SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | April 24, 2025

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Pope Francis’ passing reminds us of what truly matters

Letter from the editor

This week, my heart is heavy with the news of pope Francis’ passing. Whether or not you are Catholic, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of respect and compassion for a man who has led with humility, kindness and a global message of unity. pope Francis had been a beacon of hope for so many, speaking up for the marginalized, advocating for peace and encouraging us to care for one another and the planet. His presence on the world stage has reminded us of the power of empathy, and the importance of using our voices—and platforms—for good.

Here at Shore local Newsmaga -

zine, that message resonates strongly with our mission. We may be a small, independent publication, but we are deeply rooted in the community we serve. Every week, we tell the stories that matter to South Jersey—from local businesses and nonprofits to artists, athletes and everyday heroes. We shine a light on the people making a difference, whether it’s someone such as Marc polo Smigliani who was wounded five times and received four purple Hearts for what he endured in Vietnam (page 12) or entrepreneur Mike Hauke of Atlantic City, making his dreams come true on national television this week (pages 6-8).

Our team is passionate about what we do, and we take pride in being more than just a newsmagazine —we are a voice for the community. in a world that often feels divided or overwhelmed by negativity, we strive to be a source of inspiration and connection. We believe in celebrating the good, supporting the local and helping each other feel seen. We’re proud to be locally owned and operated. That means we live here, work here and care deeply about the future of this region. it also means we’re invested in your stories and your successes. When you pick up a copy of Shore local, you’re not just reading news—you’re supporting a network of writers, photographers, small businesses and creatives who are all working together to uplift this place we call home.

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

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

Publisher Assistant - Julia Train

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train

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

Web Designer - Holly Martin, Digital Marketing - Liz Katz

Contributors – Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Fred Miller, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Rachael Guevara, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ

Cover art by Bogy. SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

As we hold pope Francis in our thoughts and prayers, i hope we’re reminded of what he’s taught us: that compassion is powerful, and community matters. Thank you for being part of ours.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Pope Francis dies at 88; Local Catholics respond

By Julia Train

Pope Francis, the first l atin American pontiff and a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, died Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure, the Vatican announced. Just a day earlier, he had appeared in a wheelchair to bless crowds in St. peter’s Square during Easter Mass.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was the first Jesuit and the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. He was elected in 2013 following the historic resignation of pope Benedict XVi . Francis quickly set a new tone for the Church, focusing on social justice, climate action and outreach to the world’s most vulnerable.

local Catholics responded with a mix of admiration and reflection.

lisa Hindman, a parishioner at St. Katharine Drexel in Egg Harbor Township, calls herself a “cafeteria Catholic,” disagreeing with the Church’s stances on gay marriage, abortion and women's roles in Church leadership.

“He was a good man and he was a humble man, and i hope that we get someone really just like him, because i think he was trying to modernize some of the ideas and put more women in control,” Hindman said.

Francis’s legacy is controversial to Catholics.

Although he upheld traditional teachings on marriage, he urged priests to welcome lGBTQ+ individuals and nontraditional families. His progressive views on global issues won admiration worldwide, though some conservative Catholics criticized his leadership style and accused him of diluting the Church’s beliefs.

p atrick Simpson, who attends St. Joseph roman Catholic Church in Somers point, acknowledged that divide.

“ i t's split into you've got people out there that, you know, [go] through the roof for pope Francis, and then you have a lot of criticism out there. And i think that you have

to take the good, but you also have to equip yourself over a decent level of discernment,” said patrick Simpson from Ocean City. “At the end of the day, we're aiming for Christ first, and that's really the most important message.”

Simpson appreciated Francis’s global presence and unity-driven approach but was uneasy with some of the pope’s more controversial positions, such as interfaith inclusivity and same-sex blessings.

Thomas Walheim, who attends l atin Mass at St. Gianna Beretta Molla in Northfield weekly and hosts the Catholic podcast “The Things That Don’t Change,” reflected on the timing of the pope’s passing.

“ i t's a bit of an ironic time for Catholics. We just came out of the season of grieving the crucified Christ and now we are in this place of joy and galation and rejoicing is resurrection,” said Walheim. “For Catholics, Easter isn't just one day. There's the Easter octave, which is eight days along, and then there's Easter tide, which is 50 days long. So it's a whole season of feasting. This is a joyous time. And on the first day of that our holy father passes away, and we are back in grieving mode.”

He compared the moment to losing a parent.

“When it comes down to it, when all is said and done, he was my pope and he was the leader of the Church… i think that's how a lot of people are feeling right now with Francis' passing, is that they might not have agreed with every decision he made, but he was the father of our Church, and it's hard to see him go,” he said.

World leaders and Catholics across the globe are mourning Francis, remembered for his compassion,

courage and willingness to open long-closed doors. According to the Vatican, his will requested a simple tomb in rome.

Within two to three weeks, the Church will convene a conclave to elect a new pope, with the choice to either continue Francis’s global, inclusive vision, or return to a more traditional path.

Hindman and a friend during the late Pope's visit to Philadelphia in 2015.

His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. peter’s Square, Vatican City. in his final will, Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in rome, diverging from the traditional Vatican burial site.

Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain

Photo credit: University of San Diego

Lisa

When to begin planting at the Jersey Shore

By Meteorologist Joe Martucci

The old adage goes that in New Jersey, once you get to Mother’s Day you can start planting your gardens. That holds merit. Mother’s Day in the United States is celebrated between May 8 and May 11 (May 11 this year), on the second Sunday in May.

At Atlantic City i nternational Airport in Egg Harbor Township, there’s an 11% chance that low temperatures will be at or below freezing on or after May 8, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Go to May 14, and that’s happened just twice in the 80-year history of weather records at the airport.

Cross the bridges to the beaches and your risk of a freeze goes away completely. The latest freeze on record at Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, is April 30. That

was back in 1874, the first year of record keeping in the then-young city. Note that the northern Jersey Shore has had freezes as late as May 11. However, there’s only a 7% chance of a May freeze.

You don’t need to rely on the old adage for your planting advice this season. Your friendly, neighborhood, Shore local meteorologist can help you with the question of whether or not it’s time to plant this spring.

When

was our final freeze of the season?

Was April 18 the last freeze in the inland parts of the Jersey Shore in the 2025 season? Woodbine (Cape May County), Tuckahoe (Cape May County), as well as parts of Ocean and Monmouth counties dipped below 32 degrees. While Atlantic County did not report a freeze, there was localized patchy frost, which harms young plants as well. At the immediate coast, the last widespread freeze was back on

April 18 low temperatures --While Atlantic County did not report a freeze, there was localized patchy frost, which harms young plants as well.

What is the forecast for the rest of April? it’s much more likely that we will go the rest of the month without a killing freeze. The Climate p rediction Center, part of NOAA, was forecasting “likely” above average temperatures for April 26 to May 2 in their April 18 update. With average low temperatures in the mid-40s inland, and near 50 at the coast, you have a better chance of putting your ceiling fan on at night than a killing freeze. i can’t completely rule out frost in the rural pine Barrens, but this is unlikely.

How about May?

SUNDAY,

counties, 16% of Mays had a low temperature below 32 degrees. The most recent was May 11, 2010.

The general weather pattern for the Northeast in the first half of May is a thicker-than-usual atmosphere overhead. The thicker the atmosphere, the more potential for warmer air in the ground.

Of course, the cold ocean can kick in a chilly daytime sea breeze. However, sea breezes also moderate the overnight low temperature to the warmer side. So the risk of a freeze is low.

By the second half of May, freezes or frosts in this part of the state are

unheard of. After May 15, you’d need a historic cold plunge to get one, and i just don’t see that happening.

You can plant with confidence now if you’re at the beaches, you can start planting if you haven’t already. it’s not unusual to begin planting at this time.

For inland locations, like Somers point or Egg Harbor Township, i say go for it and let the fruits and vegetables grow. Farmers planted their asparagus and spinach weeks ago, and they’ll start harvesting in early May.

When i was growing up in Union County, we used to go to my Nonna’s (grandma in italian) house to plant corn, plenty of tomatoes and carrots. it was one of my favorite days of the year. Each year, they would let my sister and me plant a fruit or vegetable of our choice. We tried growing watermelons with little success, and sunflowers with better success.

The plot was about 10 feet by 10 feet, but it felt like a jungle as a kid during the late summer and autumn, with stalks taller than me all around.

She is still with us, but we decommissioned the garden years ago. However, the memories last forever. i hope you have some of the same this season.

Joe Martucci, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Digital Meteorologist, is the President and Director of Meteorology for Cup A Joe Weather and Drone. You can connect with him at cupajoe.live.

Cheese dreams coming true for ‘Mad Mutz’

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Did you know that there is a mad scientist in Atlantic City? Yes, there is and his name is Mad Mutz (aka

mont Avenue, where the creations of the best-tasting variety of mozzarella you will ever taste (all 12 flavors) are made.

As the owner of the famous Tony Boloney’s, Mike Hauke is no rookie when it comes to creativity and success in the food business. The Freehold, NJ, native has three very successful locations with the Tony Baloney's brand, which offers creative varieties of pizza, subs, mozzarella and other specialty items, with just as creative names. The stores are located in Hoboken, Jersey City and Atlantic City, which opened in 2009 when the revel was being built.

Mike Hauke). His laboratory is located on Fair-

The name Tony Boloney means “Bad l ittle Boy,” according to Hauke. it is the base for his brand to offer food that is outside the norm. His favorite foods are i ndian, Tai and Mexican, which are reflected in the varieties he offers. initially his employees settled for frozen and jarred ingredients, but

Hauke quickly found those unacceptable and fired everybody. Soon his fresh, honest and greatest food taste was born.

When the quality began to be recognized by the public, so did the marketing of the brand. Hauke is a fantastic promoter, not just locally, but on such shows as “Wendy Williams,” “Food paradise,” “The Today Show,” and probably the show that brought the most attention, “Diners, Drive- ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri.

When word got out about how great the food is, Hauke kept the marketing momentum going by going on the Travel Channel, “ live with Kelly,” “Good Morning America” and The New Yorker magazine. The mozzarella quickly became one of his most

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popular food items. He insists that it is all fresh and

↘Continued on 12

Mike Hauke presents his product.

Hauke pitches the “sharks.”

Hauke’s initial offer to the “sharks” was 5% equity for a $150,000 investment. He accepted Lori Greiner’s offer of $150,000 with 20%.

SPRINGSALEGOINGONNOW UPTO50%OFF ALLTEAK&POLYFURNITURE

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made from scratch from his Atlantic City store. With the creative mind that Hauke has, he was not going to just make average sticks. He has cre -

seven years to perfect, and that he did.

Mad Mutz came about when he teamed up with his good friend Michael Burns to become the Mad Mutz mozzarella scientists. The goal was to create the best tasting, unique flavors including:

ated, through a proprietary process, delicious flavored mozzarella sticks like no other. The process took over

Da p atty: (Jamaican golden patty crust with wiri wiri pepper).

The p opper: which is a blend of cream cheese-style with a pretzel jalapeno.

Gluten Free Nonna: Original fresh mozzarella with gluten-free i talian rosemary breadcrumb crust.

The Gaucho: Made with savory chimichurri mozzarella with garlic and herb breadcrumb crust.

There are an additional eight mouth-watering flavors. You have to go to the website to find your favorite stick to order. Their current facility

has the capacity to produce 60,000 sticks per day.

Hauke’s vast marketing and pr experience lead him, and his partner, Michael Burns, to the idea to apply to appear on the popular show “Shark Tank.” Mad Mutz was accepted and Hauke was on the show this past Friday, April 18. His initial offering to the Sharks was 5% equity for a $150,000 investment.

Barbara Corcoran made an offer of $150,000 for 20%, however she had a contingency. Barbara suddenly backed out but lori Greiner immediately followed up with a $150,000 offer at 20%. Hauke accepted and the rest is history. Hauke realized after all of the excitement the accountability and hard work was about to begin. From his past history, i think lori’s investment will be safe and she got a bargain. She will make a great partner for Mike and Mike with her valuable advice and success.

Since the show, the emails (over 5,000) have been pouring in along with the buzz. The partners expect to push the envelope on the capacity

of their current facility.

This past Saturday they had an instore taste testing at Casel’s in Margate and Shop rite in Somers point.

“My shops are going crazy with people stopping by and the phone ringing off the hook. Social media is redefining the word viral. The plan is world domination of mozzarella!” said Hauke.

lori has a lot of things in the works for them. Knowing lori, they better be ready for the ride, because i have a feeling the orders are going to be through the roof as they expand nationally and around the world. The sky's the limit for Mad Mutz.

You can visit Tony Boloney’s at 300 Oriental Ave, Atlantic City, go to the website www.madmutz.com, facebook madmutz.

Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

Hauke with his new partner, Lori Greiner.

Hauke succeeds with his pitch to the “sharks.”

Fighting hunger one step at a time

The CFBNJ’s 'Night of 300,000 Meals' returns to support South Jersey’s foodinsecure communities

By Delaney Crawford

Ftable.

Behind the scenes of this ongoing crisis is a network of individuals, organizations, and volunteers fighting to make a difference. leading that fight is the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), which has been providing critical support for more than four decades.

Established in 1975, the FoodBank has become one of the largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organizations in the state, distributing food and groceries to more than 800 local food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs statewide.

ood insecurity continues to be one of the most pressing and often overlooked issues facing South Jersey today. Despite our vibrant beaches, bustling boardwalks, and growing towns, the counties of Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland are home to more than 65,000 food-insecure residents. That number grows to nearly one million across New Jersey as a whole. The reality is that for countless individuals and families right here in our area, it’s a daily struggle to put food on the

The FoodBank’s South Jersey branch in Egg Harbor Township plays a vital role in this mission. it’s also the site of one of CFBNJ’s most impactful and largest annual fundraisers: the Night of 300,000 Meals. This important event mixes fun, tastings, local business support, and communi -

ty generosity into one unforgettable evening.

On Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m., the seventh annual Night of 300,000 Meals will take place inside the CFBNJ South Jersey warehouse located at 6735 Black Horse pike in Egg Harbor Township. Tickets are available for $100 and can be purchased at cfbnj.org/300kmeals. The website also lists sponsorship opportunities and additional ways to support the event and the FoodBank’s broader mission.

This event was originally created to bring the community together while supporting the food banks and, over the years, has expanded into much more.

“When we first started this event, it was the Night of 100,000 Meals,” said Nicole Williams-Meltzer, Assistant Director of Communications and public relations at CFBNJ. “Since then, it’s grown into what it is now. Every dollar raised helps provide three meals to people in need, and this year, our goal is to raise $100,000 to fund 300,000 meals.”

The evening transforms the FoodBank’s warehouse into a vibrant food and drink festival, featuring tasting stations hosted by some of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. Attendees can sip on a signature cocktail created by Tito’s Vodka, enjoy live music, and

sample a wide variety of gourmet dishes, all while learning about and supporting a critical cause.

“The setup is indoor-outdoor, with tents to accommodate overflow,”

Williams-Meltzer explained. “ it’s one of our biggest and most meaningful events of the year. i t’s about fun, food, and community, but it’s also about real impact.”

That impact stretches far past this one night as well. The funds raised at this event directly support the FoodBank’s ongoing efforts in South Jersey, from its on-site pantry, which operates five days a week and serves more than 18,000 local families each month, to its mobile food distributions, which reach underserved areas throughout the region.

“South Jersey has some of the state’s highest rates of food insecurity,” Williams-Meltzer said. “That’s why this event is so important. We want people to understand that food insecurity isn’t just found in the poorest areas. it can exist in affluent neighborhoods too. it could be your

neighbor, a coworker, or a classmate of your child.”

i n addition to Tito’s Vodka, the event is made possible by several major sponsors, including Caesars Foundation, Hard rock Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget, NJ American Water, NJM insurance Group, resorts Casino, and the T. Marzetti Company. Their partnerships play a crucial role in helping the FoodBank meet its ambitious goal of providing 300,000 meals to neighbors in need.

When asked what type of support is needed most outside of just attending this event, Williams-Meltzer didn’t hesitate: “ right now, a dollar is the most powerful donation. Every

single dollar helps us provide three meals, and that’s what is most needed.”

Events like this serve as a reminder that hunger doesn’t always look like what we expect. Hunger can affect anyone, and it’s up to all of us to shine a light on the issue. While volunteering for the Night of 300,000 Meals isn’t an option due to the structure of the event, the CFBNJ is always looking for helping hands year-round.

From assisting at mobile and onsite pantries to sorting and packing food donations, there are countless ways for the community to get involved. Volunteer opportunities can be found at cfbnj.org/volunteer.

The Night of 300,000 Meals is more than a fundraiser. i t’s a celebration of compassion, community, and the power of coming together to help one another. it’s a chance to enjoy an unforgettable night out, while ensuring that someone else doesn’t go to bed hungry. if you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this night is a good place to start.

EHT to dedicate Marco Polo Smigliani Purple Heart Way

By James FitzPatrick

At 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, Egg Harbor Township will rededicate Swift Drive as Marco polo Smigliani purple Heart Way in honor of not just one veteran, but all who have given of themselves, sometimes all of themselves, so that the rest of us can be free.

Smigliani was wounded five times and received four purple Hearts for what he endured in Vietnam.

“Every single day, i think of my friends who never came home – 19, 20, 22 years old, on March 4, 1969,” he said. “Billy died in front of me, Smith beside me, and Sledge behind me. How lucky could you be? So i thought i had a duty, a responsibility, and i ’ve been faithful to the best of

my ability ever since.”

Harrowing as his experience was, Smigliani counts himself a lucky man considering where he came from. Born in 1948, he escaped the poverty of post-war poggiofiorito, italy, to come to America at the age of 10 as his hometown was ravaged by World War ii

“ i was a little kid from the misery of poverty. No shoes, old bombed-out village. it’s kind of a leap when you stop and think about it. That’s why i love America so much. Because the American dream, in my opinion, is still alive and well.”

Smegliani speaks often to young people about his hardearned perspective on life.

“ i tell the kids whenever i go to a school, ‘You know you hit the lottery when you were born in America.’”

He was a teenager himself when he first encountered the Vietnam War.

“At 17, Smigliani joined the Merchant Marines,” according to Va.org. “He traveled extensively around the world and brought artillery to Da Nang to help the war effort. There, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He deployed to Vietnam in January 1969 as a machine gunner, but only served 40 days of combat in Vietnam after being wounded five times in 11 days.

“Smigliani joined Operation Dewey Canyon with the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th regiment, known as ‘The Walking Dead.’ While patrolling, his company discovered the abandoned North Vietnamese Army’s 88th Field Hospital. He called it 'the biggest catch of the war’ in an interview for the Veterans History project: ‘We found literally thousands of rifles, machine guns, about 60 to 70 tons of rice, all kinds of mail.’”

Today he is a different kind of warrior, on a mission to make lives better for the 100,000 veterans who call South Jersey home.

For years he was part of the effort, as liaison in former Congressman Frank loBiondo’s office, to establish a veterans clinic in Northfield. Before that opened, veterans had to travel by bus to Wilmington, Del. to get VA services. That project took 11 years, now there is one in Vineland and rio Grande, and Northfield will be moving to a 23,000-square-foot site in linwood. it’s all in hope of creating a veteran environment that is better for the next generation.

“The legacy i think we Vietnam veterans are going to leave behind is to make sure these young people from i raq, Afghanistan, wherever they go are not treated the way we were treated when we came home,” he said.

EHT resident Mike Bongiorno, chairman of the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board, has been working on the street renaming project for a long time.

“Marco, as we all know, is deeply respected and loved within our community. His unwavering focus has always been on our veteran community, a part of society that, for far too long, has often been overlooked.

“Through his selfless service, Marco has stood in honor of all those who have served. His commitment goes beyond words; he has dedicated his life to supporting and uplifting those in need. Whether through advocacy, action, or simply being there for someone who’s struggling, Marco embodies the true spirit of service and compassion.

“This recognition is not only well deserved, it’s a testament to the difference one person can make when they lead with heart and purpose.

Committeeman Will pauls was also instrumental and seeing it through.

“To come home from that and dedicate your life to veterans says who Marco polo is,” pauls said.

Saturday’s program will include the 49th MAG from Ft. Dix/lakewood doing a flyover with Huey and Cobra Attack helicopters, as well as their color guard. last Salute is doing their cannon fire. Slated to speak is rep. Jeff Van Drew, state Sen. Vince polistina and a few other local dignitaries. There will be multiple speeches from close friends followed by pizza and subs at the rec Center. Events won’t be moved into the rec center in case of rain.

About helping others, he told Shore local:

“The truth of the matter is everybody, all the Vietnam veterans who were in combat have pTSD. This is my way of dealing with my pTSD, by helping other people, that kind of makes me feel good and keeps me level headed.

He has lived in Egg Harbor Township with his wife, Donna for 24 years.

The event will take place adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park, 2153 Ocean Heights Ave. Marco Polo Smegliani, who just turned 77, is pictured next to a new bronze plaque which has been installed

Events and Happenings

Multi Day Events

Ocean City Sports Memorabilia

Show

▶Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ocean City Music pier, 825 Boardwalk purchase sports memorabilia and sports cards from various vendors and participate in meet and greets and Q&A sessions with Eagles Super Bowl Champion Cam Jurgens and past Eagles Super Bowl Champion Brent Celek. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com for more information.

Discount Days in Ocean City

▶Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk and Asbury Ave., Sixth-14th streets

Select city businesses will be offering special discounts on selected items throughout the weekend. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com for more information.

Phases of the Moon Unity Festival

▶Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27

phases of the Moon retreat Center, 4 Kingsway road, Egg Harbor Township

Enjoy a weekend of music, art, yoga and community. This gathering invites participants to explore mind,

body and spirit healing through over 20 workshops, including meditation, breathwork, ecstatic dance, astrology and more. Evening will feature live music, silent disco and talks around the campfire. This is a donation-based event, with a portion of proceeds supporting community projects. learn more at phasesofthemoon unity festival.eventbrite.com.

Thursday, April 24

OC-UT Rotary Club Program

▶5:30 p.m.

point Diner 8 MacArthur Blvd., Somers point

ralph Cooper, chairman of the Upper Township Sustainable Jersey Green Team Division, will be guest speaker for this week’s r otary Club meeting. Guests, perspective members and the general public are welcome to attend. For more information, visit ocutrotary.com

Friday, April 25

Arbor Day Celebration

▶3-6 p.m.

peace pilgrim park, 500 london Ave. Egg Harbor City

Join Sustainable EHC in a community celebration. learn about tree care, energy saving opportunities and

TIRE AND SERVICE EXPERTS

take home a caliper tree, Northern red oak and flowering dogwood saplings to plant in your yard. Food trucks will be on site.

Earth Day at Historic Smithville

▶4-7 p.m.

615 E. Moss Mill road Smithville

Go Green Galloway will host a special Earth Day Green Market along the Village Greene this Friday. The market will feature native plants, local honey, baked goods, crafters and more. plus, appearances by the Native plant Society, Jersey Friendly Yards and Swap Shop. Visit www.historicsmithville. com for more information. Pints for Paws

▶5-9 p.m.

ludlam island Brewery, 2051 Dennisville- petersburg road, Woodbine

Join the Humane Society of Ocean City for a night of suds benefiting good buds. proceeds from every pint will benefit shelter animals in need.

Saturday, April 26

Spring into Bargains

▶9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holy Trinity Church, 2998 Bay Ave. Ocean City

Browse for unique finds at this outdoor sale. Slightly-used clothing, attic treasures, trinkets, jewelry, electronics, toys and more will be available for purchase.

Interactive Kids 5K Run & 1 Mile

Walk

Somers Point Bayfest

▶10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bay Avenue

Somers point’s largest outdoor festival is back. Over 100 vendors will line the street for a full day of fun and entertainment. Enjoy delicious food, crafters, live music and activities for all ages. Visit www.facebook.com/ SpNJBayfest for more information. Smithville Art Walk

▶10 a.m.-5 p.m.

615 E. Moss Mill road, Smithville

Hosted by the Underground shop, this event welcomes more than 75 local artists to the Village Greene. There will be a wide array of art on display and artists selling their works. All genres will be represented. rain date: April 27. Visit www.smithvilleartwalk. com for updates or to learn more. Cape May County Earth Day Celebration

▶10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cape May County park and Zoo, 707 route 9 North, Cape May Court House

Enjoy a day of fun and learning for the entire family. The event will have hands-on educational exhibits, children’s amusements, live entertainment, a variety of environmental eco-shops and a scavenger hunt. The theme for this year’s event is “Seas the Moment” protect Our Waters. Visit www.cmczoo.com for more information.

▶9:30 a.m.

Estell Manor park, 109 route 50

i nteractive Kids is hosting its first annual 5K- run and 1-Mile Walk this Saturday. i n honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, proceeds will benefit The Arc of Atlantic County, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. registration opens at 8 a.m. Visit www.ikconnections.com and click on Events to learn more.

EHT Purple Heart Way Dedication

▶11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial p ark, 2153 Ocean Heights Ave.

Join Egg Harbor Township for a special event in dedication of the Marco polo Smigliani purple Heart Way. in the event of rain, the program will be moved to the EHT Community Center on English Creek Ave. light refreshments will follow the program at the Community Center.

Somers Point Bayfest is Saturday, April 26. Photo credit: Bayfest Somers Point Facebook

Tropicana Spring Fever Festival

▶12 p.m.

2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Shake off the winter blues and join Tropicana in a celebration of spring. The event, held at The Quarter, will include exclusive deals, giveaways and a fashion show featuring the season’s hottest styles.

Sunday, April 27

Run Wild 5K at Cape May County Zoo

▶8 a.m.

707 route 9 North, Cape May Court House

run Wild and bid the animals good morning this Sunday. This 5K run and 1 Mile Walk will take participants around the world-famous Zoo. Check-in and registration opens at 6:30. The 5K will begin promptly after 8 a.m. followed by kids races at 9 a.m. proceeds will benefit Cape May County organizations. Visit www.cmczoo.com to sign up or learn more.

Mosaic 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run

▶9 a.m.

Stockton University Atlantic City Campus, 58 Albany Ave.

Join the 15th Annual Mosaic run and Walk in support of Alzheimer’s and dementia services in our community. run the boards and go the extra

mile for local patients and families. race day registration opens at 7:15 a.m. The race will start and finish on the Boardwalk at Albany Ave. For more information, please visit www. seashoregardens.org.

ACUA Earth Day Festival

▶10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ACUA Environmental park, 6700 Delilah road Egg Harbor Township

Enjoy a day of activities on the grounds of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. Highlights will include facility tours, exhibits, giveaways, photos with ACUA mascot Supercan, 4-H petting zoo, recycled fashion show and book readings, along with workshops, food, entertainment and more. View the complete schedule online at www.acua.com.

Monday, April 28

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

▶7 p.m.

Gregory’s, 900 Shore r oad, Somers point

Join the South Jersey Jazz Society for an evening of live jazz music, featuring Tom Angello on the drums, trumpet by Bob Ferguson, Michael pedicin on tenor sax, Jason long on the piano and bass by Doug Mapp. Admission is $20 and $15 for Jazz Society members.

↘Continued on 20

Tuesday, April 29

Shore Medical Sensory Care Presentation

▶6 p.m.

Ocean City library lecture Hall, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join the Ocean City library, Community Wellness Alliance and Shore Medical Center for a program to inform the public about improving emergency and outpatient care for individuals with special needs. learn about Shore’s sensory-friendly care program in the Adult Emergency Department, a new outpatient lab designed for a calm testing environment, and support for children with autism and sensory processing challenges.

Senior Dance Society

▶7:30-10 p.m.

Somers point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel road

Enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, April 30

Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6-8:30 p.m.

Somers point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler road

The pinochle Club gathers every Wednesday night throughout the year to play. All are welcome to join.

Thursday, May 1

A Conversation about the EHT Outlying Schools and School District

▶7 p.m.

EHT Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave. retired teacher and traveling principal lou Della Barca will lead a discussion of memories for those who attended or worked in the schools. The discussion will also include a short film about the history of the EHT schools. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students; free admission for Greate Egg Harbor Township Historical Society members. Hosted by the GEHTHS.

Bus Trips

Scott Arboretum and Phillips Mushroom Farm

▶May 20, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join The little Gardens Club for a day trip to Scott Arboretum and phillips Mushroom Farm in Chester County, pa. The bus will depart from Harbor Square Shopping Center, next to Boscov’s, in Egg Harbor Township. Cost is $82 per person. Space is limited. For more information, contact Karen at 609-501-5257, or Deb at 856-285-4876.

Longwood Gardens & Brandywine Art Museum

▶June 14, 8 a.m.

Monday Meditation and Stretching

▶Mondays, 11:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie leeds road Galloway

The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly 15-20-minute meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on Mondays. Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.

Depression and Anxiety Group

▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.

Too Much Stuff

▶Saturday, May 3, 12 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City

The Ocean City Arts Center will host a bus trip to two exciting points of interest in Chester County, pa. Explore longwood Gardens, with over 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens and woodlands and a 4-acre historic conservatory. The Brandywine Art Museum is home to a distinguished collection of twentieth-century American art house in a renovated nineteenth century mill. Cost is $112 per person and includes all admissions. Call 609399-7628 to reserve your seat.

Health and Wellness MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.

These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

This twice monthly group is offered to individuals who live with clutter challenges. Strategies, education, support, goal-setting and other related topics will be covered. No cost to participate. Meetings offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. 6009 paul and Thelma lane, Mays l anding

Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609402-6966 for more information.

NAMI Family Support and Connection Meeting

▶Monday, May 12, 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore road Somers point

Open to family members, caregivers and loved ones 18+. participants gain the support of peers who understand their experiences and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit www.namiacm. org or call 609-741-5125 for more information.

By Tammy Thornton

that

healthy-looking. Others will spread out to the point that they outgrow their welcome in certain spots of the garden. Both of these types of plants could benefit from being divided. When you divide a plant successfully, you are cutting off a piece of the original plant (parent plant) and creating a new plant that will grow independently. This is one method of propagation of plants that can rejuvenate an older plant or simply give you new plants to expand your garden. like teenagers

cutting the apron strings, some of these divisions will thrive in their independence better than others.

Dividing your plants in spring will allow these new plants to spread their wings and develop strong roots of their own to endure the heat of summer, and later, the cold and freezing temperatures of winter.

Certain plants will have telltale signs that they are ready to be divided or split. Clumping plants will begin to show bald spots or bare spots in the center. Other perennials may become weak and floppy or begin to flower less or have smaller blooms, showing that they are competing for nutrients and losing. Sometimes a plant becomes a monster that must be tamed. Though it seems cruel to cut apart a seemingly healthy plant, you will actually be doing them a favor, as overgrown plants will begin to show their age. Dividing these plants will give them new life, though at first they may show some signs of the disturbance. This is also a way to preserve a beloved plant, since you will now have multiples of the “same” plant, giving you more chances for it to survive if something happens to the parent plant.

Early spring is a good time to divide plants that are just breaking dormancy. Some good candidates would be hostas, yarrow, coreopsis, and astilbe. For these types of plants, my tool of choice is usually a spade. i find my way through the middle of the plant and make a decisive slice straight down, being sure to go deep enough to keep the roots. Then i go back to my trusty shovel and dig deeply around the section that i am removing. Be sure to refill soil in the cavity that you have created next to the parent plant, and give it a dose of water. You can also dig up the entire plant and cut it up above ground. i had to do this a few years ago with an enormous spirea shrub that was too large and difficult to cut through while it was in the ground. The parent plant did not mind a bit, and it has now grown large enough that it’s about ready to be divided once again. You can also divide certain plants just after they have flowered or in early fall. it is not a good idea to divide plants when they are flowering, because they are focusing their energy on blooming and you will cause them undue stress that may harm the plant.

Mary McDermott, a local gardener who leads formal and informal presentations on propagation techniques and was a Master Gardener and instructor for over 15 years, gives us some well-thought-out advice regard -

Divide perennials such as this lovely, but overgrown astilbe before it begins to flower in early spring.

ing plant division. Her main theme is to remember that you must have a combination of “roots and shoots”. Save as many roots as possible and be sure to have “shoots” which consist of the stems, buds, and leaves of your division. Tuberous plants such as dahlias and cannas are among the easiest to divide, followed by fast spreaders that put out runners like strawberries and monarda (bee balm). For tubers, use a sharp garden knife that is sanitized before each cutting. runners are usually small in early spring and easy to dig with a trowel.

When planning on dividing your plants, be sure to water them well the day before, so that they are happy and well-hydrated. Dig your hole for the new location before you start your division. That way they can go directly into the soil before they dry out or realize they have been moved. Sometimes the new home is not ready; in this case, simply plop the division in a pot of soil and keep it in a shaded area and water well. Choose an overcast day for the big move when a few cooler days are in the forecast. i love to plan a division when rain is predicted

that night or the next day. Once you have completed your division, coddle the new plant and be sure to keep it well-watered as it develops its root system and becomes acclimated to its new home.

Every plant has its own special needs, so it is best to do some research on your specific plant before propagating it by division. McDermott offers us a little trick to cutting through the “noise and clutter” of online sources. in the search bar, add “+.edu” to your search of a particular plant, this will direct you to universities like rutgers, Stockton, and penn State that are excellent sources, often targeted specifically to homeowners. Of course, you can always reach out to the Shore local News and we will find the answers you need. Send your comments and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

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

OCEAN CITY BLOCK PARTY

Use a sharp spade to divide yarrow in early spring, then share these dry tolerant pollinators with a friend.

Buzzworthy Books, Events, And More

From best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this spring.

New Playland pirate ship goes up

By Steffen Klenk

There was much excitement in Ocean City on Wednesday morning as the first pieces of a new and improved pirate ship were installed atop playland’s Castaway Cove. Totaling over a dozen pieces, the structure will come complete with the iconic pirate and parrot, a symbol of the park for decades, that will overlook potential parkgoers on the boardwalk. Sound effects and animatronics will be installed in the months ahead.

The installation comes four years after a massive fire that significantly damaged the arcade, adjoining restaurant, and former pirate ship. Extensive efforts have been made since to rebuild the structure and add new attractions for thrill seekers of all ages. The refurbished arcade reopened to the public last weekend.

playland’s Castaway Cove has been welcoming families for decades.

Their most iconic attractions include the Gale Force roller coaster, Double Shot, and Ferris wheel. Hours and information can be found at www. oceancityfun.com.

www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434

HOURS Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm

CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm

Photos by Steffen Klenk

What’s happening in Ocean City

Cam Jurgens and Brent Celek to highlight Sports Memorabilia Show

Two Super Bowl champions with the philadelphia Eagles — pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens and former tight end Brent Celek — will be part of the seventh annual Sports Memorabilia Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, at the Ocean City Music pier.

They will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions as part of the “Sports Show of Champions.”

Vendors with merchandise and collector’s items representing a variety of sports and teams will be on display and for sale at the show. Admission is free, and hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

Jurgens took over as starting center for the Eagles after the retirement of Jason Kelce and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl title after the 2024 season. He was named to the pro Bowl in his first season as a starting center and third season as an Eagle.

Celek’s entire 11-season NFl career was with the philadelphia Eagles,

and he retired after the Eagles won the Super Bowl after the 2017 season. He had almost 5,000 yards as a receiver and 31 touchdowns during his career.

Jurgens and Celek will participate in free Q&A sessions on stage at the Ocean City Music pier — with Jurgens appearing at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Celek at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. They also will be available for individual meet-and-greets with fans that will include the opportunity to get autographs and photos. Jurgens will be available for meet-and-greets

($40) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and Celek will be available ($20) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit oceancityvacation.com/box-office starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22 for more information and to buy tickets. Call 609-399-6111 for more information.

More spring events in Ocean City

APRIL 26 and 27 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant “Discount Days”: At businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and

Asbury Avenue.

MAY 2 – Martin Z. Mollusk Day: Come see if summer will come early as our city mascot seeks his shadow at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, at Ninth Street Beach.

MAY 3 – Spring Block Party: More than 350 crafters, vendors and entertainers line downtown Asbury Avenue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3. MAY 3 and 4 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant “Discount Days”: At businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.

Two schools of thought about the Margate Bridge

Life is What Happens

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

It was a 1962 turquoise Buick station wagon and for my first decade of life it served as my ride, my wheels, my best and only way to get to the shore.

it worked for our family of six –parents in the front, two in the middle row, the two youngest – my brother and me, in the cargo area, which had a bench seat you could pop up. We faced backwards; what fun for little kids to see where they’d been. Other times we kept the seat down and rolled around in the back – yes pre-seatbelts.

A lot went on in that car with a family of six, but one thing that never happened on any ride to the shore from the western philly suburb of Broomall, pa., was that Buick station wagon was never going to find itself on the Atlantic City Expressway because it cost a dollar in tolls, which is the equivalent of $9-$10 today.

routes to AC, Brigantine and Ventnor are deeply imbedded in my driving soul when it comes to my own route choice, too, many decades later. Say “Margate Bridge” to me and i murmur, “ i go around.” Saying “ i go around” around here is akin to saying, “ i ’m down the shore.” Everyone knows it means you’re taking an alternate route to the Mainland instead of the Margate Bridge, which requires a toll of $2.50 each way.

if you don’t know what makes the Margate Bridge different, it’s that it’s a private bridge. That means it’s not maintained by the state, and your toll money doesn’t go to New Jersey. it goes to a company called Downbeach Express, which runs the show. They set the tolls, they keep it running and maintain it – just not with taxpayer dollars.

As of 2024, the United States had approximately 618,000 highway bridges. Ownership is predominantly public, with state and local govern -

The Expressway was a new road then, built between 1962 and 1964 at the cost of $43 million. it could have cost $43 billion, my dad was not spending that extra dollar.

Sound like your dad? i f you’re local you know what that meant: be prepared for the start and stop of White Horse pike (U.S. route 30) or Black Horse pike (U.S. route 322). By the time we stopped at roadside stands for peaches and tomatoes he might has well have spent the extra $1 or $10.

For my dad it was the “why pay more” school of thought, even if it devalued our time. To a child, one road was a new expressway and the other two slow-poke pikes. What would you choose?

Children learn what they live, so those White Horse and Black Horse

ments responsible for the majority of them. privately owned bridges constitute a small fraction of the total. There are just 2,200 privately owned highway bridges (less than ½ of a percent) across 41 states and puerto rico.

Officially, it’s called the Margate-Northfield Boulevard Bascule Bridge (but really, who says that?). i t’s been connecting Margate City to the Mainland since 1932, when it opened as a shortcut to avoid ferries and trains. From the start, it charged a toll. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is ownership.

The bridge ran into financial trouble soon after it opened and was briefly shut down. i n 1938, the

↘Continued on 29

Hill Dredging Company bought it at a sheriff’s sale, fixed it up, and reopened it with a 25-cent toll. Then in 1964, the Capaldi and Hansen families bought it at a federal auction. i t’s been privately owned ever since. in 2012 it got a bit of a makeover and was rebranded as the Downbeach Express, which sounds more like a bullet train, but is still the same bridge with a new name.

residents and visitors alike have varying opinions as to whether the bridge is “worth it” or not. A lot depends on where they live on Absecon i sland (Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, longport), how much time they have and how much dough they’re willing to part with.

Drivers on Absecon island have four choices of routes off the island – two public highways, one expressway and the famed Margate Bridge.

To take the sting out of the price, there is a prepaid card for the bridge that saves 75 cents each way. You have to load the card with at least $10 and can add to it at any time. A little yellow light at the toll booth lets you know when your card is at $12. The card isn’t affiliated with E-Zpass and has a one-time, non-refundable activation fee of $5 per pass. Still, you may agree that anything pre-paid eventually feels free.

Now i don’t pay anything –and i don’t see the bill, which is honestly the best part.”

For me, as a Ventnor resident smack-dab in the middle of the island, with my dad's toll aversion in my head, that $5 Downbeach Express toll feels like a slice and a Diet Coke down the drain.

dollars” – in this case $2.50. When i do take the bridge, i ’ve got the vast expanse of the intracoastal Waterway on both sides of the car, salt marshes, and a sea breeze. it’s a serene, speedy ride.

last month, in the 30 seconds the car behind me had patience for, i interviewed the toll takers who said they love their jobs. They don’t even balk at pennies. if i ’ve got nine quarters and can dig up that last one embedded in the passenger seat, the Margate Bridge feels like a good idea.

lisa is an advertising copywriter (think Madmen without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote list” for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com.

“My wife and i use the Margate Bridge at least 99% of the time; we live nearby and for us it’s just not worth it to go all the way around,” says Mark Neisser of Margate. “ i know a lot of people in town who think it’s way too expensive, but my time is worth something, too. if you take the Black Horse pike, you hit pleasantville

traffic, and if you go to longport and into Somers point to get to the Mainland, you’ll hit traffic there as well. i just don’t think it’s worth it. if you buy the pass it’s only $1.75 each way.”

For those who borrow the family car, their take on the bridge is a little different.

“ i n high school, i ’d always ask my dad for two bucks to cross the Margate Bridge, says Jake Zaslow, of Margate, now 24 and wintering in Chicago.

“ if i didn’t have cash, (and i never did), i ’d just take the long way through Atlantic City – no toll. Eventually, my dad caved and got us the bridge pass.

So my formula is this: if i have time, i “go around.” if i ’m running late, i ascribe to my mom’s adage of “pay the man the two

Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com

This family car never once found itself on the AC Expressway. Love ‘ya Dad!

Our 1962 Buick station wagon outside our house on Harvard Avenue.

Family Tides: Why swim lessons should be a top priority

Family Tides with Madison Russ

With summer around the corner, many families are gearing up for sun-filled days at the beach and pool. Swim safety might not be the first thing on their minds, but it should be.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, according to the American red Cross. it’s also the leading cause of death for children and adults with autism and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.

Though it's never too late to start swimming lessons, and even older children can benefit, most experts agree: the earlier, the better.

“ i always say swimming should be

Elisa Jo Eagan

the first sport a child should learn, not because it's just a sport, but because it’s a lifesaving skill,” said Alicia Fimple- p accione, owner of i sland Aquatics NJ, which offers mobile swim lessons in Atlantic

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Photos courtesy of Alicia Fimple-Paccione.

Open Weekends in April

Open Thurs, Fri., Sat & Sundays in May

courage them. We have the parents watching in the lobby and cheering them on,” said Bell, explaining that they reward children every time they improve or gain a skill with gold coins and ribbons. “What’s good is that the kids who are a little more afraid see the others getting excited and want to get in on it.”

Bell noted every child learns differently and at their own pace. But a consistent, positive environment makes a difference.

“Everyone will agree if you have a routine, and the kid really bonds with the instructor, and they have that consistency, their skills are going to keep increasing at an even higher rate than someone who starts and stops,” he said. “Are we teaching the kids a lot of important skills? Of course. But we also want it to be fun. That’s how you build students who want to stay with the program.”

Fimple- p accione echoed that swim lessons are not just a “summer activity” but should be continued throughout the year, especially as children grow.

And just because a child is learning to swim or developing safety skills doesn’t automatically make them immune to risk.

Fimple- paccione noted that parents should remain within arm’s reach, warning that even in life vests or puddle jumpers, children’s arms can slip out, or the device can become unbuckled.

She also recommends dressing children in brightly colored swimsuits, like neon pink, orange, yellow or green, which are easier to spot in the water.

they know what to expect and noted it never hurts to get Cpr certified.

For parents still on the fence, Bell’s advice is simple: “Jump on in.”

“Every single kid, even if they’re afraid at first or the parent is on the

“A saying i like to use is, 'Think bright, stay in sight.' The brighter the suit, the more visible it is at the bottom of a pool, or in a lake or the ocean,” she said.

it's also critical to have eyes on swimmers at all times.

fence, they end up loving it, without fail. it might take them a little bit longer than they wanted; it might take a couple of weeks before the kid is really all in on it, but they always do. Every time,” he said.

“Even if you’re swimming in an area where it’s somebody’s backyard pool for a barbecue or a party, you should always have a designated water watcher. Meaning they’re not on their phone, and they’re not talking to someone and being distracted,” said Fimple- paccione.

She also encourages babysitters and grandparents to watch lessons so

Madison Russ is an awardwinning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area's vibrant arts scene.

Photo courtesy of Alicia Fimple-Paccione.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Bell.

Celebrate the environment at the largest and longing running Earth Day Festival in South Jersey at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA). The festival, now in its 33rd year, will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ACUA Environmental park located at 6700 Delilah road in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

The festival will feature environ -

mental workshops, interactive activities, live entertainment, educational exhibits and free family games that will provide hours of enjoyment for

all ages. More than 200 vendors, from local artisans to nonprofit organizations, will be on site to explore.

“Our annual festival truly has something for everyone,” said ACUA president Matthew DeNafo. “Guests can enjoy everything from a free workshop on creating recycled art to a hayride to the top of the landfill. Stop in, grab a bite from the many delicious food vendors, visit local organizations and enjoy the outdoors on our favorite day of the year.”

The festival also provides a behind-the-scenes look into the essential work ACUA performs to support the community. Guests can take a hayride to the top of the landfill and catch a ride to the wastewater treatment facility in Atlantic City to see our operations and renewable energy projects up close.

Other activities include Touch-ATruck with ACUA vehicles, recycled art display, bounce houses, games,

interactive performances, a gem and minerals show, live music, a nature walk, a petting zoo, free workshops and more. Visit www.acua.com/ earthday for a detailed list and schedule of activities.

parking is available onsite or offsite with shuttle service from Airport Commerce Center located at 6550

Delilah road. ride-sharing is encouraged.

ACUA acknowledges the many community partners and sponsors that make this festival a success, including its platinum sponsors Atlantic City Electric, Nehmad Davis and Goldstein, New Jersey American Water and South Jersey Gas.

Seven proven ways to manage stress

By Robin Stoloff

April is Stress Awareness Month, and we probably don’t need a reminder that stress is a part of our lives. From juggling work and family responsibilities, to keeping up with the never-ending to do list, life can feel like a constant race. But here’s the good news: we can take control of our stress and April is the perfect time to start.

We now know that stress isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed; it can take a real toll on our bodies and minds. Chronic stress affects us in ways we often cannot see. The good news? With awareness and a few simple tools, we can ease its impact and feel more balanced, focused and energized.

When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol

and adrenaline. in short bursts, these hormones help us power through a tough moment. But when stress becomes chronic, those same hormones start to wear us down. They can affect everything from sleep and digestion, to heart health and mental clarity.

According to the American psychological Association, nearly 75% of adults report experiencing physical symptoms from stress, such as headaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping. Even more report feeling emotionally drained or anxious. The surprising part? We often accept this as normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

recent studies are giving us a clearer picture of how stress works and how we can work with it instead of against it. Stanford University researchers found that changing our perspective on stress can affect its impact. i n other words, when we see stress as a challenge instead of a threat, our bodies respond more calmly and effectively.

There is also growing evidence that micro-breaks, those tiny pauses we take throughout the day, can significantly lower our stress levels. A few deep breaths, a quick walk, even a laugh with a coworker can reset our nervous system, making us feel more

relaxed and focused.

Here’s one simple thing we can start today: practice gratitude. A recent Harvard study found that people who focus on gratitude each day have lower cortisol levels and greater emotional resilience. Just a few minutes spent reflecting on what we’re thankful for can help us feel calmer, more grounded and more in control.

How we can manage stress—starting now

let’s be real. Most of us don’t have time to meditate on a mountaintop or take a two-week vacation every time life gets stressful. So we need practical, simple strategies we can actually stick with. Here are a few we’ve found to be helpful:

1. Breathe

it sounds simple, but deep breathing is one of the quickest ways to calm our nervous system. When we feel stress building up, just a minute or two of slow, deep breathing can help bring us back to center.

2. Move

We don’t need a gym membership or fancy gear. A walk around the block, stretching in our living room, or even dancing around the kitchen can all take the edge off. physical movement releases feel-good endorphins that help shake off stress and boost our mood.

3. Prioritize sleep

When we’re stressed, sleep is often the first thing to go, but quality sleep is crucial for resilience. let’s aim for a consistent sleep schedule: cut down on screen time before bed and create a relaxing wind-down routine, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

4. Say no (without guilt)

We all have limits. And while it can be tough to say no, setting boundaries is one of the healthiest things we can do. it’s okay to protect our time and energy – we’re better for ourselves and others when we do.

5. Make time for joy

Whether it’s reading, gardening, cooking, or just watching a favorite

show, carving out time for things we enjoy is essential to our well-being. laughter and fun are powerful stress relievers.

6. Talk it out

Sometimes just talking about what’s bothering us can lift the weight off our shoulders. Whether it’s a trusted friend or a family member, we don’t have to carry everything alone. When professional help is needed, reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strong, courageous step toward taking control of our lives. i n person or online, there are many qualified professionals ready to help us strengthen our mental health. prioritizing emotional wellness is one of the most critical choices we can make.

7. Practice gratitude remember that Harvard study? Taking a minute each day to jot down three things we’re grateful for can shift our mindset and help us notice the good in our lives, even when things feel overwhelming. Try it today.

Stress Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We are not alone in feeling overwhelmed from time to time. The key is to acknowledge it, address it and giving ourselves grace along the way. life throws challenges our way, but how we navigate them can make all the difference. let’s make April the month we take a breath, check in with ourselves, move our bodies and start a new habit that helps us feel a little lighter and a lot more empowered. We owe it to ourselves, and the people we care about, to make our well-being a priority.

Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com

The sticky story of salt water taffy

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

It’s as iconic as the boardwalk, more widely loved than the casinos, piers and bayside brews. And you’ll find it in the humblest of homes - inside an old-fashioned candy shop. This is what Atlantic City is known for - the birthplace of salt water taffy.

Salt water taffy is one of the most common souvenirs bought along the Jersey Shore. This chewy candy comes in a variety of flavors like root beer, lemon, strawberry and mint. Some candy shops experiment with unique flavors. Shriver’s, located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, sells flavors such as chocolate peanut butter, sour cherry, and cremesicle. Tourists most commonly pick up variety packs of taffy so they sample different flavors on their long drive home.

What’s the origin of salt water taffy? The legend goes like this: one stormy night in 1883, David Bradley’s candy shop flooded in a seaside hurricane. His entire stock of taffy was soaked in salt water. The next day, a young girl entered the store and asked to purchase some taffy. Bradley joked that it’s a new creation

- salt water taffy - and sold a piece to the child. She loved it so much that she ran to her friends and family and offered them a taste. Bradley’s mother was in the back of the store and heard the interaction. She was so tickled by the new name that she forced Bradley to change the marketing of his taffy permanently.

Despite popular opinion, modern salt water taffy usually does not have any salt in it (except perhaps a cara -

mel or peanut butter flavor). it does have water, though! Salt water taffy is made of butter, corn syrup, sugar, glycerine, flavor and food coloring. in the old days, taffy was pulled by hand in a copper pot, stretched to aerate the corn syrup and sugar mixture. This made the taffy lighter and less dense. i t was cut into two-inch logs with scissors and wrapped in wax paper. Today, the process is mechanized. Hooks and machines stretch the taffy and cut it into even pieces. Some local candy shops, like Shriver’s, allow customers to peer into the taffy making process!

Make your own salt water taffy

Ingredients:

● 1 cup of sugar

● 1 tbsp of cornstarch

● 1 tbsp of salted butter

● 1 cup of corn syrup

● 1 tsp of vanilla extract

● ½ cup of water

● 1 tsp of flavoring extract of your choice

● 3 drops of food coloring of your choice

in a large pot, combine sugar, butter, cornstarch, water, vanilla, and flavor extract over medium heat with a candy thermometer. Whisk until the mixture reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turn off the heat, add food coloring and stir to combine. pour the candy onto a sheet pan and let cool for 10 minutes.

Stretch and knead the mixture for 15 minutes. The candy will turn from translucent to opaque.

By 1886, salt water taffy became a household name. The candy was popularized by Joseph Fralinger and Enoch James, candy competitors from Atlantic City. James is responsible for refining the recipe, making it less sticky and easier to unwrap. Both competitors owned shops on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

Salt water taffy is still sold on the boardwalks of Atlantic City and Ocean City. However, the taffy is now available in candy stores all over the United States and Canada. i f you want to a local treat, make sure to pick up your sweets along the Jersey Shore, and remember the legacy of David Bradley.

When the taffy becomes thick and difficult to pull, roll candy into one 16-inch log and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut candy into 2 inch pieces and wrap with wax paper. Enjoy!

Saturday, May 3 Sunday, May 4 Saturday, May 10

Learn how to knit a hydrangea pin for Mom on Saturday, May 10. Instructors on hand and materials provided! 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

When presidents visited Atlantic City

By Bruce Klauber

The most publicized visit that a sitting United States president made to Atlantic City came in 1964, when

the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of president John F. Kennedy, was officially nominated. The convention and the city received national media attention, not all of it positive.

But a number of other sitting presidents made stops at the “Queen of resorts” through the years for several reasons. AC was viewed as an essential political stop. Because the town had, and has, a substantial number of conventions, and because Atlantic City has long been known internationally as a famous resort destination, any presidential visit, however brief, would likely get a good deal of press coverage.

the Democratic National Convention was held at Convention Hall. lyndon Johnson, serving as president since

Here are some of the more significant stopovers made by those who were sitting presidents at the time of their visits:

i n July of 1874, president Ulysses S. Grant had recently won reelection to a second term, and at the invitation of several business leaders in the area, he came to town and stayed at the long-gone United States Hotel, now the site of the Showboat’s parking lot.

Newspaper reports at the time noted that Grant wore his “customary seedy and ill-fitting business suit,” and puffed on his “usual big black cigar.”

in addition to his stop at the ritz, Hoover came to the city on two other occasions during his 1929-1933 term – once for the National Bakers’ Convention, the other to Children’s Seashore House.

presidential visits to Atlantic City were reported for the next 35 years, though Harry S. Truman visited in May of 1954, after he had been out of office for nearly a year. it wasn’t until June of 1959 that a president of the United States again came to the city.

The date was June 9, 1959, and the locale was Atlantic City’s Convention Hall. The occasion was the 108th meeting of the American Medical Association. The speaker was Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, and the subject of his speech was “the doctor’s influence on civilization.” it was, according to those in attendance, a long speech which covered everything from the issues of old age to the government’s financial responsibility for healthcare.

Atlantic City was one of a number of campaign stops in New Jersey made by Theodore roosevelt in the spring of 1912. On or about May 24, his train pulled in to the Tennessee Avenue depot. The president then traveled by motorcade to the Million Dollar pier, after a brief stop on Kentucky Avenue to make an appeal for the Black vote. He was greeted at the pier by a crowd estimated to be 12,000 strong. He lost his bid for reelection to then-New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson.

Three presidents: Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover – visited the ritz Carlton Hotel in the early years since its 1921 opening.

Though he didn’t stay in the city after his speech, he did return in 1967, six years after his presidency, along with former First lady Mamie Eisenhower, for a quick stop at the Atlantic City race Course.

Theodore Roosevelt campaigned in Atlantic City in May of 1912, addressing 12,000 people at the Million Dollar Pier. He lost his bid for reelection to then-New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson.

President John F. Kennedy and United Autoworkers Union President Walter Reuther at UAW’s annual convention in AC May 8, 1962.

Atlantic City was one of a number of campaign stops in New Jersey made by Theodore Roosevelt in the spring of 1912.

At 9:09 a.m. on the morning of May 8, 1962, president John F. Kennedy traveled by U.S. Army helicopter to Atlantic City. The helicopter landed at Bader Field, where he was greeted by, among others, Walter p reuther, then president of the United Auto Workers of America. From there he traveled to Convention Hall where he addressed members of the UAW at the organization’s annual convention. Kennedy had been in Atlantic City several times on campaign stops on behalf of the Democratic party, but this was his only visit as president.

richard Nixon traveled to the city on June 22, 1971, to address another AMA convention – this one held at Chalfonte-Haddon Hall. Before entering the hotel for the formal meeting, the president addressed a large crowd outside, where Nixon specifically recognized an Atlantic City icon: state Sen. Frank “Hap” Farley.

“Hap said a very nice thing when we came in,” Nixon noted. “He said, ‘You know, Dick, you are in home territory in Atlantic City.’”

Gerald Ford came to the city on

Feb. 25, 1974, to address the American Association of School Administrators. There’s no details available on where the speech was given, but Ford did return to Atlantic City in 1976 during his presidential campaign. He spoke on the Boardwalk to members of the New Jersey Education Asso -

ciation.

Ford narrowly lost his bid to become president that year to Jimmy Carter, who made a quick stop in Atlantic City in September of 1978, just months after the first, legal gambling casino opened in the city. Carter spoke at the United Steelworkers Convention, held at Convention Hall. i t was a long speech, and no mention was made about the advent of legalized gambling.

George H. W. Bush, and then-New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman met up in Atlantic City on Dec. 5, 1997. Both addressed the New Jersey Summit for Volunteerism.

Bill Clinton had been out of office for nine years in 2010, but he made news on July 23 of that year as the first former or sitting president ever to visit an Atlantic City casino.

As the late and legendary columnist David Spatz reported at the time, “Clinton took the stage of the casino’s 1,500-seat showroom to share his

views on the country and the world, and fielded questions from a crowd that paid as much as $350 a seat to be part of an unprecedented event.”

His March 8, 2001, visit as president, was less eventful. While he did take a short and unexpected walk on the Boardwalk, his purpose in town was to address the Asian American Hotel Owners Association at the Convention Center.

George W. Bush was the second former president to visit an Atlantic City casino. He was in town for a mere three hours – 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. – on April 12, 2018, to make a speech at the Freedom Mortgage leadership Conference, held at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

The final presidential visit to Atlantic City took place on Oct. 31, 2012. The circumstances were not pleasant. president Barack Obama came to the city, along with Gov. Chris Christie to survey the damage done by SuperStorm Sandy.

Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.

Saturday

President Lyndon Johnson with Vice President Hubert Humphrey at the 1964 Democratic National Convention at Convention Hall.

Atlantic County Firefighters Association honors courage and commitment at the 2024 Harold J. 'Whitey' Swartz Valor and Service Awards

By Julia Train

On Wednesday, April 16, members of the Atlantic County Firefighters Association (ACFA) gathered at the Anthony “Tony” Canale Fire Training Center for the Harold J. “Whitey” Swartz Valor Awards and Service recognition ceremony. Hosted by the Margate City Fire Department during the ACFA’s monthly meeting, the event paid tribute to the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of local firefighters and emergency personnel.

Margate Fire Department Chief Daniel Adams spoke passionately about his career and the unwavering commitment of those in the fire service.

“When i stand before you all up here, i think about all the times in my career as a volunteer and career firefighter and i wouldn't want to change a thing. i could’ve retired a few years back, but i love the job. i love coming to work each and every day,” he said.

He emphasized the sacrifices firefighters make — especially the moments missed with family when duty calls.

“Without us — whether you’re [a] career or volunteer [firefighter], whatever you do to provide this service — our community wouldn’t be able to survive...we wake up any hour, no matter what the hour is and we put the uniform on and do what needs to be done.”

“As we all know, when we go to work, there’s good days and bad days,” he added. “But in the end, it’s the greatest career.”

This year, the award committee received several noteworthy incidents, but none met the submission deadline of Jan. 31 to be eligible for official recognition.

“While there were some incidents that could have been up for an award, but they didn’t meet the deadline,” explained ACFA president Charles Mackintosh.

The Valor Awards program, established in 1991, honors individuals who risk their lives to save others. There are five award categories, with the top honor selected from First Class Award nominations — given for extreme risk in the act of rescue. Additional categories include Second Class Awards for lesser personal risk, Meritorious Awards for notable performance and Unit Citations for team efforts.

Nominations must be submitted by the fire chief in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, and chiefs are encouraged to submit all incidents worthy of recognition. However, the top award is reserved for a member of the fire service and is not awarded if deemed unwarranted.

deputy chief in pleasantville, Atlantic County fire marshal and director of the Canale Fire Training Center. Beyond the fire service, he was a passionate photographer and historian who co-founded the Firefighter’s Museum of Southern New Jersey.

While there weren’t any Valor Awards given this year, three individuals were recognized for over 50 years of service as firefighters: Stanley E. Kolbe, Sr., and Mark J. Marrone of the Absecon Volunteer Fire Department,

along with Jeffrey Cornew of the Estell Manor Volunteer Fire Company.

The awards are named in honor of Harold J. “Whitey” Swartz, a beloved figure in Atlantic County firefighting. Over his 56-year career, Swartz served in numerous leadership roles including

The ACFA, established in 1923, has united Atlantic County’s career and volunteer fire departments for over a century. The organization’s mission remains rooted in professional training, communication, and the exchange of ideas. its motto, “ in Union for the Safety of All,” speaks to the collective strength and shared purpose of its members.

Jeffrey Cornew of the Estell Manor Volunteer Fire Company (far right) is honored for over 50 years of service. Photo by Julia Train

Stanley E. Kolbe, Sr. (far right) and Mark J. Marrone (next to Kolbe) of the Absecon Volunteer Fire Department for their extensive time spent in fire service. Photo by Julia Train

Lucy the Elephant 1881

First Gasoline Powered Car 1889

First Airplane flight 1903

First Philadelphia Phillies Game 1883

By Steffen Klenk

There’s so much to do this weekend in South Jersey! Sunshine and good vibes are scheduled for Somers point Bayfest, Cam Jurgens and Brent Celek will take over the Ocean City Music pier, and the ACUA hosts its annual Earth Day Festival. All that and more are in our Top Weekly Entertainment picks.

Who: Zac Brown Band

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino

When : Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music as the Zac Brown Band takes the stage at Etess Arena. Known for their signature blend of country, rock

and folk, the Grammy-winning group will have you singing along to songs like “Chicken Fried,” “Homegrown” and “Colder Weather.” Gather your friends and enjoy a night of chart-topping hits and heartfelt lyrics.

What : Bayfest Somers point Where: Historic Bay Avenue

When : Saturday, April 26

Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Website: www.facebook.com/SpNJBayfest

Join the City of Somers point for a full day of festivities. Good vibes, live music, craft vendors, food and children’s activities are on the calendar this Saturday. Hosted in Somers

CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE

Its Rose Season!

point’s Bayfront Historic preservation District. Admission is free.

What : Sports Memorabilia Show

Where: Ocean City Music pier

When: Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27

Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Website: www.ocnj.us/SportsMemorabiliaShow

Browse dozens of vendors with merchandise and collector’s items representing a variety of sports teams. This free event will feature appearances by Eagles Super Bowl Champion Cam Jurgens on Saturday and former Eagles tightend Brent Celek on Sunday. A Q&A will be held at 12:30, followed by fan meet and greet sessions between 1 and 2 p.m.

Who: The Spinners

Where: resorts Atlantic City

When : Saturday, April 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.resortsac.com

The Spinners are one of the most iconic and enduring r&B groups in history. With a towering legacy and hits spanning over six decades, the group has never lost its universal appeal, being inducted into the rock & roll Hall of Fame in 2023. With smash hits like “ i ’ll Be Around,” “Could it Be i ’m Falling in love” and “The rubberband Man,” The Spinners have topped the pop, r&B and adult contemporary charts.

What : Earth Day Festival

Where: ACUA Environmental park

When : Sunday, April 27

Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Website: www.acua.com

rain or shine, this event will feature free, fun and educational activities, with over 150 vendors, crafters, food vendors and exhibitors. There will be

plenty of interactive activities and hands-on displays, free workshops, music and entertainment.

What : Atlantic City Walk of Fame Ceremony

Where: Brighton park

When : Monday, April 28

Time: 2 p.m.

Website: www.rnbmusicsociety.com

The National rhythm and Blues Music Society will hold an induction ceremony at Brighton park, across from the Claridge Hotel. This year’s inductees include The Stylistics, philadelphia r&B and pop recording artists, ray Goodman and Brown (AKA The Moments), Blue Magic, Jean Carne and phyllis Hyman.

What : Taste of Community Down the Shore

Where: island Waterpark at Showboat

When : Tuesday, April 29

Time: 6–9 p.m.

Website : www. sjvolunteers.org/ taste-of-community/ The Volunteer Center of South Jersey will host its signature annual fundraiser. The highly-anticipated event promises a fun-filled evening celebrating the rich cultural and culinary tapestry of South Jersey. There will be delicious culinary experiences from area restaurants, food trucks and local culinary talent, along with a basket raffle, entertainment and community connections. proceeds benefit VCSJ, supporting community programs and initiatives. Tickets are $75 per person. Must be 21 and older to attend.

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

At Tropicana, daytime is the right time for entertainment

The Casino File

By Chuck Darrow

Once upon a time, when Atlantic City was the only place outside Nevada with legal casinos, thousands would ride chartered buses here for a day of gambling and related activities, from dining to, when the weather permitted, strolling the Boardwalk.

Also high on bus-riders’ to-do lists was taking in a matinee performance at their casino of choice. Tickets to what were usually variety-type production shows or turns by secondand-third-tier headliners (including the legendary Charlie prose, whose pre- i nternet mailing list reportedly boasted tens of thousands of names) were often included in the cost of the

bus ride, as were, depending on the deal, food comps or discounts and rolls of coins for slot play.

The legalization of casinos in neighboring states starting in 2006 marked the beginning of the end of the era when buses accounted for more than 30 million annual visits to Our Town.

While the number of bus trips today doesn’t come anywhere near that, they still exist and originate from points scattered throughout the region. And thanks to these excursions, one gaming hall has kept alive the daytime-entertainment tradition.

Tropicana Atlantic City, in conjunction with charter bus lines including palladin Tours, has been staging matinees in its theater for the past decade or so, but over the past few years, they have become a more important part of the Trop’s marketing strategy. There have already been five such presentations this year, with 11 more on the books between now and December.

At this point, the Trop is the only local gambling den offering midweek, daytime performances. The attrac-

tions vary, but are generally keyed to the bus riders, who tend to be older than weekend visitors. But all shows are open to the public. Not surprisingly, tribute acts are a key element and account for many of the bookings: The upcoming talent roster includes performers paying homage to Elton John, Tony Bennett and Cher, among others. However, the most noteworthy booking is that of beloved TV sitcom star, Tony Danza, who’s due Nov. 13.

out to be a wonderful 90 minutes of music--and musical history.

The matinee concept “really brings amazing energy on property,” offered Joseph Giunta, the Trop’s senior vice-president and general manager. “ it gives our customers something more to do during the day. it's a little added value.

“You can't find a better spot to do something like a matinee because we have so much happening here. There’s The Quarter [the Havanain-the-1950s-themed retail, dining and entertainment complex] and The Marketplace [a casual-dining food court on the Boardwalk level].”

As such, reasoned Giunta, the shows are a perfect complement to his casino’s operations.

“We're pretty much all-in [on matinees] now,” he said. “ it's just a great, great bit of business for us.”

The Tropicana matinee schedule:

● April 24: Bennie & The Jets (Elton John tribute)

● May 29: The Tony Bennett Songbook

● June 26: The Bronx Wanderers (early rock tribute)

Unlike the overwhelming majority of tribute shows, the scripted program wasn’t a mere recital; it also included a fairly deep dive into the lives and careers—together and separately--of the two native New Yorkers who collectively rank among the most successful and beloved acts in pop music history. i nterestingly, there are multiple productions running simultaneously in North America and overseas, making this more of a theatrical affair than a concert.

● June 30: The Songs of Smokey robinson

● Aug. 28: The Doo Wop project

● Sept. 25: Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees tribute)

● Sept. 29: Country Jukebox

● Oct. 23: The Jersey Tenors

● Nov. 13: Tony Danza: Standards and Stories

● Nov. 17: Blockbuster Broadway

● Dec. 4: Dance to the Holidays

For info and tickets, go to caesars. com/tropicana-ac/shows

S&G tribute a hit at Ocean

i am grateful to Mrs. Casino File for suggesting we check out “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” last Friday at Ocean Casino resort. i t turned

The two principals at Ocean (Jonah Bobo as paul Simon and Brendan Jacob Smith as Art Garfunkel) were quite impressive, with Bobo’s facility as an acoustic-guitar fingerpicker and Smith’s near-perfect recreations of Garfunkel’s tenor harmonies especially noteworthy. Backed by a versatile trio (bass, drums and a guitarist-keyboardist), the pair ably and accurately surveyed the breadth and width of S&G’s sonic legacy, from iconic signatures (“The Sound of Silence,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Mrs. robinson,” “The Boxer,” “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”) to deeper tracks like the 1960s protest song, “He Was My Brother” (inspired by the murder of Simon’s college friend, Andrew Goodman, one of three civil rights “Freedom riders” murdered by Ku Klux Klansmen in Mississippi in 1964) and “For Emily, Whenever i May Find Her.”

A video presentation chock-full of archival film clips from the 1960s enhanced the show’s historic aspects.

The individual elements added up to a delightfully entertaining evening. Here’s hoping “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” returns to Atlantic City in the not-too-distant future.

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

musicians, dazzling costumes, & electrifying choreography!

TO BUY TICKETS, SCAN HERE

Getting out and about in South Jersey now that it’s warmer

As the headline here says, it’s getting easier by the day to go out in South Jersey, due to both the weather changing (getting warmer, albeit ev-

er-so-slowly) and the longer days (so much easier to drive when it’s light out).

Show Reviews: l ast Saturday night we caught a terrific set by the legendary Bonnie raitt at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in their Event Center. At age 75, the blues-rock guitar queen still has the guitar and vocal skills that have made her a household name in her 50-plus years of recording and performing live. raitt’s appreciation for her mentors (especially the late John prine) was evident throughout her set as she referenced him a few times, especially on the soulful

ballad written in 1971 by prine, “Angel From Montgomery,” which raitt is perhaps most known for.

The next day, Sunday, April 20, was the first rendezvous 420 event sponsored by ACbased High roller Dispensary, which, though an ambitious undertaking, definitely was hurt not only by losing their initial venue (outdoors at Brighton park), but also with Easter being on the same day.

“We had 352 attendees throughout the day, and all booths and about a quarter of the chairs were full in the theatre during (headliner) Splintered Sunlight’s set,” said Jon Cohn, owner of High rollers Dispensary. “The Vip After- party was extended for 90 minutes as it was oversold (120 attendees). i think for Easter Sunday, with a few false starts with promoters who didn’t pan out, the show was a huge success and exceeded our expectations.”

Parker Barrow will be bringing their Allman Brothers-influenced roots rock to Showboat’s Spirit Lounge on Saturday, April 26.

Stephen Weiss, whose Norstep p roductions has hosted several successful 420-themed events in the recent past, added, “High rollers productions hosted a progressive, 420 lifestyle event whose production went off with absolute perfection. Another cannabis-friendly event went to completion without a single security issue.”

Happening This Weekend: promoter/musician Dean r ubinstein, who has been presenting shows in the Spirit lounge at the Showboat, has a cool double-bill taking place Saturday, April 26 featuring Allman Brothers Band-influenced Southern rock group parker Barrow, plus vocalist Michael Allman, one of Gregg Allman's four music-playing children. “The Showboat is thrilled to welcome Michael Allman to Atlantic City,” said rubinstein. “His father, rock & roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman, has a legacy that Michael is taking on as a personal mission to carry forward.” Showboat is located at 801 Boardwalk, AC. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $20.

Where Are They Now? i n the case of Keith Souder and Michael

Mosely, lead vocalist and drummer respectively for Brown Sugar, a rolling Stones tribute who plays the lizzie rose Music room in Tuckerton this Saturday, April 26, they’re both a ways from their philly origins. Souder was once the singer for philly hardcore band Trained Attack Dogs (he also currently deejays at popular philly nightclub Johnny Brenda’s). Mosely has drummed for such wellknown groups as Sadistic Exploits (who played the Atlantic City Elks back in the early ’80s), She Males, and currently, heavy psych-rock trio, Gibbous Moon. Tickets to Brown Sugar are $35 and showtime is 7:30 p.m. Address is 217 E. Main St. in Tuckerton. See www.lizzierosemusic.com. Until next time, peace Out – DD.

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

Friday, April 25

Zac Brown Band

▶8 p.m.

Atlantic City Headliners

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

We Them One’s Comedy Tour

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Saturday, April 26

Zac Brown Band

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

The Spinners

▶8 p.m.

resorts Atlantic City

The Stylistics

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Saturday, May 3

Brit Floyd

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Friday, May 9

Kelly Clarkson

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Saturday, May 10

Kelly Clarkson

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Friday, May 16

The 80’s Rock Tour

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Chris Tucker ▶9 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, May 17

Kane Brown ▶7 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Jess Hilarious

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Friday, May 23

Yachty By Nature

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, May 24

Alice Cooper ▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Sunday, May 25

Dylan Dead Zeppelin

▶8 p.m.

Friday, May 30

Lynyrd Skynyrd

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Saturday, May 31

An Evening with Heart ▶8 p.m.

Hard rock live at Etess Arena

Celebrity Theater at the Claridge

On Sale This Week

Stevie B: Spring Love Music Festival

▶Saturday, July 12, 8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Tickets on sale Friday, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.

On Saturday, May 17, Kane Brown will take stage at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Catch Kelly Clarkson Friday, May 9 at Hard Rock. Photo credit: Kelly Clarkson Facebook

“Jersey l awman: A life on the right Side of Crime,” a staged reading based on the memoir of former Cape May County Sheriff Jim plousis, is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 17 at The Claridge in Atlantic City during National law Enforcement Week.

The event, to be held in the thirdfloor Celebrity Theater, is a onenight-only “pay-what-you-will” benefit performance for the 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and the Atlantic City Theatre Company. The cast includes Alisa Cooper, Mike Sharp, David Hanauer, David Shutter, Veronique Hurley, Mat l abotka and Nathan Garcia.

“Most importantly, 100% of the money is donated directly to the 200 Club and the Atlantic City Theatre Company – everyone who is taking part donated their time and talents for this extraordinary event,” said Cooper.

The 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial

support for the families of police, fire and rescue personnel who have risked and lost their lives in the line of duty.

Atlantic City Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the support of contributors to help provide theatrical productions.

“Jersey l awman” highlights the 40-year law enforcement career of Cape May County native Jim plousis, who worked as an Ocean City patrolman and as Cape May County sheriff before being nominated to United States Marshal by former president George W. Bush.

Cooper, who is vice chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in Atlantic City, said the event is important because it raises money for two good causes.

“There is no charge to attend this event – you have the option to donate whatever you feel like donating at the door – whatever you feel is comfortable,” he said.

Union Hall Arts to debut Art Redux May 2

This May, Union Hall Arts, Atlantic City’s only independent art gallery and studio space, presents Art redux, a solo exhibition by celebrated pop surrealist and mashup master Mike Bell. Known for his whimsical, irreverent take on nostalgia, Bell returns with a fresh body of work built on the bones of forgotten thrift store paintings— revived, reimagined and reborn with a signature Bell twist.

The show opens Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. with a public reception featuring the debut of a limited edition ipA created from The Seed: A l iving Beer project, an award-winning Atlantic City brewery, featuring artwork from Mike Bell himself! This special edition can will only be available at Tony's Baltimore Grill during the opening reception!

Bell, a lifelong Jersey Shore artist, uses humor, history and cultural iconography to remix the past into new stories. i n Art redux, he scavenges secondhand canvases from Goodwills, vintage shops and yard sales—adding pop culture figures, scifi robots and twisted Americana in a seamless blend of kitsch and craft. The result is a visual conversation between eras, a nod to the past with eyes wide open to the now.

Union Hall Arts is more than just a gallery—it’s a hub for Atlantic City’s

creative revival. Home to r etro Future Vintage, Create 48 public Arts, Charger records and the only thrift store in the city, the space is a grassroots engine for community and culture. located just blocks from the beach and boardwalk, Union Hall is putting Atlantic City’s art scene on the map.

Whether you’re in Ventnor, Margate, Brigantine or Ocean City, this is your invitation to be part of something unexpected, unconventional and undeniably cool.

Don’t miss this unique chance to see Mike Bell’s work up close, sip something special and support local art in Atlantic City.

BAR | RESTAURANT | HAPPY PLACE

BRUNCH

Sat & Sun

11am-3pm

DINNER

Wed-Mon 4PM-10pm

Sangiovese: Italy’s pride and joy

Drink Up!

By David Setley

Tuscany, located in the central region of italy, has been referred to as the heart of the country. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is home to

many priceless treasures from the renaissance, including Michelangelo’s “David”, the beautiful Duomo Basilica, and works from Botticelli that are now housed in the Uffizi Gallery. Beyond the artwork, Tuscany provides a breathtaking landscape, mouthwatering cuisine, and wine that is arguably the most famous wine from all of italy. Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscana, or Super Tuscan wines all find their roots in Tuscany and stem from just one grape: Sangiovese.

“Awesome place to grab a specialty drink and food was delicious and would exceed anyone’s expectations...”

Kevin B

According to legend, Sangue di Giove, translated to “the blood of Jupiter,” was the original name for the Sangiovese grape. it is the most cultivated grape in italy – in fact, 98% of Sangiovese comes from italy, with the overwhelming majority of it grown in Tuscany. interestingly, the soil there is awful. i ’m talking sandy, rocky soil composed of clay and limestone that is terrible for many crops but somehow excellent for the Sangiovese grape. Winemakers often say that vines that struggle the most produce the best wine; that must be the case for Sangiovese! The Mediterranean climate there features warm days and cool nights, and yields light rain in early spring and late fall but little to none in summer. Yet, the gentle hillsides of Tuscany create a perfect terrain, and the sunny summer days allow for a relatively long growing season. Add to that over 3,000 years of winemaking tradition, and you can see how Sangiovese has become the soul of the wines from this region.

Many fans of i talian wines are familiar with the Chianti and Chianti Classico varietals, but may not have known that the primary grape within them is Sangiovese. i n fact, Chianti and Chianti Classico are subregions of Tuscany, or DOCs (denominazione di origine controllata). For a wine from this region to have the name “Chianti” on the label, the grapes used must be grown in the DOC and must be 70% Sangiovese grapes. To be a higher-valued Chianti Classico wine, the grapes must be grown in that much smaller DOC and must be made from at least 80% Sangiovese. Additionally, the growing, harvesting, winemaking, and aging traditions of these regions must be certified.

A wonderful example of a Chianti is the renzo Masi-Chianti rufina riserva. This medium-bodied red wine features notes of tobacco, cherry,

cedar, spice and almonds that are classically found in great wines from the region. For an excellent, yet reasonably priced Chianti Classico, reach for the Castello di Volpaia-Chianti Classico. The elevation of the Volpaia Vineyards is slightly higher than many of the others in the DOC, resulting in a higher acidity level. That acidity manifests as a freshness in the wine that, along with the classic flavors of red fruit, tobacco, spice, and balsamic notes, gives this wine a notable boldness for a medium-bodied wine and an intense ruby red color. Chianti Classico riserva wines require a longer aging period. To earn this designation, the wines must be aged a minimum of 24 months, which enhances the savory and earthy notes in the wine. The poggio Torselli Chianti Classico riserva or the ruffino riserva Ducale are great examples of a riserva that won’t break the bank.

Tuscana, or Super Tuscan, wines also utilize the Sangiovese grape. These wines do not require a specific percentage of Sangiovese, so the concentrations vary tremendously. For a 100% Sangiovese wine, try the l aGerla Sangiovese. This wine is produced in the region of Montalcino, where Brunello di Montalcino is produced. More on that in a moment. This is an outstanding Sangiovese. Or, for an organic Tuscana wine that is predominantly Sangiovese with some Cabernet Sauvignon added, try the Castello di Volpaia-Citto. Tuscana wines may be less regulated than Chiantis and Chianti Classicos, but they are very reasonably priced, typically a little fruitier in flavor, and are still outstanding wines to complement an italian meal.

Now let’s talk Montepulcianos. There is the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and its Tuscan cousin, the Montepulciano di Abruzzo. The Vino Nobi -

Photo credit: blog.suvie.com

le is made from Sangiovese, while the Montepulciano di Abruzzo is made from the thicker-skinned Montepulciano grape. Similar to Chianti DOC wines, the Vino Nobile must have a minimum of 70% Sangiovese. However, this DOC requires a minimum of two years of aging, with at least one of those years in oak barrels, prior to sale. For an excellent example, try the Villa Sant'Anna-Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This vibrant wine has bright acidity and gentle tannins with aromas of ripe red fruit and spice, as well as flavors of dark ripe berries, notes of plum, and hints of earthiness from the extended aging. perhaps the most valued wines of Tuscany are Brunello di Montalcino wines. This DOC requires that the wine be made with 100% Sangiovese grapes grown within this subregion. Many consider this to be Sangiovese at its finest. in addition to the concentration of Sangiovese, the wine must be aged for at least five years (or six, for riserva), with a minimum of two

years in oak barrels to be certified as a Brunello di Montalcino DOC wine. Many of these wines lean toward pricey, but the laGerla Brunello di Montalcino is quite reasonably priced and worth a try. it embodies the classic characteristics that make these wines so regarded: intense and elegant aromas with floral and mushroom notes, pleasantly tannic mouthfeels, and a lingering palate of dried flowers and wild berry fruit. i hope you enjoyed this Tuscan adventure and this introduction to the many wines of Sangiovese. As always, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the Somers point store if you have any questions or comments. Until next time, happy wining!

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

Photo credit: Bottle Barn

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, April 24

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

paul Tozz 4 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Karaoke w/ Cowboy Kevin

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Jason E. 8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Dane Anthony

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

ladies & Gentlemen. 7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

The Inn on St. Louis

Nolan Quinn. 7 – 10 p.m.

447 St. louis Ave.

Millville

Levoy Theatre

Jefferson Starship. 7:30 p.m.

126-130 N. High St.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Danny Eyer

4 – 7 p.m.

Karaoke Night w/ Mike Dempsey

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

richie pignatore Trio. 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Gregory’s

Dion paci. 6 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Toni Teschner + Billy Walton

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Friday, April 25

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

DJ Drumatic. 8 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Abilities, Mohican, Hybrid Forms, Capillary, in Blue, Saying Goodbyes

7:30 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Mary Winkel Trio. 6 – 10 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Andrew Moorer Band

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Jagged

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Chaz

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

DJ Gabor Kiss. 7:50 p.m.

Garden State radio. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Originaire Duo. 6 p.m.

Synergy. 10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

B Street Band. 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Daddy pop. 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

rainbow Full of Sound: Grateful

Dead Tribute. 9 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

The Amish Outlaws. 8 p.m.

1900 pacific Ave.

Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino porch. 8:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Tony pontari Duo. 6 – 9 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor City

The Inn on St. Louis

Jim Shaw. 8 – 11 p.m.

447 St. louis Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Chris Yoder Duo 6:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Galloway

279 Social

Modern Mojo Duo. 7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. New York rd.

Margate

Bocca

Sidestory. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Singin’ DJ Frankie G

7 – 11 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Baltimore Boys. 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Big Foot. 8 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Chris Trapper. 7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, April 26

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

The Dinamics. 8 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

80’s Night w/ Greg Mungen

8 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock

Vahe & Camille K Trio

6 – 10 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

No Standards

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

Shaun l aboy

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

High Five Swan Dive Duo. 7 p.m.

My Hero Zero. 10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Tragic remedy

5 p.m.

party Wave

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Sky City Social

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Austin City Nights

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino

Big Bang Baby

8:30 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

DJ Jimmy Jam. 12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Galloway

279 Social BJam Duo. 8 – 10 p.m.

279 S. New York rd.

Margate Bocca

petty Cash. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Millville

Levoy Theatre

Hollywood Nights: The Bog Seger Experience. 8 p.m.

126-130 N. High St.

Somers Point

Anchorage Tavern

Fat Mezz.

1 – 5 p.m.

823 Bay Ave.

Bayfest

North Stage

The Shore Thing Band

Beach Stage

Dead reckoning

South Stage

live Jazz Music

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bay Ave.

Caroline’s by the Bay radio revolution

12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

The Turtle Heads

3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The Company

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Baltimore Boys. 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s rocktologists. 7 p.m.

Big Daddy Duo. 8:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Brown Sugar: rolling Stones Tribute. 7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, April 27

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Timmy & Haley Duo

5 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts

DJ Eric and DJ proud

3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dueling pianos

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

3AM Tokyo Duo

7 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dan Jost & Friends

4 – 7:30 p.m.

Grooveheart

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Nash Vegas Girls Country Duo

12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. Bremen Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

ACUA Earth Day

Food Court Stage

Valerie Vaughn

1 – 3 p.m.

Around the pond

Steve Kuzma

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

6700 Delilah rd.

Galloway

279 Social

Joe Grasso

12 – 3 p.m.

279 S. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Big Foot Band. 3 – 7 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

rich Cassenti Duo

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Traditional irish Session

1 – 4 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Monday, April 28

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget red. 7 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Who Brought the Dog

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Trivia Night with DJ Bill 7 – 9 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

7 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Tuesday, April 29

Atlantic City

Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts Karaoke w/ DJ Joe 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget patty & Bugzy. 8 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Sidestory. 7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Music Bingo hosted by DJ Chris John. 7 – 9 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K. 5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, April 30

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub Open Mic. 7 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens. 8 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Gab Cinque Band

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Margate

Bocca

Jazz Night w/ Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle. 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Joe Staffieri Duo 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Jimmy Brogan

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Events subject to change.

Heart of Surfing Day

Saturday May 3rd from 2pm to 6pm at The Seed Brewery 801 Baltic Ave, Atlantic City

FREE EVENT Live Music by Head High, Raffle Prizes, Food Surf Movies New Beer Release of HEARTSWELL

HEART OF SURFING is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides FREE surfing, skateboarding and more for families touched by Autism and other special needs.

Schultz-Hill Foundation introduces students to the world of ballet

Meet the Artist program features ‘Cinderella’ dress rehearsal with the Atlantic City Ballet

Students from principle Academy Charter School in Egg Harbor Township and Stafford Township i ntermediate School experienced the magic of the performing arts firsthand, thanks to a special Meet the Artist program sponsored by the Schultz-Hill Foun -

dation. The event featured a live dress rehearsal of the Atlantic City Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” at the Stafford Township performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 15.

The program gave students a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a professional ballet performance. Following

the rehearsal, students engaged in a lively Q&A session with members of the Atlantic City Ballet. They asked insightful questions such as “What inspired you to become a dancer?” and “How many hours do you spend practicing?” The dancers shared personal stories about their training and experiences, including their audition journeys from places as far as New York, Japan and italy.

“Watching ‘Cinderella’ come to life on stage gave our students a whole new appreciation for the discipline and creativity involved in the performing arts,” said Sara Caporilli, Chief Operating Officer, principle Academy Charter. “They’ve been studying different versions of the ‘Cinderella’ story, exploring its cultural history, and even examining the STEM aspects of scenery design and lighting. To then see it all brought to life in a professional performance— this kind of experience is priceless.”

che, grade 6, Stafford i ntermediate School, aspires to be a professional dancer someday. “ i ’ve never been to a ballet before,” she said. “ i ’m really excited to see how the dancers will tell the story of Cinderella without words, but with gestures and movement and music.”

“By introducing students to live performance and giving them the chance to interact with professional dancers, artists, and performers, we hope to help them gain a deeper appreciation for the arts,” said Gary Hill, co-founder of the Schultz-Hill Foundation. “At the same time, we may be planting the seeds that might inspire the next generation of talent.”

Over 300 students in third through sixth grades participated in the program. Olivia Thiffault-Es-

The Meet the Artist student program is part of the Schultz-Hill Foundation’s mission to promote and support arts, history, and education in South Jersey via educational scholarships, direct grants and funding for the Arts, historical and musical programs. For more information, visit http://www.schultz-hill.org.

Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 31

By Jerry Ryan, Elephant Talk Indie

As the world rushes by, this homegrown event invites us to pause, gather and connect through art in its most heartfelt form.

That’s the heartbeat of Tuckerton porchfest, returning on Saturday, May 31, for a full day of free, live performances celebrating local talent, creativity, and authentic human connection. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., porches, businesses and neighborhood corners across town will transform into intimate stages, hosting more than 30 musicians, poets and performers across seven unique locations.

i had the privilege of attending porchfest in 2024, and the experience was a breath of fresh air—genuine, grounded, and deeply inspiring. So when Amy Elizabeth, the visionary founder of porchfest, invited Elephant Talk indie to curate a stage this year, i was truly honored.

Amy’s passion for both the arts and her local community is nothing short of inspiring. We were proud to name her Community Musician of the Year at Elephant Talk indie in 2024—a well-deserved recognition.

“ porchfest was started as a way

to bring people in the community together with an inclusive and diverse event—to include people who feel like they do not have space to be creative, and to help the music and arts scene as well as local businesses in this area grow,” Amy said.

And that’s exactly what it’s become. porchfest isn’t just a festival—it’s a living testament to what happens when art and inclusion meet. Thanks to the vision of Amy Elizabeth and co-founder Chris rockwell, this grassroots celebration continues to grow into a dynamic platform for creativity, connection and community pride. From Cape May to Asbury park, artists are gathering in this small town to raise their voices, share their stories and build something bigger than themselves.

The performances this year echo that same spirit of creativity, connection, and community.

From the rhythmic verses of the Chris rockwell Collective at The Union Market to the heartfelt melodies of the Tuckerton Elementary chorus at the Seaport stage curated by Shanti revolution, Tucker-

energy from the Amy Elizabeth Band, ill rendition and Dogbeach, while The lizzie rose Music room invites listeners to "stop and smell the roses" with performances by Jimmy Brogan and Burnt Tavern. private residences on Main Street host the soulful sounds of Telegraph Hill records, and Elephant Talk indie presents genre-blending acts like lackadaisical lemon and four-time Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Khalid Quesada. As the sun sets, The Grapevine’s "Deck party" After Jam offers a cozy gathering with Allison Stella and surprise guests, encapsulating the inclusive spirit that defines Tuckerton porchfest.

ton’s porches transform into intimate stages celebrating diversity and unity. Elliot’s Barbershop pulses with rock

“ i realized that the best way to bring people together in hard times is through music and the arts. So i ’ve done everything in my power to make this festival happen—not just for me and my own music, not just for my daughter and students performing with their school chorus—but for the community as a whole to come together, heal, and enjoy the diversity that this festival brings to our town during a time in the world where we need it the most,” Amy said.

Amy Elizabeth, the visionary founder of Porchfest.

Photo courtesy of John Loreaux

‘Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County’ returns May 29

Proceeds support programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The Arc of Atlantic County will host its signature fundraising event, Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 6-9:30 p.m. on The Deck at The Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina in Atlantic City, NJ.

Overlooking the Frank S. Farley Marina, the event brings together friends, supporters and community partners for a night of dancing, live music from Cheers The Band, a chef-inspired menu, games and fun. Guests will also enjoy specialty cocktails and mocktails, courtesy of Allied Beverage, a 50/50 drawing, raffles and a chance to bid on exciting silent auction items.

your tickets now for a chance to win big. We're offering three fantastic prizes: American Express gift cards valued at $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000. Tickets are $50 each, and the drawing will be held on Oct. 9, 2025, at Galloway National Golf Club. You don't need to be present to win, but you must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For complete details and to get your tickets, please visit TheArcAtlantic.org/ remArcAble- raffle.

Tickets for Celebrate! are $85 per person and can be purchased at TheArcAtlantic.org or by calling 609-4850800, Ext. 141. Sponsorship opportunities are available, starting at $300. You can also make the night special for someone in The Arc’s services by “Sponsoring a Guest.”

proceeds from the event support The Arc of Atlantic County’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, specifically through intensive case management, employment services, sports and recreation opportunities and family respite programs.

“We are thrilled to once again host Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County at the Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina,” said Kevin Scull, assistant general manager and vice president of resort Operations. “This event continues to draw an incredible crowd, and our team is proud to create an unforgettable evening in support of the individuals and families served by The Arc of Atlantic County.”

But that’s not all! The remArcAble raffle is back, and you can purchase

Celebrate! An Evening with The Arc of Atlantic County is made possible by the generous support of our donors and sponsors: presenting Sponsor: Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina; Gold Sponsors: Caesars Entertainment, primepoint and TD Bank; Silver Sponsors: ACUA, Arthur J. Gallagher i nsurance, Hard rock Atlantic City, HH Benefits, Kisby Shore Electrical Contractors, Mutual of America, NJM i nsurance Group, OceanFirst Bank, Shop rite and T.N. Ward Company; Bronze Sponsors: AtlantiCare, Bieniakowski Educational Consultants and Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck; Business listing Sponsors: Atlantic Coast Alarm, Better Hearing, inc., Cirignano Contracting and Hearts Therapeutic riding Center, inc.; Beverage Sponsor: Allied Beverage; Media Sponsor: Shore local Newsmagazine.

For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Kirby reed, Assistant Director of Development and Community Outreach, at 609485-0800, Ext. 137 or kreed@thearcatlantic.org

Governor signs bill aimed at preventing utility bill ‘sticker shock’

By Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor

New Jersey’s gas and electric utilities will be required to inform certain customers of their energy use and costs before monthly bills are issued under a bill Gov. phil Murphy signed into law Tuesday.

after shockingly high utility bills seen this winter, bills that are expected to rise again after rate increases add roughly $25 to monthly bills beginning in June.

“The sticker shock of large utility bills at the end of the month can be unaffordable for working families trying to manage household finances,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman David Bailey (D-Gloucester).

“The early notifications will

“This is a crisis in utility costs that makes it difficult for residents to manage household finances,” said bill sponsor Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). “This program will alert homeowners and renters so they aren’t caught by surprise with exorbitant bills and are provided with real-time information so they can manage their ener-

The bill, a bid to allow customers to adjust their usage to avoid unforeseen spikes in utility costs, comes as electric bills are set to rise. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

How to file for Social Security

By Eric Reich

There is an awful lot of debate on when you should file for Social Security benefits. How you file is more straightforward, but not without its own confusing issues. let’s take a look at what those issues are and what is required to start getting your payments once you’ve decided it’s time to collect.

First, find out the monthly benefit you are eligible for by logging onto www.ssa.gov. This will tell you the current benefit you are eligible for based on your earnings record. Make sure that the earnings history they have for you is accurate. You will want to correct any inaccurate information and have it updated in the system before you file for benefits. Once you confirm all of your information is correct, you’re ready to make an appointment to visit your local So -

cial Security office. You can also file online at www.ssa.gov/retireonline or by calling 800-772-1213. However, i still like the old-fashioned way, faceto-face.

You can, and often should, actually file three months before the time you want to receive your first check due to timing delays and such. Three months early is the earliest allowable time to file. it’s also important to keep in mind that your payment will arrive the month following the month your benefit starts. For example, if your benefit starts in January, your first check will come in February. This can cause confusion for retirees who are counting on the timing of that first payment.

Now that you have an appointment, what do you need to bring with you? You should bring your photo i D, along with a birth certificate and your bank information, so that they can direct deposit your benefit payment. You’ll also need to provide the following information:

1. Date and place of birth

2. Social Security number

3. The name, date of birth, and Social Security number of your current and, if applicable, former spouse

4. The names of children under

18, children disabled prior to age 22, or children 18 to 19 years old who are enrolled in college

5. Whether or not you have ever filed for SS benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security income (SSi) before

6. if you want to enroll in Medicare part “B” (if you’re within three months of age 65)

7. The name and address of your current employer, along with salary information (W-2) for the previous year (That’s not updated in the sys-

tem until the following year)

8. The dates of any military service, if applicable

9. if you are eligible for a pension as a federal government employee it is also important to note that the employee you talk to at the local Social Security office is not allowed to help you decide which claiming strategy is best for you or when is the best time you should file. Therefore, it is important to do your own research well in advance of filing or seek the advice of a professional who can help you decide before you go.

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

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

By Delaney Crawford

1. Spend as much time on the beach as possible

Summer at the Jersey Shore is a season like no other, filled with sun, sand, and endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you're a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, there's something magical about the unique experiences our coastal paradise offers.

This one's a no-brainer. One of the best things about summer in South Jersey is our access to miles of beautiful beaches. Throw on your favorite suit, grab a towel, a shovel, or a frisbee, and head to the sand as often as you can. Tan lines may fade, but the memories will last forever. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

2. Walk the Boardwalks

From outdoor dining with an ocean view to vibrant local events, the Shore is always buzzing with excitement. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a list of our favorite must-do summer activities. Get ready to dive in and check them all off!

Whether you're an early riser getting in your morning steps, a runner breaking a sweat, or someone looking for a lively evening stroll, the boardwalk is the place to be. Atlantic City boasts a 4-mile stretch of boardwalk with an

Live in Touch with Your Soul

URSA ALCHEMY is a unique blend of Astrology, Aromatherapy and Cosmic Guidance co-created with the Cosmos, Plants and Spirit.

Offering Astrological Aromatherapy, a variety of Astrology readings, Aromatherapy consults and products, the Becoming Chiron podcast, downloadable classes and guided meditations.

Ursula is the author of The Cosmic Connection weekly horoscopes and astrology summaries featured here in

Photo credit: Ocean City NJ Facebook

extra 1.5 miles extending into Ventnor. Ocean City’s 2.5-mile boardwalk is family-friendly and packed with shops, food, and classic amusements. The perfect place to be for a classic summer night, mid-day walk or sunrise special.

3. Go to a summer concert

Nothing says summer like live music by the water. From Somers point’s Friday Night Concert Series to Sunset at Ski Beach and the Summer Beach Jam at Newport Ave, South Jersey is full of live music options. pack a cooler, grab some friends, and enjoy the soundtrack of summer with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand.

4. Watch fireworks

Fireworks are such a staple to summers at the beach, so why save all the fun just for the Fourth of July?! Every Saturday night from July 6 through Aug. 31, head to the Atlantic City boardwalk near Tropicana for a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m. Whether you plan your night around it or step out of a nearby bar to catch the show, it's always a reason to celebrate.

5. Watch the sunrise on the beach

For the early birds out there, catching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is a peaceful, unforgettable

experience. The quiet morning air, the sound of waves, and the beauty of a new day make it a perfect way to start your day at the Shore.

6. Spend a day at a rooftop bar or beer garden

Not every day can be a perfect beach day, but with rooftop bars and beer gardens, you can still soak up the summer vibes even when the sunny skies hide. From casual spots to trendier rooftop hangouts, South Jersey has plenty of open-air places to enjoy a drink, catch some rays, and keep that tan going off the beach.

7. Go for a bike ride

Biking through our beach towns is peaceful, fun, and a great exercise. Cruise along the boardwalk or through the quiet streets, with or without a destination in mind. i t’s one of the best ways to take in the scenery and enjoy the laid-back energy of summer all while getting in a good workout and having fun along the way.

8. Visit a local farmers market

Farmers markets are a fantastic way to support local businesses and find fresh produce, handmade goods,

and beachy treasures. Many towns around South Jersey host weekly markets from Memorial Day through labor Day, so make it a point to stop by a few this season. You might even want to catch them all!

9. Try a water sport or adventure

Summer’s the perfect time to try something new, so why not get out on the water for it? Whether it's kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a surf lesson, there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself and make lasting memories on the waves this summer.

10. Take a sunset cruise

picture this, you on a boat, cruising through the back bays with the sun setting in the distance, a drink in hand, and music playing. i t's the ultimate way to wind down after a sun-filled day and take in one of the most beautiful sights summer has to offer.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, summer in South Jersey is all about making memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. So, grab your flip-flops, gather your favorite people, and make this summer your best one yet, right here with us!

Remembering when giants roamed AC’s C-suites

Remembering When

By Chuck Darrow

If you think about it, a casino is, in some ways, a microcosm of a city or state. like them, a gambling den collects revenue, has a dedicated law enforcement operation and has a chief executive whose responsibility is to oversee all facets of its daily operation.

While a gaming hall’s CEO (or president or general manager, depending on individual corporate structures and nomenclature) is compensated in multiples of the average U.S. salary, the hours are long, the responsibilities grave and unceasing and the potential sources of bad news impossible to quantify. Which is why it takes a certain breed of person to function at this level of the gambling universe—and why frequent changes at the top are baked into the industry’s DNA.

i n Atlantic City (and elsewhere), these individuals have been, mostly by necessity, corporate types who wouldn’t have been out of place running insurance companies or accounting firms. However, the past 47 years have also seen those who have left legacies that still inform

the way business is done in Atlantic City—and beyond. Some were visionaries whose impact can’t be measured. Others were gender and racial barrier-busters. Some were conservative in demeanor, others were larger-than-life characters. All deserve to be remembered for their contributions to Atlantic City and the industry upon which its fortunes rise and fall.

Below is a look (in alphabetical order) at a few of these folks. i t is not meant to be a definitive list; many worthy individuals have been omitted because of space limitations (and faulty memory):

Robert Boughner

With one exception (see below), it’s hard to find a casino suit more influential than Boughner. i n 1998, he began his tenure as the big dog at what would ultimately debut in 2003 as Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, the bayside adult playpen that forever altered the local gambling scene and created the template for such East Coast pleasure domes as Boston’s Wynn Encore, Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun and Borgata’s corporate sibling, MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C.

Boughner’s inspiration for Borgata were what he dubbed the “Atlantic City rejectors”—people who lived within AyCee’s geographic market, but, for whatever reasons, had no interest in patronizing the existing casinos. Through such local innovations as celebrity-chef-branded restaurants and a high-end, luxury hotel tower, Borgata grabbed the rejectors’ attention. And it was Boughner who realized there was a huge, untapped market for younger-skewing headliners who, with a few exceptions, were ignored by local gambling dens.

That The Big B remains the city’s revenue leader (as it has been since it opened in July, 2003) is testament to Boughner’s foresight and concept that a hip, upscale casino-hotel was the recipe for success on Absecon island.

James Crosby

Non-alphabetically, this list must begin with Crosby, the first CEO of the first legal casino.

While many individuals were responsible for gaming legalization, it was Crosby–and the company he founded, resorts international– who was the first to make the dream of state-sanctioned casinos in Atlantic

City a reality. it was on Crosby’s watch that the foundations of how local casinos operate were put in place; procedures and customs—some of which exist to this day—logically had their AC origins during the early days, weeks, months and years of Crosby’s term. i t isn’t too far-fetched to suggest that had someone else run resorts at its birth, some things may have played out differently (although legal guidelines and restrictions doubtless played a much larger role).

And while Donald Trump will forever be synonymous with Atlantic City’s first mega-casino, Trump Taj Mahal Casino- resort, it was Crosby, who died in 1986 at 58, who conceived the unprecedented development project and, in 1983, commenced its construction.

Dennis Gomes

Gomes was a former Nevada law-enforcement official who initiated the investigation into organized crime in the l as Vegas gambling industry that was featured in the epic 1990 mob movie “Casino.” He ultimately became a gaming executive, first in Vegas and then Atlantic City.

Gomes arrived in Our Town in

1991 at the behest of Trump, whose year-old Taj Mahal was teetering on the brink of failure (his hiring led to a famous lawsuit between pOTUS 47 and master-of-the-gamblinguniverse Steve Wynn, who accused Trump of illegally hiring Gomes away from Wynn’s Golden Nugget casino. The case was settled in 1994). But it was his reign in the late-1990s and 2000s as the president & CEO of Tropicana Casino resort Atlantic City (now Tropicana Atlantic City) that cemented his place as one of AyCee’s ultimate movers and shakers.

it was Gomes’ vision and instincts that led to the construction of The Quarter, Atlantic City’s first and only las Vegas-style retail, dining and entertainment complex, which opened in 2004. And it was Gomes—whose casual sartorial style stood in sharp contrast to the far-more-formal look favored by most casino honchos of the day–who brought to the Trop such out-of-the-box attractions as summer-long historic exhibits dedicated to such diverse subjects as president John F. Kennedy, the Titanic and, most provocatively, the history of torture.

He also had a touch of the showman in him (a quality tough to find today given that so many casinos are run by accountants). The most notorious proof of that occurred in

2001, when he installed as a promotional gimmick a Tic-Tac-Toe-playing chicken.

in 2010, he left the Trop to become CEO and part-owner of resorts. Among his innovations there was prohibition, the first lGBQT-focused nightclub located inside a U.S. casino.

As those who worked under Gomes—regardless of position—at both properties have attested, his unique style extended to how he perceived himself as more than just “the boss.” He considered every employee a family member, and his efforts on

their behalf included everything from personally helping workers deal with non-job-related issues to instituting free martial arts training for staffers.

Gomes died unexpectedly in 2012 at age 68 while undergoing a kidney procedure at a philadelphia hospital.

Jeanne Hood

Both Hood, who died at 83 in 2009, and the property she helmed may have faded into the mists of the past, but in a gaming jurisdiction where female CEOs historically represent but a small fraction of those

who have run casinos, Hood stands tall as the first woman to hold the top job locally.

Her property, Atlantis Hotel-Casino, began life as the playboy Hotel-Casino in 1981, but legal issues forced its sale to the Elsinore Corp. in 1985. For various reasons (among them the multi-level casino layout), neither playboy nor Atlantis ever made a profit. As such, in 1989, it assumed a far -more dubious “first” when it became the first local gaming hall to go out of business.

Melonie Johnson

When Johnson was named Borgata’s president & COO in May 2020, she became not only the first African American woman to run an Atlantic City casino-hotel, but the first Black CEO of the city’s legal-gambling era.

Johnson, who today is an executive at MGM National Harbor, didn’t initiate any grand projects, nor was she seen as an innovator during her relatively brief time heading up Borgata. But in addition to her role as a groundbreaker, her two years in the top spot at Borgata coincided with the COVi D-19 pandemic; despite the greatest challenge the local industry has faced to date, she was not only able to keep the casino-hotel afloat, but maintain its status as the city’s revenue champion.

By Douglas Keefe

TTreasure hunting your coins

reasure hunting is usually associated with people with metal detectors scouring the beaches and ghost towns looking for lost or buried coins. in many cases, these hunts are fruitful and unearth coins from centuries ago. Case in point: i know of several instances where Spanish coins from the 1700s have been found on beaches in Southern New Jersey. i know because i have bought some of them and no, i was not one of the lucky finders.

While there is much to be said about the benefits of hunting for treasure outdoors in the fresh air, another form of treasure hunting can be done in the comfort of your living room or office. This form of treasure hunting is done by searching through coins to find errors or mistakes the mint has made. i have written about many opportunities that exist for a rare coin to be found by someone with the knowledge and patience to search.

There was a recent story in a coin magazine about a lucky collector who knew what to look for, and found a United States proof set with a missing

mintmark. Now here's a brief history and description about proof sets. First, a proof set is comprised of coins that are specially made by highly polishing the blank that is to become the coin, and then striking the blank with the die for the coin twice to give the resulting coin a brighter finish and a sharper detail than a regular coin. This is the process used to make a proof coin. The United States has been making individual proof coins for collectors since the 1800s, but in 1936 started issuing them in sets of five coins, cents through half-dollars. This continued until 1942 when, because of the war, the production of proof sets stopped. in 1950, because of interest from collectors, the mint resumed production of proof sets, which continued until 1964. Through 1964 all proof sets were struck at the philadelphia mint and hence had no mintmark on the coins.

production of proof sets resumed in 1968, but the responsibility of minting proof coins was transferred to the San Francisco mint, meaning all proof coins in these sets would have the “S” mintmark. proof sets have been minted continually since 1968 at the San Francisco mint.

Well, i ’m sure everyone is aware of Murphy’s law: what can go wrong will go wrong. in this case, a working die for the one-cent coins that were to be inserted in the 1990 proof set did not have the “S” mintmark. probably only around one hundred of these sets with the missing mintmark were released before the error was corrected. And the previously mentioned collector (treasure hunter) was lucky enough to recently find one. This error was not unknown; examples were found right after the sets were released in 1991. And the error occurred in both the regular proof set and the prestige proof set of the year. 1991 was not the first time a proof coin from the San Francisco mint was

TURN

struck without a mintmark. Actually, it’s the last year that occurred. Evidently, quality control has improved. Other years proof sets were released with missing mintmarks on the coins are: 1968, no “S” dime; 1970, no “S” dime; 1971, no “S” five cent coin; 1975, no “S” dime (this is the rarest of all with an estimated price of $200,000); and 1983, no “S” dime.

So, armed with this information you too can go treasure hunting. if you have some proof sets laying around, check for the missing mintmark. And if you go to coin shops or shows, check their inventory because sometimes dealers forget to check for these rarities. To my embarrassment, Beachcomber actually sold a 1971 proof set without the “S” fivecent coin. Someone priced it without opening the package to check the coins inside. Oops!

Douglas Keefe and his wife Linda are owners of Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles in Egg Harbor Township.

Easter egg hunt for dogs was a walk in the park

By Heidi Clayton

Iwas very excited to team up with my friends r yan and Marie Harp for their inaugural K9 Easter Egg Hunt at Working Dog Farms on Friday, April 18. it was a huge success and the start of many dog-friendly adventures to come. After a long and dreary winter, it was so much fun to see all of the dogs that came out use their noses to find Easter eggs filled with treats. i was delighted to see so many former clients and their dogs having fun and showing off their good manners.

Marie and r yan are dog people. They are owned by their chocolate lab, Nova, and two Greater Swiss Mountain diva dogs, Kahlua and, my personal favorite, roo. They came upon their farm, located at 243 South Odessa Avenue in Galloway, in 2021 while looking for their forever home. Marie and r yan have always had a

passion for growing their own vegetables and wanted to raise chickens. They took the leap into becoming farmers and bought the property. The name “Working Dog Farms” comes from their belief that all dogs need a purpose to thrive; r yan and Marie believe their dogs’ purpose is farming. Together with their dogs, they spent two years fixing the farm up and started selling produce in 2023.

This year, they have ventured into hosting dog-friendly events that started with the Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt was organized to perfection, so that all of the dogs coming had space to sniff at their leisure. Dogs who were prone to anxiety didn’t have to worry about other dogs! The walking trail was filled with eggs stuffed with dog treats, and the dogs had a blast hunting them down. i think the owners had equal, if not more, fun guiding their dogs through the maze and getting excited when they found an egg! There were Easter-themed photo ops along the way, and, of course, the Easter Bunny made a special appearance. renee lynn photography was on hand to snap family photos that included the

dogs. i had the best time seeing so many different dogs using their brains and noses! i always enjoy seeing the bonds formed between humans and dogs.

Working Dog is currently hatching more dog-friendly event ideas like a Halloween costume contest and trick-or-treating for the dogs. i love the idea of the walking trail being manned with people giving out treats to the dogs for performing tricks! Santa will be coming to the farm to visit with the dogs, and regardless of being naughty or nice, the dogs will go find hidden presents along the walking trail. Since the actual working dogs of the farm, Nova and roo, par-

ticipate in Fly Ball and Fast Cat, Marie is also currently working on fitting in a doggy fun day for other dogs to come and try both at the farm during the summer. Working Dog Farms sells starter vegetable plants for those looking to plant their own and a variety of seasonal vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and pumpkins. And, of course, their chickens produce fresh eggs daily. Keep an eye on Working Dog Farms Facebook and instagram pages for dog-friendly event announcements.

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

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

Photo credit: Working Dog Farms

The Cook’s Corner

Salmon steak that’s easy to make

By Seth Briliant

Because my bride loves seafood, we’re always trying different types of fish and different ways to prepare them. We really enjoy barbecued salmon. But when we didn’t feel like firing up the gas grill, we discovered a fast and easy way to get dinner on the table in about five minutes by microwaving the salmon instead.

At about $11 a pound, salmon is an affordable fish, especially since most people are fine with a 6- to 8-ounce portion for dinner. it’s also a tasty fish and doesn’t require a lot of seasoning or marinating. p urchase a piece of whole salmon (not the horseshoe-shaped “salmon steak” cut). it’s not necessary to buy a skinless filet. i n fact, the skin helps to hold the fish together while it cooks, and it comes off easily when it’s done. place the filet on a microwave-safe dinner plate and sprinkle salt and pepper over the fish; add a little paprika for color if you like. Cover the fish with a paper towel, which protects from any spatters making a

mess when oil in the fish pops, as it does when heated.

Microwave the fish on high for about three minutes, then check the thickest part with a kitchen thermometer. it needs to reach at least 145 to 150 degrees. if it needs a little more time, continue microwaving it, covered with the paper towel, in 15- or 30-second

pared in five minutes while the fish cooks. These “instant” potatoes have a great texture and taste. Add some string beans or spinach and you have a fine meal.

On the other hand, if you feel like barbecuing your salmon instead, here’s a few tips:

increments. And there it is: dinner in five minutes or less.

A good side dish is mashed potatoes. We highly recommend the Ore- ida Baby reds, which can be pre -

After about three minutes, flip the pieces with a large, wide spatula and cook them for another three minutes. At this point the salmon should begin to flake, so carefully flip the pieces one more time and check the middle of the thickest piece with a kitchen thermometer. if it reads at least 150 degrees, the salmon is done. Some people like it well done to about 165 degrees.

Transfer the salmon to a serving plate, where it should easily separate from the skin, and enjoy!

Once again, don’t buy the salmon steak cut; go for the whole salmon, not a skinless filet. pieces that are between 1/2 and 3/4 of a pound are the most manageable size on a grill. Cut anything larger into two or more pieces for ease of cooking. Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper, and add a little paprika for color if you like. Heat the grill to 400 degrees. Turn the burners off, lightly spray the grates with some pAM cooking spray, and then relight the burners. This prevents the pAM container from igniting or exploding because of an open flame traveling back up the spray into the bottle. put the salmon on the grates, skin side down, and if you like, brush some barbecue sauce on the salmon flesh.

How to make your move smooth for your pets

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

If the process of moving to a new home is stressful for you, imagine what it must be like for your pets. Check out these tips to make your move safer and less stressful, for you and your furry friends.

Finding the Right Vet for Your Pet

Before your move, discuss the safest options for moving with your vet. Gather vet records, ask for extra prescription refills, etc. Knowing that your pet is in good health buys you time to research a new vet in the community where you will be moving. When researching a new vet, it is a good idea to ask your current vet for a referral to your new location, and look for recommendations from local, neighborhood social media groups. it

is also a good way to meet new people in the area and socialize your animal as well.

Stockpile Your Pet’s Favorite Specialty Food

in case you are unable to find your pet’s favorite or special foods right away in your new area, bringing an ample supply will help you avoid delays and emergencies. Animals generally do not do well when switching foods quickly, so if you are opting for a new brand, mix half of the new food and half of the old food for a while to wean them off their familiar food.

Update Your Pet’s Tags

Make sure that your new address and phone number are visible on any tags, and if you haven’t already, this is a good time to consider a microchip for your pet. Your vet can help you reassign the contact information if your pet already has a microchip.

Do Your Homework

Find out what is required in your

Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer

new community. There may be stricter leash laws, or tags and licenses required for pet sitting or walking services. Your pet may also need a new medication to avoid localized pests such as ticks.

Manage Your Pet’s Stress

Having multiple people moving items in the house can cause stress for pets. Ask a friend to watch your animal companion while this is going on, or consider checking out pet-sitting services to assist you.

Manage the Environment

Keep as many of your pet’s belongings as possible with you during the move. if any must be packed, do that last.

Never leave your dog at home alone in an empty house – a barren environment can be extremely stressful, causing behavioral and anxiety issues. if you have to keep your pet alone in an empty home, consider crating them and putting a blanket and toys in the crate with them if it is suitable for your animal. A good way to make

them comfortable in a crate is to drape a towel or blanket over the crate so they feel safe and enclosed in a new space.

Protect Your Pet During Travel

Always talk to your vet about the safest possible option for traveling, based on size and breed. look for dog seat belts for smaller dogs, cats or puppies that will hold them to the seat with a little room to wiggle around and wander in the vehicle. For bigger animals, try a backseat hammock that will restrain them from entering the front of the vehicle while you are focusing on the road.

Road Trip Basics

Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Your vet may also recommend a calming, all-natural vitamin to reduce stress and help your pet relax.

pack an on-the-go traveling kit with your pet’s food, water, medications, a leash, waste bags, vaccination records and a toy or blanket to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Your four-legged friends are just as anxious as you may be during moving day. i hope these tips will help you ease their anxiety and get them into their new home safely.

Far real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the " real Estate Godmother," at 609703-0432. learn more at www. therealestategodmother.com.

For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact

Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

Port Republic launches reconstruction effort on municipal field courts

By Rebecca Oldham

In an effort to revitalize Harry Bowen Memorial p ark and boost community engagement, the City of port r epublic’s Town Hall announced a notice for the reconstruction of the tennis and basketball courts. After two years of waiting, the municipal reconstruction project was finally approved, with funding secured through a state recreational grant and COVi D-19 relief funding. The new courts, which have already begun construction, are estimated to take two months for completion, opening in time for the summer.

“ it will take about thirty days for construction and another thirty for the courts to set,” said port republic City Hall representative Brandy

Blevin. The renovations will feature new tennis and basketball courts, along with the addition of a pickleball court. Despite the wait, residents are excited for the updates and eager to get back into their favorite sports.

“ i can’t wait for the chance to get back on the courts,” Olivia Oldham said. “ it’s been a while since they've been updated, and it’s going to make a big difference in the community.”

While the city works to renovate the park, others have shared excitement over the progress of the project. patrick Hamill, a port republic resident and recreational tennis player, shared his thoughts on the reconstruction.

their growing anticipation for the upcoming pickleball court in town. Some shared ideas to start their own clubs and teams. However, as the sport continues to gain popularity, a few are worried that the new courts could lead to overcrowding, making it difficult to get a spot to play. These concerns have sparked conversation in town about possible solutions, such as time slots or charging fees for non-residents.

“ i grew up with these courts, and i ’m excited to see them finally redone,” Hamill said.

Many residents focus on how the project will benefit younger community members. The consensus is that the improvements will provide children with a safe place for play and exercise. The port republic

p anthers basketball team usually holds practices indoors or on the school’s blacktop. However, with a new remodeled basketball court, the team may be encouraged to practice outdoors more often. School faculty have expressed excitement for the new facilities, saying that they are a great opportunity for student extracurriculars. Moreover, parents look forward to taking their younger children to play once the recreational courts are finished.

relatively, residents have shown

However, in the meantime, excitement continues to grow as the community looks forward to enjoying the new courts. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who just likes to have fun outdoors, the space will serve as a gathering place for all skill levels and ages.

Rebecca Oldham is an emerging journalist and writer located in South Jersey’s Pine Barrens. She enjoys writing about the arts and all things community.

E

SHORE FUNNY

My ex-wife still misses me. But her aim is steadily improving.

A Spanish magician has a grand magical show and at the end he says he will disappear after counting to three. He starts to count, “Uno, dos…” then he vanished without a tres.

Which country’s capital is the fastest growing? Ireland’s… Every year it’s Dublin.

A group of termites marches into a saloon and ask: “Is the bar tender here?”

Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams!

SUDOKU

Solution on page 78

ACROSS

1. rhymes with, and similar in meaning, to blob

5. refrigerator sound

8. Action word

12. left, in russia

13. Departed

14. locomotive hair

15. As opposed to St. in a city, pl.

16. French cordial flavoring

17. Type of lily, pl.

18. *Voyageurs National park location

20. like Andersen's duckling

21. poacher's ware

22. Unit of pressure

23. *Volcanoes National park location

26. Dionysus' female followers

30. U.N. labor agency

31. Camels' relatives

34. pelvic bones

35. Smears

37. "____ of the land"

38. Gertrude Stein's reception room

39. Sicilian rumbler

40. Strong influence

42. To sum

43. Blushes

45. *Utah national park

47. What blanket and landing have in common

48. State before birth

50. Eastern European

52. *Yosemite's famous monolith (2 words)

56. Cockamamie

57. Effect of pain?

58. First weekly news magazine in U.S.

59. South African currency, pl.

60. Tolstoy's Karenina

61. The 15th of March

62. King Kong and Koko, e.g.

63. Hot one in a bun

64. Copper coin

DOWN

1. Type of shot

2. Strauss of jeans fame

3. Often found under a range

4. Herzegovina's partner

5. Kind of roll, in school

6. Togetherness

7. *____ Verde National park

8. *Shenandoah National park location

9. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year

10. Frost-covered

11. like certain relief

13. ____ is a byproduct of ___ (2 3-letter words)

14. "____ for alarm"

19. See nor hear this? pl.

22. Faux ____

23. Opposite of seeker

24. Winged

25. One of Florence Nightingale's concerns

26. American indians of Yucatan

27. islam's Supreme Being

28. D in lED

29. *White ____ National park in New Mexico

32. Financial help

33. *Need one to navigate a National park?

36. *The lakota called it "Mako Sica"

38. razor sharpener

40. *Old Faithful ____, lodging spot in Yellowstone

41. poolside hut

44. roof overhang

46. rotten Tomatoes contributor

48. latin American plain

49. Getting an A

50. Finger-produced sound

51. Muffin Man's Drury ____

52. "Goodness gracious!"

53. Ocean motion

54. Word of agreement

55. *Bald Eagle's home in Acadia or Olympic National parks

56. One of the Gershwins

See Solution on Page 78

THEME: NATIONAL PARKS

The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy

Horoscopes for April 24 – 30

♈ Aries: Trailblazing takes courage, risk and grit. The heavy lifting in improving your confidence and finances comes with balancing your vision and creations. You and your time are your greatest resources.

♉ Taurus: The dynamic between your work and home/family stirs insecurities to the surface. Embrace the challenge as an initiation to achieve greater personal growth, self-acceptance and authenticity.

♊ Gemini: Severing ties to ineffective dialogue can transform your overall perspective. Action and initiative clear your channel for more supportive communication with yourself. A separation from relatives can be part of the experience.

♋ Cancer: Allowing yourself to be seen fully by others can be intimidating. Validation comes from within and in turn, inspires others to follow your lead with pride in their hearts.

♌ Leo: A new leaf is turned in your career. The opportunity is accompanied by personal and partnership obstacles that may alter your public image. Heart-centered boldness is key.

♍ Virgo: Adventure awaits. The journey’s beginning may be a rough start. The smoothness of the path

ahead is up to your ability to tune out the perceived noise from an unseen audience.

♎ Libra: The taproot of your being wants to grow even deeper. Navigating in the dark takes slow and steady steps. retreat and allow creation within to unfold.

♏ Scorpio: Friends and partners who share your values are your perfect matches. Seeking someone new, or expanding of existing relationships, requires openness to change.

♐ Sagittarius: An overhaul of your immediate environment can instill greater presence and peace in your daily life. Make the change and reap the rewards for your health and well-being.

♑ Capricorn: The muse is beckoning you to answer the call. Breakdowns can instigate breakthroughs, while also putting pressure on your personal capacity and resourcefulness.

♒ Aquarius: Sometimes roots require a new space or container. This can be a physical space or your own vessel. Awareness of the restriction will show you where more room is needed.

♓ Pisces: Your word is your wand. Clear and concise dialogue with yourself and the universe plants the seeds for your dreams to become your reality.

Weekly astrology summary:

The final week of April features a new moon flavored with unusual tension and obstacles. The Taurus new moon occurs on Sunday, April 27 at 3:31 p.m., seeded with the final of three oppositions between potent pluto and passionate Mars (2024 –

2025). personal and collective insecurities will be triggered to the surface, requiring acknowledgment of deep emotions and commitment to finding a compassionate resolution. individual contributions and the courage to put forth the contribution will be highlighted. By the end of the month, all three personal planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars, will have returned to fire signs, initiating momentum in communication, connection and inspired creativity. Although the cosmic energy will feel gritty, challenging and possibly aggressive, there’s greater potential for grounded action and change. See the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific information. if you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can learn more in my info/tutorial video on my Ursa Alchemy YouTube channel or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.

Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. Find her astrology readings and astrological aromatherapy services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@gmail.com.

Atlantic County public health officials

The wildfire in Ocean County that began yesterday and has burned more than 11,500 acres, is impacting the air quality for the surrounding areas, including Atlantic County where air quality is currently listed as unhealthy for sensitive groups for today (April 23) and is expected to slightly improve to moderate for tomorrow (April 24).

Atlantic County public health officials remind residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke can pose a threat to those with heart and respiratory conditions, pregnant women, older adults, children, and outdoor workers.

To help limit exposure to wildfire smoke residents may consider staying indoors, limiting outdoor physical activity, using respiratory protection (masking) appropriately, and keeping windows closed to help keep indoor air as clean as possible. if you have respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, move inside for cleaner air while air quality is unhealthy.

public health officials recommend residents continue to monitor the air quality where they live until the fire is contained.

For more information, visit the county website at: atlanticcountynj. gov and search “Air Quality.”