SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Late Winter Happenings - 11 Ruined Rainbow Inspires New Beach Art - 3 Newly Married and on the Front Line - 17 Sowing Seeds for Spring - 8

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Damaged Beach Art Leads to Restoration

By Cindy Christy Fertsch

After the recent destruction of the giant rainbow made of clam shells, on the North Street beach in Ocean City, the community came together with an outpouring of love.

This is the beach where the magic began in December with the renowned North Street Christmas tree that made national news and drew thousands of visitors. The decorated tree was fol-

All photos by Stephen Collom lowed up in January with an enormous peace sign formed out of clam shells.

Again, locals and visitors flocked to visit, take a photo and add their own clam shell with their hopes, and prayers for the new year written on it.

A nor'easter ultimately washed away much of the peace sign. Soon

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

afterwards, a huge heart appeared for Valentines Day and most recently a rainbow.

Ocean City resident, Sue McElwee, along with her four children, masterminded each of these creations. "I had no idea people would respond the way they did. When I read the shells and hear the stories, it is so heartwarming,” shared McElwee. “Many people have told me they added shells with the names of loved ones they lost, and it means so much to them.”

Recently though, someone purposefully destroyed the rainbow that the McElwees created and also

smashed the memorial shells that were so carefully strung along the dune fence.

"The rainbow was a symbol of hope and good things to come," said McElwee. "We thought it would just be something nice for people to enjoy as they walked along the beach."

In response to the destruction, there has been an outpouring of support for McElwee's beach art. Sand sculptor, Kathy Pinto Nichols sculpted a large broken heart, filled in with the

pieces of the broken shells. The words inscribed in the sand sculpture read: “Love Heals Broken Heart.”

In response, McElwee said “I loved seeing something beautiful come from something so negative. Kathy's sand art is incredible and inspirational, along with everyone that created the shell hearts by the fence."

What's next for McElwee? "I think we are going to let the dust settle for awhile. But we are definitely planning to rebuild,” shared McElwee.

3

When COVID Hits Home Letter from the editor

R

emember when "mask" was a word we only associated with Halloween? It is approaching one year since our worlds have been turned upside down.

Masks are everywhere now: in my car, purse and home. It has become second nature to mask up. Well, almost. How many times have you gotten out of your car, walked towards a store, and a bell goes off in your head? You’ve got to do the “walk back” to retrieve your mask!

My family made it nearly 10 months in perfect health, not even a cold. I thought it was because we were being cautious, never leaving home without our masks and sanitizer. At times Bob even told me I was "going too far," like when I wiped down all the outside car handles with Clorox wipes. It turns out, you can be careful and still end up getting the virus.

It began with Bob, six weeks ago.

He was having headaches, day after day, for four consecutive days. When he woke on the fifth day with yet another headache, he decided to go to

the doctor "just to play it safe." He was diagnosed with sinus headaches and given an allergy prescription. "Could it possibly be Covid-19?" he asked our family doctor. "No," he was assured.

"Whew, that's a relief," I thought when he relayed the news. Afterwards, we did the unthinkable. We had dinner with my parents, who are both in their eighties.

A couple days later, my parents and I felt terribly ill. We immediately got tested and Bob did as well, just in case. All four of us tested positive for Covid-19.

Yes, we had “IT.” The diagnosis of what has become the main news story day after day for a year now became personal. We now wore the COVID badge. The statistics we’ve seen now included us. It hits you mentally as well as physically. I felt like I was run over by a truck, like the flu I had a few years ago. Within ten days though, Bob and I were fine. All along, my primary concern was with my parents. I knew the statistics on age and recovery and the complications that can arise when there are pre-existing conditions. My late-night Google searches for COVID in patients in their eighties was quite unnerving.

After a couple days of worsening health, I took my parents to the hospital Emergency Room. It was a cold night

Issue 153

Established 2016

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore Office - (609) 788-4812 Publisher - Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com Digital Marketing Director - Marc Berman Columnists - Charles Eberson, Dina Guzzardo, Bonnie Miller, Raymond Tyler, Dan Skeldon, Tammy Thornton, Steffen Klenk, Nancy Adler, Marc Berman, Donald B. Kravitz, Joe Massaglia, Pete Thompson, Erica Hoffman, Fred Miller, Krystle J. Bailey, Brian Cahill, Jeff Whitaker

with snow on the way. I felt sick driving off, as I was not able to go in with them.

Dad was released. He did remarkable 84 years old with COPD and he barely missed a step. Mom struggled. She was diagnosed with COVID pneumonia. The virus got a hold on her lungs and was not letting go.

My mom came home a day or two later but seemed to only get worse with each passing day. Ultimately, I begged her to go back to the hospital. By the time she got there, she had a pulmonary embolism. She remained in the hospital for a week.

In that time, I developed a whole new empathy for people who have loved ones in the hospital and cannot see them. Fortunately, my mom could talk to us on the phone most of the time. There was one day she could not talk. We were not able to reach her and when the nurse held the phone up, she was crying out. The feeling of helplessness was crippling. My heart goes out to all the families who have faced that situation.

I'm happy to say, she is now home on oxygen and with visiting nurse care.

I am forever thankful for the doctors and nurses on the frontline that cared for her and nursed her back to health.

She is getting a little stronger every day.

It's easy to think that the virus is not THAT serious... until it hits home. That changes everything! I wished I had listened to my 24 year old daughter who from the beginning, was more cautious than I was. "Mom, we are in a global pandemic!" she would say when I mentioned vacation or all the other things I wanted to do. She refused to see her grandparents, only because she never wanted to put them at risk.

I know this pandemic life is getting old. Remember when they told us everything would be fine within three weeks? Now, nearly one year later, I miss people and everything about life as we knew it.

However, people are suffering and dying of this in hospitals alone -without their loved ones by their side. And every day, frontline workers are risking their lives to care for those in need.

For them and for our loved ones, we must persevere. Even as we can see the light at the end of tunnel, we still need to be vigilant. Wear your masks, social distance and take all the recommended precautions.

Please be safe for you and your loved ones.

Peace & Love, Cindy

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Great expectations: What to expect as spring nears

Weather

By Dan Skeldon

S

o many of my columns this winter have focused on a certain four letter "S" word, and exploring our chances of seeing some of that word throughout the season. For the record, we've seen over 7 inches this season, about 15 times more than last winter.

But an avid reader contacted me and offered a challenge, to try to not mention that "s" word once through an entire column. And with less than one month to go to a different "s" word that it's probably safe to say more people look forward to, I say to that reader challenge accepted.

We are after all in the home stretch of winter. The countdown to spring continues, with around three weeks to go until the vernal equinox and the start of the spring season. If you care to set a countdown timer on

your iPhone, winter will officially end at 5:37am on Saturday, March 20th.

The days are perceptibly growing longer, and you're most likely especially noticing those later sunsets.

We'll continue to add about 2 minutes and 30 seconds of daylight to each day through the start of spring.

That means our sunset, occurring around 5:45pm right now, will move to around 6:00pm by March 11th, and all the way to 7:10pm just three days later on March 14th. Of course, that's because of the return to Daylight Saving Time as we spring ahead our clocks that weekend. Sure, we lose the hour of sleep, but we'll gain that precious extra hour of evening daylight that we'll gladly utilize all spring and summer long. You'll have to wait a little while longer for the first 8pm sunset, which occurs on the evening of May 10th.

Longer days and a higher and stronger sun angle of course mean temperatures continue to steadily warm as spring unfolds. Our average high temperature, right now around 46 degrees, will slowly but steadily rise to around 53 degrees by the first day of spring. Our average high reaches 60 degrees by mid-April (April 11th), and then 70-degree average

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highs are ours to enjoy exactly one month later on May 11th.

Low temperatures will gradually moderate as well to above freezing, but remember frosts are usually possible until mid-May. The rule of thumb I always use for gardening interests is wait until after Mother's Day weekend to plant any sensitive flowers or vegetation.

Of course, Mother Nature doesn't always abide by the law of averages, and spring can feature some wild temperature swings as winter tries desperately to hang on while spring tries to take over control. When is the earliest we could hope for 80-degree high temperatures? Officially, the earliest 80-degree day on record at the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is March 10th, 2016, just five years ago when the high soared to 81 degrees. And just last year, the first full day of spring saw an 83-degree high at ACY last March 20th. For those hoping to skip over spring and get a taste of summer, the earliest 90-degree day high temperature on record occurred on April 7th, 2010, with a balmy 91-degree early April high.

Naturally, it goes without saying that even if we get some early season warmth this spring, the ocean is always slower to respond temperature-wise. Average ocean temperatures rise from the upper 30s during late winter to low 40s in early spring, and to around 50 degrees by late April. 60-degree ocean water at our beaches can be expected sometime around Memorial Day in an average year, with 70-degree ocean water typically following around July 4th.

Remember, winds have a lot to say with what our water temperatures actually do.

From a forecasting standpoint, early spring is usually a quieter time of year with respect to major weather events. We're past prime nor'easter season by late March, and hurricane season doesn't begin until early June. Sure, there can be a late coastal storm sneaking up the coast, or an early season severe weather outbreak like last year. But usually in the spring, it's chilly onshore sea-breezes, low clouds and fog banks off the ocean, and back door cold fronts that sneak down the coast that are often the biggest forecasting challenges. And spring is the time of year we start with the "cooler at the shore" phrase, as the ocean keeps the islands warmer during the winter (and part of the fall) but cooler in the spring and summer.

So there you have it. All spring talk and none of that other "s" stuff.

Hopefully, Mother Nature follows suit.

So many of my columns this winter have focused on a certain four letter "s" word, and exploring our chances of seeing some of that word throughout the season. For the record, we've seen over 7 inches this season, about 15 times more than last winter.

But an avid reader contacted me and offered a challenge, to try to not mention that "s" word once through an entire column. And with less than one month to go to a different "s" word that it's probably safe to say more people look forward to, I say to that reader challenge accepted.

We are after all in the home stretch of winter. The countdown to spring continues, with around three weeks to go until the vernal equinox and the start of the spring season. If you care to set a countdown timer on your iPhone, winter will officially end at 5:37am on Saturday, March 20th.

The days are perceptibly growing longer, and you're most likely especially noticing those later sunsets.

We'll continue to add about 2 minutes and 30 seconds of daylight to each day through the start of spring.

That means our sunset, occurring around 5:45pm right now, will move to around 6:00pm by March 11th, and all the way to 7:10pm just three days later on March 14th. Of course, that's because of the return to Daylight Saving Time as we spring ahead our clocks that weekend. Sure, we lose the hour of sleep, but we'll gain that precious extra hour of evening daylight that we'll gladly utilize all spring and summer long. You'll have to wait a little while longer for the first 8pm sunset, which occurs on the evening of May 10th.

Longer days and a higher and stronger sun angle of course mean temperatures continue to steadily warm as spring unfolds. Our average high temperature, right now around 46 degrees, will slowly but steadily rise to around 53 degrees by the first day of spring. Our average high reaches 60 degrees by mid-April (April 11th), and then 70-degree average highs are ours to enjoy exactly one month later on May 11th.

Low temperatures will gradually moderate as well to above freezing, but remember frosts are usually possible until mid-May. The rule of thumb I always use for gardening interests is wait until after Mother's Day weekend to plant any sensitive flowers or vegetation.

Of course, Mother Nature doesn't always abide by the law of averages, and spring can feature some wild temperature swings as winter tries desperately to hang on while spring

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

tries to take over control. When is the earliest we could hope for 80-degree high temperatures? Officially, the earliest 80-degree day on record at the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is March 10th, 2016, just five years ago when the high soared to 81 degrees. And just last year, the first full day of spring saw an 83-degree high at ACY last March 20th. For those hoping to skip over spring and get a taste of summer, the earliest 90-degree day high temperature on record occurred on April 7th, 2010, with a balmy 91-degree early April high.

Naturally, it goes without saying that even if we get some early season warmth this spring, the ocean is always slower to respond temperature-wise. Average ocean temperatures rise from the upper 30s during late winter to low 40s in early spring, and to around 50 degrees by late April. 60-degree ocean water at our beaches can be expected sometime around Memorial Day in an average year, with 70-degree ocean water typically following around July 4th.

Remember, winds have a lot to say with what our water temperatures actually do.

From a forecasting standpoint, early spring is usually a quieter time of year with respect to major weather events. We're past prime

nor'easter season by late March, and hurricane season doesn't begin until early June. Sure, there can be a late coastal storm sneaking up the coast, or an early season severe weather outbreak like last year. But usually in the spring, it's chilly onshore sea-breezes, low clouds and fog banks off the ocean, and back door cold fronts that sneak down the coast that are often the biggest forecasting challenges. And spring is the time of year we start with the "cooler at the shore" phrase, as the ocean keeps the islands warmer during the winter (and part of the fall) but cooler in the spring and summer.

So there you have it. All spring talk and none of that other "S" stuff.

Hopefully, Mother Nature follows suit.

Meteorologist Dan Skeldon has a degree in meteorology from Cornell University. He has forecasted the weather in South Jersey for the last 18 years, first on the former television station NBC40 and then on Longport Media radio. Dan has earned the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval for Broadcast Meteorologists, and now does television broadcasts on WFMZTV in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

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Sowing Poppies in the Snow

By Tammy Thornton

O

ver the last few weeks, the snow lover in me has enjoyed looking out of my picture window and seeing a blanket of white. Living by the coast, any measurable snow in our Shore Local area is usually followed by rain that washes away my children’s hopes for snowballs and snowmen. So, though many of you may not agree, I think it’s been a nice change to see a little accumulation.

Growing up in Pittsburgh where one snowfall piles on top of the other throughout the winter, I feel a certain nostalgic comfort from being surrounded by snow. Ironically, in some circumstances, snow can provide a level of protection and comfort for your garden as well, by trapping air and insulating plants from the cold.

Lately, as I learn more about the necessity of cold to aid in the germination of certain plants, like poppies, I have found another reason to embrace the various seasons.

Though I long for spring, thoughts

of bright red poppies bursting from my garden fill my dreams while we wait. Every life stage of poppies is fascinating. From their fuzzy, oval buds, colorful crepe paper-like petals and black centers, to their unique seed pods, poppies provide interest all along the way. While we are smitten by the colorful petals of poppies, bees are attracted to the abundance of pollen found on their long stamens.

Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until spring to plant poppies. According to burpee. com, “Poppies are best when they are grown from seed that is planted in fall or winter, even in cold winter areas. The seeds need to go through the natural freeze and thaw cycles to germinate…” After a recent snow, I excitedly brought my colorful packets of poppy seeds to the garden and sprinkled the tiny seeds directly over the snow. The contrast of the black seeds against the white snow helps you see where the small seeds have landed. There is no need to cover the seeds since they need light to germinate. Due to their long taproot, poppies do not transplant well. Choose a

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sunny location with well-drained soil.

Our sandy South Jersey soil should aid in drainage.

You may have purchased an artificial “remembrance poppy” sold by the American Legion in memory of those who have died serving our country. They were originally worn at the American Legion’s 1921 National Convention in memory of those that had lost their lives in World War I. Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote the famous war-time poem, “In Flanders Fields” after his friend and fellow soldier died in battle. He was struck by the red poppies that sprung up and bloomed between the make-shift graves and crosses of soldiers. Later, inspired by the poem, American remembrance advocate Moina Belle Michael wrote her own poem called “We Shall Keep the Faith” and proposed that silk or paper flowers be worn to remember fallen soldiers. Today, we wear the

poppies in memory of all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand, poppies are worn on Remembrance Day or Armistice Day to commemorate the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.

Though these “Flanders poppies” (papaver rhoeas) are annuals, they will readily self-seed. You can also grow vibrant Oriental poppies (papaver orientale), which are perennials.

Poppies enjoy the cool temperatures of spring but will go dormant in the heat of summer.

Be careful not to overwater. Iceland poppies (papaver nudicaule) are also good candidates for winter sowing in containers. Just be sure to carefully transplant while the seedlings are young before the taproot is too large to disturb. Plant poppies behind late-blooming perennials since as the poppies go dormant, they will leave unsightly foliage, as well as leave a bare spot of color in the garden. As the late-bloomers start to grow, they will cover the foliage and provide new interest to your garden.

Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.

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Keeping Your Pet Healthy This Winter Paw Prints

By Dr Mark Newkirk

W

hile winter can be fun with snow, skiing, and more, winter also requires more attention to detail for our pets, especially dogs who go outside. Here are a few thoughts and tips on how to keep your pets safe and healthy.

First, know your dog's limits.

Some dogs love to be out in the cold, others not so much. And if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for most dogs! Short coated dogs often are more comfortable with coats or sweaters on, and they sure look cute! Some long haired dogs might need to be trimmed ( not shaved) to reduce "snow balls or ice balls'' forming on their coat. Special attention needs to be focused on your pets feet, especially if they have long hair between their toes. The ice and/or

snow balls can create irritation and a dog's constant licking can also cause skin problems. Of course rock salt and other snow melt products can also cause major problems. (more on that later) It is a great idea to wash/wipe out the toes and in-between toe surfaces when you come back inside. Warm water is fine, you should also inspect the inter-toe surfaces for rock salt or other irritants. Dry the feet! If not the dog will usually overlick/clean the toes and again might cause a problem. Inspect the feet for cuts from ice or foreign objects.

Two other options are booties and paw wax. However, many dogs refuse to walk in booties as it feels very strange to them, and you should clean off excess wax after each walk.

Remember to hit the hood or honk the horn of your car as cats often sleep in the wheel well or up inside the engine compartment. Please avoid disaster!

Winter also brings darkness early, so remember safety. Reflective gear for you and your dog, such as reflection collars and leashes are a good idea. Remember it's slippery for cars and they may not see you in dark clothes and can't stop in time.

Because we are pet lovers ourselves, we understand thatmany people grieve just as deeply over the loss of a human loved one. For this reason, we are dedicated to providing support to all of the families we serve. As an integral part of your family, your pet is a loyal companion who offers years of unconditional love and brings immeasurable happiness and joy.When they pass on, the loss of your beloved pet and adored friend can be devastating. Rest assured that we will care for your pet with the same reverence as we would treat any of our pets.The funeral home has chosen only to charge the actual crematory fee and waive any staff and transportation fees.

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Be prepared for possible electrical and heat outages, by having food, water and your pets medication easily locatable with enough supplies for a few days...just in case!

Avoid spills! Antifreeze attracts dogs and cats due to its very sweet taste. It is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness and death if ingested as it wipes out the kidneys. Be sure to clean up any spills and make sure the cap is on tight wherever you store it.

Rat and mouse poisons are often used more in the winter time as these pests tend to move into the house as well to keep warm. Pets often will eat these baits, and they can cause severe illness.

KEEP the box so that you know what tge poison is. Keep the Animal Poison Control phone number in your phone or on a refrigerator magnet. Call them first! They will have valuable information on what to tell you and your vet.

New poisons come out all the time.

Do not assume your veterinarian is familiar with all the poisons available.

Cold and flu season us here for people, so medications left on counters can be ingested by animals.

Ingestion of human medication is actually the number ONE cause of animal poisonings nationwide. Again, call the Animal Poison Control hotline FIRST. Veterinarians are not familiar with every human meditation available and what effects it might have on the pets.

Okay, a word about "pet safe" ice melts. There is NO SUCH THING as

a completely safe ice melt. There are some that are "more safe" but all can cause skin irritations and gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea). The most ckmmkn ice melt, rock salt. Can cause hypernatremia, (severely elevated sodium in the blood), which can cause neurological problems and death. It can also cause severe inter-toe skin problems.

More "skin-safe" products are those that have ethylene glycol. However, this is the same active ingredient in antifreeze, so it is much more dangerous if ingested. Less toxic are ice melts with propylene glycol as its ingredient. It is quite safe for dogs, but cats can have red blood cell problems if ingested. Also, it is much less effective against ice and frozen snow for our sidewalks, etc, so it is not often easily found in stores.

The Pet Poison Hotline number is 1-855-764-7661. My advice is to put it in your cell phone now. They do charge a fee, so have a credit card ready, but it is well worth the price if concerned about poisoning.

Let's all make winter safer for both animals and humans.

As a Veterinarian, Dr. Newkirk has been serving Southern New Jersey for over 38 years.

He is extensively trained in medicine and surgery and also is skilled in the care of exotic pets such as reptiles and birds.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Events and Happenings

NICU. CLOTHING DRIVE Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union is collecting baby clothing to help children and families in need at the Special Care Nursery located at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point. Drop off brand new items including newborn or preemie clothing, newborn and preemie hats, handmade or store bought blankets, newborn sleep sacks/ swaddles. Monetary donations are also appreciated.

Help make a difference in the lives of local families with unexpected life circumstances.

Drop off items to a Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union branch now through April 30th. ● 80 South White Horse Pike, Unit #6 in Hammonton ● 1434 New Road in Northfield ● 326 E. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway ● Rio Grande Plaza on Route 9 in Rio Grande For more information about the NICU Clothing Drive or information regarding Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union please call (609) 382-4356 or visit us online at www.JerseyShoreFCUorg.

Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser (Online) ▶Now

– February 28th Atlantic Christian School is hosting their annual Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraider. Buy a Super Soup Coupon Card and enjoy Free Soup from 15 Local Restaurants with a minimum purchase.

The cost is $20 per card and each card will be valid through May 31st. Proceeds benefit Atlantic Christian School and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey Southern Branch. Learn more at acseht.org/bohcard/.

Earth Day 2021 Virtual Poster Contest ▶Now

– April 2nd The Margate Business Association and Sustainable Margate are teaming up to present Earth Day 2021 Virtual Poster Contest to raise awareness of the importance of a health ecosystem.

Children and adults are invited to participate. Poster focal points should reflect environmental and marine awareness within our seaside community. Submit a photo of your drawing by April 2nd to info@margatehasmore.com. Include the artists name, age and email address.

All photos of the posters submitted will be posted on the Margate Business Association website margatehasmore. com and social media pages.

Beth Israel Parking Lot Shabbat & Purim Service ▶Friday,

February 26th at 5:30pm 2501 Shore Rd. Northfield Beth Israel will host a special Shabbat service for Purim Friday, February 26th in the synagogue parking lot. Participants will enjoy the service from the comfort of their cars with sound provided through their car radios. There will be groggers and hamantaschen for all who RSVP. The event is free and open to the community. RSVP to the synagogue office at bethisrael@ cbinorthfield.org. For more information, call Beth Israel at 609-641-3600.

with a Be Kind StoryWalk. The pages of the book, written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill, have been transformed into signs in Lake Memorial Park. Read while you walk, find the kindness hearts in the park, and complete a survey for a chance to win a special prize. Masks and social distancing guidelines required. To learn more, visit oceancitylibrary.org.

Virtual Children’s Story Time ▶Saturdays

at 11am Tune in to hear prerecorded Story Times. Crafts can be picked up at the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield’s circulation desk for the *almost* full experience. Watch online at facebook.com/nflibrary.

↘Continued on 12

Kids

“Be Kind” StoryWalk ▶Now

– April 10th Lake Memorial Park 407 Wesley Ave. Ocean City You’re invited to the Ocean City Public Library’s “Be Kind” StoryWalk.

February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and we’re celebrating

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↘Continued from 11 Dr. Seuss Themed Kids Snack Video (VIRTUAL) ▶Monday,

March 1st at 5pm Do you have little ones at home that love Dr. Seuss characters? Watch this video to get some ideas of snacks that have been inspired by Dr. Seuss books and enjoy making them with your little ones at home. This event is of no-cost to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County.

Pre-registration is required. Please email inlandfsc@gmail.com for more information.

Online Kids Crafts at Longport Public Library ▶Wednesdays

and Saturdays 2305 Atlantic Ave. Longport Longport Public Library has a new, free kid’s craft kit available for pickup each Wednesday and Saturday. Craft kits are intended for ages 3-8 and contain everything you need for a fun activity each week. Call 609-487-7403 or visit longportpubliclibrary.org to learn more.

Toddler Time: Oh the Places You’ll Go Take & Make Virtual Craft ▶Thursday,

March 4th at 1pm It is Read Across America week.

Join New Day Family Success Center for a fun craft and book reading. You can dress up like your favorite Dr. Seuss character. We will be goofy and playful as we explore all the places we may want to go. Books will also be available

with your Take & Make Craft. Pickup is on Tuesday, March 2nd. This event is no-cost to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Registration on Eventbrite or by phone is required. Please call 609-652-0230 or visit facebook.com/newdaygalloway for more information.

Frozen Ice Cream Sandwich Party Cake with the Classy Chef (VIRTUAL) ▶Tuesday,

March 9th at 6:30pm Have you always wanted to learn how to make a special party cake? If so, this demo is for you. Learn how to take store bought ice cream sandwiches and present them as a spectacular beach themed cake. The Classy Chef will also demo how to make a delicious caramel sauce. To learn more or to register, please visit oceancitylibrary.org.

Lectures and Workshops

The History of Photography Virtual Program ▶Friday,

February 26th at 2pm Learn more about the history of photography as a 19th century invention, an art medium, and an accessible way of recording our memories today.

These lectures will give a brief overview of photography’s transition from an exciting scientific discovery to a popular and celebrated art form. To learn more or to register, visit oceancitylibrary.org.

Virtual Trivia ▶Saturday,

February 27th at 2pm Get your team together and test your knowledge with Longport Public Library. This is a free virtual event but registration is required. Call 609-4877403 or visit longportpubliclibrary.org for more information or to register.

Mindful Ways Virtual Workshop with Kate Lutz ▶Monday,

March 1st from 1-3pm Kate Lutz’s Mindful Ways Workshops offer easy ways to practice meditation and experience mindfulness.

Workshops include gratitude sharing, meditations, a discussion topic, and access to practical wellness tools. To learn more or to register, visit oceancitylibrary.org.

Classy Chef Virtual Cooking Demos ▶Wednesday,

March 3rd at 6pm Join the Classy Chef for these free virtual cooking demos hosted by the Library. This month’s presentation will be Party Time with Puff Pastry. Create light and luscious puff pastry treats that everyone will love. To learn more or to register, visit oceancitylibrary. org.

The Positivity Project Virtual Program ▶Thursday,

March 4th at 10:30am Join JFS Wellness Coordinator Mary Jean Arreola and Village Membership Director Tina Serota to discover ways to boost your wellness – mind, body and soul. Topics include: self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation, resilienct and more. RSVP by March 1st.

For more information or to join Village by the Shore, contact Tina at 609-2878872, tserota@jfsatlantic.org or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.

Relatives as Grandparents Flower Planting Take & Make Virtual Project ▶Thursday,

March 4th at 1pm Spring is in the air. New Day Family Success Center is going to work together with you to help bring some color into the world by planting flowers that will blossom and grow. Pickup is

on Tuesday, March 11th. This event is no-cost to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Registration on Eventbrite or by phone is required. Please call 609-652-0230 or visit facebook.com/newdaygalloway for more information.

U.S. Small Business Virtual Seminar ▶Monday,

March 8th at 10am Learn about the U.S. Small Business Association’s business loan programs, free business counseling available, and how to break into federal government contracting. To learn more or to register, visit oceancitylibrary.org.

International Women’s Day Online Video ▶Monday,

March 8th at 4pm Inland Family Success Center invites you to celebrate International Women’s Day and inspired hearing stories from successful women in our community.

This event is of no-cost to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Pre-registration is required.

Please email inlandfsc@gmail.com for more information.

Virtual Game Night with Ocean City Library ▶Monday,

March 8th at 7pm Are you a Jeopardy fan? Random fact enthusiast? Come test your skills with 6 rounds of virtual Trivia hosted by the Library via Zoom. This trivia will be general knowledge, so anyone can be an expert. To learn more or to register, visit oceancitylibrary.org.

The Village Movie Society Virtual Program ▶Tuesday,

March 9th at 10:30am Join theater teacher and coach Louise Marshall Hacker and Village Membership Director Tina Serota for a discussion about the movie, The Chicago 7, based on the infamous 1969 trial arising from protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention when seven individuals were charged by the federal government for conspiracy.

The trial began a national conversation

↘Continued on 14

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by March 2nd. For more information contact Tina Serota at 609-287-8872, tserota@jfsatlantic.org or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.

Virtual Financial Literacy Program: Taxes Tuesday, March 9th at 5pm It is that time of year again. This video from New Day Family Success Center will go over the basics of taxes including some of the tax forms, knowing the terminology and be more confident when discussing or doing your taxes. This event is no-cost to participants and open to all families living in Atlantic County. Registration on Eventbrite or by phone is required.

Please call 609-652-0230 or visit facebook.com/newdaygalloway for more information.

Rothenberg Center Presents: Community Conversation – New Jersey’s COVID-19 Storytelling Project (VIRTUAL) ▶Wednesday,

March 10th at 10:30am Share your story on how the pandemic has impacted you. The NJ YMCA State Alliance and the NJ Department of Health are collecting stories to memorialize the voices of residents

O

Virtual Tech Help ▶Fridays

from 11am-12pm Struggling to download an app to your cell phones or tablets? Trying to figure out how to read e-books on your Kindle? Longport Public Library Staff are excited to bring back Friday Tech Help. Registration is required. Help will be provided virtually via GoToMeeting. Visit longportpubliclibrary.org to request a 15-minute time slot. Please fill out the form completely and our staff will confirm your appointment via e-mail.

Health and Wellness

Virtual Winter Yoga Session ▶Thursdays

at 9:30am Registration is now open for Longport Public Library’s winter yoga

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session. Virtual classes are held each week through May 27th. Registration is required and spots are limited. 609487-7403 or visit longportpubliclibrary. org for more information or to register.

Warriors Welcome Online Veterans Support Group ▶Thursdays

at 5pm The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County hosts a peer-run veteran’s support & discussion group every week on Zoom. This is a no-cost, judgment-free, veteran-facilitated zone with discussions on self-care and wellness, family and relationships, adjusting to civilian life and employment.

For more information, contact Jaime Angelini at jangelini@mhaac.info or visit mhaac.info.

Virtual Tai Chi/Qigong ▶Fridays

at 11am Tai Chi/Qigong Class participants will learn the ancient mind, body, spirit practices of Qigong and Tai Chi. These gentle practices help relieve stress, improve balance and flexibility and enhance the immune system. Class is open to adults at all fitness levels. No experience required. Visit acfpl.org to register.

Virtual LGBTQ+ Discussion Group ▶Fridays

at 2pm A group for LGBTQ+ individuals and

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and inform on recommendations for improving public health. Participants will be asked to complete a consent form. To thank you for participating, a Visa gift card will be mailed to you.

Program is limited to the first 10 participants. RSVP by March 10th. For more information or to join Village by the Shore, contact Tina Serota at 609287-8872, tserota@jfsatlantic.org or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.

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their families and friends (18+) to come together, share experiences, learn about the community, find support and discuss relevant topics. This virtual group meeting is hosted by the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County.

For more information, please visit mhaac.info or dial-in at 609-241-9388 and use the Conference ID: 149330.

Nurse’s Roundtable: Self-Care & Nurturing in a Pandemic ▶Wednesday,

March 3rd at 10:30am Join JFS Nurse Educator Lori Pasahow and Village Membership Director Tina Serota for a discussion on how you have been caring for yourself and loved ones during the pandemic. Have your pre-COVID-19 health routines (mammograms, doctor’s visit, etc.) been interrupted? Any positive changes you would like to make permanent?

Hear what medical professionals are suggesting for self-care moving forward and gain insight into vaccine distribution and its implications. RSVP

by February 26th. For more information or to join Village by the Shore, contact Tina Serota at 609-287-8872, tserota@jfsatlantic.org or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.

Virtual Mind & Body Workshop ▶Wednesdays

at 11am The Mental Health Association of Atlantic County hosts a weekly Zoom meeting for those living with a disability. For questions, contact Bernadette at btrendler@mhanj.org, call 609-6523800 ext. 303 or visit mhaac.info.

Mental Health Association Virtual Meetings The Mental Health Association has moved all services to virtual for the health, safety and well-being of all. If you have questions or concerns (including help using Zoom or the conference calling feature), you can call 609-652-3800 or visit our website at mhaac.info.

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Understanding your metabolism Nutrition

By Nancy Adler

I

f you are one of those lucky people who has a fast metabolism, you are both loved and loathed. A fast metabolism usually means that weight loss and/ or maintaining your weight is easier than for most people. Although there are ways to speed up your metabolism through diet, exercise, or supplements that can enhance your metabolism, it is certainly a lot easier for those whose metabolisms are not working against them. So why do some people have a fast metabolism? I’m asked that question every day. Most think they have a slow metabolic rate. Once someone is tested for their metabolic rate, they may finally understand their body’s metabolic blueprint and see it’s not so slow after all. Finally, they can achieve those long awaited weight loss goals!

Before explaining why some people have a faster metabolism than others, you first need to understand the role of metabolism in our bodies.

Metabolism has two parts: a catabolic reaction and an anabolic reaction.

The catabolic reaction breaks down your food so it can be easily digested and the nutrients can go where they are supposed to in your body.

The anabolic reaction occurs when these smaller, broken down pieces are used to build new tissue and take care of your body.

Basal metabolic rate refers to how fast your body breaks down your food. It is this rate that determines how fast or slow your overall metabolism is and, ultimately, how your body weight is affected. A fast metabolism is considered over the one hundred degree limit. If you are having trouble gaining weight or muscle, that is usually the first sign that you may have a fast metabolism.

This may sound good to some, but for people who are underweight, this can lead to some serious health issues. In an attempt to gain weight, it can result in overeating fattening foods which can lead to other problems. Many people who are trying to gain weight will tend to eat all types of food that are not necessarily good for them.

Genetics certainly plays a part in your body’s metabolism, like it or not. There are three different body types—mesomorphs (those with athletic builds), endomorphs (those

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

with bigger bodies), and ectomorphs (those with very thin builds). Ectomorphs have a distinct build that makes them the most likely candidates to have a fast metabolism.

They are often thin with small shoulders, very little muscle mass, and a delicate frame. Ectomorphs have a very difficult time gaining weight and putting on muscle due to their overly fast metabolism.

Aside from DNA, there are other causes of a fast metabolism. An overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism, is one cause. Nervousness, fatigue, a rapid heart rate, and weight loss are usual signs of hyperthyroidism. A doctor can have your thyroid tested if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect your thyroid is the cause of your speedy metabolism. To better regulate your thyroid health, maybe try an iodine supplement.

Another reason someone may have a fast metabolism is if they smoke. This is just another reason not to pick up this habit ever in your life. In addition to all the other illnesses it can bring on, messing up your metabolism is another issue to add to the growing list. If you’re a smoker, please consider stopping.

If you are under stress, that too can affect your metabolism and speed it up. Both smoking and stress often go hand in hand, so finding a better way to deal with stress and quitting smoking is one cause that you can eliminate through a lifestyle change.

For those who struggle with their weight and have tried just about everything to control it and keep it in check, having a fast me-

tabolism sounds like a dream come true. But ask someone whose metabolizes food at the speed of light and they will tell you it is not as fun as it sounds. There are disadvantages to having a fast metabolism.

People who are overly thin tend to get accused of not eating enough or trying to starve themselves to look the way they do. For women, this is especially difficult to deal with as no woman wants to be looked at as someone with an eating disorder. Women with fast metabolisms may also experience difficulty with menstruation as their cycles can become irregular.

Another disadvantage of a fast metabolism is that building muscle is much more difficult. Because your body is burning off your food so quickly, there is nothing to fuel muscle growth. The food is pretty much gone before it ever has a chance to be stored and that means losing important nutrients that assist in muscle growth.

You can slow down a fast metabolism just like you can speed up a slow one. Proper Nutrition and diet is the most important factor when trying to slow things down. There are foods that metabolize slowly like sugars and processed and fried foods. But those are not the healthiest options. Sure, if you have a fast metabolism you can indulge in these foods with little risk of weight gain, but ideally, you want to try to stick with healthier proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to provide your body with some much needed weight.

Getting plenty of sleep also has metabolism-slowing effects as it helps to store the fat in your body.

When it comes to exercise, avoid anything too strenuous as you will just burn off what you worked so hard to put on. If you’re used to doing 45 or 60 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill, try reducing to 20 minutes and adding a challenging weight-training routine that limits the number of repetitions to 10-12 per set.

If you suspect that you have a fast metabolism, you can accept it as having something that is the envy of most people, but check with your doctor to make sure that there are no underlying causes that need to be fixed.

While advocating a lifestyle of fatty foods and decreased exercise goes against most expert advice, people with a fast metabolism fall into a category all onto themselves.

You want to make sure that when you do eat foods to gain weight, they are the healthier variety like whole wheat pasta and brown rice as opposed to the “white” foods. Being underweight can lead to unhealthy issues down the road so eating an extra serving of linguine now may save you from a more serious issue later.

Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood. Her office is located in Cornerstone Commerce Center, 1201 New Rd. Learn about her practice at ww.nancyadlernutrition.com (609)653-4900 Nancy is the Recipient of the Best of The Press 2020 Gold Award. You may listen to Nancy every Sunday at 2 pm Nancy Adler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND

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By Erica Hoffman

O

ur society is downright enchanted with falling in love, walking down the aisle, and (thanks to Beyonce) putting a ring on it. This picturesque, and perhaps impractical “til death do us part’ game is strong. But what we don’t talk about as much is what “happily ever after” really looks like.

Even for couples who have been together for years, shared a home, and maybe even had a couple of great kids—putting a ring on it comes with a whole new set of joys as well as challenges. This rings especially true for two friends of mine, who, after five years together, a beautiful home and two incredibly charming children, got married on February 28th, 2020.

Just two short weeks before the world shut down.

None of us knew we should have been savoring every second of seeing each other smile because, unbeknownst to us, it would be one the last time we interacted with people with no hesitation of harm.

We were blissfully unaware that we should have treasured being around our loved ones just a bit more. Like everyone else, we were all completely oblivious. We should have been savoring feeling joy without any cloud of worry hovering over us. None of us knew what was coming.

Now, almost a year to the day from that beautiful soirée, I was quite curious as to how this unprecedented first year of marriage during a global pandemic turned out. I should also mention that the bride, Christina, is an ICU nurse at Virtua Hospital in Vorhees, while the groom, Ricky is the Sales Manager at his family’s business Post to Post in Egg Harbor Township.

If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering what does the first year of marriage look like when you are on the frontline putting your life at

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

in our day-to-day life has changed, but little things like being able to call her my wife still feel surreal.

How in the world do you juggle being full-time parents, one a frontline worker, and one an integral part of the family business while also keeping your newlywed vibe alive?

Christina: I’d love to pretend that we’ve got it all together, but

that would be a lie. Ricky has been the one to keep us all going. Luckily, we’ve been able to have some socially distanced date nights and the very frequent Netflix and wine on the couch.

Ricky: I try to make it easier for Christina. She’s on the frontlines of the pandemic caring for COVID pa-

↘Continued on 18

3 MEN AND A HOE risk every day for the sake of others while still making sure you are caring for yourself and your family as best as you possibly can.’ So, I went searching for my answers.

Days before their first anniversary, I spoke to the newlyweds to get some insight into how their extremely unconventional first year of marriage was going.

Does it feel like a year since the wedding?

Christina: It feels like it’s been one hundred years to me. It’s been a year of chaos, and I didn’t think it would ever end. When I look at our wedding pictures and watch our video, it feels

like forever ago.

Ricky: It feels like we’ve been married longer than a year, but it’s crazy to see how quickly time flew by given the pandemic.

Does anything feel different now that you are married?

Christina: It doesn’t feel any different for me. We had kids before getting married, so there haven’t been many life-altering events since our wedding, oh except for the global pandemic that turned our lives upside down!

Ricky: It feels the same because we were settled in our home with our boys before being married. Not much

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↘Continued from 17 tients. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day. Some days you go with the flow, and other days, you roll with the punches and tackle one obstacle at a time. We also try to have some Mommy and Daddy time to keep our sanity.

How are you both coping with Christina being on the frontlines in the ICU? Christina: It is physically and mentally draining. I worry every day that I am putting my and my family’s lives at risk just by going to work.

I am grateful for my ICU family, who show so much compassion and resilience every day. I work directly with COVID patients in the ICU and have seen a lot of heartbreaking things. However, I’m honored to help my patients during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Ricky: It’s stressful. I worry about Christina and our family nonstop. I’m constantly concerned with what she has to deal with daily regarding COVID being an ICU nurse. I am lucky enough to have a job and continue working from home. The time I spend with my two best buds is priceless but completing all my work at home is a challenge.

What typical first year of marriage plans or experiences do you feel you’ve missed?

Christina: The biggest thing for me was missing our honeymoon to Greece and going on dates. I want to go to the movies with my new husband!

Ricky: It’s the honeymoon for me, too. It would have been my first time out of the country, and I was looking forward to some alone time as newlyweds.

And lastly, how are you planning to celebrate your first anniversary?

We’re going to paint our bedroom and get takeout! The kids are spending the night with their Grandmom.

Well Christina and Ricky, congratulations on making it through your first year of marriage. The way you handle whatever is thrown at you

guys is something I admire greatly. If I marry someone who loves me half as much as you guys love and care about each other, I will consider myself a fortunate woman.

Here’s to many more years of unconditional love and watching your handsome boys turn into the gentleman I know you guys will raise them to be.

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

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Sports & Entertainment

Extra Points with Pete

Sports & Entertainment

By Pete Thompson

A

s we approach the end of February, it seems like we are turning a corner in our almost year-long battle against COVID-19. Governors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have announced a plan for fans to be back in the buildings for pro sports moving forward. Parents have been able to attend area high school sports events recently in limited numbers. Yes, it does seem like we will still be wearing masks and socially distancing for a while, but it also seems like we are turning a corner.. I hope!

Since I last wrote, the Eagles have moved on from Carson Wentz. Now, how will they handle things with the #6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft? The Sixers are at the top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but continue to need bench help if they’re going to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Flyers took a direct hit from COIVD-19 as six regular skaters have been out a few games, including the big NHL

Outdoor Game in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Finally, the full roster of the Phillies are in Clearwater to start Spring Training, but a prominent star announces an injury that might force him to miss the season opener. On the local level, area high school winter sports continue, and swimming has been added to the mix.

From the entertainment world, I watched two decent movies on Amazon Prime, both of which I’ll recommend. Plus, I’ve caught an Oscar winner for Best Picture on HBO twice in the last week or so, and am reminded of seeing it in the theater in 2012 when it first ran. As always though, we begin with sports, and my thoughts: ● I’ll begin with Carson Wentz and what I posted on Facebook five hours after the deal was announced on February 18th right around 12 noon. Here are the details as I wrote, “Carson Wentz is traded to the Colts for a 2021 third round draft pick and a conditional 2022 draft pick that could improve to a one. While I still shake my head at how this happened, and make no mistake about it, Wentz's career in Philly started to end the minute

●

●

Altered Carson Wentz jersey (From Facebook)

●

the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts, my take is that I'm at peace with it.”

I continued with, “They got the best package they could. There’s no way that they were getting two #1's, like the Lions did for Stafford.

If he plays well, or enough, the 2nd round pick becomes a 1st. He's going to the Colts. Frank Reich, Press Taylor and Wentz himself should be ecstatic with how this turned out.”

●

Then I said, “As for the Birds? They still end up with the highest dead money cap hit EVER. Go draft Devonta Smith or J'Marr Chase.

Don't take a young QB and let history repeat itself. Bring in a veteran QB as the backup and give Jalen Hurts a full year to see what he can do. Or, maybe they'll trade down from six and get more "assets" as Sam Hinke always called them.”

And I made sure to include what was a popular picture on social media the day the trade was announced. A #11 Wentz jersey from the Eagles with the “Z” blacked out, so it just says “WENT”. Oh yeah, Carson definitely WENT! My last item on the Eagles is about Howie Roseman. Many folks want Roseman fired because of his bungling of the Wentz situation.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie doesn’t seem inclined to do that any time soon.

Which means that even though Roseman might have done a satisfactory job getting out of this jam, he still has other jams he’s caused that we can’t overlook. Consider

↘Continued on 22

Turn winter blahs into heartfelt hurrahs

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Reflecting on a year with the pandemic Mom's Vibe

By Krystle J. Bailey

D

ear Shore Local Moms: When I was asked to write this Mom’s Vibe column, I couldn’t help but feel a little Carrie Bradshaw-esque. I’ve written countless articles about current events and people doing amazing things in our area but to have a column that I could speak directly to women just like myself felt like a gift. I wanted it to be personal. I wanted to connect with you as the reader, even though we may have never met.

If you read this column regularly, you may notice that I write a lot about taking care of ourselves as mothers, more so than I write about the kids. Though, I do include them as well. That’s because mothers hold it all together. We keep our own personal worlds spinning on their axes and our personal moons in orbit. Sometimes in doing that, it feels exhausting, overwhelming, and often, lonely. Each week when I search for something to write about, I ask myself, “how can I make just one other mom feel less alone through my words?”

Then, I write from the heart.

Something that has been heavy on my mind is the fact that we are closing in on one year of living in a “Covid world.” I remember the day vividly when it seemed like the sky started falling. Friday, March 13th. Schools started closing, the NBA canceled the rest of its season, jobs began an-

nouncing work-from-home protocols, and it felt like the world around us was crumbling.

“14 days to slow the spread.” That’s what they told us in the beginning.

So, I thought “ok, cool. Two weeks to stay home with my family and bond.” I picked up some wine, junk food, more Legos than my kids could handle, and settled in for a two-week quarantine.

We all know how that went.

Here we are, one year later and I’ve personally put on 25 pounds, as two weeks became two months and the junk food continued to flow. In the beginning, I spent time organizing cabinets that are now a mess again.

With every passing month, I’d declare that I’d start changing some habits and use my time wisely. I’d complete unfinished projects and declutter my home, start a new workout routine and learn something new.

Most of those things have not come to fruition and I say this all to say that, nobody prepared us for how to handle times like these, and therefore, there was no “right” or “wrong” way to navigate a world-wide pandemic. I have some friends who spent the time getting back into shape or went back to online school to finish their degree.

I have friends who picked up new hobbies and others who barely survived. I know so many people who lost loved ones and have spent the last year grieving. Countless people struggled with addiction, depression, and anxiety.

People have lost businesses, careers, and their savings.

I remember there was a quote floating around the internet in the early days saying something along the lines of, “If this time doesn’t bring you a new skill, a side hustle, or knowledge, you just lack discipline.” That quote would

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frustrate me endlessly. Why are we so ingrained to have to produce even in the midst of global chaos? There was a counter-quote that basically said, “If this time doesn’t bring you any of these things, you’re probably human and should be proud of just making it through a time like this.”

The reality is, we all cope with trauma differently and no matter how you cut it, this has been a traumatic year. For some, worse than others. However you dealt with a global pandemic uprooting your entire life, I want to tell you that YOU were right. You handled this last year in the best way that YOU knew how and that is more than enough. Don’t let the internet tell you otherwise.

We are more disconnected than ever while simultaneously, spending more time on social media than ever.

Social media will have you believe that you aren’t enough in the blink of an eye.

It’s a lie. Maybe you were someone who learned a new skill or started a side

hustle, I truly honor and celebrate you!

However, if you didn’t. If you just survived, that’s beautiful in itself. Coming out on the other side of this still holding onto our health and our sanity, even if by a thread, is to be just as celebrated.

So today, I celebrate you! To each and every person reading this, no matter how you navigated this past year, no matter how ugly it got or what kind of rollercoaster ride it was, you survived this past year the best way you knew how. You deserve to be honored for that. You’re here. Be here.

I’ll end with a concept I heard recently on A Million Little Things. The character Maggie is learning to live a whole new life and she is reminded to keep her mind where her body resides.

That stuck with me and is something I’ve been reminding myself of when my mind starts to run away: Slow down, take a breath, and bring your mind back to where your body resides. It’s all going to be okay.

Until next time, Krystle

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Patrick Samnang Barry is the Program Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden.

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Bethany Welch, PhD, practices applied scholarship for the common good, teaches urban studies at Rutgers University-Camden, and is currently the Justice and Peace Fellow for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men.

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March 22, 2021 Catholic Social Teaching and the Common Good

Kevin Hickey is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Camden, and has served on the board of trustees for Catholic Charities USA.

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

21

↘Continued from 20

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his roster dilemmas in the past with poor draft picks (Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas) and bad contracts (Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson), and you have to admit a lot of the franchise problems are caused by Roseman. The big-picture bottom line here is the Eagles traded their franchise quarterback because he lost faith in the organization’s ability to help him turn his career around. No matter how you look at it, that looks terrible to the fan base, to the league, and to other players who might be considering playing in Philly. Bad optics all the way around!

Let’s move on to basketball now, where the Sixers hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference as of this writing, but only by a half a game better than the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers are most recently coming off a pair of games where Joel Embiid put up a career high 50 points and 17 rebounds in a 112105 win at home over the Chicago Bulls. Then, they went to Tampa to play the Toronto Raptors and lost 110-103 in a game where Embiid and Ben Simmons only managed 53 points combined! The Raptors double and triple-teamed Embiid every time he touched the ball, forcing the other Sixers to step up,

Joel Embiid 50 points. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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and Simmons did, making 9 of 11 shots en route to a game-high 28 points, the rest of the Sixers wilted.

Once again, the Sixers bench was a liability as they were outscored 35-16. Toronto reserve post player Chris Boucher was too much for the Sixers to handle as he was the king of the pick-and-pop, scoring all 17 of his points after intermission, on 6-for-6 shooting, making five threes. Don’t think for a second that other teams aren’t going to look at that as the “blueprint” for beating the Sixers in the playoffs.

Which means, they’re going to need help for the bench. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is to be commended for getting the right starting five for Doc Rivers.

Now, he needs to find some bench depth prior to the March 25th trade deadline. Kyle Lowry’s name has surfaced, but I think that one is a

●

bit far-fetched. Names I’d be okay with include Philly native Wayne Ellington, former St. Joe’s star Langston Galloway, pure shooter and former Sixer JJ Reddick and finally, almost a Sixer Nemanja Bjelica. In 2018, Bjelica had an oral agreement with the Sixers, but backed out of it and told the team he was returning to Europe. Then he signed with Sacramento. Come to think of it, I’m not sure how Philly fans would embrace the one-time “traitor” that essentially picked the Kings over the 76ers.

At least the Sixers have been relatively healthy of late. The same cannot be said for the Flyers, as after winning in Washington on February 7th, saw their season abruptly come to a halt as COVID-19 invaded the dressing room. The Flyers missed four games and have lost twice in their return to the ice with a less than 100% roster. When they skated against the Rangers at home last week, they were fortunate to get a point in a 3-2 shootout loss. Things went from bad to worse though in the next game as the Boston Bruins embarrassed them in an “Outdoor Game” at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Once again David Pastrnak lit up the Flyers for a hat trick, and while Philly was missing six

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regulars, it does signal some alarm bells to me that Carter Hart might be leaky.

The six players who missed the game because of the league’s COVID-19 protocol — Travis Konecny, Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek, Scott Laughton, Oskar Lindblom, and Justin Braun — are expected to be at practice at some point this week. That said, there are some problems right now no matter who is on the ice. The Flyers need to spend more time in their opponents’ zone, like they did last year in the playoffs. They also need to change the ridiculous shot-disparity, which is a negative 9.6 per game. You can’t let the opposing team get ten more shots on goal each game than you and expect to win too many games!

Finally, the power-play tends to be too pass happy for my liking.

There are some bright spots though. The revamped top line of Sean Couturier, James Van Riemsdyk and Joel Farabee look really good right now. Farabee has as many goals (eight) in 15 games as he did in his entire rookie season last year! JVR is finally playing like the man they thought they traded for to bring back a few years ago.

↘Continued on 24

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Remembering Archie Harris Harris spent his summers during high school and college working as a lifeguard on the Ocean City Beach Patrol. In the late afternoon, when everyone had left the beach, he would practice throwing the discus and shot put. A crowd would quickly gather along the boardwalk at Fifth Street to watch the world champion athlete workout.

A Look Back at Ocean City Harris left the beach patrol to fight in

By Fred Miller World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps where, after learning to fly at the Tuskegee Flight School, he became a fighter pilot. He wenty years ago, Tom Williams, chalked up 10,000 hours as a bomber pilot award winning columnist, namwith the much-decorated 617th BombardedArchie Harris as Ocean City’s “Male Athlete of the Century.” ment Squadron, 447th Composite Group, Archie Harris was a fourTactical Air Command. year letter winner in football, After the war he tried to get a job as a basketball and track at Ocean commercial pilot, but in City High School from 1933 1946, no one would hire to 1937. He was a member of the All-State Football Team, an African-American pilot. and three years in a row he He found work as a New broke the state record in the York longshoreman, but he shot put and discus. found racial discrimination Harris was the best high was also on the waterfront. school discus thrower in African-Americans were not put in positions of America when he competed in the 1936 Olympic Trials. authority. After ten years He missed making the trip to on the docks, he moved up only two small steps.

Berlin by 7 inches. Unfortunately, World War II forced “Discrimination in the North” was the banner the cancellation of the 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games On June 20, 1941, Archie across the cover of the and ended Harris’ dream Harris won his second March 11, 1957 issue of of winning an Olympic gold straight National Collegiate the most popular weekly medal.

Athletic Association discus magazine—LIFE. Archie In 1937, Harris enrolled at title with a world-record toss Harris was featured in the Indiana University. He quickly of 174 feet, 8 ¾ inches. article which described the became well known for his job discrimination he and play on the football field. He was on the other African-Americans faced at the time.

1940 All-Big Ten team.

In 1957, seeing no future as a longshoreBy 1941, Harris had gained world-wide man, and realizing he had no chance of befame for his long distance discus throws. coming a commercial pilot, Harris became “Harris Shatters Discus Standard” was the a physical education teacher at the Harlem, headline in the June 21, 1941 New York New York YMCA. He spent the rest of his life Times. A smaller banner reported “Toss improving the lives of young people.

Archie Harris died on October 29, 1965 of 174 feet 8 ¾ inches in N.C.A.A. Meet after a lengthy illness. He was 47 years old. on Coast Breaks World Record.” The old record of 174 feet 2 ½ inches was set by Willi He is buried in the Beverly (NJ) National Schroder of Germany in 1935.

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23

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The last pro sport to discuss is pro baseball as the entire Phillies roster is now at Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we learned that catcher and standout star J.T. Realmuto has a broken right thumb. The newly re-signed catcher broke his thumb last week when a curveball from reliever Jose Alvarado skipped in the dirt and hit his hand. He first thought the injury was a bone bruise before he underwent a precautionary MRI. Realmuto said he was “kind of shocked” when he learned it was actually fractured.

That said, Realmuto also says at worst he might miss a game or two at the beginning of the season. So far, a cast on his right hand hasn’t prevented him from catching a bullpen session or even taking some swings with the cast on. The Phillies are not overly concerned with the injury but will be cautious with the catcher after signing him to a record-setting contract. If Realmuto is not ready for the season opener on April 1, his return should not be much later.

Even if he misses the season opener, you have to “tip your cap” to Realmuto’s skills as a recruiter as for the second straight season, he’s

●

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responsible for convincing a free agent to come and join the Phillies. Chase Anderson, just like Zack Wheeler last winter, credited Realmuto’s presence for swaying his decision to sign with the Phillies.

For the second straight offseason, the thought of throwing to baseball’s best catcher helped convince a pitcher to join the Phillies. I’m not sure how you list that on the resume, but it’s a good “perk” that Realmuto brings with him.

Locally, in my last column I wrote about high school basketball being in full swing. You can add high school swimming to that mix, and since I last wrote, parents and a limited number of fans are being allowed to return to the games and events. Even though the schedule is much smaller than normal, I’m just happy these high school athletes are getting SOMETHING that resembles a season. I’m hopeful that when we get to the spring, and outside, that even more fans will be allowed to attend and things will start to get back to “normal”.

As always, I’ll close with entertainment as I caught two movies recently on Amazon Prime that I liked. The first was called “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things”, and I really enjoyed this one. Mark (Kyle Allen) is a teenage boy who has

JT Realmuto broken thumb (Courtesy: Matt Gelb Twitter)

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been stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. Because of his knowledge of what will happen, and the freedom from consequences provided by the time loop, he spends much of his day engaging in random bizarre activities, such as driving construction machinery through town. At the community pool, he makes repeated attempts to impress a pretty girl by trying to save her from being knocked into the water by a thrown beach ball.

One day, a girl named Margaret (Kathryn Newton) unexpectedly intervenes at the pool. Mark tracks her down and discovers that she is also living in the same time loop. At a brisk 99-minutes, if you like time travel and you like romance, this one is for you…!!!

I also checked out the drama “Miss Sloane” starring Jessica Chastain.

Somehow I missed this one in 2016 when it first came out, but the film stars Chastain, Mark Strong, Mi-

chael Stuhlbarg, Alison Pill, Jake Lacy, John Lithgow, and Sam Waterston. The film follows Elizabeth Sloane, a fierce lobbyist, who fights in an attempt to pass gun control legislation. However, she is left helpless when the opposing party digs deep into her personal life. I’ll say this, I first noticed Chastain in “Zero Dark Thirty”, then loved her in “The Martian” and “Crimson Peak”. Maybe my favorite performance she’s given came in 2017’s “Molly’s Game”, but go back and check out “Miss Sloane”…you won’t be disappointed. ● My last entertainment item is about the Best Picture winner from the 85th Academy Awards and that’s “Argo” by Ben Affleck. It’s based on the true story of C.I.A. operative Tony Mendez and what he did to get six Americans out of Iran during the 1979-1981 Iran Hostage Crisis.

Now, is it historically accurate? No, in fact it makes the British and the folks from New Zealand look bad in just an off-handed comment. It also doesn’t give enough props to the then Canadian ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor. That said, the film, starring Affleck as Mendez, along with Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman in supporting roles, was nominated for seven Oscars and won three. If you haven’t seen it and are looking for things to watch while COVID has you cooped up inside, you could do much worse that “Argo”.

I’ll close with my reminder to keep wearing those masks and staying socially distant please. Vaccines continue to be given out in New Jersey with more people getting vaccinated every day. I’ve signed up at covid19.nj.gov and urge you to do the same. Hopefully “normal” is coming soon!

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Atlantic City Weeps: The Artistic Community Mourns The Passing Of Pattie Harris

The Light with Raymond Tyler

P

attie Harris is and will always be an icon in the world of arts and dance to the citizens and artists of Atlantic City. I could spend this entire article discussing her accomplishments such as appearing with Sherman Hemsely in the theatrical musical Purlie or dancing at The Club Harlem. We in the artistic community recognized the passing of Pattie Harris the icon on Sunday, february 14th 2021. We as artists however, mourn the passing of Pattie Harris, our mentor and friend. I have many stories about “Miss Pattie” that I will share another time, but for today, I want to give my fellow artists an opportunity to share their thoughts.

Alma Johnson - Atlantic City Arts Commissioner “I’ve known Pattie for

years. We’ve taken three trips to Trinidad together and we had a ball.

She was one of the best tap dancers to ever take the stage in Atlantic City.

Every summer Pattie Harris would have the showcase for talented youth and give them the spotlight of performing at Kennedy Plaza. Pattie Harris made that spotlight available for youth from all over, regardless of color. She will be missed.”

Shawn Jones - Award Winning Dancer, Dance Instructor, Award Winning Writer-“Pattie was proud of the dancers we had become after years of training at Dancecraft. She was also proud of the people we had become. She knew she had left a lasting impression on our lives. I am a dance instructor, business owner, and confident Black woman because Pattie invested quality time in me for the 18 years I was a student at her dance studio and the four years I was a member of the Atlantic City Dance Theatre (ACDT). When the ACDT traveled the East Coast, she was our road mom. We wouldn’t dare call her mom or Miss Pattie, though.

She didn’t play that!”

Princess Jones - Former Member of the Atlantic Dance Theatre. Princess danced professionally in Atlantic City and New York City. She also shared the stage with late musical icon, Michael Jackson. “Pattie was a COMPLETE institution and always on a mission for Dance, Theater, Black History, Black Pride, Education, Leadership, Feminism, and Self development.

That sister was ALL in. She was about getting things done! She threw down! She left it ALL on the field! A woman of action and true leadership.

What a bright and fiery light she was.

A true star.“ There were many more artists that offered stories and quotes and not enough room this time around.

On Sunday March 7th, my website www.DeepDopeSoul.com along with The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University are curating the first of 4 awards shows called South Jersey The Ladies In Arts (LIA) Awards. We had planned to award Pattie Harris one of our special Lifetime Inspiration Awards. We will still celebrate Pattie Harris as a Lifetime Inspiration for artists of South Jersey, for more information on this virtual celebration, please visit www.DeepDopeSoul. com. As Pattie Harris used to say “Keep on keeping on.”

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

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Trump Plaza Goes Out with a Bang

By Steffen Klenk Photos by Donald B Kravitz

The Atlantic City skyline changed last Wednesday morning, as the former Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino was imploded. The former 39-story building consisted of over 610 hotel rooms, along with several restaurants, gaming floors, and a showroom. Just after 9:08am, it was reduced into a pile of rubble. 3,000 sticks of dynamite were used to bring the building down.

Dozens of onlookers watched the detonation from the beach along Florida Avenue. At Bader Field, hundreds gathered socially distanced to watch the spectacle from their cars.

Even a few brave souls viewed the implosion from their boats or surfed amongst the waves to get one final look at the building. Wednesday’s perfect weather provided unparalleled views of the changing skyline.

Inside One Atlantic Events, located along The Pier at Caesars, a group of ten lucky winners got the opportunity to watch the implosion up-close, as part of an auction that raised money for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. In addition, the winners received an overnight stay at one of several neighboring casino properties, including Caesar’s, Hard Rock and Ocean Casino. According to Elizabeth McGlinn, Director of Operations at One Atlantic, as part an auction that raised over $17,000.

One of those lucky winners included Lou Woloszyn, also known as “Implosion Man.” Brandished in a bright orange jumpsuit, the Philadelphia native has witnessed dozens of demolitions, from the former Sands

Casino to Veterans Stadium, even the Sears Catalog Building along Roosevelt Boulevard. “This was a bad Halloween costume” says Woloszyn.

Trump Plaza formally opened on May 14, 1984 and was a premier destination for high-rollers and tourists throughout the region. During its lifespan, the casino attracted many high-profile celebrities, and was one of the filming locations for the hit 2001 re-make of Ocean’s Eleven. The Plaza hosted many high-profile concerts and sporting events, including a notable 1988 boxing match in which Mike Tyson knocked out opponent

Michael Spinks in the first round. Trump Plaza was also the sponsor of WrestleMania IV and V, held in at neighboring Boardwalk Hall.

After just over thirty years of business, Trump Plaza officially closed its doors on September 16, 2014 at 5:59am. Conditions of the vacant property had deteriorated in the years after its closure. In March 2018, two large pieces of the exterior façade blew off during a winter nor’easter. The 39-story building was officially deemed an “imminent hazard” last year by Atlantic City officials.

The demolition of Trump Plaza marks the second time a casino has been detonated in Atlantic City history. In October 2007, the Sands was imploded in front of a crowd of thousands, prior to which a dazzling fireworks show lit up the surrounding casinos and boardwalk.

An attached building along the property’s south end is slated for demolition in the coming months.

The parking garage, east tower and Rainforest Café will remain in place.

Cleanup is estimated for completion in time for the summer tourist season. Billionaire Carl Icahn remains as the owner of the sprawling multi-acre oceanfront property. Icahn has not announced any redevelopment plans.

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Whiskey, for Peat's Sake

By Dave Baldwin

I

step outside on a frigid winter night. I take a deep breath. I smell an unmistakable scent. Someone has a fire going!

I am sure some find this enjoyable like I do. There are also some who do not care for the weather or the aroma of burning wood. As it happens, the seasons don’t linger like fumes of charring oak, and pretty soon we will be planting crops and filling swimming pools.

I will enjoy these fleeting moments.

Many of us are drawn to sensory experiences like cooking, art, and music. The same connection can also be made to wine and spirits. For me it's whisky! There’s color, aromatics, texture, and flavor. Chief among these is an element as controversial as a whaft of low tide from the back bay, or a whiff of gasoline at the pump. I am talking about PEAT! It’s smoke and campfire ashes.

It’s medicinal iodine. It’s earthy and

musty and wonderful. But not to everyone. Throughout the past 10 years of sharing my love of whisky with anyone that will listen, I have learned that some people simply don’t like peat.

But I have also learned that some people misunderstand or misinterpret peat. So I thought I would try to set the record straight.

For starters, not all whisky is peated. Not even all scotch. Smoke in other whisky styles is quite rare. So much so, that any smokey bottle of whisky (that isn’t scotch) will likely say it right on the label. Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey. Westland Peated American Single Malt. The whisky

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So what is peat?

Peat is compact decaying vegitation. It’s on its way to becoming coal.

It has been used to produce scotch for as long as anyone can remember.

If you dry barley with burning bricks of peat, you get smoked barley. Which in turn creates a peated spirit.

Scotch is produced all over the country of Scotland. Most distilleries choose to create whisky that is unpeated. There are a few distilleries, like Oban, who’s malt contains traces of smoke. But if I hadn’t told you that, you may not have noticed. Peated scotch comes primarily from one small island off the west coast called Islay (Eye-Luh).

Islay is known for creating the

45

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30

For the past 10 years Dave Baldwin, the “Whiskey Guy” at Passion Vines Wine and Spirit Company oversees the whisky selection which includes, deciding which bottles to stock on the shelf and at our bar in Somers Point. Dave, along with a few other team members, also select the various Single Barrel store picks which are bottles unique to Passion Vines.

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most heavily peated whiskies in the world. Not only are the malts they use heavily smoked, but the peat sources themselves are wholly unique. Islay’s maritime climate creates maritime peat!

Brine and iodine. Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Bowmore are just some of the famous distilleries on Islay.

So if the label says Islay then chance are it’s peated.

Heavily peated. Yes there are exceptions, but it’s a good rule to follow.

I encourage everyone though, to dip their toes in at least with the mild peat of Highland Park Magnus or 12 year old. It isn’t the full on Islay experience. (It’s made on a different island). Or jump right in the deep end with Laphroaig 10. Classic Islay! Take peat for a test drive. It might just grow on you. Afterall, it grew on me!

I will continue reaching for something smokey a little while longer until the ground thaws and my palate calls for the lighter, sweeter notes of summer.

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Shore Local-tainment Live & Local Music Calendar

February 26th

Kicking Sunrise Duo. 5-9pm. Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Ryan Dunson of Rookie of the Year w/ special guests The Victory Drive, The Goons & The David Earl Experience. 6pm.

Bourre AC 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City No Standards Duo. 6:15pm. Villain & Saint 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Brandon Ireland Duo. 6:15pm. Sky Cafe at Ocean Casino Resort 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City Danny Eyer. 9pm. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City Bob Mower & Nick Nicholas. 6:30-9:30pm.

Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

February 27th

Abba Mia, Larger than Life & Weird Science. 12-10pm. Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Stellar Mojo Duo. 6:15pm. Sky Cafe at Ocean Casino Resort 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City NC3 No Clue Trio. 6:30-9:30pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Ken Shiles & CiBon. 9pm. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

February 28th

Triple Rail Turn. 12-4pm. Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City

March 3rd

Bob Sterling Band. 6:30-9:30pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate

March 4th

Taylor Tote, Cranston Dean & Patty C, Mike Montrey Band. 6:45pm. Bourre AC 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City

March 5th

The Philly Keys Dueling Pianos. 5-9pm.

Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City Globecult & Johnny Burden. 6-10pm.

Bourre AC 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City Cosmic Charlie of Dead Reckoning.

9pm. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

March 6th

Farrell & Flatley Duo. 12pm. Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City

Seven Theaters with Leather Reclining Seats

Age of Ore & Gen Z and the Black Mambas. 6-10pm. Bourre AC 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City CiBon & Eric. 9pm. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

March 12th

Jimi Milligan Band Duo. 5-8pm. Renault Winery 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City The Spins and Miss Diane. 6pm. Bourre AC 201 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City Shaun LaBoy. 9pm. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall 133 S. Tennessee Ave. Atlantic City

March 17th

The Flynns. 6:30pm. Bocca 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate Times and dates are subject to change.

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31

Shore Local Trivia Test Your Local Knowledge 1. What is the name sunken ship with its remains just off the beach in Ocean City? The mast was long visible from the boardwalk. a) SS Minnow b) Mayflower c) Sindia d) Titantic

2. Pleasantville legend Max Manning was a: a) Boxer b) Baseball Player c) Singer d) Football Player

MAKE YOUR OWN WORKSHEETS ONLINE @ WWW.ATOZTEACHERSTUFF.COM

NAME:_______________________________ DATE:_____________

Lost in Galloway Township R O B R A H G G E H T U O S J

O N F N M O E I A J Y N P O Q

C A I N A M R E G U R S H P S

E N S W E B P J W J U N A S I

A E E O P O M O N A S R D T T

N L H T V S K X M O O Q C R S

V L C R L I Y G N G V O M M R

I I H E W I T T V I L L E X U

L V Q V E W O E H O G X T T H

L H Z O Z W C V G G D K U K E

E T L N N O G N T A U I G V N

L I H O A J E D H K C O X E I

L M I C H Y U V J B B S D Y P

G S X Q U K J S V B G Q Y S V

COLOGNE CONOVERTOWN DOUGHTYS GERMANIA HEWITTVILLE ISLANDBEACH JOHNSONTOWN OCEANVILLE PINEHURST POMONA SOUTHEGGHARBOR SMITHVILLE

3. What band/artist that played Atlantic City has sold the most concert tickets over the years? a) Frank Sinatra b) The Rolling Stones c) Jimmy Buffett d) Bruce Springsteen

7. Oceanville is a part of this township on the mainland. a) Egg Harbor Twp. b) Upper Twp. c) Galloway Twp. d) Hamilton Twp.

Answers to Trivia Puzzle:

X I S L A N D B E A C H F A B

6. What was name of the low bridge that ran parallel to the Parkway bridge that connected Atlantic and Cape May County? a) Great Egg Harbor Bridge b) Cape Atlantic Bridge c) Somers Point Bridge d) Beesley’s Point Bridge

5. B. Two. A replica covered bridge in Birch Grove Park, Northfield and Smithville.

6. D. The Beesley’s Point Bridge is now gone.

7. C. Oceanville is just south of Smithville in Galloway Township.

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5. How many covered bridges (or replicas) can be found in Atlantic County? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) None

1. C. Sindia. It actually ran aground.

2. B. He was a pitcher with the Newark Eagles.

3. B. The Rolling Stones’ have played concerts for over 50 years.

4. C. The mythical King Arthur was believed to be buried in Avalon, England.

3/4/2020

4. This town is named after the mythical town in the Legend of King Arthur. a) Avalon b) Margate c) Brigantine d) Ventnor

SHORE FUNNY What do you get if you cross a snowman and a witch?

A cold spell What happens when a baby snowman has a temper tantrum?

He has a meltdown.

What kind of cycle can you ride in the snow?

An Ice-Cycle.

Galloway Township was incorporated by Royal charter of Great Britain on April 4, 1774. It is said to be named after Joseph Galloway, a Loyalist delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774, who was opposed to independence of the Thirteen colonies.

Another belief is that is named after Mull of Galloway, the southernmost point of Scotland.

Why was the snowman rummaging in the bag of carrots?

He was picking his nose.

What did the snowman and his wife put over their baby’s crib?

A snowmobile

32

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 1/2

OPEN FROM 11AM CLOSED MONDAY

609-645-0500 THEME: MARCH MADNESS

SUDOKU Solution on page 34

ACROSS 1. Trunk extension 5. Dojo pad 8. *Villanova ____ at end of each half in '18 championship 11. Away from port 12. Windmill blade 13. Key material 15. Hefty competitor 16. European sea eagle 17. Walnut ____, MN 18. *____ Sunday 20. Smelling tainted, as in meat 21. Soft and sticky 22. Giant bird of "One Thousand and One Nights" 23. *____-elimination 26. Making sounds like Babe 30. Beatle wife 31. Not absorb, nor repel 34. Twelfth month of Jewish year 35. Batman to Bruce Wayne 37. Elizabeth Gilbert's "____ Pray Love" 38. Cubic meter 39. Ghost of Christmas ____ 40. P in POI 42. Make work 43. Puffed up 45. ____ and effects 47. Mont Blanc, e.g.

48. Oddball's attempt?

50. Tropical tuber 52. *Penultimate NCAA round 56. Like cornflakes leftovers 57. Slavic version of John 58. Tangerine plus grapefruit 59. Chased up an elm 60. Blow off steam 61. Tear violently 62. Da in Russia 63. Before of yore 64. Pasturelands

DOWN 1. Falls behind 2. Archipelago unit 3. Square one?

4. Good-for-nothing 5. Nobel Prize winner Curie 6. Bug 7. High school student 8. Rumpelstiltskin's weaver 9. Green-eyed monster 10. Tie ___ 12. Ruled against, as President can 13. Prod 14. *Fill-in-the-blanks 19. Pepsi and Coke 22. Part of human cage 23. Daytime entertainment, pl.

24. Spouse's parent 25. Neil Diamond's "Beautiful ____" 26. Tiny leftovers 27. Intestinal obstruction 28. N in RN 29. Mirths 32. *1 or 68, e.g.

33. Crew tool 36. *Automatic vs. ____ 38. Creepy one 40. *Coach's locker room talk 41. Similar to sextant 44. Andrew ____ Webber 46. *Hang a banner, e.g.

48. Abraham Lincoln bill, slangily 49. Lacking sense 50. Ruptured 51. Ice, dark, and middle 52. *Twelve's opponent 53. Type of molding 54. Forearm bone 55. Purges 56. Slovenly abode

See Solution on Page 34

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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oin Together Atlantic County (JTAC), a substance misuse prevention coalition has partnered with Hamilton Township Police Department(Atlantic County) helping them secure a permanent prescription drop box for the public to dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medications. The box is located inside the police department at 6101 13th St, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. It will be available to the public 24/7.

Hamilton Township Police Departments Chief Ciambrone and Det. Armitage along with Join together Atlantic Counties, Brian J. Wilson have worked eagerly to provide this much needed service to the local community.

Chief Ciambrone is pleased to be able to work with community outreach organizations, such as Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC) in order to provide resources that assist in reducing the misuse of prescription medication.

He stated the police department has previously participated in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events and we recognized the need to continuously assist our residents in properly deposing of unused medications. Wilson stated that properly securing and disposing of your medications are important steps in helping to prevent the theft and diversion of powerful opioid medications. Wilson also stated that safely securing and properly disposing of medication is key in helping to extinguish this opioid epidemic.

Permanent drop boxes and the awareness campaigns surrounding them are an important part of reducing the misuse of prescription medication. 2 in 5 teenagers believe prescription drugs are “much safer” than illegal drugs. Every day in the U.S. 2,500 youths take a prescription pain reliever for the purpose of getting high for the first time. Cleaning out medicine cabinets will reduce the number of prescriptions available for abuse.

Wilson commends Chief Ciambrone and Det. Armitage and the entire Hamilton Township Police Department for taking the initiative to help protect our environment and keep our communities safe by offering the public a safe way to dispose of their medications preventing accidental poising and substance misuse.

The prescription drop box was purchased by JTAC with funds through New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information about JTAC please visit www. jtacnj.org or call 609-272-0101 ext. 22.

JTAC challenges you to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge: ● Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine. ● Secure your medicine chest. ● Properly dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine. ● Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed. ● Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Solutions to page 33 puzzles. Check yourself!

34

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Stories of Atlantic City:

Restoring the Narrative

By Krystle J. Bailey

S

tories of Atlantic City is a collaborative project that uses strengths-based media known as “Restorative Narrative” to share the untold stories of the city and its people. The idea was originally conceptualized in 2018 by a group of community members and journalists, led by Evan Sanchez. The overarching idea is that people who live in Atlantic City often have a much different perception of the community than people who don’t. So, a group of storytellers banded together to create stories and drive narratives that would benefit the community using a multimedia approach.

The strengths-based approach to storytelling dives into the strength and resilience of a community and its members and focuses on their ability to cope, grow, and overcome. The intention is that this style of storytelling can inspire audiences to see a renewed potential for their communities as well as their own lives.

Since the inception in 2018, Stories of Atlantic City has evolved. Once serving solely as a vehicle to tell untold stories, SOAC is now multifaceted. SOAC now acts as a community organizer, a unique news hub that features traditional and hyperlocal media collaborations, and an educational resource.

With one glance at StoriesofAtlanticCity.com, it is evident that SOAC is doing necessary work for the community in a multifaceted and incredibly creative way. The creative minds behind the movement are constantly coming up with innovative ways to reach the community. From leading necessary discussions in a round-table format to building out the dynamics for an Atlantic City phone tree that serves those without access to the internet, SOAC is answering the call.

Supported by Stockton University, SOAC provides coursework and service-learning for Stockton Students.

Last year, SOAC partnered with Stockton’s Media Civil Rights and Social Change course to create an Intergenerational Storytelling Project that came full circle on February 16th.

SOAC connected Stockton students with community elders from the Golden Circle seniors group. Students conducted interviews about civil rights,

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

their thoughts on the current Black Lives Matter movement, and how to bridge the gap between generations.

Their stories were celebrated via Zoom and can be found on the Stories of Atlantic City website.

It is projects like this that are the core of what SOAC represents. Also this month, SOAC led a panel discussion that discussed the details and intricacies of the Covid-19 vaccine where local professionals offered information and answered questions about the vaccine and its distribution.

SOAC recently announced its UPrisings project, which focuses on people making and inspiring change in regard to systemic racism. With a focus on Atlantic City, the project highlights the importance of centuries of civil rights activism through the use of profile videos.

UPrisings comes on the heels of the most recent SOAC Resistance Roundtable that asked the question, “What does resistance look like to you?” Community members gathered via Zoom to celebrate the stories of Atlantic City community leaders and change-makers. The discussion, led

by Toyo Aboderin, went on to discuss the many different acts of resistance and what it looks like to create change.

The creative team at Stories of Atlantic City will not be slowing down any time soon. With discussion events now led via Zoom for the foreseeable future, there is much to look forward to.

Join SOAC on February 23rd at 4:30 PM to discuss “The Power of Community Media” by Vanessa Maria Graber. Then, on March 18th at 2:30 PM, don’t miss Intergenerational Storytelling Project Launch: Part Two. If you or someone you know has a story to tell, visit the SOAC Storybanks where you can contribute to the collaborative stories of Atlantic City.

Currently, SOAC is collecting stories on AC dance icon, Pattie Harris as well as Black History Month and Resisting Racial Injustice.

Visit www.StoriesofAtlanticCity. com for all of this and more or connect via social media @storiesofac.

Stories of Atlantic City is supported

by Stockton University with funding from Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Local News Lab Fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey, a partnership of the Dodge Foundation and Democracy Fund Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet. Visit her website KrystleJBailey.com

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