SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

New Year's Events Skiing with Kids Resolutions You Can Keep Chefs on a Mission EHT's Hometown Heroes

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Four New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

By Sarah Fertsch

F

or many of us, we hoped 2017 would bring happier memories than the tumultuous 2016. However, this year too had it’s struggles. Maybe you had a bad breakup, family issues or dealt with mental illness. Maybe your favorite pet died or you’re facing some financial difficulties. To make matters worse, there’s that looming regret of not keeping our New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you bought a gym membership and devoted yourself to putting some wear on those new sneakers, or you promised to cook at least five meals per week, or you would finally find your one true love. If that didn’t happen for you, you’re not alone. So how do we take back 2018? Dedicate this year to feasible New Year’s Resolutions.

1. Self-Care As a self-diagnosed workaholic, I cannot stress this resolution enough. Self-care restores your soul so you can be your most productive, authentic self. Read a book, unplug from technology, light a candle, draw a bath, or a have a glass of wine. Go for a long run on the boardwalk. Meet a friend for coffee. Do whatever makes you feel whole. So many of us (young professionals especially) pressure ourselves to keep going

and working ourselves to death. This year, commit at least three hours per week to self-care, and trust me, you won’t regret it.

3. Spend Time in Nature I know I’m not the first to preach about going outside, but nature is kinda amazing. Sure, you could follow nature blogs on Instagram and tweet about global warming, but there’s nothing like getting fresh air. Read a magazine on the beach (bundle up first!). Camp in the Pine Barrens for a few nights with your family or friends. Drive up to the mountains and do some real hiking.

Take long walk around your local park and blast some tunes. If you’re feeling extra ad-

2. Strengthen Relationships Okay, so you know those acquaintances you keep around? Those friends who you only hang out twice per year? That cute guy who works across the street? Talk to them. I’ve been challenging myself to be more mindful, and a crucial part of life is human connection. Take time and get to know the people around you. Buy someone from church a cup of coffee. Invite the girl from yoga to a smoothie. Bake cookies for a neighbor. Dedicate your next year to living freely and laughing deeply. There’s something truly spiritual about deep conversation and sitting alongside someone in joy or pain.

venturous, take a cross-country trip to experience the Grand Canyon or the Rocky Mountains. Time is fleeting, friends. Let’s soak up the most we can of this beautiful world.

4. Read I always tell myself if I had more time, I’d read more.

I’m inspired by roommate Megan, who consistently reads an entire novel every week. I’m not going to force you to read that much (or your head might explode), but studies show that reading promotes brain health. It also boosts memory, writing skills and even sleep. If you’re not a novel person, read the newspaper (which you already are, so way to go!). Read fashion magazines, sports commentaries, graphic novels or even blogs online. Turning off Netflix isn’t one of the seven deadly sins. Pick up some reading material in 2018.

Well friend, those are my tips for a more productive 2018. There’s a lot we cannot control, but let’s make our New Year’s Resolutions worth counting on. I hope your 2018 is restful, genuine and overflowing with self-kindness.

Sarah studies public relations and politics at Messiah College in Harrisburg, Penn.

She loves strong espresso, Netflix and her two golden retrievers.

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3

Another Trip Around the Sun

Shore Local Presents

Healthy New Year From the Editor

I Wellness A Special Fitness Section Inside Our Nutrition January 11th Edition & More!

Advertising space is available as well as opportunities for an article. If you are in the medical, health or fitness industry or own a business that is related/affiliated with these industries and would like to participate, call us.

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n spite of all the ongoing advances in technology, time remains elusive and uncontrollable. The clock always seems to tick in slow motion when we have to endure something unpleasant, and its hands spin too quickly when we get to experience something joyful.

When many of us look back on our years, especially those when our children were young, it feels like time has flown by in a flash. We write about time, we sing songs about it, and we make sci-fi movies about it, but we still cannot control it.

Life isn't fair, and that's a truth we all end up learning sooner or later. Some people have millions of dollars and luxurious things while others struggle to get by with next to nothing. Some people are healthy while others live with chronic illness or pain. Some live in mansions while

others have nowhere to call home.

The one true equalizer, for all of us, is time. We each get handed the same 365 days each year and the same 24 hours every single day, and we get to choose what we do with those gifts.

Time is valuable. We trade our time for money when we go to work, and spending time with our loved ones is something we treasure. No gift can compare to the gift of giving someone our time and attention.

Whatever we choose to do with it, we know our time is limited and valuable.

Another trip around the sun always calls for reflection and celebra-

tion. What did I do with my time in 2017? Did I spend it well? What will I do with my time in 2018? I reflect on these questions as this year comes to a close. For 2018, I plan to go back to some of my favorite basics: to read more novels, be more mindful, and reconnect with my yoga mat. How will you make the most of this brand new chapter?

From all of us at Shore Local, I wish you and your family a healthy and Happy New Year!

Peace & Love, Cindy

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magazine

A Newsmagazine Celebrating Life At The Southern NJ Shore Office - (609) 788-4812 Publisher - Bob Fertsch shorelocalads@gmail.com Executive Editor - Cindy Fertsch shorelocalcindy@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Manager Robin Minichino (609) 204-4060 shorelocalrobin@gmail.com

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Robin Minichino (609) 204-4060 shorelocalrobin@gmail.com Chuck Eberson (609) 703-1777 shorelocalchuck@gmail.com

Digital Content - Steffen Klenk, Maria Provenzano Sports Photographer - Patty Hutton Columnists - Charles Eberson, Jeff Whitaker, Harry Hurley, Marci Lutzsky, Lindsay Kirkland, Michael Smith, Kimberly Shurig, Michael Smith, Seth Grossman, Nick Leonetti, Steffen Klenk, Nancy Adler, Cynthia Coons, Nick Pitman Cover photo by Ray Hennessy

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

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Hometown Heroes: Starr Beattes and Christy Flynn Christy Flynn as Vice President. Together they made Christmas wishes come true for 86 children in Egg

By Cindy Fertsch

C

hristmas is not always magical. Some children do not understand why Santa brought their classmates gifts, but not them. “Was I bad?” they may ask themselves. Some older children “get it.” They know there is no money for Christmas.

Starr Beattes was one of those kids. One year though, when she was about eleven years old, a fire truck pulled up to her house and gave her family a bag of gifts. That year was magical. Since that moment, Starr knew has been looking for an opportunity to give back.

Four years ago she approached the then Captian of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Department, Mike

Starr Beattes and Christy Flynn have everything in place for the arrival of Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Toy Drive recipients to enter the Scullville Fire House to select their children's gifts. Many volunteers are on hand to help.

Fiedor with an idea of how she could make Christmas wishes come true for families in her community that may be struggling financially. The Captain, along with the entire Scullville Vol-

unteer Fire Department embraced Starr’s idea. The Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Toy Drive was born.

Starr, the Founder and President of the organization teamed up with

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Just some of the hundreds of donated toys that were arranged and categorized according to age, gender and activity at the Scullville Volunteer Fire House Saturday, December 16th.

Harbor Township, this year alone.

The Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Toy Drive has just completed it’s fourth year. Each year they have collected more toys and in turn, have been able to help more families.

They are now in the process of applying for 501c3 nonprofit status for their organization. Starr and Christy work with the schools, particularly the guidance counselors to identify which families may benefit the most from their help.

Starr emphasizes that they are only successful though because of the many people within the Community that help. Trinity Learning Center, English Creek Academy, Pooch Parlor, Circle K, Hair FX, Clayton’s Self Storage, the Moms Club of Egg Harbor Township, and Feldman Rayfield Cosmetic Surgery are just a few of the businesses and organizations that donate. There are also countless individuals within the Township that donate toys. “People seem to like that we are taking care of our own. It all stays within Egg Harbor Township,” says Starr.

The toy drive culminates with a day where all the toys are organized into categories based on age range, gender and activity and the families are invited to the fire station to select the toys that will be given to their children on Christmas. Many volunteers are on hand including many of the Scullville Volunteer Firefighters and the Scullville Auxiliary Members. There are also refreshments for those coming in to select their

↘Continued on 7

6

DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

â&#x2020;&#x2DC;Continued from 6 gifts. As one recipient gathered his childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gifts, he looked up at the volunteer and said â&#x20AC;&#x153;This helps me out so much. I'm struggling so much.

Thank you.â&#x20AC;?

Starrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, John Beattes is a Scullville Volunteer Firefighter and also an Egg Harbor Township Police Officer.

Together they have two children, Lona, age 13 and Johnathan, age seven. Both children help with the toy drive. â&#x20AC;&#x153; If I could teach my children just one thing in life, it would be to give back,â&#x20AC;? says Starr.

Christyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, Patrick Flynn is the Captain of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Department. Together they have a four year old daughter and are expecting their second child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are blessed that we have so much help from the firefighters. Everyone is so willing to help,â&#x20AC;? says Christy.

Starr Beattes, Founder and President of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Toy Drive

Christy Flynn, Vice President of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Toy Drive

Wendy Housand is the president of Scullville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Her son is a both a Scullville Volunteer Firefighter and a Pleasantville Firefighter. As she helped out at the Scullville Toy Drive this past week, she looked around and said with a smile â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what Christmas is all about.â&#x20AC;&#x153;

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7

Ocean City Welcomes 2018 with First Night and First Day

Y

ou donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait till summer to get sand in your shoes Now in its 26th year, First Night includes a spectacular lineup of more than 75 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during an alcohol-free celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2017. About 10,000 people will fill the streets and make New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve feel like a summer night in Ocean City, before a midnight fireworks display rings in the year 2018.

The fun continues on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Day with the all-day Shopping Extravaganza at stores throughout town, a 5-kilometer run and, of course, the ceremonial â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Plungeâ&#x20AC;? of 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; featuring more than 1,000 hardy souls diving into the Atlantic Ocean for their first swim of the year.

First Night attendees this year will get the first opportunity to visit the newly restored U.S. Life Saving Station 30 at the intersection of Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue. The station operated in Ocean City from 1885 to 1915 as part of the U.S. Life Saving Service, a precursor to the modern Coast Guard.

A years-long effort to acquire and restore the historic building is nearly complete, and anybody with a First Night admission button will be invited to stop by and tour the station between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the station, and artifacts will show how it operated.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you need to know to enjoy all the fun.

First Night admission buttons: Buttons ($20) are good for all events.

Children age 2 and under are free. â&#x2013;śOnline: Purchase First Night

buttons online at firstnightocnj. com. â&#x2013;śBy phone: Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. â&#x2013;śIn person: Buttons can be purchased at the Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily), at Staintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square (810 Asbury Avenue, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily) and at City Hall (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily). â&#x2013;śGet tickets now: Sales are capped at 10,000 and buttons often sell out.

The event schedule runs 4 p.m. through the midnight with 33 different shows and activities will be available during more than 75 different time slots at 20 venues throughout Ocean City.

Chubby Checker will provide headline entertainment on the Ocean City Music Pier. Checker first performed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Twistâ&#x20AC;? on â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Bandstandâ&#x20AC;? in 1960, and dancing has never been the same. The rock â&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll icon has sold 250 million records and toured continuously in his career of six decades. The Philly boy became a star with a string of hit singles in the 1960s that included â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pony Time,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mess Around,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lim-

bo Rockâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jingle Bell Rock.â&#x20AC;? Last summer, he released â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knock Down the Walls,â&#x20AC;? which made it to No. 1 on Billboardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance music chart. Checker will perform shows at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the Music Pier.

More Highlights: Popular attractions such as rides on Wonderland Pier, outdoor ice-skating, Abbott and Costello impersonators, the Fabulous Greaseband, the Ocean City Pops orchestra, nationally acclaimed magicians Chad Juros and Ben Lipman, and Japanese drummers return this year.

The pool at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center, the new skateboard park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue

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↘Continued from 8 and the observatory at Ocean City High School will be open to button-holders.

A fireworks display will be launched starting at midnight from the beach between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

The best viewing spots will be from the beach and boardwalk on either side of this block, which will be closed during the show.

Parking and transportation: All municipal parking lots and metered parking spots are free. Jitneys will provide free transportation from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. for button-holders, operating continuously between sites starting at the Ocean City Transportation Center (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and Seventh Street Parking Lot (Seventh Street and Central Ave.).

For a route map and more information, visit the First Night website.

First Day 5K: A 5-kilometer run and non-competitive walk starts at 1 p.m. on the boardwalk near Seventh Street. Race-day registration begins 11 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).

T-shirts will be available for the first 500 registered. Refreshments are available after the race. Entry fee is $25. Visit https://runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/OceanCity/FirstDay5KBoardwalkRun to pre-register or print an application.

First Plunge: The plunge starts at 2 p.m. and is free to all who will brave the cold. Participants should sign a waiver at the Ocean City Music Pier before the event. A DJ will provide entertainment.

The plunge will go off north of the Music Pier on the beach near Eighth Street.

The Shopping Extravaganza takes place all day on Monday, Jan. 1 includes great bargains on downtown shopping and free horse-and-carriage rides, noon to 3 p.m., starting at City Hall. Ocean City’s Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street has been voted the number one downtown in South Jersey.

Early January Events SOLDIER CRY: THE STAGE PLAY (Jan. 7): Shows are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Come see Shore Medical Center employees and war veterans on stage to benefit the SMC Cancer Center. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the City Hall Welcome Center or at the door on the day of the show.

CAPE SHORE CHORALE EPIPHANY CONCERT (Jan. 7): 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2998 Bay Ave. Directed by Scott J. Breiner, the group will perform selections from J.S. Bach’s Cantata No. 80, “Ein Festeburg 1st Unser Gott,” as well as other seasonal music. Visit www.capeshorechorale.org.

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9

Holiday Collection Changes

Due to the January 1 holiday, all collections (Jan. 1 - Jan. 5) in the following towns will be delayed by one day:

• Absecon - Trash and Recycling • Brigantine - Trash and Recycling • Buena Borough - Trash • Buena Vista Township - Trash • Estell Manor - Trash and Recycling • Egg Harbor City - Trash and Recycling • Folsom - Trash and Bulky • Hamilton Township - Recycling • Hammonton - Recycling • Linwood - Trash and Recycling • Longport - Trash • Margate - Trash and Recycling • Mullica - Recycling • Northfield - Trash • Pleasantville - Trash • Somers Point - Recycling • Ventnor - Trash and Recycling - Only Monday through Thurs. collection delayed one day. Friday collections will be picked up on Friday.

• Weymouth - Trash and Recycling

Atlantic County Events 10th Annual Skate for Wishes

Sea Isle New Year’s Eve Celebration

▶Sunday, December 31st from 10am-4pm Flyers Skate Zone 501 North Albany Ave. Atlantic City

▶Sunday, December 31st from 5:308pm 4501 Park Road, Sea Isle City Sea Isle City is hosting their 21st Annual Family New Year’s Eve Party.

The celebration allows kids to ring-in the New Year at a reasonable hour. This event features food, dancing, family activities, entertainment and an early countdown to midnight at 7pm. Registration is required. Call 609-263-0050.

Join us for a fantastic fireworks display at 8pm.

Jitney service will be available from 5pm-4am. For more information, call 609-513-0312.

Skate for Wishes has been granting wishes for the past nine years to help bring hope, strength, and joy to the lives of children suffering with life-threatening medical conditions through the MakeA-Wish® Foundation of New Jersey.

Each year on New Years Eve, families and friends come together to skate at the Flyers Skate Zone in Atlantic City and make wishes come true. This past year, over 250 skaters took to the ice; in turn, they raised awareness and over $2,300 to grant the wish of a local child suffering with a life threatening medical condition!

Hobby Lobby Grand Opening ▶Monday, January 1st from 9am 4315 E. Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing Join us at Hobby Lobby for our Grand Opening Event at 9:00AM! Come in to enjoy refreshments and shop at our new store!!!!

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â&#x2020;&#x2DC;Continued from 10 Brigantine Polar Plunge 2018 â&#x2013;śMonday, January 1st at 12pm Laguna Rum Bar 1400 Ocean Ave. Brigantine residents, merchants and visitors will celebrate New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with the 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge.

The event has grown from a local event into a major fundraising effort benefiting Fisher House, a top-rated charity that provides housing and transportation to wounded military members and their families.

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event had more than 1,000 swimmers, 6,000 spectators and raised more than $70,000 for Fisher House. The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events begin at 10 a.m. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with live music, refreshments, color guard and official merchandise for sale.

The Plunge, which is free and open to the public, has become a popular tradition with both locals and visitors to Brigantine and takes place at noon.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes with prizes awarded to the best costumes. Brigantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Mike Riordan will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The swim is followed by a postplunge party at the Laguna Grill 1400 Ocean Ave. Food will be available for purchase. Adult & soft beverages will be available through Laguna Grill & Rum Bar. There will be live entertainment featuring The Amish Outlaws & The Billy Walton Band!

Ventnor City Polar Bear Plunge â&#x2013;śMonday, January 1st at 1pm Newport Avenue Beach N. Newport Ave. Ventnor

Watercolor Workshop

Beginners and explorers welcome.

Bring your own photo or work from a still life.

Class fee: $30 Class fee includes: Instruction from Stephanie Segal Miller FREE parking in the attached Wave Parking Garage.

Bring your own supplies or supplies provided for just $5 extra.

To register or for more info, email Stephanie Segal Miller at info@ stephaniesegal.com with the subject â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watercolor Class.â&#x20AC;?

ATLANTIC CITY EVENTS New Years Eve Fireworks â&#x2013;śSunday, December 31st at 9pm Tropicana Phone: 609-340-4000

'LQQHU IURP SP Start your New Year with a bang and watch Tropicana light up the sky with a stunning Fireworks display on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, December 31st, at 9pm.

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The Pointer Sisters â&#x2013;śSunday, December 31st at 10:30pm Superstar Theatre at Resorts Tickets start at $55 Phone: 609-344-6000 The Pointer Sisters achieved worldwide fame and have secured a place in pop music history as a dynamic female group.

th

â&#x2013;śSunday, January 14 from 3-5pm Noyes Art Garage 2200 Fairmount Ave. Atlantic City Have you ever wanted to try watercolor painting? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance!

Enjoy the wonderful world of watercolor in this fun and relaxing class.

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For Whom the Bell Tolls: Van Drew, Brown, Mazzeo and More!

By HARRY HURLEY Political Columnist

C

olin Bell will be leaving the New Jersey Senate shortly, after having been appointed to serve the remainder of the late Senator Jim Whelan's term.

While I strongly disagree with the brazen political gamesmanship that has led to Bell's wife being nominated for a New Jersey Superior Court Judgeship; Bell has done some good things while serving briefly in the upper chamber of the majority party in Trenton.

For example, The Senator Jeff Van Drew/Bell bill to enhance business incentives has cleared the Senate. It will make the Atlantic City International Airport and surrounding area an official Garden State Growth Zone.

This is part of the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program. Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-2 has sponsored this same legislation in the New Jersey General Assembly. This will help to attract new businesses.

The GSGZ areas are Patterson, Passaic, Trenton, Atlantic City and Camden. This will help spawn economic revitalization.

This zone expands to the Atlantic City International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center; along with a one mile outer radius.

"We need to do everything possible to diversify Atlantic City's economy, said Van Drew, who is the front-runner for the House of Representatives in District 2. "Making businesses in and around the Atlantic City Airport eligible for these benefits will no doubt make the area more appealing to new businesses and help in the effort to grow jobs for our residents," said Van Drew.

Grow New Jersey is a tax incentive program that rewards those who create jobs and promise to keep them in New Jersey.

Bell is not going out with a whimper.

He has been a flurry of activity. Bell has sponsored other bills such as immunity for emergency personnel who administer multiple doses of opioid antidote to assist with overdoses.

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This bill was also sponsored in the past

by Whelan. "Fentanyl is so potent, it may require several doses of naloxone to bring someone out of a fentanyl overdose," said Bell. "First responders who encounter overdose victims should only worry about saving lives and not about potential liability. I am proud to sponsor this legislation in memory of Senator Whelan's tireless struggle for the most vulnerable and for those he has represented," said Bell.

I couldn't agree more with Bell on this point. This is important legislation that can make a real difference. In 2015, there were more than 400 deaths and in 2016 this number climbed to more than 800 deaths.

Those who will be exempted from any liability include: Emergency medical technicians, paramedics and firefighters, as a part of the "Overdose Prevention Act." Additionally, they will not be required to obtain prior approval of a third-party physician or other medical professional to administer multiple doses of an opioid antidote to the same victim.

Bell has also sponsored legislation for the rescue of animals from vehicles under inhumane conditions. A good Samaritan will be able to break and enter a car without exposure to civil or criminal liability.

The good Samaritan will be required to contact a law enforcement officer or certified animal control person, so that proper care for the animal may commence promptly.

The following states have also addressed this issue: California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin have similar laws to protect the good Samaritans.

A car can heat-up to deadly conditions within minutes when an animal is left inside a closed vehicle.

This clearly demonstrates that in a short period of time, you (Bell) can help get a lot done. The current lame duck session has the potential to accomplish some very good things. Many times things get done

that otherwise would not occur without the sense of urgency of the legislative clock clicking away.

2018 is going to be a very interesting year. Van Drew is running full speed to win the open Congressional seat in District 2.

Mazzeo is fresh off of a mandate, which removed any doubt that his brand was damaged. Mazzeo was so strong during the recent past General Election that he carried-in with him a totally unknown, obscure Buena Vista Township Committeeman, John Armato to victory in the General Assembly.

Assemblyman Chris Brown has his work cut-out for him in the new year, as he heads to the upper chamber as the next State Senator from District 2. The Democratic Majority doesn't like him in the slightest. They haven't even let him co-sponsor friendly legislation over the years.

With Governor Phil Murphy and the Democrats solidly in charge of both Houses of the New Jersey Legislature, this is a critical year.

Additionally, it's a fast-approaching mid-term election at the national level.

Democrats are currently salivating at the prospects of winning one or both houses of Congress.

Right here in this space, you will have the best seat in the house for all of the electoral/political Kabuki that will be playing out in 2018.

Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program "Hurley in the Morning" 6-10 a.m., weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 104.1 FM & 1450 AM, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant. Harry was elected to both the Philadelphia (2014) and New Jersey (2015) Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He has hosted various programs for local television and is the editor and publisher of his news and information website, www.harryhurley.com. Send comments to HarryHurley@aol.com

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New Jersey’s Christmas Miracle

By Seth Grossman

Photo courtesy of Philly.com

O

n Christmas Day, several thousand visitors usually stand in the cold for hours at the Delaware River, just north of Trenton. There they watch dozens of re-enactors dressed as soldiers of colonial militias and the Continental Army board large wooden boats and row from Bucks County, Pennsylvania to the Jersey side. This is done to remember what George Washington and his 2500 American volunteers did on that remarkable Christmas night of 1776. Although high winds and low water levels prevented the re-enactment this year, it is important to remember the original event, depicted in the iconic 1851 painting of German artist Emanuel Leutze.

It began the ten fateful days that created America and changed the world.

On July 4, 1776, Americans declared independence from the British Empire. We also inspired the worlds by declaring these truths to be “self-evident”: We are all created equal. We are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

That governments are instituted to secure those rights, exercising their just powers with the consent of the governed.

Five months later, that Declaration and American independence and seemed dead. One week after the independence was declared in Philadelphia, the British navy arrived in New York. It brought 30,000 well paid, trained, and disciplined British and German soldiers who quickly landed in Staten Island New York.

During the next three months, the British overwhelmed George Washington’s 10,000 poorly trained volunteers defending Long Island and Manhattan, They killed or captured half of them. The Germans used bayonets to execute hundreds of Americans who surrendered.

In November, 1776, George Washington and his 5,000 remain-

14

ing soldiers crossed the Hudson River. They expected to make a stand in Hackensack with support from New Jersey militias. However, Washington’s army quickly fled west, and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania when that support never came.

That December, a disgusted George Washington wrote to his brother: “The conduct of the Jerseys has been most infamous. Instead of turning out todefend their country. . . they are making their submissions as fast as they can. . .

The few militias that were in arms disbanded themselves. . . and left the poor remains of our army to make the best we could of it”.

Patriot journalist Thomas Paine reacted with anger that the British occupied New York and New Jersey and left New England alone because “New England was not infested with Tories (British sympathizers), and we are!”

Thomas Paine was particularly angry at one “prosperous business owner” in Amboy, New Jersey. According to Paine, that Tory agreed that Americans would sooner or later have to fight to separate from the British Empire. However, as he stood next to his 8 year old child, the Tory said he would not help George Washington’s soldiers because he wanted “peace in my day”.

This infuriated Thomas Paine. “A generous parent should have said, “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day so that my child may have peace”. Paine went on to say “This

single reflection, well applied is sufficient to awaken every man to his duty”.

Thomas Paine’s experience in New Jersey inspired him to write and publish a pamphlet called The Crisis on December 23, 1776. It began with the now famous words: “These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Thomas Paine urged Americans to forget the blunders and losses of the summer, and dedicate themselves to winning the war in the future.

While Thomas Paine was writing, George Washington’s battered soldiers got help from a most unlikely source – pacifist Quaker farmers from South Jersey! Quakers came to America to escape the wars of Europe. They included William Penn who established Philadelphia. They also included the Smith, Somers, Risley, Scull, Conover, and Leeds families who settled near what is now Atlantic City.

However, once in America, these Quakers slowly changed their thinking. They became “fighting Quakers” who believed God permitted “defensive war” to protect their lives and property.

When German “Hessian” soldiers hired by the British occupied Central Jersey, they began stealing food, destroying property,

and abusing women in the Quaker towns and farms they occupied.

Companies of Quaker militia throughout southern and central Jersey began fighting back. One of them was the Gloucester County Militia led by Colonel Richard Somers of Somers Point—the father of the future navy hero of his same name. At that time, what is now Camden and AtlanticCounties were part of Gloucester. The words of Thomas Paine and the actions of these “fighting Quakers” persuaded Washington’s to return to New Jersey and attack 1,200 German troops in Trenton.

Washington’s 2,500 volunteers crossed the Delaware River and marched south to Trenton in strong winds, wet snow and freezing rain, They quickly mowed down the Germans with cannons skillfully deployed by Henry Knox and Alexander Hamilton.

Henry Knox was a bookseller from Boston. He learned to operate cannons by reading books.

He surprised the Germans with cannon fire in a freezing rainstorm by “keeping his powder dry”. Knox with the same wax seals and packaging that kept books dry when he shipped them to customers.

After learning of Washington’s attack, General Charles Cornwallis quickly marched his main British Army from New Brunswick to attack Washington’s army in the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2. Washington’s outnumbered soldiers stood their ground. They then then surprised the British from behind at Princeton the following day.

News of these three victories, and the inspiring words of Thomas Paine quickly spread throughout the American colonies. Thousands of young Americans volunteered to join Washington’s army. There would be five more years of hardship and struggle. However, American independence, liberty and prosperity were all saved during those ten fateful days in New Jersey that began on Christmas, 1776.

Seth Grossman is a Somers Point attorney and executive director of LibertyAndProsperity. com. It holds breakfast discussions 9:30 am every Saturday at the Shore Diner in Egg Harbor Township by Parkway Exit 36.

Seth Grossman can be reached at info@libertyandprosperity.org.

DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

Weather Apps and Models

By Noreaster Nick

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odels, modelology and weather apps. All things I despise. To the untrained eye it looks like things bounce around way too often and those of us who are tasked with weather forecasting don’t know what we’re talking about. It can’t be farther from the truth.

Unfortunately in the world of technology everything is at your fingertips and you can get any information within a split second – including the weather forecast.

What could possibly be wrong with that? Most apps don’t have any human input to decipher what’s right and wrong.

They are updated on average every 6 hours to reflect what the latest model data shows. Most are based off the GFS (run 4x per day). This sometimes changes the forecast multiple times a day. For example: Yesterday each run of the GFS changed the snow totals for the end of this coming week. We started the day off with 3-6”

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They’re updated with bad information.

Now that I called out weather apps, let me move on to a different subject. General use of models. I’m not the biggest fan.

We’ve seen their epic fails many times in the past, as recently as the bad forecast for November and December on the models specifically calibrated for long range climate output. Most of that information was junk. They don’t take every variable into consideration. That’s the issue. The way I forecast weather is different. I look at what has happened in the PAST and determine what could happen in the future based on that data. It is MUCH more realistic to look at a set of conditions under a specific pattern that has HAPPENED and forecast weather for a similar pattern occurring today. Now, there ARE tweaks that need to be made but overall it’s a better system.

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

Net Neutrality: the Last (Mostly) Free Frontier

By Michael Smith

A

t the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, Frederick Jackson Turner’s “Frontier Thesis” was read to the public. Turner, a historian, saw westward expansion as an inherently democratic and, therefore, American ideal. He saw freedom in it and courage, as pioneers braved the wilds of the West in search of something less European and, in effect, more American.

After 1900, however, when California would become a beacon for agriculture and industry, the frontiersman-lifestyle would die as a result. Consider this metaphor an apt one for what is occurring today with the slow, dismantling of Net Neutrality. The Internet, once a place where people could go to communicate with others freely around the globe, a digital frontier where the right to explore, create, and voice one’s opinion, has now been handed over to a couple of corporations, thanks to the Trump Administration.

On December 14th of this year, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) republican majority approved this plan, removing Net Neutrality protections.

This means that companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon are now the shot

callers for what they consider appropriate material on their customer’s servers: what websites will succeed, and what kind of content they feel is allowable for public consumption. If this is not Orwellian enough, these companies can actually slow the content of competitors down and block political opinion that contrasts their own. They can charge extra fees, too, with impunity.

Marginalized communities like LGBTQ and people of color and indigenous groups who have already been systematically silenced will lose one of the only places they have left to make their voices heard.

The Internet worked as the perfect tool to fight oppression. Now what will we do?

In 2015, under the guise of the Obama Administration, this kind of behavior was blocked, keeping AT&T and other multinational conglomerates away from your right to the First Amendment among other things. But like everything else Obama achieved during his tenure, the Republican Party is hell-bent on reversing it all, cutting down everything in its path, like a chainsaw turned to full-tilt boogie.

And if that doesn’t bother you, Net Neutrality also protects small businesses. Entrepreneurs who are dependent on free Internet to foster their visions may now have to pay a premium. And to

illustrate this point even further, sites like Facebook and Google and (gag) Breitbart would have never gotten off the ground if it was not for Net Neutrality.

Congress has the ability to reverse this disastrous policy. Whether it will or not is an answer only the future holds. All we can do is urge lawmakers to do so. But, as it’s been said so many times before, money talks, and corporations have a ton of it, more than the whole middle-class combined twice over. Our freedoms are

being systematically taken away from us under the guise of an administration that prides itself in a conservative agenda.

There is nothing conservative about any of this. This is take the money and run with no questions asked. It’s criminal, and it’s being allowed to happen right before our very eyes. Remember this for when, in the near future, your server slows down to an unbearable crawl on a site like Huffington Post. It’s a brave new world we’re living in, one that’s scary as hell.

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17

Think Thin and Healthy

By Nancy Adler

E

veryone has his or her own excuses. When trying to improve their lifestyle and diet, most people do fine until something happens -- whether it's work pressure, family issues, or something else. Whatever your personal issue, the pattern needs to change if you want to be successful.

I find that the one major mental block to weight loss is wanting too much, too fast.

Blame it on our instant-gratification society. Weight loss is too slow to satisfy most dieters.

Losers want immediate results.

Even though it took them years to gain weight, once they decide to lose weight, they have no patience for the recommended 1-2 pounds a week.

But you'll get the best results when you lose weight

slowly. I try to remind my clients that when they lose weight too quickly, they're often losing usually water or lean tissue, not fat.

When you lose lean tissue, metabolism slows down, making it even harder to lose weight. Scheduling a metabolic Testing session is extremely helpful . It will really help you to identify if your resting metabolic is slow or fast. This way you can have a customized eating plan that is targeted just for your body’s metabolic blueprint.

Get that overweight mentality out of your head and start thinking like a thin person.

If you want to be thin, picture yourself thin. Visualize your future self, six months to a year down the road, and think of how good you'll look and feel without the extra pounds.

Dig up old photographs of your thinner self and put them in a place as a reminder of what you are working toward. Ask yourself what you did back then that you could incor-

porate into your lifestyle today. I advise you to think about activities you would like to do but can’t because of your weight.

Make a list of smaller goals that will help you achieve your weight loss goals.These mini-goals should be things that will improve your lifestyle without wreaking havoc in your life, such as: ● Eating more veggies and fruits each day. ●

Getting some kind of exercise at least 30 minutes a day. ● Drinking alcohol only on the weekends. ● Eating low-fat popcorn instead of chips, ● Ordering a side salad instead of french fries. ● Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without gasping for breath.

We all need support, especially during the tough times. Find a friend, family member or support group you can connect with on a regular basis. Studies show people who are connected with others, whether it's in person or online, do better than dieters who try to go it alone.

I suggest that each night, you plan your healthy meals and fitness for the next day. Planning ahead is 80% of the battle. If you're equipped with a detailed plan, results will follow.

Schedule your fitness like you would an appointment. Pack up dried fruits,

veggies or meal replacement bars so you won’t be tempted to eat the wrong kinds of foods.

Make your health a priority by building such steps into your life, and ultimately these healthy behaviors will become a routine part of your life.

Weigh in regularly and keep journals detailing what you eat, how much you exercise, your emotions, and your weight and measurements. Studies show that keeping track of this information helps promote positive behaviors and minimize the unhealthy ones. Simply knowing that you're tracking your food intake could help you resist that piece of cake!

Journals are a form of accountability … that help reveal which strategies are working. When you are accountable, you are less likely to have food dissociations, or be 'asleep at the meal.

Give yourself a pat on the back with a trip to the movies, a manicure or whatever will help you feel good about your accomplishments (other than food rewards).

Reward yourself after you have met one of your mini-goals or lost 5 pounds or a few inches around your waist, so you recognize your hard work and celebrate the steps you are taking to be healthier.

Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood.

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Fitzpatricks is my 2017 Pick of the Year

By Kimberly Shurig

A

sking me to choose my favorite restaurant for 2017 is a kind of culinary walk down memory lane. I get to rifle through a year’s worth of food and beverage reviews and relive the meals that most seduced my palate. That being said, it’s no easy feat, and requires me to cut out some seriously awesome spots in the process. whether it’s a dive dealing in fried chicken or an ultra-high-end steak house, I simply went with the very best food and the experience tied to eating it. So after looking through my dining receipts and consulting with my foodie team/radio show Family at 2 Chicks and a Chef. My pick for 2017 (insert drum roll here) Fitzpatrick's Deli & Steakhouse.

A well-loved local standout, Fitzpatrick's Deli & Steakhouse is a top-notch alternative to commercial chain restaurants. You can expect a convivial but intimate and soothing atmosphere, a fantastic menu selection, peerless service and, of course, incredible steaks. The dishes, while painstakingly composed, never feel overtly precious, likely because they are absolutely stunning both in conception and taste.

Chef Bill Hurst and Patrica Hurst, a husband

and wife duo own Fitzpatrick’s Deli and Steakhouse,650 New Road, has grown his business in 30years from a 20-seat deli, moving to a strip mall, then outgrowing that location to move again - all on Route 9. His son and Executive chef Bill Jr., and Chef Gianna Cottone run the operation at night.

Using locally-sourced ingredients, Chef Bill, Jr. crafts an ever-changing seasonal menu of small and large plates for lunch and dinner. Good luck eating these delights slowly. Odds are you'll spend hours licking between your teeth trying to get one last taste.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner specials change frequently, often getting a mid-week tweak, depending upon the whim of the Chef Bill, Jr. Or Chef Gianna Cottone, but some menu items never change. One item, the Meatloaf that my go-to dining companion swears by is nolonger on the regular menu, however, you can find it on the winter specials menu. I can always count on Fitzpatricks' food to be consistent while maintaining a focus on "redefined" American comfort food. The oh-so-tender New York strip

steak masters that divine ratio of blackened char to juicy interior rareness, and is served with a side of sautéed asparagus spears looked like they’d been carved and painted by hand, bought from the asparagus museum gift shop. If that doesn’t seal the deal, some of their homemade excellent desserts will.

Fitzpatricks is my number one go-to restaurant in the world. I enjoy spending my day hanging in the kitchen and witnessing the food-making magic firsthand. But let me be completely honest, I’m really trying to get the chicken quesadilla soup recipe that sells out the day it’s made, and no I’m not going to share which day it’s made because quite frankly I’m selfish when it comes to my soup. I need to make sure I get a bowl. In the words of the beloved soup Nazi “no soup for you” It’s a true privilege to be able to spend money on restaurants and is one that I cherish deeply. I am so grateful to be able to explore the depths of New Jersey's food scene. As such, I am very picky about where and how I spend my food dollars. My philosophy: if I have the power to invest in the restaurant industry why not

support local? Especially Fitzpatrick's who give so much back to the community. For the last 9 years, Patty and William Hurst run The Somers Point Restaurant Association, the program’s mission is to highlight restaurants in Somers Point. The program Hosts Somers Point restaurant week and kick off party with all proceeds go directly to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, and awards Two Atlantic Cape Culinary scholarships as well.

There is no lack of talent or spirit in our local food community. During a time when the viability of the traditional restaurant model is in question, Fitzpatrick's, in my opinion, did it best in 2017 and remains dedicated to great food and warm hospitality under shifting diner priorities.

Kimberly Shurig is a Jersey-born, city-loving foodie! An avid traveler, always looking to discover those hidden culinary gems everywhere she goes. She loves unexpected and creative combinations, both in the food she eats and cooks. Though her palate has become more refined, she is still excited by a grilled cheese sandwich; that, and a great cup of coffee.

Always excited to share the latest in the world of food giving listeners of @2ChicksnaChef on @SNJToday the most current culinary trends and options in their community. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @KimmieKocktail Email:KimmieKocktail@gmail.com

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Chefs on a Mission Chef Michael D’Angelo working with Chef Luigi Boratto at the Rams Head in Galloway, in 1987.

By Lindsay Kirkland

C

hef Michael D’Angelo and Chef Luigi Baratto first

iday weekend. “Being able to prepare the food here, with the large equipment, was a huge help,” says Chef Michael D’Angelo, the pastry chef at both the Convention

Chef Michael D’Angelo and Chef Luigi Baratto working side by side again 37 years later for Chefs on a Mission.

Chef George Fisher prepares pastries to be served to thousands over the holiday weekend in Atlantic City. met 37 years ago when the Rams Head opened up in Galloway in 1987. Michael was fresh out of culinary school and Luigi was his boss and his mentor.

All these years later, the chefs work side by side again, but this time for Chefs on a Mission. Chefs on a Mission is a group of some Atlantic City’s finest Chefs who come together to use their skills for good and to give back to their community.

The Atlantic City Convention Center Kitchen was bustling last week as the Chefs spent four days preparing 2,000 top quality holiday meals for those in need.

1500 pounds of tuna were donated by Viking Village, along with 600 pounds of smoked ham provided by Rostelli Meats.

Chef Michael D’Angelo, Chef George Fisher, along with about a dozen other volunteer chefs sliced, sauteed, stirred, grilled and baked in preparation for the holiday meal being offered to anyone in need at three different locations over this past holng Fitti Club & usedt New ipmen Equ

Chef Wolfgang Geckler prepares 80 gallons of Chicken Pot pie.

Center and Boardwalk Hall. “We really appreciate the Convention Center and CDRA allowing us to use this.”

Together they prepared 80 pans of grilled tuna,10 gallons of Mango Salsa, 76 hotel pans of sliced smoked ham, 20 gallons of pineapple glaze,80 gallons of chicken pot pie, 40 hotel pans of mashed potatoes, 60 pans of stuffing, 30 pans of rice pilaf,250 lbs of green beans,100 doz dinner rolls, 1500 pieces of cake.

The food was donated by local businesses including Valenti’s Bakery, Moon’s, Classic Cakes, Resorts, Sheraton and Academy of Culinary arts and more.

Chef Steven Migiani volunteered for the third consecutive year and said “It gives me great satisfaction to use my skills to help people.” Chef Wolfgang Geckler jokes that now in retirement he “ never worked so hard in my life as he does with the Chefs on a Mission.”

Holiday dinner was served Friday evening, December 22nd at the Salvation Army and at Sister Jean’s in Atlantic City, then again on Monday, December 25th at the Rescue Mission.

Jan Smith of Northfield volunteered to help serve at the Salvation Army along with her husband Greg Smith and sons, Adam and Andrew. “It feels so great to give back to the community and people in need this Christmas season,” said Jan with a smile.

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We Salute You

By Cynthia Coons

O

n Saturday, December 16th, I had an experience like none other. My husband and I, along with a few of our friends, went down to Virginia to participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery.

Wreaths Across Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. This is carried out by the coordination of wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. The national theme for 2017 is Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an American. Yes, I am.

We stayed at a family memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home outside of Springfield, VA. Arriving late Friday night and rose at 5:15 a.m. Saturday. It was barely light

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outside when we got to the Metro station. When I saw the multitude of people already in line to buy tickets, I think I started to realize the magnitude of what was happening. We boarded the train at the beginning of the train line to Arlington, but we already were amongst several other people that stood holding onto metal poles in the middle of the car, it was already jam

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packed. I tried to ignore my hunger, need for coffee, and the cold.

When we arrived at Arlington, we were welcomed with the sight of thousands of people standing in line, waiting to enter the cemetery. At least 10 police cars and trucks led a procession, followed by a long line of trucks with the Wreaths Across America logo on the doors We stood right in the front of the crowd of people cheering and applauding the arrival of â&#x20AC;&#x153;THEâ&#x20AC;? wreaths.

We finally made our way into the cemetery, and the view was nothing I could have prepared myself for.

Hillsides and fields of perfectly symmetrical tombstones, paths running throughout the cemetery beyond my eyesight. Our friend, Melissa has been coming here for several years to pay her respects to her Uncle Tom who was laid to rest in this cemetery. We came upon his gravesite, listening to Melissa talk about his life and giving us some history about the cemetery, the laying of the wreath, and the meaning of all that we

were about to experience. As we lay the wreath on the veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grave, we are to say that veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It is meant as an act towards keeping the memory of our veterans alive. Chills overcome me when Melissa told us â&#x20AC;&#x153;A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spokenâ&#x20AC;?. I had a new outlook on what we were doing, that each year when a wreath is laid at the grave and the veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is spoken, it means that their second death has not yet occurred.

We each took our wreath and chose a veteran to honor, taking turns and watching each other place our wreath, we read aloud the name, the war or wars that he or she was a veteran of, the medals received, their rank, and their birth year and death. We gave thanks for their service and sacrifice.

We made our way to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, standing in complete silence alongside hundreds of other people, witnessing the most honorable and disciplined soldier I have ever seen. This Tomb Guard Sentinel has vowed a lifetime of service to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We watched the ritual of exact steps and motions being diligently carried out in the count of 21. This is significant to the 21 gun salute. The display of honor exhibited here is beyond words.

We then visited the Eternal Flame at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. The site is aligned along a lineof-site between Arlington House and the Lincoln Memorial. The view from his gravesite is spectacular.

As we made our way towards the exit, I took one final look around. I took in a deep breath, slowly let it out, and with pride I thought to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an American. Yes, I am.â&#x20AC;?

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Gearing Up For 2018!

By Jeff Whitaker

H

ere we go again. It’s the beginning of another year.

The pressure is on. It may be because someone popped the question recently or that internal nagging voice that says, “It’s a new year, so what are your goals and resolutions?” Before you stop reading, thinking this is just another one of those “feel good, motivate me” articles to get you all excited, give me three minutes.

That’s about the time it will take to read what I write.

I don’t know which camp you fall into. You may be the person who always sets goals and have done great over the years. Maybe you’re the person who has given up on goal setting because for you it never worked.

Or you might think it’s all nonsense and not worth trying to begin with.

Wherever you find yourself, let’s talk straight. No one can really successfully argue that setting goals or thinking through a plan doesn’t have it’s merits. Think about it. You can’t really go somewhere unless you know where you want to go. I guess you could stumble around and hope you reach your destination. But who wants to do that?

There is a smart way and a not so smart way to approach the new year. I would think because you’re still reading this article you have some hope of making 2018 better than 2017 and want to improve yourself and/or your situation. So, where do you start? I believe the best way to start is by looking back. Take time to reflect on 2017 and ask yourself some honest questions. First of all ask yourself if you are better off now (in whatever area or areas you want to see improvement) than you were on January 1, 2017? Another way is to ask yourself if what you set out to do this past year, you actually achieved.

If yes, why? If not, why not? We’ve all heard that experience is the best teacher. But Dr. John Maxwell says that’s not true. He says that evalu-

↘Continued on 25

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31. Chowder ingredient 32. *Robert Reich, Secretary of ____ 33. Single-cell animal 34. *Brandon or Brenda of "Beverly Hills, 90210" 36. Lyric poems 38. Paddington's home country 42. Like something fit for a king 45. Remove from the throne 49. Not bright 51. Frightens 54. Prison-related 56. Perform in a play 57. *1991 war site 58. Arabian chieftain 59. *Operation Joint Endeavour mastermind organization 60. Type of fish net 61. Cairo's waterway 62. Et alibi, abbr.

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

↘Continued from 24

The Breakfast Shop

ated experience is the best teacher.

Now project forward to the end of 2018 and ask yourself where you want to be in terms or growth or goals or dreams. Then work your way backward to hit your mark. This is only the beginning but I would challenge you to ask yourself some tough questions and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Tackling a very small number of goals is much better than a laundry list. Don’t get overwhelmed.

We’ll explore this process further in the weeks to come. But what’s most

Start Your Day with Breakfast by the Bay! important is that you start; that you take your first step.

Here’s to all you hope and dream for in 2018. Happy New Year!

Business Luncheon to Discuss Atlantic City Development

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he Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association will be holding its Annual Winter Luncheon Business Meeting on Wednesday January 24th , 2018, 12 Noon at Golden Nugget Casino ( Grand Ballroom) . MBCA‘s Winter Kick-Off Luncheon Meeting has traditionally been the venue for the current Atlantic City Administration to present their goals and plans for the New Year. However this year, MBCA Will host the AC DEVELOPERS FORUM , which will feature, Leaders of Investment and Development . Mr. Bruce Kay of FantaSea Resorts, Mr.

Wassem Borarie (The South Inlet Resident Project) Dr. Harvey Kesselman Stockton University President on (The Gateway Project), AC HARD ROCK Rep. &,Mr. Dave Robbins ( New President of South Jersey Gas) Individual tickets can be purchased at $45.00 for members and $50.00 for non members. Reserved tables with of 10 with signage ( $450.00)and priority seating available by calling the MBCA Office (Limited Availability) at 609-348-1903, or e-mail comments@ acmetbiz.com For additional information, visit MBCA website at www. mbcanj.com.

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Senior Moments A Senior’s Observations, Opinions and Rantings

By Charles P. Eberson

I

am not a shopper. I don’t browse. I am more of a buyer. If I need a particular shirt or pair of pants, I enter the store locate the item, buy the item and exit the store without really looking around very much. Now I am in the market for a new laptop. Computers have always been supplied to me by previous employers so the last one I purchased was a desktop about 15 years ago. I’ve done my research and narrowed the search down to a few models but before I made my decision I wanted to actually see one up close and personal. I wanted to see how typing on it would feel, how well the touchpad worked and if a touch screen was an important feature for me. This meant I would have to go to a local store to test drive a few.

What gave me pause when I entered the store was the sheer number and variety of electronics on display. My technical knowledge might not quite elevate me to nerd status but I feel I have a pretty good grasp on what the marketplace has to offer in the field of electronics. I just have not had a reason to be in a place where they are all displayed together and in such quantities.

Granted, they stocked up for the holidays but I am sure buyers for these stores have done their due diligence and are confident that consumers will step up and purchase most of the items. I took some time and walked up and down the aisles noting the vast array of electronics and accessories competing for our dollars.

This jarred my memory and brought me back to my childhood. My parents were rather modest in the way they lived their lives but we never felt we were lacking anything. They never had a new vehicle but they did have two sensible good used cars.

When holidays and birthdays came around, there were always gifts and when I married and had children of my own it wasn’t long before I would feel the pressure of raising a family. My wife and I were working full time trying to provide a decent standard of living for all of us and at times, it was quite challenging. My dad had his own beauty shop in Margate and my mom was a seamstress doing alterations on the neighbors’ clothing after my brother and I were put to bed. Still, my parents managed to take us every couple years to England where my

26

mother was born and her family lived. I had to ask my mother just how did they do it.

Her answer was so simple it has stayed with me all these years. She said “We did not have as many things to spend our money on as you do today.” There was no TV cable, no cell phones, personal computers, no internet.

These things enhance our lives to a degree and I wouldn’t want to give them up but walking through the electronics department really shed a light on what she said. In addition to the cell phones were the cell phone cases, waterproof cases, protective glass products, ear buds and car chargers.

Then there are the video game consoles like Nintendo, Playstation, Xboxes, controllers, headphones and of course the games ranging from $25 to $60. There were robotic kits from $20 to $80, virtual reality headsets and games. Fitbits are available so we can monitor our activity among other features. There are all different sizes of tablets if you want to use something other than your computer or smart phone. Of course you will want a case for your tablet. Drones are hot now and can range from under $40 and up into the low thousands. Who wouldn’t want to mount a dash cam on the dashboard of their car on the odd chance that you will be fortunate enough to capture someone else’s catastrophic misfortune? You might also need a GoPro camera to record your friends epic fail and be a YouTube sensation. By the way, you are going to need a bunch of mounting hardware for the GoPro. At the time I asked my mother that question I realized that my wife and I had five TV’s in the house. It didn’t seem excessive but still, FIVE? One was in the living room, a small one in the kitchen, one in our bedroom, one in our son’s room and one in our daughter’s room. Yes, excessive.

Our kids have grown and moved out. We removed the TV’s from the kitchen and bedrooms and are down to one in the living room just like my parents. I love technology and am fascinated with new advances but when I think about how cool it would be to have the newest widget, I remember how she had answered my question.

By the way, have you ever seen the size of the closets in the old houses?

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

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27

Skiing with Kids

By Marci Lutsky

By Marci Lutsky

I

did not grow up skiing. That all changed when I met my husband and not skiing was not an option.

I learned to ski as an adult which can be challenging. When we had children, my husband was ready to get them on skis the day after they took their first steps. While some parents wait until they are older, we started our kids on skis when they were two years old. Now at seven they are fantastic skiers, way better than me. They ski double black diamonds while I stick to the green and blue trails. I hear from people all the time who want to know how to get their kids into skiing and here are some suggestions.

If you are going to start early, keep your expectations low. Getting kids all bundled up in ski attire can take at least an hour or more and then you may spend just a few minutes out on the snow be-

fore they get cold, have to use the potty or have had enough. The first season we took our kids out, we really just wanted to get them familiar and comfortable with the process. We stayed in the practice area with hula hoops around them just so they got used to the feel of being on skis and what some movement on the snow felt like. The next year we used backpack harnesses which were great. The kids would ski in front of us while we held onto two ropes, similar to reigns on a horse so we could control their direction and speed.

So what exactly will your kids need before hitting the slopes? The basics to start with are warm socks, long underwear, snow pants, warm gloves and a warm coat. If they are just starting out, I would recommend renting equipment. If it seems like a sport that they are going to stick with, then it may be a good idea to invest in boots, skis and a helmet. Keep an eye on ski stores that have a program where you can sell and buy skis. You can often find really good deals on used skis.

So your kids want to ski, where should you go? We have skied in the

Poconos for the last few years and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been great for many reasons. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only about a three hour drive from here, making it accessible for a weekend trip or even a day trip.

Some of the mountains we have enjoyed have been Jack Frost, Big Boulder

money. If you have a fourth or fifth grader, I highly recommend looking into the Pennsylvania Ski and Snow Pass Program at www.skipa.com. Fourth and Fifth graders can ski for free through this program. Kids can work up a big appetite after a short time on the ski slopes. Buying lunch at the ski lodge can be extremely expensive so I always pack luck for my family during a day of skiing.

Hot soup in a thermos is always available for my children.

and Camelback. New Jersey and New York also have plenty of ski mountains.

You might be thinking, skiing seems like an expensive hobby. Yes, it can be but there are certain ways to save

Marci Lutsky is a local mom of six-year-old twins and can be reached at veggingattheshore@ gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 10, 2018

The Premier New Year’s Resolutions Window, Roofing That Will Change Your & Siding Company Small Business in 2018

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sually when you make your “New Year’s Resolutions”, they are for your personal life. Most entrepreneurs never think of making a list for your business. I truly think of it as my annual business plan because new year resolutions are almost always a plan you only implement for a couple of weeks or months. With your business, you want to create impactful resolutions that will improve your business bottom line. So, if you are ready to make some long overdue changes in your small business, here are several possible resolutions you should set now for 2018, this way you can get started on the first business day of the year – January 2, 2018.

JoJo's

1. I will manage my business administrative tasks starting on the first business day of 2018.

This is a great resolution for small business owners who are disorganized with the daily administrative tasks such as organizing digital and paper documents. Better track the day-to-day finances of the business using Microsoft Excel or Quick Books.

2. I will review my Internet and Social Media presence.

At the beginning of the year it is a good idea to review all of your social media sites, replace and upgrade pics of your business, test out if your website works correctly on smart devices such as ipads and cell phones, look for any outdated information – try to eliminate date driven details.

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3. I will create new Social Media content for my small business.

5. I will create an advisory board of three or more.

There are a number of low costs and sometimes even free ways to improve your social media. Creating an eBook for your business, develop free educational content webinars to attract new customers and maintain existing customers. Think about an Internet production like a weekly show using Facebook, start a business blog and modify and build your email list.

Put together a team to look at your business plan, assess the changes you plan to make and seek advice and have each member complete an evaluation or assessment.

For a free copy, email me at thetbyrdcenter@gmail.com. It is real important to have a team that can benefit you with their expertise and experience. Do not select family or friends they tend to think more like you, you want people who will think outside the box.

4. I will review costs for my products or services.

Take a close look at the costs for your product and/or services and do the research to ensure you are getting the best price. Also take a look at what you charge for those product and services and compare them with your competition and ensure you are still very competitive with your pricing.

COASTAL

Fabricators (609) 412-7852 Lic 13VH06637300

So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the next step? Take our FREE webinar titled: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Resolutions by registering at http://student.tbyrdcenter.com/ webinars/. Attendees receive a valuable business packet. For more information call T. Byrd Computers at: 609-484-9356.

Solution Check yourself!

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