slightly more than 8-1/2 inches in diameter.
The size ratio of the planets are Mercury- a pinhead, Venus-a peppercorn, Eartha peppercorn,
Mars- a pinhead, Jupiter-a chestnut, Saturn-an acorn, u ranus- a coffee bean, Neptune- a coffee bean, Plutosmaller then a pinhead.
For more information, email Michelle: michelle.stella.394@gmail.com
Earth in relation to the size of the sun.
The planets are laid out to scale along the Ventnor Boardwalk. Notice the distance between planets increases as they get farther from the sun.
Little Gardens Club continues to amaze with 25th garden tour
By Tammy Thornton
lantic City from blooming brightly during their 25th summer garden tour, held Sunday, July 14. Attendees of the self-guided tour were able to walk through nine different gardens in Absecon, Northfield, linwood, Egg Harbor Township and Mays landing. Each garden was a botanical treat, brimming with inspirational ideas that visitors could dream about implementing in their own gardens.
Currently celebrating its 102nd
anniversary, The little Gardens Club of Atlantic City takes its name from the start of the club in 1922, when families with large estates in the Philadelphia and Main line areas would visit their summer homes at the Jersey Shore and considered these properties their “little gardens.” One hundred years later, the garden club welcomes residents from a variety of towns in Atlantic County.
Beginning at the linwood Arboretum, the tour allowed attendees to view a slideshow of the progress of the arboretum. Among the wide variety of trees and plants found at the arboretum, the “Bog” contains a large collection of carnivorous plants such as sundews and pitcher plants. After enjoying the arboretum, visitors could choose their path to the other eight stops on the tour.
and opens up to more formal gardens including vignettes with statuaries, a koi pond, and a grape arbor. This single garden, which has graced the covers of Better Homes and Gardens magazine as well as Women’s Day and Garden and Deck magazine, was worth the price of admission all by itself.
Ticket holders could wander freely into the unveiled secret gardens of each of these hosts, admiring the hard work and labor of love that went into these creative outlets. Most of the hosts were found in their gardens eager to answer questions, describe their plants, and offer gardening tips.
While each private garden on the tour had memorable moments, a fan-favorite was the incredible garden of Bill and Marilyn Stewart. As soon as you enter their backyard garden through the gate of the elaborate brick walls, you know you are in for a treat. A winding rock-lined path leads through the woodland garden
Elaine Herron’s garden in Egg Harbor Township was also a delight. u pon entering the garden, cookies and refreshing watermelon water greeted weather-weary visitors under a grape-laden arbor. The vast garden featured a creative and visually pleasing “bug hotel” and a large pond with cascading water. A toy wooden sailboat gently swayed on the peaceful pond, while giant 30-year-old koi swam happily nearby. The red barn potting shed in the midst of the garden would have been enough to make
any gardener jealous if it weren’t for Herron’s calm and sweet demeanor. Despite the long day in the heat, she graciously answered questions about the garden even to the point of finding a paint can to let an attendee
Statuary garden of Marilyn and Bill Stewart
Peaceful pond of Elaine Herron.
Glorious passion flower from the garden of Stephanie Brower. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Brower)
know which color she used to paint her deck furniture. last on the tour, Stephanie Brower’s Absecon garden was worth the drive to see her Craftsman-style home surrounded by pollinator plants that attract wildlife, including her “pet” mallards that flew in to visit during the tour. “Every plant in my yard has a story. Even ‘volunteers’ that have popped up have led to a history lesson on the former glory of this property on which another ‘gardening lady’ once lived,” said Brower.
Janet longo, co-chair of the garden club estimates that approximately 400 people attended this
year’s garden tour, including the President of the Garden Club of Charleston, South Carolina. Proceeds from the little Gardens Club tour benefit civic and environmental groups such as linwood Arboretum, South Jersey Native Plant Society, Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church Community Garden, Egg Harbor Township Teaching Garden, Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association, Pinelands, Preservation Alliance, Reeds Road Farm, and Discovery House. The garden club meets throughout the year and also holds various bus trips. In October, they plan to take a group bus trip to Pennsbury Manor. If you know
of an amazing garden that should be considered for next year’s tour, contact Janet longo at: (609) 226-6596.
lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Tammy Thornton
Birdwatcher’s paradise of Carolyn and Jeff Vandenbussche.
Adorable potting shed barn of Elaine Herron.
Vacancies at the creative bug hotel of Elaine Herron.
An eclectic fence of doors from the garden of Michael and Kimberly D’Angelo.
A.C. trainer celebrates 50 years in boxing
By David Weinberg
The routine is always the same.
Each weekday afternoon around 4 p.m. – and
sometimes on Saturdays – veteran boxing trainer Bill Johnson dons a t-shirt with his late son leavander’s likeness on the front, pulls on a faded baseball cap, slings a gym bag over his boney shoulder, and walks about three blocks from his home on Kentucky Avenue to the Atlantic City PAl
“It’s not as easy as it used to be,” the 83-year-old said with a smile. “Some days, I say, ‘C’mon legs. We’re almost there.’”
Once inside, Johnson, who is known as “B.J.,” grabs a handrail and climbs the steps to the third-floor
JULY 18
Anglesea Night Market & Food Truck Night
JULY 19 - 21
New Jersey Bronco Invasion
JULY 20
North Wildwood Christmas in July with Santa Claus
JULY 20
Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival
JULY 27
Foam N Glow
JULY 27
Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade
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
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boxing gym, where a dozen fighters at various stages of their careers are skipping rope, shadow boxing, hitting a heavy bag or sparring.
He watches the action while seated at a table beneath a wall lined with fight pictures and posters from Atlantic City’s glory days in the 1980s. After a few minutes, he ducks through the ropes, turns his baseball cap backward, pulls on a pair of sweat-stained elastic braces over his elbows, slides his hands into a pair of hand pads and gets ready to work with some boxers.
Ironically, Bill was more into other sports as a kid.
He's been doing it for 50 years, ever since a summer day in 1974 when older sons Craig and Cade approached him and asked them to train them in boxing.
“We went up to him and told him we wanted to become boxers, but only if he would work with us because we wanted someone we could trust,” Craig said. “He paused and said, ‘If you commit yourself, then I’ll commit myself.’
His brother Joe, three years his senior, taught him and his friends how to play baseball and basketball. Bill excelled in the local little league and later threw the first no-hitter in the area’s Babe Ruth league.
Basketball was his favorite sport. As a teenager, he played point guard in the Pennsylvania Avenue City Summer league program, leading his team to the title in 1958 at age 17.
Bill and his friends would occasionally go to the Bobby Jones Training Gym on Maryland Avenue and hit the heavy bags, then head over to
the Waltz Dream Arena on North Ohio Avenue to watch the fights.
He’d also listen to some of the big fights at his boyhood home on Maryland Avenue.
“We weren’t old enough to get into the places that had fights, so we would try to watch through the windows,” Bill said with a laugh. “And my family didn’t have a TV, so we listened to fights on the radio.”
It was Bill’s infatuation with boxing that rubbed off on Craig, Cade and younger son, leavander.
Bill initially trained Craig and Cade at the old PAl on Melrose and Rhode Island Avenues. little leavander would tag along and shadow box while trying to mimic his older brothers’ moves.
“I was real with them right from the start,” Bill said. “I told them, ‘ you can’t play boxing like you can play baseball or basketball. you have to be all in.’
“I said to them, ‘If or when you get to the point where you want to do something else with your life, it’s time to stop. you won’t hurt my feelings. This is not a sport that you can do halfway.’”
Craig and Cade enjoyed outstand -
ing success in the amateur ranks and had a few fights as professionals before deciding to pursue culinary careers.
Craig is now the executive chef at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, where he opened leavander’s 22 Southern Cuisine restaurant.
Cade is executive chef at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel in Altoona, Iowa.
“Boxing has the tools of life and Pops has been teaching them for 50 years,” Craig said. “He told us 50 years ago that it’s not about the awards, accolades or money. It’s about the journey and it’s been an amazing ride.”
The high point of the journey came in Milan, Italy on June 17, 2005,
when leavander posted a seventh-round TKO over Sefano Zoff to win the IBF lightweight title, thus becoming Atlantic City’s second world champion, along with former WBA heavyweight champ Bruce Seldon.
Three months later, leavander made his first title defense against Jesus Chavez in l as Vegas. leavander collapsed in his dressing room after losing via 11th-round TKO, was rushed to the hospital, but was unable to recover and passed away five days later, on September 22.
Devastated and distraught, Bill stayed away from the PAl for a few months afterward and contemplated retirement.
But he eventually returned.
“That’s what leavander would have wanted,” he said.
The journey has continued for another 20 years, during which he’s worked with virtually every local fighter in various capacities, from John Brown, to Patrick Majewski to Bruce Seldon’s son, Isiah.
last Saturday, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small presented him with a plaque while declaring it “Bill Johnson Day” in Atlantic City before a
large crowd of family members at the Claridge in town for a Burch/Johnson reunion.
“The Johnson family and I go back a long time,” Small said. “I grew up in the same neighborhood with leavander and kept a relationship with Mr. Bill.
“I used to run the Elwood Robbins Midnight Basketball league at the PAl and the only person other than myself that never missed a day was Mr. Bill. He’d be in the stands, watching all the madness and the arguments after games, then I’d see him trekking home.
“I’d always ask him, ‘Do you want a ride?’ And he’s always answer, ‘Nah, I’m good.’ He’s a special man.”
He still makes that trek, for there are fighters to be trained, lives to be helped, journeys to be enjoyed.
It’s what leavander would have wanted.
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.
This cruise is open to a maximum of 34 passengers $35 per person. Food
A Senior’s Observations, Opinions
and Rantings
Our local ‘Men in the Boat’
By Charles P. Eberson Senior Moments
Holy Spirit High School’s champions of the 1974 Henley Regatta gathered at the Dr. John W. Holland Boathouse in Ventnor on Sunday, July 7, for a 50-year reunion.
Oarsmen from the crew were Jim Thompson, Geoff l apres, John O’Conner, Mike Peacock, Mark Brestle, Mark Fitkler, Tom Reed, Nick Placentra, leo Egnor, Mike Walsh, Dan Kelly, Ken Monar and Anthony Caravello, including the spares. Absent from the reunion were Monar and Kelly.
A special guest appearance at the reunion was the original wooden shell, the Dr. John W. Holland, M.D., in which they competed. Atlantic City architect Tommy Sykes found the boat online in Chicago. Recognizing the historic significance of the Holland, terms were negotiated, and with the assistance of a generous Viking Rowing Club benefactor, the shell was purchased and made its way back to its home waters.
Rowing in South Jersey, especially Atlantic County, is extremely competitive, but we are a tightknit group – like a family; occasionally dysfunctional, but still a family.
On Sunday, many members of this family joined together to celebrate a reunion, celebrating the moment these oarsmen would once again get in the shell for a ceremonial row.
Preceding the row was a time for photos and speeches.
Mark Brestle, in seat number five, gave accolades to their coach, Stan Bergman of Ventnor, whose rowing credentials could fill a book.
Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer
Brestle said they were just a “regular bunch of dudes” whom Bergman molded until they believed they could be the best in the world. Brestle went on to say that they try to pass on that inspiration to other people.
Coach Bergman is the Teflon Man when it comes to taking credit for
Finally, Bergman also gave credit to the local communities. Sending a crew and equipment to Henley was an expensive proposition and members of the community as well as bars in Atlantic City and Margate, stepped up to raise money.
With speeches concluded, the oarsmen walked the eight-oared shell down to the dock together as they did 50 years ago, and climbed in, although perhaps not as gracefully as they did back then. The Henley champs pushed away from the dock and started rowing out of the lagoon. They looked as unsteady as newborn foals.
Soon they made their turn into the Intracoastal Waterway and dis -
his contributions, and I say that with the highest respect. He is quick to deflect praise to others including Dr. John Holland, who is considered the father of local rowing, as well as Holy Spirit High School’s Father D’Amico who did the yeoman’s work of keeping the program on an even keel (pun intended). It was Father D’Amico who “volunteered” Bergman, at the age of 24, to coach the program.
Bergman said taking the assignment was the best decision he ever made in his life. He also credited the athletes, describing them as a bunch of bold, tough guys who put in the work on the back bays.
But being tough is not enough. The coach has to be a technician.
Coach Bergman had the technical eye of a fine watchmaker and used his skill to bring out the finesse of the rowers to complement their power and endurance. In doing so, prior to Henley, the Spirit crew won the 1974 Philadelphia Scholastic Championship, the Stotesbury Championships and the North American Schoolboy Championships.
appeared, only to come into view a few moments later.
Once again, half a century later, under the watchful eye of Coach Bergman, they looked like a different crew. They were rowing more together and their oars were off the water during the recovery as they finished with a flourish of a few power strokes.
The crew coasted alongside the dock, realizing that this could be the last time this bunch of “regular dudes” from South Jersey would come together for a row as a crew. For a few special moments, these men were boys again, but they will forever be the 1974 Henley Royal Regatta champions.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com
Kitchen, Bathroom
Renovations
SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?
TRUSTED SINCE 1949
By Chloe Cramutola
AStop by these local cafés and coffee shops this summer
bubbling pot replaced the sound of an alarm clock. White cups placed gently on our dining table. lots of cream. Heaps of sugar.
living in Egg Harbor Township as a child, I didn’t visit many coffee bars –– but my grandmother, Mimi, could brew a mean cup o’ joe. My parents didn’t want seven-year-old me drinking caffeine at such a young age, but the half Italian in me begged to try it.
Once, with a relenting smile, Mimi poured the dark liquid in an espresso cup she had bought me. A little mug with “Princess” etched on pink and purple ceramic.
At first sip, I fell in love.
South Jersey certainly houses its own tastes of grandmother’s morning joe and mom’s carefully poured classics –– the flavors that become more than a mere pick-me-up.
Now a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I am on the hunt for the best espresso, latte and cold brew a café has to offer. Something that tastes like an 8 a.m. alarm clock, a piece of
my grandmother –– a sliver of home.
Here is a list of local gems I’ve come across in my travels.
Cafe Bru, Northfield
Sitting on 333 Tilton Road, this coffee shop is eco-friendly, its goods are freshly made and it uses natural ingredients and family recipes, according to its website.
Scouring the menu on the small blackboard, I decided to try the Hot Havana Cappuccino. It was delicious, and the condensed milk paired nicely with the bitterness of the espresso. I even sat down to get some work done, and the ambience was lovely: Vine decor lined the walls, and soft yellow lights glowed from above.
Barista’s Coffee House, Linwood
Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Tuesdays, the shop is usually bustling with small groups of friends or families sharing specialty coffee flights, desserts or savory breakfast platters. While you
have to make a reservation to order a coffee flight, it is entirely worth it.
“We’re really big on customer service,” said Roya Sedighi, supervisor
and sister of leila Karlsen, the shop’s owner. “Sometimes it’s difficult when it gets busy, but we try our best to make everyone’s experience memorable, and we want people to be happy when they leave.”
PJ’s Coffee, Linwood located on 1201 New Road, PJ’s Coffee brings a taste of New Orleans to South Jersey.
Known for its famous iced coffees, the shop brews coffee daily using a special cold-drip process that protects the drink’s flavor and richness. This process was pioneered by the franchise’s founder, Phyllis Jordan, over 40 years ago, according to the shop’s website.
“If you think about it, coffee houses and ale houses were meeting places for communities for years and years, right? That’s where the community met, that’s where business meetings took place,” said Wayne Heaton, franchisee of PJ’s Coffee. “And so that’s what we’ve created here in linwood. A really nice environ -
ment, a real welcoming environment, a place where friends
and where business associates can gath -
Ventnor Coffee, Ventnor City
Open seven days a week with live music, open mics and signature summer sips such as Coco Bananas latte, The Busy Bee and Disco lemonade, this coffee shop invites all customers to a cozy spot that feels like home.
“When we opened up a coffee shop in a garage, people thought we were nuts,” said Ventnor Coffee owner Christine Pagano. “And I thought I was nuts the first couple years, but now it’s caught on and thankfully we have lines out the door.”
With the help of her daughters and granddaughters, this family run business has been a Ventnor staple since 2013.
“We try to stay involved with the community as much as we can because we’re from that,” she said. “We want to support our local people because they support us.”
No. 7311, Ventnor City
Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, this shop offers coffee, tea and small batch baking. Decadent and unique cookie flavors include Olive Oil Wine, l avender Shortbread and Salted Chocolate Rye. Biscotti, scones
and pies are also available to order.
In 2015, restaurant owner Cookie Till and baker Kim Richmond opened this shop for the public to enjoy. Everything is baked on site, and No. 7311 offers paleo, gluten-free and vegan options, according to its website.
OC Coffee Company,
Ocean City
With locations on 9th and Boardwalk, 10th and Boardwalk, and 917 Asbury Ave., this coffee company searches for the finest blends and roasts from around the world.
Ocean City Coffee Company’s mission is to “provide the best quality gourmet coffee and teas along with the best service to our customers at the lowest prices possible,” according to its website.
Positively 4th Street, Ocean City located at on 400 Atlantic Ave.
and open seven days a week, Positively 4th Street serves breakfast all day, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It also invites customers to order online, with options such as a Peanut Butter Banana Cacao Panini and the Bees Knees, a toasted croissant with butter, honey, salt and bee pollen. Drink options include the classic cappuccino, cortado and au lait, a drip coffee topped with steam milk. Specialty lattes include Vanilla Bean with real vanilla bean paste and Chocolate Heavenly Nut with hazelnut mocha, according to its website.
Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro, Ocean City
This shop hosts an impressive display of over 30 different flavors: Banana Cream Pie, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, S’mores and lazy Hazy Days, just to name a few.
On my first visit, I enjoyed a Pecan Pie latte and praised the huge, cozy mugs and vast array of flavors. It’s the perfect spot to grab a friend and order drinks, eat and enjoy each other’s company.
That is the essence of a good coffee shop, after all.
Boardwalk brings out new flavors
By Camryn Schultheis
Pizza, fries, funnel cake and ice cream are all crowd favorites and plentiful on the Ocean City Boardwalk, but over the past couple of years, the food options have expanded tremendously.
It is now home to businesses that provide Mexican, Korean, BBQ and Hawaiian options.
Taqueria Rendon is a Mexican restaurant located at 1138 Boardwalk.
“We had opened the business in Northfield, and I had been there for a few seasons. Then, in the winter, I saw an opportunity to get this place on the Boardwalk,” said Marco Rendon, owner of Taqueria Rendon.
It fell into Rendon’s lap. After seeing a spot for rent while visiting the arcade with his family, he knew he had to take it.
consommé and Mexican street corn, which is an ear of corn with Mexican mayo and queso cotija, with a hint of lime, and Tajín.
When craving a flavorful BBQ meal, Buddy loves BBQ, located at 728 Boardwalk, is the place to go.
“Cooking has always been a big part of my life. I have also worked in the restaurant business for all of my life. I really started cooking on large scales in the church. That was a part of my ministry in the church,” said
“ you rarely see that on the boardwalk. The spaces are usually always taken,” he said.
Some of Taqueria Rendon’s best sellers include birria tacos with
John luve, owner of Buddy loves BBQ. “After that, I kind of just expanded on what I already knew.”
luve said he has a book from
the late 1800s filled with his great-grandfather’s recipes that he took and built upon for his business with the help of his kids and grandkids.
“Even though his BBQ was good, mine is better,” he said with a chuckle.
Buddy loves BBQ offers beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs, BBQ chicken and classic hot dogs and hamburgers.
The Hula Grill, located at 940 Boardwalk, opened its doors in 2000.
The journey all began when its
owner, Amy Rihl, moved to Hawaii and rented a food truck with her ex-husband.
“We took a leap, started a food truck in 1998, and continued with it until 1999,” said Rihl. “It was successful, but then our rent had expired,
and funny enough, at that time, our friend had told us that there was a new spot that had opened up on the Boardwalk, so we decided to come home and open up the Hula Grill.”
“People always tell us that we offer healthy options for boardwalk goers, so that is always very nice to hear,” she said.
The Hula Grill is known for their Hawaiian chicken, salmon teriyaki, poke bowls and lobster rolls.
Crunchik’n, located at 1136 Boardwalk, opened their Korean-inspired restaurant about seven years ago. It first started as a shack between 12th and 13th Streets, but moved to the boardwalk a couple of years ago, according to Romona, manager of Crunchik’n.
Its bestsellers include the popcorn chicken, rice bowls, grilled chicken rice bowls, crunch dogs and chicken sandwiches.
“Everywhere you go, it’s pretty much pizza, fries, and ice cream, so we really provide the boardwalk client with something very different,” said Romona.
It wasn’t only movies at the Warner Theatre
By Bruce Klauber
By all accounts the Atlantic City Boardwalk’s Warner Theatre was a movie palace. As detailed in our recent Shore local piece on the history of movie theaters in Atlantic City, the Warner, located at 2015 Boardwalk, stood alone as a spectacular piece of architecture.
The Warner’s Embassy Theatre, as it was first called, opened on June 19, 1929. The Philadelphia architecture firm of Hoffman/ Henon Company designed the venue in a Spanish/Moorish style in the auditorium, and Venetian style in the beautifully appointed lobby. The theater seated 4,129 and was equipped, as were many movie theaters of the day, with a Wurlitzer organ. It was a jewel.
than three decades, many were in Cinerama. In 2023, the Warner was refurbished, restored and rebuilt, with the original ocean-facing façade intact. It’s now home to the Superfrico restaurant, and “The Hook,” a show which consistently draws large audiences.
“The Hook” is not the Warner Theatre’s first live stage presentation. In addition to first-run motion pictures, the Warner, renamed the Warren in
June 1958, presented a number of noteworthy and sometimes unique
Although the Warner presented a live production with the “All Singing All Dancing” theme on the occasion of its opening on June 29, 1929, the first actual live presentation didn’t take place until Sept. 12 1942. The occasion was the 16th annual Miss America Pageant. The winner was Miss Texas, Jo-Carroll Dennison. Trivia buffs note: Dennison later married comic Phil (Sergeant Bilko) Silvers.
Bob Hope’s radio producers took note of the venue as a good spot for live stage presentations. In late 1945, Hope and the entire cast of his radio show, “The Pepsodent Show,” which included Jerry Colonna and a young, not-yet-famous orchestra leader named Desi Arnaz, appeared live and in person at the Warner.
Gale. This was the first of several benefits held at the Warner through the years.
In 1953, the comic Jan Murray presented a show that benefited the Student’s Assistance Fund. Also on the bill were ventriloquist Senor Wences, the Billy Williams Quartet from television’s “ your Show of Shows,” and popular vocalist Sunny
In July 1954, the comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry lewis were in the midst-of a sold-out, 10-day run at the 500 Club. On July 15, the team took several hours off to appear on stage at the Warner to promote ↘Continued on 54
their new film, “ living it u p.” Janet leigh, one of the film's co-stars, also appeared on stage with Martin and lewis. Reserved seats for that special show were sold out long in advance.
The Warner presented a couple of performers new to Atlantic City in 1955. legendary comic/pianist Victor Borge appeared on July 6, and Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians performed on July 27. No one knows exactly what the box office receipts were for those shows, but I don’t believe that Borge and Waring made a lot of visits to Atlantic City after that.
The Steel Pier’s George Hamid took over ownership of the theater sometime in the mid-1950s. Hamid always had his ear to the ground when it came to trending talent, and he simply couldn’t ignore the fact that rock and roll was on its way. In June of 1955 Hamid presented, with some success, one of rock’s earliest and most popular groups at the Steel Pier: Bill Haley and his Comets.
On April 21 of the following year, Hamid put together what was likely Atlantic City’s first all-star rock show, with Haley as the star and centerpiece. Appearing on the Warner stage, in addition to Haley, were Bo Diddley, The Platters, l aVern Baker, The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter, Big Joe Turner, The Teenagers, The
Teen Queens, The Flamingos, The Colts, and a big band conducted by saxophonist Red Prysock.
The entertainment industry has had its share of “can’t miss” bookings over the decades which, for whatever reason, just didn’t work out.
l ouis Armstrong, l ionel Hampton, and Ella Fitzgerald, booked to perform at the Warner from July 9 to July 15, were undoubtedly the biggest stars in music. The presumption was that everyone, jazz fans and otherwise, loved Satchmo, Hamp, and “The First lady of Song.”
On paper it was a stellar lineup, but for whatever reason the package ended up playing to half-full houses for the whole week.
Halfway through the engagement an escaped mental patient, coinci -
dentally with the last name of Fitzgerald, jumped on stage and attacked her. The incident only lasted a few moments, but Fitzgerald and the cast were shaken up. It was a dismal week.
This 1957 stop was the second time l ouis Armstrong appeared in Atlantic City. Notably in 1953 he became the first black entertainer to headline at the Steel Pier. He would not return until the summers of 1965 and 1967, when “Hello Dolly” became a giant hit.
Ella Fitzgerald rarely visited Atlantic City after the incident, although she returned in 1989 to accept a key to the city.
Another three-show rock confab was booked for May 31, 1958, and what a lineup it was. Stars included Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Clyde McPhatter, Frankie Avalon, Jackie Wilson, and The Royal Teens.
In 1958 and 1959, the Warner booking office decided to present something new for the theater and for the Boardwalk: legitimate theater. Among the stars that treaded the boards during those two seasons were Sam levine, Don Wilson, Tom Ewell, Walter Slezak, Jayne Meadows, Julie Harris, Katharine Cornell, Martha Raye, Menasha Skulnik, Joan Fontaine, linda Darnell, and Joan Blondell.
One of the final “semi-legitimate” shows, presented on Feb. 22, 1959, starred one-time singing movie queen Jeanette MacDonald, backed by a 32-piece orchestra.
“The King of Swing,” Benny Goodman made a rare Atlantic City appearance at the Warner on May 28, 1960. It was one of Goodman’s stronger lineups as it also featured saxophonist Flip Phillips and vibraphonist Red Norvo.
Two months later, on July 1, 1960, the Warner was home to what was called the “First Atlantic City Jazz Festival,” chronicled in these pages some months ago.
On Nov. 11, 1960, George Hamid made an announcement that took the city by surprise. The Warner would be closed and demolished, and a public auction of all the equipment within the theater was scheduled for Nov. 28. There was some talk about sav-
ing the theater, considering its rich history, but the talk was half-hearted. Hamid turned it into a bowling alley, called the Boardwalk Bowl.
There was one, final live show that took place on the site of the Warner. In the summer of 1963, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello appeared at the Boardwalk Bowl to hype their upcoming film, “Beach Party.” After that, the party was over.
APOLOGY: A story in last week’s edition headlined, “Grabel’s was the place to go in Atlantic City, all day and all night,” incorrectly reported that Doris Grabel is deceased. We regret and are deeply sorry for the error.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
Entertainment & Dining at the Shore
Whitney’s Weekly Picks
The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman
We are bringing the heat with comedian Kevin Hart, the charisma of the Chippendales, the excitement of your favorite artists like Joey Fatone and AJ Mclean, and comedy from Pete Davidson and Kathleen Madigan. There are lots of dynamic performers in the spotlight this weekend. Don’t forget to capture the magic and share your experiences using the hashtags #shorelocal & #thecitypulse.
What: Totally Tubular
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess Arena
When: Friday, July 19
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/ atlantic-city/event-calendar/totally-tubular
Secure your tickets now for a night of unforgettable tunes and timeless memories. Don’t miss this epic journey into the past featuring Thomas
Tom Bailey of the Thompson
Eddie
Who: Kathleen Madigan: The Potluck Party
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa | Music Box
When: Friday, July 19 & Saturday, July 20
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/the-music-box/ kathleen-madigan
Head to Borgata to see comedian, TV personality, and podcast host Kathleen Madigan. She is a veteran of “The Tonight Show with Jay leno,” “ late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and the “ l ate Show with David letterman.” Most recently, she launched her own comedy podcast titled, “Madigan’s Pubcast.”
YOUR HOME FOR SUMMER’S HOTTEST HAPPY HOURS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dolby,
Twins, Modern English, Men Without Hats, Bow Wow Wow, Tommy Tutone, and
Munoz of The Plimsouls.
Who: Joey Fatone & AJ Mclean: A legendary Night
Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall
When: Friday, July 19
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/headliners/joey-fatone-aj-mclean-legendary-night
Witness an epic collaboration as Joey Fatone of *NSyNC and AJ Mclean of the Backstreet Boys, join forces along with their sensational seven-piece live band for an unforgettable concert.
Who: Pete Davidson’s Prehab Tour
Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall
When: Saturday, July 20
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: theoceanac.com/entertainment/headliners/pete-davidson
Davidson is known for his work on NBC’s “Saturday Night live” and stand-up special, “Pete Davidson: Alive From New york.” He co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed film, “The King of Staten Island,” and “Bupkis,” a semi-autobiographical comedy series.
What: Roy Orbison & The Everly Brothers Reimagined
Where: Caesars
When: Saturday, July 20
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: caesars.com/caesars-ac/ shows
Roy Orbison & The Everly Brothers Reimagined is a live concert that envisions these iconic artists performing together, featuring their greatest hits for a night of unforgettable music
What: 69th Annual Night in Venice ‘Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to
Jimmy Buffett,’ & 2nd Annual Night in Venice 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk
Where: Ocean City
When: Saturday, July 20
Time: 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Website: ocnj.us/niv
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. near the Ocean City- longport Bridge, travels along the bayside to Tennessee Ave., looping in and out of lagoons. Fireworks go off at about 9:30 p.m. north of the Ninth Street Bridge, roughly Third Street. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. No alcohol is permitted. Free shuttle service available from remote parking at the Ocean City Municipal Airport, Ocean City Community Center, and Shelter Road parking areas. Grandstands will be set up at street ends from Battersea Road to 16th Street and at Tennessee Avenue. Bayside Center viewing area is sold out. See website for registration details for the parade (boats and
homes) and the 8 a.m. 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk. The l andsharks, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, on the Ocean City Music Pier.
Who: Kevin Hart: Acting My Age
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Etess Arena
When: Sunday, July 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/kevin-hart
Get your tickets to see Philadelphia-born Kevin Hart, a powerhouse in the comedy field. F yI upon arrival, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in individual yonder pouches. Details are in the link above.
↘Continued on 58
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!
Who: Chippendales with Special Celebrity Guest Gleb Savchenko from ‘Dancing With The Stars’
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Sound Waves
When: Thursday, July 18 - Sunday, July 21
Time: Various Times
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/chippendales
Get ready for an electrifying experience as Chippendales brings their world-famous show to Atlantic City for a limited time. Savchenko’s magnetic presence and exceptional dance skills will take your Chippendales experience to the next level.
What: The Atlantic City Caribbean Carnival
Where: ACX1 Studios
When: Friday-Sunday, July 19- 21
Time: Friday, White Party, 10 p.m.-3
a.m.; Saturday, Street Parade, 10:30
a.m.- 6 p.m.; Night Concert, 10 p.m.-3
a.m.; Sunday, Boat Ride, 8:30 a.m. -
noon
Website: accarnival.com
There are four different events over the weekend. Friday kicks off with an All White Party at ACX1. Saturday features a 2-mile-long Street Parade at 18 N 1st St. in Pleasantville, with a Night Concert (bring your flag) back at ACX1. And on Sunday is the
DE Junction Boat Ride leaving from Gardner’s Basin.
What: Disco Inferno
Where: Bally’s Atlantic City
When: Sundays - Sept. 8
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: casinos.ballys.com/atlan tic-city/showroom
Get ready to boogie down at Disco Inferno, the ultimate disco party in Atlantic City. This event is perfect for anyone who loves disco music.
Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!
Atlantic City Headliners
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
Super Trans Am
▶4 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Kevin Hart
7 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Monday, July 22
Pop Divas
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Wednesday, July 24
The Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz
▶7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza
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
Friday, August 2
Nate Bargatze
▶7:30 & 10:30 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Classic Albums Live: Rumours
▶9 p.m.
Resorts Atlantic City
Pink Talking Fish
▶9 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Saturday, August 3
Black Pumas
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
America ▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
▶8 p.m.
Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars
Sunday, August 4
Black Eyed Peas
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
On-Sale This Week
Theory of a Deadman
▶Sunday, November 9, 8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard Rock
Jesse McCartney
▶Saturday, October 19, 8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Tickets on-sale Fri. July 19, 10 a.m.
CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE
Absecon Concerts in the Park
▶Sunday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Free Outdoor Concerts
Heritage Park 699 Blenheim Ave.
The City of Absecon presents Concerts in the Park. This week, enjoy live music from TK and the Howlers, playing the best in blues and rock. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket. Fun, friends, food, and free admission.
Atlantic City Summer Concerts at Gardner’s Basin
▶Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
800 N. New Hampshire Ave.
Enjoy a full afternoon and evening of summer concerts. Enjoy life music from Regina Belle, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Ted “Wizard” Mills, Black Ivory, Soul Generation ft. Cliff Perkins, Mass Production, Blaq Rose, and Crystal Spivey. Opening acts include Kemistry, Village Bridge, and Chris-N-Tebb. Rain date Sunday, July 28. Hosted by the National R&B Music Society.
Brigantine Summer Concert Series
▶Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m.
Brigantine Community Center 265 42nd St.
Brigantine Community Education and Recreation will host a free outdoor concert on the Community Center lawn. Bring your lawn chair or blanket
and enjoy live music with the Tony De luca Band. For more information, call the recreation office at 609-2647350 ext. 1.
EHT Rhythm in the Park
▶Friday, July 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater in Tony Canale Park
Bring your blankets and chairs and join EHT Parks & Recreation for a season of live music in the park. This week, enjoy live music by the Sweetwater Duo of Vicki and Randy Bocelle. Visit www. ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/ EHTRecreation in the event of inclement weather.
Jazz on the Beach
▶Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Join the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation for their free concert series every Thursday. On July 18th, enjoy live music by Edmar Castaneda, with local jazz artist Vertical Current. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to the Claridge Hotel Stage 4th floor. Visit www.chickenbonebeach.org for updates.
Longport Library Music Series
▶Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m.
longport library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Hawkins Road performs country rock favorites. The concert will be held at the gazebo behind Borough Hall or inside in the event of rain. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk
▶Wednesday, July 24, 7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Tony Mart Presents Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk, featuring world-class free concerts all summer long. This week, it’s The Tony Mart legacy l ast Waltz concert tribute, starring The Radiators’ Dave Malone, Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, The Honey Island Swamp Band, Bob Margolin from the l ast Waltz movie, and Johnny Sansone. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
Somers Point Beach Concert Series
▶Friday, July 19, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach 800 Bay Ave.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series welcomes one of the world’s top roots rock and funk bands, The Phantom Blues Band, back to the stage. The group will be joined by one of the world’s best blue-eyed soul singers, Curtis Salgado, with Heather “ lil Mama” Hardy on the funky fiddle. Visit www.somerspointbeachconcerts.com for the full summer lineup.
Tony Mart Rocks The Point
▶Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Point 998 Bay Ave. Somers Point
Tony Mart Rocks The Point every Thursday night through August 29. Jersey Shore rock ‘n roll guitar hero, Billy Walton, will perform with his full band all summer long. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
▶Saturday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.
Newport Avenue Beach
listen to live music by the beach. The Summer Beach Jam is held at Newport Avenue Beach. This week, enjoy live music by Sir Rod, the Rod Stewart tribute band, at 6 p.m., followed by Dueling Pianos at 7 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5 p.m.
Ventnor City Sunset at Ski Beach
▶Wednesday, July 24, 6 p.m.
Ski Beach Dorset & Burk Ave.
Want to watch the sunset and listen to live music by the bay? Join Ventnor City at Ski Beach in Ventnor Heights on Wednesdays. This week, it’s New Jersey night. Enjoy live music by JoBonanno & Godsons of Soul, and the B Street Band. live music begins at 6 p.m. with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5 p.m.
CRDA providing free world-class entertainment in Atlantic City Wednesday and Thursday nights
If you join thousands of people on Wednesday and Thursday night at Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you will see that music lovers are having a great time with free concerts.
Those concerts are starring some of the greatest musical artists as presented by Tony Mart at Mardi Gras Atlantic City on the Boardwalk and the highly respected Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival concert series.
The Tony Mart legacy last Waltz, starring some of the greatest musicians in the world reenacting the famous Martin Scorsese movie is one of those world-class shows on July 24.
Catch Jeff Bradshaw, the living legacy of southern rock ‘n’ roll and blues, Devon Allman, the iconic Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Samantha Fish Wednesday nights.
Fish has just recently joined The
Rolling Stones international tour and she will appear Aug. 28 at Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk.
With thousands of fans throughout the Delaware Valley, Bonerama will draw a good time New Orleans party dance crowd on Aug. 14.
The Tony Mart tribute to classic guitarists starring Billy Walton and Brian “Coconuts” Varhelyi will provide the finale to the series on Sept. 4.
Chicken Bone Beach will produce shows starring some of the greatest names in jazz, including Jason Marsalis, and the living legend of Cuban jazz, Arturo Sandoval on Sept. 5.
These are free shows starring award winning multi-million selling musical artists.
The CRDA should be applauded for the grants that they have provided to guarantee that Atlantic City has this level of world-class entertainment on Wednesday and Thursday nights when the attraction to visitors to patronize restaurants, casinos, and hotels is critical to an excellent summer season for the resort.
ment at this level on a reasonable budget but these producers have done it with the limited funding provided by the CRDA for their highly regarded and popular music series.
It takes more than one or two Saturdays to make an excellent summer and this kind of consistency pays off.
It is difficult to provide entertain -
Enjoy the beautiful nights on the boardwalk and share the joy in knowing that there are free weekly performances for everyone.
GO FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT ALL SUMMER LONG.
SUNDAYS NOW - SEPTEMBER 1
Get ready for the ultimate tribute to the 1970’s, featuring classic singalongs and arena anthems that will take you back in time from icons such as The Eagles, Hall & Oates, Queen, Foreigner and more.
Ticket purchase required.
WEEKLY NOW - AUGUST 29
Spectacular live show celebrating the most iconic women in music history such as Madonna, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift and more.
Ticket purchase required.
The Revel saga: miracle on the boardwalk
By Bruce Klauber
Atlantic City has had its share of comeback stories over the years. The Million Dollar Pier and the Steel Pier were almost destroyed several
times by fires and hurricanes, but they were rebuilt and have continued operating for years. The venue once known as the Ocean One Mall has experienced several failed permutations, but is now successfully operating as ACX1 Studios, a film production and entertainment facility.
The most spectacular boardwalk comeback saga of all time is the opening, and unparalleled success of the Ocean Casino Resort, once the site of the Boardwalk’s most dramatic failure, Revel Hotel and Casino.
In retrospect, Revel Casino Hotel
was doomed from the start, or as The Architect’s Newspaper described the situation, “Atlantic City’s Revel Casino Hotel was a shining example of a totally misguided and inappropriate concept, built at the wrong time and in the wrong place, that actually became reality, however briefly. It cost $2.4 billion to build and it lasted for just about two and one-half years.”
investor Morgan Stanley decided to pull out and declare a $932 million loss.
SOMERS POINT & EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
Revel’s issues were clear from the beginning. It was a poorly designed behemoth which was geared toward an upscale market that simply didn’t exist in Atlantic City. When the hotel/ casino opened, Revel CEO Kevin DeSanctis commented, “It’s more of an urban development plan than a typical casino plan. I am really hoping that we are successful.” It was anything but and lasted from April 12, 2012 to Sept. 1, 2014.
Among the reasons for its failure was that visitors had to ride a steep escalator from the lobby to get to the casino, the astounding operating costs, and the fact that everything about it, from restaurants and retail stores, to the actual gambling floor, was geared to an ultra-upscale market that never existed in Atlantic City.
It arrived on the scene amid a general downturn in casino business at the time – The Showboat, Trump Plaza, and Atlantic Club all closed at about the same time the Revel did.
Alan R. Woinski, CEO of the Gaming u SA Corporation, pulled no punches when asked about the Revel’s future. “The only solution to Revel’s problems is to ‘completely knock the thing down and redo it.’”
It’s incredible that Revel was actually built at all.
Plans for a 3,800-room hotel and casino, the first new casino in the city since the Borgota’s opening in 2003, were filed in September of 2007. Tragically, less than a year later, three Revel executives were killed in a plane crash in Minnesota. In April of 2010,
But there were those who still believed that Revel had a future and a chance in Atlantic City. In February of 2011, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced that Revel managed to obtain additional financing. It’s hard to believe now, but Christie signed a bill that included the creation of a New Jersey-supervised tourism district, as well as $261 million in financing that would kick in if the Revel could demonstrate that it could make a profit.
Sadly, Revel never did turn a profit, but construction still continued in 2011 on a downsized hotel/casino, with the number of rooms reduced to 1,100 from 3,800. On March 26, 2012, the facility was granted a casino license and on April 12, it opened for business.
Business was lousy from the start, and later that year, the financial situation was so dire that new financing had to be secured in February of 2013, and again in June of 2014. It just wasn’t enough and on Sept. 1, 2014, the hotel closed. The next day, the casino closed. I was there on Aug. 31. It was a ghost town. Even the curiosity-seekers stayed away.
There was nothing to do after the
closing except to find a buyer. Florida developer Glenn Straub was the first to step forward, offering $90 million. Then, a Toronto-based firm called Brookfield Asset Management upped the bid to $110 million. Then Brookfield pulled out and Straub again stepped forward and finally reached an agreement to purchase it for $82 million on April 7, 2015.
It was like a soap opera. Straub floated all kinds of grandiose plans. A water park, a rope climbing course, an e-sports lounge, an equestrian facility, a windsurfing center, three movie theaters, a heliport, and a bicycle endurance course were all proposed at various times.
The media reported all of Straub’s far-fetched plans with glee while he fought almost continuously with the Casino Control Commission and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority about just what needed to be done to reopen. Plans for a reopening, under the name of “TEN” were announced often, but nothing ever happened and Revel never opened or operated under Straub’s ownership.
Finally he sold the casino, the power plant and two other hotel/ casino-related leases to a Colorado developer with some hotel/casino experience in las Vegas named Bruce
Deifik. In the end, Glenn Straub was the real winner. He paid $82 million for a venue that cost $2.4 billion to build, and ended up selling it for $229 million. The official sale was announced in January of 2018, and
Ocean Resort Casino opened on June 27, 2018.
A year later, Deifik sold it to a New york-based hedge fund called luxor Capital Group, an outfit that actually helped Deifik with financing for the original purchase. luxor announced that it would invest $70 million to upgrade the hotel and casino.
A shift in direction was announced. Initial changes and upgrades included the launching of sports betting and an online casino, a 7,450-square-foot, high-limit slots area, a new sports bar, new restaurants, completion of 460 new rooms that were previously started but never finished, and oth -
er guest-friendly and competitively priced improvements.
Ocean was a success almost from the start.
According to PlayNJ.com, “In the winter of 2019, if any New Jersey sports book had tried to offer odds on the Atlantic City casino hotel then known as Ocean Resort Casino making it through another summer, no gambler in their right mind would have taken the bet. Fast forward to the end of summer, 2023, and the property now called Ocean Casino Resort is one of the city’s best performers. In fact, an argument can be made that Ocean’s rise to the upper echelon of the Atlantic City casino market is the most remarkable turnaround of any gambling parlor in history. Through the first half of 2023, Ocean is the second-most profitable operator in the city and the third-highest revenue-generating casino in town.”
Miracles can and do happen here.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
French Wine: Loire Valley and Vouvray
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Earlier this summer, my articles took you on a tour through the wine regions of Italy. I hope you enjoyed the journey! For the next few weeks, I will share highlights of my recent tour of three of the wine regions of France. My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in the Champagne region, the loire Valley region and the Bordeaux region a few weeks ago. let’s start with the loire Valley, a region known for its many chateaus, and as the “Garden of France” for its many diverse orchards, gardens, and vineyards.
The loire River is the longest river in France at 634 miles, starting near Ardeche in the mountains of central France, traveling north and west to Nantes, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The fertile soils of this region have been farmed for
more than 6,000 years, earning loire Valley the title as the “Garden of France.” Vineyards were introduced to the loire Valley during the Roman Empire. After their fall, the Huns had a short stint of rule until King Clovis I, the first King of France, reconquered the region in the year 506. Christianity returned to the region and, thanks to local bishops St. Gatian and St. Martin of Tours, vineyards flourished. Today, we benefit from their work through the wonderful and diverse wines that we enjoy from the loire Valley.
On our trip, home base in the loire Valley was a small apartment in the town of Amboise. The ancient name of this town was Ambacia, meaning “between two waters” because the town is located at a point where the river splits into two around this Île d'Or (the Golden Island). Our apartment was literally at the base of the battlement walls of the Château Royal d'Amboise, the most recognized monument in town. This is one of the more than 300 chateaus in the mid-
loire Valley. It is designated as a Chateau Royal, as it was the residence of multiple kings, including Charles VII and Francois I. The chapel of the Chateau d’Amboise is where the remains of leonardo Da Vinci rest. Da Vinci was commissioned by Francois I to come to Amboise in the final years of his life.
We visited numerous other famous Chateaus of the loire Valley, including Château du Clos lucé, the final home of leonardo Da Vinci; Château de Chenonceau, the socalled ladies’ chateau, and Château de Chambord, a large chateau in an enormous enclosed park that could fit all of Paris within its walls. We also discovered the Chateau Gaillard, a relatively small but beautifully restored Italian Renaissance-style residence. It was here that orange and lemon trees were first imported to France. To keep the trees alive, the master gardener of the time invented large greenhouses called orangeries to protect the trees from season to season.
The appellation of the loire Valley in and around Amboise is AOC Touraine Amboise. I was mostly unfamiliar with this subregion but soon learned that, in typical French tradition, most of the wines sold in the area are wines produced in the area. At least 60% of the wine produced is red and is made from Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Malbec grapes. White wines are made from Chenin Blanc and make up only about 10% of the wines produced there; the remaining 30% are rosés. We tasted all the varietals noted above, the most notable of which were the Cabernet Franc and the Chenin Blanc. We also purchased a regional rosé at the local grocery store that was produced from a grape called Cot. locals will tell you that Cot is the original name for what most know as Malbec. Having never had a rosé made from Malbec, I was eager to try it. The color was a bit darker, and the flavor more
intense than Provence-style rosés. Delicious.
We visited the Caves Ambacia just on the outskirts of Amboise. Caves, in French wine terminology, are massive wine cellars dug, in some cases centuries ago, into the limestone bedrock of the region. Caves provide natural temperature and humidity control that is ideal for storing and aging wine. The caves we saw were lined with barrels and bottles of wine in varying stages of the aging process.
Beyond the Touraine Amboise, we explored Vouvray, loire Valley’s Chenin Blanc region. The terroir of this region is unique, as it is located on a plateau high above the river. This provides the region with a relatively warm maritime influence with breezes moving through the valley from the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the limestone just under the clay soil, called tuffeau, creates the perfect combination of drainage and water retention that protects the vines from both drought and floods. Vouvray white wines are incredibly food-friendly and pair perfectly with seafood, poultry, or pork. They are light- to medium-bodied with high acidity and tasting notes of pear, honeysuckle, ginger, and green apple. The Chenin Blanc grape is used to make dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. We had the pleasure of tasting them all during one of our favorite tours at the Château Vigneau-Chevreau.
Christophe, who owns and operates the vineyard and winery alongside his brother Stephane, generously offered us a tasting of each wine available. Our favorite was the Vigneau-Chevreau Cuvée Silex. Silex is the type of soil present at the vineyard and is rich in flint, which results in outstanding minerality in the wine. Great news! This exact wine is now available at Passion Vines! I was so excited to learn that Vigneau-Chevreau distributes to the united States and immediately sourced it through one of our fabulous vendors upon my return. I invite you to come in and try a bottle.
Next week, I’ll share more from our French adventure. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the store. until next time, “Santé” 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.
Rhythm & Spirits celebrates five years with its extended family in style
By Scott Cronick
Alot happens in five years.
Just ask lee Sanchez, the co-owner and visionary of Rhythm & Spirits in Atlantic City.
The Tennessee Avenue-based hot spot, which celebrates five years this weekend with some great entertainment to go with its fantastic food, actually started as a sequel to the Iron Room, the once-acclaimed Albany Avenue restaurant by Rhythm co-owner Mark Callazzo, offering upscale, modern American food that briefly had a home in the Rhythm space.
Originally a cocktail-centric destination with amazing food from former Chef Kevin Cronin, Rhythm became known for its pink door and
hosting everything from punk bands to drag shows.
But, as we all know, COVID changed everything, and Rhythm slowly transformed into the Italian-American restaurant that it is today. And Sanchez believes that journey to finding its identity was worth the trip.
“When we started the brand, it was about bringing the love and passion of The Iron Room and making it more approachable, and through those uncertain times of COVID, the brand grew and evolved out of survival,” Sanchez said. “And we emerged stronger and are now one of the coolest – if not THE coolest – outdoor spaces in the city.”
Rhythm & Spirits Co-Owner Lee Sanchez at the restaurant’s opening five years ago.
R&S does indeed have one of the coolest outdoor spots. Known as the Secret Garden, R&S operates entirely outdoors now in a setting that includes a custom-built kitchen with adjacent bar, a tiered dining structure, firepits and even an outdoor grill where Sanchez can be
found making everything from woodfired steaks to paella.
Some of the menu, particularly the pizzas, come out of the kitchen of its sister operation, Cuzzie’s, but it all comes from one place: Sanchez’ love of food and his heritage.
“We made our way back to our roots,” Sanchez said. “We have grown from a cocktail bar to a great Italian-American restaurant that doesn’t just celebrate food but an extended family and the culture of the city mixing my Italian-American and Spanish-American background into what Rhythm & Spirits is now. It has become an expression of who we are, and it paves the way for new businesses in the city.”
Rhythm expands, new menu
This weekend’s five-year-anniversary celebration will also debut a new menu that will be the menu customers will soon see in another city: Philadelphia.
This fall, R&S will open its second location, this time in the City of Brotherly love. located at Suburban Station in Philadelphia, right across the street from love Park in Center City, the space at One Penn Center on John F. Kennedy Boulevard formerly
housed Classic Cake Bakery & Café, whose ownership will partner with Callazzo and Sanchez on the new
buildings, retail outlets, other restaurants and nearby City Hall.
“At its heart will be the great food and cocktails and passion that we have here in Atlantic City shared with our friends in Philadelphia, many who have already discovered us in Atlantic City,” Sanchez said. “It will be about small plates and the sharing experience just like you see in Venice and Rome and Bologna. It’s about sharing food and life and love. And the menu this weekend will be the menu we will open with in Philadelphia. We call it in -
spired Italian American at the core without the rolls. It’s an expression of our culture influenced by our life experiences and our passion about creating an experience and a lifestyle brand.”
When you look at the menu, you will see what Sanchez is talking about. Sure, it’s rooted in traditional Italian-American food, but when you read the descriptions, you see the twists and creations that make R&S the special place it is.
Start with the Sinatra Salad with arugula, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano Reggiano, lemon and extra virgin olive oil, or one of four pizzas like The P.M.B. with dry-aged mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, shaved pistachio mortadella, crushed pistachio, basil, pesto and EVOO.
Reggiano; and Mama’s Meatball Sliders with red sauce, parmigiana Reggiano and honey-whipped ricotta.
Small plates include the famous salami toast with Rando Bakery bread toasted in butter, topped with honey-whipped ricotta, sundried tomato jam, EVOO and crushed black pepper; the eggplant stack served crispy with fire-roasted buffalo mozzarella, old school red sauce, EVOO and parmigiana
“The recipe for the meatball is my grandmother’s, but my mother is the guardian of that recipe,” Sanchez said.
Pasta choices include spicy rigatoni with vodka, cream, butter and onion; cacio e pepe with the ability to add caviar – and you should!; and the carbonara with glazed Neuske’s thick-cut bacon.
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Robert Polillo and Teddi Fusco performing together.
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Other large plates include a Heritage pork chop with cherry pepper roasted garlic butter; and the Southern fried chicken parm with the old-
sauce finished with truffle salt and oil; Freddy’s Red, named in honor of one of Sanchez’ early mentor’s sous chef known for his sig-
full circle,” Sanchez said. “We wanted to change the city when we opened Rhythm, and now we are expanding the brand into Philadelphia. We wanted to change the culture of Atlantic
Rocking for 31 Seasons! Fridays 7pm
ATLANTICARE CONCERTS ON THE BEACH IN SOMERS POINT
VOTED USA TODAY BEST OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
Guest Star
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
8:30 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
Your favorite New Orleans and popular party dance sounds.
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
July 19 The Phantom Blues Band
Special
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
It’s sweet times (again) for Modern English
By Chuck Darrow
Some eight years ago, the Hershey’s corporation cleverly built a TV ad campaign around “I Melt with you,” the 1982 hit single by the British band Modern English, which is one of the acts hitting Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Friday night as part of the Totally Tubular Festival tour. The bill also includes such MTV-era hitmakers as Thomas Dolby (“She Blinded Me with Science”), Bow Wow Wow (“I Want Candy”) and Wang Chung (“Dance Hall Days”).
While Neil young may thumb his nose at having his music co-opted by Madison Avenue and Wall Street, artists who do allow their songs to be licensed for advertising campaigns can find the benefits quite significant—as in cha-ching!—because seven-figure licensing fees have long been common when such blue-chip companies
are the licensees.
And as it turns out, that goes double for the Modern English original members and co-composers of “Melt with you” as Hershey’s, has resurrected it for its current marketing campaign. Not surprisingly, it’s a situation that pleases the song’s creators, and not just for the compensation they surely received from the global confectioner.
“The song is almost subliminal now,” offered bassist/band-co-founder
Michael “Mick” Conroy from his Dallas hotel during a recent phone call.
“ you know, people are packing their kids off to school or going to work or doing whatever they do at home, and in the background, there's this: ‘I'll stop the world and melt with you.’ And then they might be humming it for the rest of the day.
“And our hope is that someone might hear that
song on the TV and then think, ‘Oh, I wonder what they're up to.’ And then find out that we've got a new lP [“1 2 3 4”] that we recorded last year, and maybe go to a record shop and buy it.”
In its current configuration, Modern English boasts three charter members--Conroy, lead singer Robbie Grey and guitarist Gary McDowell—who, save for about six years’ worth of breaks scattered through the decades, have been playing together since 1979. In a world known for its towering egos and high-profile personality clashes, it’s a pretty remarkable track record. So, what’s the secret?
“I joined this band when I was 15, so it’s a ‘man-and-boy’ thing,” said Conroy. “We're all from the same town in England, Colchester, so we know each other.” But, he continued, that history doesn’t mean the three founders are joined at the hip.
“It’s like a marriage,” he reasoned, “you can go days about talking to each other, but purely because you think, ‘Well, I haven't really got anything to say today.’ It's like an ‘if you've got nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all’ kind of thing. But like a marriage, even more important than love, you gotta like the person.”
“We travel all over the world with each other, but we don't sit next to each other on the plane generally. But
the thing is that when we're together playing music, something happens.”
For many of the participating artists, the Totally Tubular road trip is a reunion of sorts which, Conroy suggested, adds to their enjoyment of the project.
“Most of us all know each other. We've toured with Men Without Hats a couple of times in the past, so we know them. And Modern English did a tour with Thomas Dolby in the eighties, so we know him as well. And we’ve played with Tom Bailey [of The Thompson Twins].
“It’s like a traveling circus. It's good fun.” For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com.
Deep Purple? Yes!
The summer is definitely going out with a bang for fans of 1970s classic rock. On Aug. 30, the double bill of Deep Purple and yes are checking into Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort.
While this is a great pairing, it is somewhat surprising: Deep Purple, is one of the “founding fathers” of the high-decibel format known as “hard rock,” while yes helped create and popularize the style of music known as “progressive—or prog—rock.” Nonetheless, it should be one of the summer’s—and year’s—most memorable shows.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Tip of the week
By and large, musical tribute acts tend to emphasize either classic rock artists (e.g. The Beatles, Tom Petty, led Zeppelin) or pop megastars (The Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift). But on Saturday, a couple of older acts will be in the spotlight as Caesars Atlantic City hosts “Roy Orbison & The Everly Brothers Reimagined.”
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Chuck
has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
Darrow
Remembering when Bally’s gave AC a Grand(stand) old time
By Chuck Darrow
In October 1987, gaming tycoon Steve Wynn sold his 7-year-old Golden Nugget Atlantic City to Bally’s Corp., then-owner of Bally’s Park Place Casino-Hotel. The property was rechristened Bally’s Grand Hotel & Casino, and its official opening ceremony was headlined by Frank Sinatra, Jerry lewis and Sammy Davis Jr. But it was what
happened the subsequent two years that was truly “grand.”
The summer of 1988 (and again in ’89) saw the construction and operation of a temporary, 4,000-seat al fresco performance space that was dubbed The Grandstand u nder the Stars. For the two years of its existence, it was not only AyCee’s hottest entertainment venue, but one of the most exciting places for live entertainment on the East Coast.
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
THURSDAY - JULY 25
Radio Revolution Duo 5pm-8pm
FRIDAY - JULY 26
Flip-N-Mickeys Band 8pm-12am
SATURDAY - JULY 27
Doug Jennings 4:30pm-7:30pm
Jump the Line Band 8pm-12am
SUNDAY - JULY 28
Danny Eyer Band 4pm-8pm
MONDAY 7pm-9pm
Now Serving Pizza
Enjoy Breakfast with a View! Now Serving Brunch Sat. Sun. 10am-2pm
8:30pm -12:30am
ENJOY OUR OUTDOOR DECK
Erected on a casino-owned lot across Boston Avenue from the Grand’s main entrance, the outdoor theater’s two seasons’ worth of talent rosters comprised a Who’s Who of musical royalty of the era. Space doesn’t permit a complete listing of who performed there, but here’s a taste: Frank Sinatra; Diana Ross; Bob Dylan; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Neil young, Bob Dylan; Rod Stewart; Chuck Berry and Stevie Wonder.
In addition, the Grandstand was the local site of the first tour (in 1989) by Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Among the rock 'n' roll giants who joined the ex-Beatle, there were the Clarence Clemons and Nils lofgrin of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band; levon Helm and Rick Danko of The Band; Joe Walsh of The Eagles (Ringo’s brother-in-law!) and “Fifth Beatle” Billy Preston.
noted, referring to the time before the scenery-blocking dunes were installed.
But in terms of musical history, the most special evening of all undoubtedly was June 30, 1988. That’s when Bruce Springsteen hopped into his Corvette and headed down the Garden State Parkway from his Monmouth County home to attend the Jackson Browne concert. The Boss not only was there as a fan, but also as a participant: He joined his buddy Jackson on two songs, The Zodiacs’ “Stay” and Berry’s “Sweet little Sixteen.” It’s an event that still resonates within the Springsteen universe.
For Carmen Gonzales, the two summers the Grandstand was up and running were among her most memorable. Today, Gonzales—who graciously supplied the accompanying photo—is the vice-president of communications for live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. But in the late1980s, she was just beginning her career, serving as an assistant in the Grand’s public relations department.
“It was open-air amphitheater style,” she recalled. “The seats and the back of the stage faced the building. Off to your left were the Boardwalk and the ocean. So you had an ocean view, depending on where you were sitting. The higher up you were, the better you saw the ocean,” she
For Gonzales, the Grandstand not only provided her the opportunity to see some of her generation’s biggest names, but she also received introductions to others performers with whom she was far less familiar.
She explained that while she was most excited to learn artists like Debbie Gibson, Tiffany and New Kids On the Block were booked, the more-established artists really wowed her.
“I'll never forget the nights that I saw Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne, and was exposed to them for the first time. Of course, they knocked my socks off.”
As for the Browne-Springsteen moments, Gonzales has no memory of anything Browne might have said by way of introduction. Springsteen, she remembered, “Kind of just walked out. And the audience lost their minds. It was a pretty cool moment. I still talk about it to this day when I'm telling stories of my career.”
Nonetheless, it was the Chairman of the Board who made the greatest impression on the young publicist.
“Sinatra was incredible. Just to see the reaction of the fans; you have never seen anything like it,” she said with a trace of awe in her voice. “Here I am, a million years later, and I still have never seen anything like that, or come close to seeing anything like the reaction of the audience.”
Tony Mart Presents Last Waltz Legacy, John Cafferty in Cape May
By William Kelly
Live music enthusiasts know the name Tony Mart’s from its nightclub heyday, to its great shows at the Somers Point Beach and Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City. Now Tony Mart’s is taking the show on the road to Cape May.
There will be two shows at the Cape May Convention Hall. The first will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 29, with the second set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.
While some locals will undoubtedly make the half-hour trip down the Parkway to Exit 0, it will be a new experience to many Cape May music enthusiasts, so they should know what they are getting into.
Although the old Somers Point nightclub is long gone, Carmen Marotta, the son of the late Anthony Marotta, has continued the family’s musical traditions. With his wife Nancy, they travel frequently to New Orleans to attend music festivals there, and often return with some of the terrific talent they meet and showcasing them at their local shows so we can all appreciate them.
As Marotta has said: “Summertime at the Jersey Shore is rich with rock 'n' roll history. In 1965 Conway
Twitty brought levon and the Hawks to Tony Mart’s, and Bob Dylan took them away to Woodstock to become The Band. In 1982 the rock 'n' roll cult classic ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’ was filmed at Tony Mart’s. This year Tony Mart’s will celebrate those iconic moments July 29 with the Tony Mart’s legacy l ast Waltz.”
Cape May has a strong jazz festival tradition, and jazz fans should recognize these Big Easy bands as the epitome of where jazz originated.
Performers will include The Radiators’ Dave Malone, Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, Johnny Sansone, and the Honey Island Swamp Band in the musical rendition of “The l ast Waltz,” the Martin Scorsese movie filmed 11 years after levon & the Hawks left Tony Mart’s.
These stars of the New Orleans Jazz Fest and other major festival events around the country will perform the Americana Rock Tribute of the season featuring the music of Bob Dylan and The Band, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Neil young, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Neil Diamond, Ronnie Hawkins, and Mike Bloomfield.
Among the headline guest stars is Tre Twitty, who will be performing his "pappy’s" (Conway Twitty's)
hits as they were performed in 1965 with the Hawks at Tony Mart’s. Tre’s father, a country-western star, gave up rock 'n' roll while he was at Tony Mart’s to follow his heart and pursue country music.
Also scheduled is a Tony Mart’s All Star Jam Concert with Cape May’s own Howard Street Ramble, along with Tre Twitty as part of the inaugural Tony Mart legacy Concert in Cape May.
“From New Orleans to Arkansas and the Jersey Shore, celebrate our musical history and ramble with us to Cape May,” Marotta said. There is limited VIP seating with an exclusive meet and greet reception after the show.
Besides the Monday night July 29 show, a second show is scheduled for Saturday night, Aug. 3, featuring John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, whose music was the primary attraction of the classic movie “Eddie and the Cruisers.”
“With Bruce and Southside Johnny, John Cafferty and his Beaver Brown Band are one of the greatest living legacies of East Coast Jersey Shore rock ‘n’ roll,” Marotta said.
Cafferty and his band have been releasing a series of Jersey Shore songs, including “Day in the Sun.” But it is his classic tunes including “On The Dark Side,” “Tender years,” and
“Wild Summer Nights,” that made the Jersey Shore immortal in the classic cult rock ‘n’ roll film, “Eddie & The Cruisers.”
Somers Point and Ocean City is where most of the movie was filmed. Its legacy is the foundation for Tony Mart’s Presents and the popular AtlantiCare Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point, which was named the No. 1 outdoor concert series in the united States by uSA Today in 2023.
“All of that is our legacy,” said Marotta. “And for the first time, it will come to Cape May on Saturday night, Aug. 3, in the middle of the magic that is a Jersey Shore summer.”
Tickets are on sale now and a limited number of VIP, meet and greet tickets will be available for Cape May Convention Hall where Cafferty will rock a two-hour plus show with all of his hits.
“Rock ‘n’ roll fans say that John Cafferty sounds like Bruce Springsteen,” said Marotta, “but we know better. John Cafferty sounds like John Cafferty, one of the greatest East Coast platinum selling rock ‘n’ roll stars of our lifetime. There will be no opening act.
Tickets are $45, $55, and $75 and available at capemaycity.com/ box-office-ticket-info
Billkelly3@gmail.com
HAPPY HOUR
- 7:00 pm
Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Claridge
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, July 18
Atlantic City
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DJ Gabor Kiss
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Dane Anthony
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Deck at Golden Nugget
E Street Shuffle
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
The Benjamins
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Company
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Chris Farrell
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
Glen Eric
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Atley Moon & The Say Somethings
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Sindy Raymond
5 – 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night w/ Mike Dempsey
Gregory’s
Nikki
6 – 8 p.m.
900 Shore Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
40 North
6 – 9 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Fine Italian Cuisine
Mexiquila
Bronson Tennis
6 – 9 p.m.
101 E. Maryland Ave.
Queen Jayne’s
Kim & Nate
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 19
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub y2K New year’s Celebration
9 p.m.
5 N. Shore Rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Te Vista, Frankie Mermaid, l aybrum, linus Blanket
8 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Indelible Groove Duo
7 p.m.
Split Decision
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Ian & Christina
6 – 10 p.m.
Grooveheart
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Dan Klee
3 – 7 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Don’t Call Me Francis
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts
Killer B’s
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Ahmad
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock yani
5 – 8:30 p.m.
ladies & Gentlemen
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Yard at Bally’s Kicking Sunrise
10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Benderz
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Philly Keys
6 – 10 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
BJam Band
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr.
Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café
Brian Kmetz
6 – 9 p.m.
279 S. New york Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Bob Starner
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
40 North 6 – 10 p.m.
The Pickles
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
Jim Commander
7 – 10 p.m.
1 N. New york Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
Jon Puleio
9:30 p.m.
823 Bay Ave.
Caroline’s by the Bay Rooftop Dogs
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 Brian ulrich
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s Phil Stocker
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Josie Kelly’s The 95 live
9 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
52 Pick up
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
1900 Pacific Ave.
Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino
No Standards
9:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
Screaming Matilda
Continued
E-Street Shuffle
7 – 11 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Saturday, July 20
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Open Mic w/ Back Bay Duo
9 – 11 p.m.
5 N. Shore Rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Space Rodeo Alien Hoedown
10 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Modern Mix Tape Duo
7 p.m.
3AM Tokyo
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Steve Moore & MIA
5 – 9 p.m.
Priceless
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Teddi Fusco
3 – 7 p.m.
Killer B’s
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Britain’s Finest
2 & 7:10 p.m.
Slow Hands Band
3:30 & 8:40 p.m.
Who’s Next
5 & 10:10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts Jagged
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Pat
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Who Brought the Dog
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Steal the Sky
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Yard at Bally’s Kono Nation
10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
1900 Pacific Ave.
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Slay Town City. 10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The lenahan Band
1 – 5 p.m.
Goody Blue Shoes
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
VENTNOR CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
p t th SOUTH JERSEY PLAYERS’
THHEATER-ARTS CAMP P ‘24
T heater Games/Impr ov/One-Minute Plays/ Sta ge Combat/Stand-up Comedy/And Mor e!
The Exceptions
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Future Stars Band Showcase
12 – 4 p.m.
Millennial Pause
6 – 10 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave. Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café Nicki Sbaffoni
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
279 S. New york Rd.
Margate Bocca
No Clue Duo
8 – 11 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave. Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Cheezy & The Crackers
6 – 10 p.m.
Christian Glomb
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
Smokey Starr
7 – 10 p.m.
1 N. New york Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
Brandon Ireland
9:30 p.m.
823 Bay Ave.
Caroline’s by the Bay Radio Revolution
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
Doug Jennings
1 – 4 p.m.
Bob & Nick
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
Andy Berlin
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Surrounded by Idiots
9 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
Philly Rock & Soul
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
Gina and Steve
12 – 4 p.m.
Don’t Call Me Francis
7 – 11 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Floyd Pink
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Sunday, July 21
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
The WTF Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
5 N. Shore Rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Baby’s First Rodeo w/ Joshua Hedley, Mandy Valentine
8 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Ada leAnn: Taylor Swift Tribute
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Abby & Vahe
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
J Soul
3 – 7 p.m.
Troy Rusnak
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
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
Audio Riot
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Coast 2 Coast
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Incognito
1 – 5 p.m.
Cheezy & The Crackers
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Rob Snyder & Friends
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café
Tom Quaile
12 – 3 p.m.
279 S. New york Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Mitchell Faber
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Petty Cash
6 – 10 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay Turtle Heads Band
4 – 8 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
lew london Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
lindsey Evans
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Traditional Irish Session
1 – 4 p.m.
The MPG Trio
6 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.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
Five Dollar Shakes
2 – 6 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Monday, July 22
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
95 live Trio
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Troy Rusnak
3 – 7 p.m.
Bar None
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Red
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Dylan Perry
6 – 10 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Crab Trap
Greg Clark
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
lew london Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
The Point
Richie Angelucci
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, July 23
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
Walt Sapsai
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
The Point
Dan Ward
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Wednesday, July 24
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Michael Stevens
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Sidestory
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Daddy Pop
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Exceptions
6 – 10 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
Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Steve Mullary
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
The Tommy Allen Band
7 – 10:30 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
Coast 2 Coast
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Ruthie Foster
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Events subject to change.
The Best of the Eagles Tribute Band featuring Mike Dougherty & NGXB August 10th starting at 6:30 PM
Hosted in Parc Renault, which will feature our Renault Food truck, Village Bar, lawn games, and a VIP Lounge area.
Eliot Lewis from Hall & Oates hosted by John King on August 24th starting at 6 PM. Experience an intimate musical performance in our Wine and Beer Garden for an up-close and personal view of the performance with food and drink options.
Last Legacy Waltz, boat party and more at the shore
Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Last weekend was electric entertainment-wise at the Jersey Shore, with this weekend seeing no letdown. let’s get right to it.
Peach at the Beach: The Grateful Dead/Allman Brothers-themed event that came last weekend to the Island Waterpark-Showboat Resort, was a success by all measures, with great sets turned in by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dogs In A Pile (who killed it while performing way up high in the Island Waterpark’s Treehouse Bar), Karina Rykman, Trouble No More (who expertly performed the ABB’s classic “Eat A Peach” album in its entirety), cool DJ jam band music, and more.
The music and entertainment were spread out over two separate areas: the Waterpark itself, and outside the Showboat where a stage was erected. The vibe was great, and attendance looked to be solid.
A Saturday night after-party and Friday night’s pre-party with Disco Biscuits, were both in the Showboat’s Bourbon Room, which was once home to the House of Blues, bringing back music memories of a time
when Atlantic City was a destination for virtually all big touring bands.
Bart Blatstein, who developed Island Waterpark and opened the multimillion-dollar structure last July, told us, “We would certainly consider hosting more music-themed events as this weekend’s concert certainly was a great success.
“The Showboat’s outdoor concert venue was alive with thousands of festival-goers having a great time. People are traveling from near and far to Showboat and Island Waterpark because we offer non-casino entertainment the whole family can enjoy. It’s exactly what Atlantic City needs to attract more visitors.”
Tickets/info: eventbrite.com/e/ hot-ghoul-summer-atlantic-city2024-tickets
Here’s hoping there’s a Peach at the Beach II in AC next year.
Goo Goo Ghouls At Sea: One of the most fun boat parties we attended last summer was Maribeth’s Hot Ghoul Summer Party, departing from Gardner’s Basin, cruising the bay and taking in AC’s bright lights while listening to some bangin’ tunes, with food and drinks available.
She’s running it back again Saturday, July 20, with exceptionally cool DJ sets by Kat Seventeen, Danny Fanta, Mighty Mike Saga, and Karnage Jey, to name a few. These sell out so I suggest purchasing your tickets ASAP.
Atlantic City, New Orleans, and Tony Mart’s: What do these three have in common? Every Wednesday, Atlantic City (on the Boardwalk, Kennedy Plaza) is transformed into a Mardi Gras-like party when Tony Mart Presents offers its free weekly shows. Next Wednesday, July 24, is a whopper: Tony Mart legacy l ast Waltz, featuring performances by New Orleans musicians Dave Malone (from The Radiators), Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, one of our favorite Zydeco accordion players, Johnny Sansone; and the Honey Island Swamp Band (pictured above), the latter who are touring and also play Tony Mart’s Somers Point Concert Series Friday, July 26 (also free), and Convention Hall in Cape May on July 29. Guitarist "Steady
Rollin" Bob Margolin rounds out quite a night on July 24. Information at tonymart. com/Concert-Calendars Te Vista Rocks The Anchor: This band’s been on our radar for some time, and have quietly built a nice local following. Te Vista plays Anchor Rock Club this Friday, July 19, with an opening set by Frankie Mermaid. Richard Allen Hardin and Niko Berardo are the main songwriters in Te Vista; if Berardo’s name sounds familiar, it’s because music runs in the family. His dad, longtime area musician Adam Berarado (aka 1adam12) plays with rock accordionist, Malcolm Tent. Te Vista info: tevista. bandcamp.com; anchorrockclub.com. u ntil next week, make sure to Tune In and Turn On!
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.
At Farmers' Markets this Summer Brigantine Saturdays 8am-12 Margate Thursdays 8:30am -11:30
Honey Island Swamp Band (pictured) from New Orleans, play Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk July 24 and the Somers Point Beach Concert Series July 26, both Tony Mart Presents shows.
Summertime is perfect for grilling shish kebabs
By Sarah Fertsch
Shish kebabs and summer are the perfect combination. you can grill in the backyard for guests or for a weeknight dinner that the kids will love. Eating anything on a stick makes it extra fun!
Turn up the flavor of your kebabs with a marinade. Cook the kebabs on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Rotate every few minutes to cook all sides evenly. Cook until the outside has those nice grill marks and the meat is cooked to your liking. Be sure that if you
are using wooden skewers, you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from catching on fire. you can serve the kebabs over a mound of rice or couscous. For a utensil-free meal, wrap the meat and veggies in warm pita bread.
Pineapple BBQ
Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
● 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
● 2 small green peppers cut into 1.5
inch squares
● 2 small red peppers cut into 1.5 inch squares
● 1 red onion cut into chunks
● 2 cups pineapple chunks canned or fresh (both work)
● ¾ cup barbecue sauce
● 3 tablespoons pineapple juice use juice from a can, or drippings from slicing fresh pineapple
● 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Assemble kabobs: Thread chicken, both peppers, onion and pineapple chunks alternately on skewers. Marinate: Whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice and soy sauce. Place the kabobs in a shallow dish and brush with about 1/3 of the marinade. Marinate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Grill: Place kabobs on a lightly oiled grill over medium heat. Grill for 12-15 minutes (or until chicken is done and vegetables are tender), turning often, and brushing with the remaining marinade.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Ingredients
● 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
● 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half moons
● 1 red bell pepper, diced into 1” pieces
● 1 orange bell pepper, diced into 1” pieces
● 8 – oz mushrooms, larger mushrooms halved
● Marinade
● 4 tbsp olive oil
● 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● 2 tsp lemon zest
● 1 tsp dried oregano
● ½ tsp dried thyme
● 1 tsp kosher salt
● ½ tsp ground pepper
Instructions
Prep the vegetables. Slice into one-inch pieces. Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper in a one-cup measuring cup or lidded jar. Whisk or shake until the mixture is well combined. Pour the marinade over the vege -
tables, then toss until well combined. Marinate 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Thread the vegetables onto skewers: squash, zucchini, red bell, orange bell, and then mushroom (repeat this pattern twice for each skewer).
Heat a gas grill to medium high; be sure the grill is fully heated before grilling.
Place the vegetable skewers onto the grill in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each skewer. Close the lid and grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Turn once halfway through cooking.
Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Steak Kabobs
Ingredients
For the marinade:
● ¼ cup olive oil
● 2 tablespoons soy sauce
● 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
● 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
● 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 tablespoon brown sugar
● 1 teaspoon paprika
● 1 teaspoon onion powder
● ½ teaspoon dried oregano
● Salt and black pepper, to taste For the kabobs:
● 1 ½ pounds top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
● 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in 1-inch pieces
● 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
● 8 ounces button mushrooms
● 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
● 8 metal skewers (If you are using wood skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place the steak in the bowl with the marinade or place both in a large Ziploc bag, making sure the meat is covered in the marinade. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Thread the marinated meat along with the veggies, alternating them on the skewer. Keep a little space between the pieces so they will cook evenly on the grill.
Grill the kabobs on high heat, for 8 to 10 minutes (depending on how you like your meat), turning the kabobs every couple of minutes.
use tongs to remove the kabobs from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Rock garden inspiration from the Yosemite trail
Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
This week my family was blessed to hike in yosemite National Park. Though we were 3,000 miles from South Jersey and among mountains, lakes, and plenty of rocky trails, a surprising amount of flowers looked familiar. When you realize that the yosemite Valley is in gardening zone 7b to 8a, it makes sense that we grow many of the same flowers in our Shore local area. Whenever I visit a new place, I draw inspiration from the beautiful flowers growing around me and take mental notes to implement those ideas back home. If you have ever considered creating a rockery, yosemite can teach us what grows happily among the rocks.
Though you may not have monoliths in your backyard, a rockery can add some interest to your existing garden. Rock gardens can beautify sloping sections and retaining walls in your yard, or you may just wish to plant flowers among stepping stones. Once established,
rock gardens are easy to maintain, provided you choose plants that thrive in shallow soil and between nooks and crannies.
In yosemite, blue-purple lupine flowers grow everywhere among the rocky slopes and meadows. In New Jersey, you can grow the native perennial wild lupine which flowers best in full sun and well-drained sandy soil. In addition to the spiky purple flowers, you can enjoy the unique palm-shaped leaves. Pollinators will be happy if you plant this native plant in your garden. It plays host to the larvae of the Karner Blue butterfly and the Frosted Elfin butterfly. Other familiar flowers blooming among the rocks during a yosemite heatwave were Columbine and yarrow. Once established, both flowers will be drought-tolerant in your own garden, making
them an excellent choice for a rock garden. Columbine will also attract hummingbirds.
While spreading phlox grows among the rocks in California, on the East Coast we have creeping phlox that will spill over rocky walls. The pale blue, pink, or purple flowers provide a lovely contrast to gray rocks and stone. Succulents are a no-brainer for a rock garden since they are drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Aptly named, stonecrop (sedum) should be part of your rock garden.
Sierra stonecrop is found growing among the rocks in yosemite, but you can find many different types of stonecrop to grow along the Jersey Shore. Though there are different types of sedums that grow very tall, for the rockery, we are talking about the mat-forming or creeping type of stonecrop. Pollinators will be attracted to the flowers of stonecrop, but the waxy leaves often make it deer and rabbit resistant.
Heaths and heathers are musthaves in the rockery. These low-growing evergreen shrubs like sandy, acidic, well-drained soil. Though the two plants are often lumped together, they are two different species.
“Heath has teeth and heathers have feathers” is a little rhyme that helps gardeners identify the two different species by their foliage.
Another plant growing in the rocks at yosemite is penstemon. The bright pink flowers seemed to grow right out of the rocks. Though the type growing in yosemite is called “mountain penstemon”, native East Coast penstemons (also called beardtongue) make the perfect flower for a rock garden since they are drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soil. They attract a wide variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds.
If you’d like further inspiration for a rock garden, you should read one of my favorite gardening books called “Down the Garden Path” by Beverly Nichols. His humorous tales of creating a rockery mainly out of spite for his nosy neighbor will give you a laugh and enrich your love of gardening.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
By Douglas Keefe
Atlantic City was never one to miss an opportunity to have a celebration, one that hopefully would bring more visitors to the shore. usually there was all sorts of advertising that went into the promotion and souvenirs produced to commemorate the event. Two such events that resulted in the minting of collectible medals were the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Atlantic City, issued in 1904; and the 100th anniversary of the building of the first boardwalk, issued in 1970.
Collecting Local Medals Coins, Currency, Cards and Collectibles
The medal minted for the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Atlantic City is a beautiful design featuring a nude female bather being covered by a wave in the ocean with the sun in the background and “1854 ATl ANTIC CIT y 1904” written around the lower rim.
On the reverse is the seal of Atlantic City. It is made of a gold gilt metal, slightly larger than a silver dollar and with a loop soldered to the top for a ribbon to pass through.
There were three medals about the size of a silver dollar issued for
the 100th anniversary of the first boardwalk constructed in Atlantic City, all featuring the same design but minted in aluminum, copper or silver. The design is that of the old boardwalk with bathhouses, people strolling the boards in period dress, a horse-drawn wagon transporting people and bathers at the ocean. Around the rim at the top “ATl ANTIC CIT y BOARDWAlK” and at 3 o’clock “1870 CENTENNIAl 1970”. A very detailed design. The reverse again features the seal of Atlantic City with “CIT y OF ATl ANTIC CIT y – INCORPORATED MARCH 1854” around the rim. These were sold either individually or in numbered sets. Whereas the 50th anniversary medal is scarce, the boardwalk medals are much more available and can be obtained at a modest price, the silver one commanding a price only slightly higher than its silver value.
I am a resident of Brigantine and the next medal on my list is from here in Brigantine and commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Brigantine in 1897. The medal, also the size of a silver dollar, features a rendering of the new Brigantine bridge and the lighthouse at the entrance to the city on a stretch of land labeled “BRIGANTINE ISl AND”. lettered around the rim are the words “A lIGHT FROM O u R PAST – A BRIDGE TO Ou R FuTu RE” and the Indian name for Brigantine “WATAMOONICA”. The reverse shows the seal of the city with the inscription “100 yEARS CIT y OF BRIGANTINE” and around the edge “BRIGANTINE BEACH, NEW JERSEy 1897-1997”.
The bridge represented on this medal replaced the old drawbridge that connected Atlantic City to Brigantine. I’m sure all of us who lived here before the new bridge was constructed had at least one experience where we were stranded on one side of the bridge or the other because the bridge would not go down. The medal features the new bridge with a high enough span that allows boat traffic to pass underneath. And as for the lighthouse, it was never a functional lighthouse but was an advertising gimmick erected by The Brigantine Island Development Company in the 1920s.
I am not as familiar with this medal as I should be. The one I have is struck in pure silver, is numbered and comes in a presentation box with a certificate. I have heard a rumor that there is at least one example struck in gold. If a reader could share more information about this medal, I will provide an update in a future column.
Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles has been in business since 1970 and is managed by Douglas Keefe and his wife Linda. Formerly located in the Shore Mall, they are now in their own store just west on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. While they no longer offer retail sales, they still do extensive buying of most collectibles and precious metals. Current information and store hours can be obtained online at beachcombercoinsinc. com.
1904 Atlantic City Medal
1970 100th Anniversary of the Boardwalk
Slide, Surf, and Dine with the Chip Miller
Amyloidosis Foundation July 26-27 in Ocean City
Wake up early on July 26 to get the fun started with the 20th Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest. A morning of surfing brings supporters and participants together at the 7th Street Surfing Beach for the special event which is equal parts fun and charitable.
There are no losers at Surf Fest, just a bunch of winners…and wet participants. Best of all, there are dozens of categories and awards for kids, adults, families, novices, and experts, plus a nice mix of companies on-site offering merchandise, clothing, surf gear, and even some freebies for the crowd. Surf Fest also welcomes Heart of Surfing, a non-profit organization that offers free surfing and skateboarding lessons for families with autism or other developmental disabilities. In addition, the NJ Board Riders Association will help run and judge the competition.
For Surf Fest participants who are looking for more fun during the last weekend in July, spend the night and enjoy a special day of awareness on July 27 at the OC Waterpark for
water park excitement, complete with food. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
participants can enjoy full water park access, followed by food samples from some of the area’s top establishments. These outlets include Bungalow Bowl, Mallon’s Sticky Buns, Sandwich Bar, Chickie’s & Pete’s, DiOrio’s Restaurant, Picinni’s Pizza, uncle Bills Pancake House, Nauti Donuts, Randazzo’s Pizza, Hanks Sauce, Boyars, Outerbanks Boil Co., and Playa Bowls. Also, a professional chef from Redfish Catering will be on-site to help connect guests with a variety of tasty eats.
Pricing varies per event, with pre-registration savings options available. The waterpark and taste option is capped at 400, so early registration is encouraged. Surfing, waterpark fun, and a great buffet of food -- all in one great weekend at the shore.
Complete details on these events
and the 2024 season schedule can be found at www.ChipMiller.org or via the CMAF Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwareness. Can’t make the event? Donate today via the CMAF web page. Either way, join in the fun and support a great
What dog sports are right for your dog?
By Heidi Clayton
My retired show dogs all needed a new hobby to keep their brains and bodies active. So I looked into a few dog sports to find the right one for them and picked the sport of Barn Hunt. While Barn Hunt might not be right for you and your dogs, there are many other dog sports you can try.
Barn Hunt events are perfect for your dog if they are vermin-haters. Every terrier in the Terrier group was originally bred to hunt some sort of vermin and eradicate it from the home or farm. While rats aren’t the problem they used to be, it's in terriers’ DNA to hunt for mice, groundhogs, chipmunks, moles, and voles. Barn Hunt isn’t just for terriers, though. Any breed or mixed breed can compete.
No, they do not catch and kill
live animals. Instead, dogs search through hay and straw bales to look for rats that are safely contained inside a hard plastic tube. There are several levels of competition, which are based on how many rats in tubes your dog can find. They are required to pass through a “hay” tunnel and climb on top of bales of hay or straw. While some dogs are naturals at hunting vermin, they will also need to have a reliable recall as the search is done without a leash or collar. I am really enjoying watching my dogs use their noses to find the rats, and they are absolutely exhausted after. you can learn more about how to get started in Barn Hunt at barnhunt.com.
following website: https:// www.akc.org/sports/agility/getting-started/. Getting involved in a dog sport can be beneficial for you and your dog. Aside from watching your dogs have fun, dog sports will connect you with other dog people who share a deep and abiding love for their dogs. Why not try a new and fun activity with your dog, especially when you can meet new people and have some fun along the way?
exploita�
Another immensely popular dog sport is Agility. Agility is a timed race in which your dog must master obstacles such as the dog walk, open tunnels, closed tunnels, jumps, weave poles, the A-frame, the seesaw, tire jumps, and the broad jump. Dogs are judged by the time in which they finish the course and how many faults they have during their run.
Dogs that are high-energy and are able to follow off-lead instructions are perfect for agility. Taking your dog to a beginner’s level agility class can be a fun way to bond with your dog as they really need to trust you to guide them correctly through the course which is also done off-lead and with no collar. Even if you don’t want to actually compete in agility, these classes are both physically and mentally stimulating for your dogs. This sport will tire even the busiest of dogs out. you can learn more about getting started in AKC Agility at the
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
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
U T D O K A M R L X T W
G H K C O X E W T E W F
B R N W A L F W L P O H
A E T I H W T A E R G A
S S Q Q L D H Q N S D M
K H O T T W P W Z E C M
I E S I L V E R T I P E
N R V K R W T V T P T R
G H Q E Q G Z N I U X H
O O G C I Y G P R F S E
O I L H N O F W W J O A
T Y Q L B B Q F P M W D
B U L L D V K Z Q B S E
H A I W J B L U E Q D T
J N U A A E N K N P N S
F T G C G M L V U Q A X
B V N N X O C V O O S E
C J A H Y W K B N W U X
ANGEL THRESHER GREATWHITE WHALE GOBLIN BASKING BLUE MAKO TIGER
HAMMERHEAD SAND
SILVERTIP BULL
SHORE FUNNY EVER WONDER?
Why do you park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?
Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?
Why are they called " stands"....when they are made for sitting?
Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?
Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?
Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" .... Mean the same thing?
How come “abbreviated” is such a long word?
Why do we wash bath towels?
Aren't we clean when we use them?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
SUDOKU
Solution on page 100
ACROSS
1. One chore, e.g.
5. Not bright
8. *Dog in yoga
12. Impersonator
13. *Marvel Comics' ____ Dogs
14. *First dog in space
15. Bulb holder
16. Auto pioneer
17. Without illumination
18. *Smallest dog breed
20. Play-ers
21. Those who vote against
22. Paul Simon's former partner
23. Medium's seance state
26. Do like ivy, two words
30. *Type of terrier
31. l in NFl
34. Cleanse
35. Priest's Eucharist garb
37. Pilgrimage to Mecca
38. On the fritz
39. Eight furlongs
40. Study of bird eggs
42. Not lager
43. Change into stone
45. Scandinavian country
47. Web robot
48. Plants and animals
50. Partner to greet
52. *Wartime horrors
56. Royal topper
57. What Daenerys Targaryen wanted to do
58. like tiny print
59. Seizure or sunstroke
60. Between ids and super-egos
61. Sacred image in Orthodox Church
62. Al Capone's nemesis Eliot
63. One of the five W's
64. Aren't, colloquially
DOWN
1. Magnesium silicate
2. Moonfish
3. Bruce Willis' ex
4. Oliver Twist, e.g.
5. Indian metropolis
6. River in India
7. Table hill
8. Thin cigar
9. Rembrandt's medium
10. SNl act
11. David Zinczenko's "___ This, Not That!"
13. Chin beard
14. Filthy dough
19. "I give up!"
22. 1/100 of a hectare
23. *lady's Bella Notte date
24. China grass
25. like tower of Pisa
26. *Stephen King's rabid character
27. Native American fruit
28. Throat lobe
29. *"Our Gang" pit bull terrier
32. Call to a mate
33. Girl
36. *Hound of Hades
38. _____ Protocol, climate change treaty
40. "Oftentimes" in poetry
41. Gnostic's intuitions
44. Itsy-bitsy bits
46. Basket-making fibers
48. When it breaks, the cradle will fall
49. Traditional Inuit home
50. Three blind ones
51. Chows down
52. *What Charles Schulz did with Snoopy
53. ____pedia or ____leaks
54. In a little while, to Shakespeare
55. Rock opera version of "la Bohme"
56. "Wizard of Oz" man
THEME: FAMOUS DOGS
SHORE PRO MARKETPLACE
A pool can turn your backyard into a haven
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
Summer is here. It’s your time for fun, relaxation, and vacation.
But many homeowners have concluded that their current home is not only their home, it is their safe haven and their first choice for a “staycation.”
One of the top choices of homebuyers and homeowners, either in the buying process or as a value addition to their existing home, is a pool. Whether it’s above ground or in ground, luxury or not, pools are “in” now as the idea of having your own personal “Club Med” or “Tiki terrace” becomes more attractive.
Nationally, requests for pools are on the rise.
There are endless possibilities for design and creativity. For the long haul, pools create much enjoyment and the opportunity to spend precious time with family and loved ones, creating priceless lifetime memories. u ntil next time, keep cool and enjoy time by the pool....
Swimming pools are becoming more popular as people choose staycations over vacations.
For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609703-0432. learn more at www.TheRealEstateGodmother.com.
It is a popular feature as the keyword “pool” has been noted as one of the top search terms on real estate websites.
Due to the rising costs of vacation rentals, people have become more appreciative of creating their own unique backyard vacation spots.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"
Frank Sinatra on Atlantic City's Beach in 1935
Poor New Jersey kid, the runt of the litter Frank was the original "Jersey Boy"
Imagine the young Frank Sinatra growing up in Hoboken. Not the hip Hoboken of now, where rent is high and you can't find parking anywhere, but the Hoboken of the early 20th century, with its working-class Italian-American neighborhoods. Nothing fancy at all.
Imagine how Sinatra saw New york City, looming over Hoboken like the Emerald City, glittering just across the river — so close. Hear Sinatra singing on the corner, as the girls giggle and the grown-ups tell him to scram.
But no amount of fame and acclaim could disguise those New Jersey roots. Frank Sinatra, the original Jersey Boy, was a Broadway musical unto himself.
His life story covered every angle: the scrawny kid who becomes a dreamboat, the tough guy who sticks up for the underdogs, the lonely soul, bereft, and broken.
Sinatra's New Jersey upbringing provided the underpinnings for his approach to life.
Frank and first wife Nancy at Atlantic City Beach. Credit: Real Brigantine
Frank was 18 years old and Nancy 17. Credit: Real Brigantine
What is a Medicaid Qualified Annuity?
By Eric Reich
Long-term care went from a mild consideration 30 years ago to one of the most pressing issues facing retirees today. Increases in longevity due to medical advances have allowed us to live much longer in retirement than previous generations. That’s the good news. The bad news is that while many are living longer, they aren’t necessarily living well longer. longevity also takes its toll on the finances of retirees as well. living longer but with chronic illnesses has caused an explosion in the need for long-term care services, including care at home, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. When you add in a spouse who doesn’t require care but may likely live a long time, you get a recipe for financial disaster.
In 2023, the national averages for long-term care were as follows:
● In-home care ranged from $5720
per month for homemaker services to $6292 per month for a home health aide.
● Assisted living ranged from $2058 for adult day care to $5350 per month for an assisted living facility.
● Nursing home facilities ranged from $8669 per month for a semi-private room to $9733 for a private room. In New Jersey, those numbers jump from $11,619 to $12,699 respectively.
These are staggering numbers and a clear reason why long-term care has come to the forefront of retirees’ minds. Retirees are scrambling to find ways to pay for this care. Savings, long-term care insurance, Medicaid (not Medicare), and more recently Medicaid-qualified annuities are all ways to help pay for the cost of care. let’s focus solely on the Medicaid option for our purposes this week. In order to qualify for Medicaid in NJ, assets must be spent down to a limit of $2000 ($154,140 for married couples if only one spouse is applying) and an income of $2829 or less for both single and married couples for a nursing home level of care. Assuming you are a married couple, one way to get your assets (not including home, personal items, vehicle, etc.) below the $154,140
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asset limit is to purchase a Medicaid qualified annuity. A Medicaid-qualified annuity allows the value to become a non-countable asset towards the Medicaid asset limit. While at first glance this might seem like a universally good idea, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered before purchasing a Medicaid-qualified annuity.
Some rules vary slightly from state to state, but generally speaking, an annuity must meet the following criteria to be Medicaid-eligible:
1. It must be immediate. This means income must start right away.
2. Payments must be fixed.
3. It must be irrevocable. Meaning, it cannot be changed, terminated, transferred or withdrawn.
4. In most states, the beneficiary must be the state in which you reside unless you are married or have a minor/disabled child.
5. The payout proceeds must be completely paid back over the Medicaid applicant’s life expectancy (actuarially sound).
Any violation of these rules may violate the look-back rules for Medicaid and result in a penalty period in which you are not Medicaid-eligible.
Where Medicaid-qualified annuities work is for a married couple where a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver applies. This waiver allows the non-applying spouse’s income to be disregarded even if the assets are counted. using this annuity increases the non-applying spouse’s income and the full amount of the investment used to purchase the annuity is removed from the normal asset limit.
So, is a Medicaid-qualified annuity right for you? Well, it depends on sev-
eral factors including asset and income levels, marital status, life expectancy, etc. There are a lot of rules surrounding the decision to purchase one or not. you will absolutely want to seek counsel from your estate planning attorney, CPA and financial advisor before buying one. Don’t just rely on a salesperson’s opinion of whether they are right for you.
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.
