SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE
Helping Everyone Catch a Wave
Annual Lifeguard Championships Heating Up
The Rise and Fall of Brigantine Castle
Commemorating the Railroad Crash of 1880
Bands in the Sand
Off All Reclining Furniture from Elran, Sofas, Chairs, Sectionals* August 25th - September 8th Your Choice of Fabric or Leather, Power Footrest, Power Headrest, Power Lumbar & Memory Foam Upgrades! *Up to $1000 off per item. See
As you may know, Bob and I run a nonprofit organization called Heart of surfing, that offers recreational activities for individuals with autism and related disabilities. In the summer, we take participants surfing every saturday.
t his past weekend, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosted a special event for our organization, joined by the Eagles Autism Foundation, swoop and the Eagles Cheerleaders. the day was a huge success, filled with joy, laughter and smiles all around. You can read more about it on page 12-13.
At the end of the event however, after packing the trailer with surfboards, life vests and equipment, we climbed into the van to head home. But as the wheels spun in the sand, it became clear — we were stuck.
ing us, or about to post a video online captioned, “Look at these dummies.” I was wrong.
Instead, people discussed how they could help. One suggested cardboard, another brought a plank for traction. It worked — slowly, the van and trailer inched forward. A man who drove tractor trailers for a living offered to take the wheel, and I gladly handed it over. three volunteers and Hard Rock team members, already worn out from three hours of volunteering, pushed us free.
As we rolled over the Boardwalk, the crowd cheered. I was reminded
“Pull forward. Pull back. turn the wheel,” team members called out, trying to help. Nothing worked. the Boardwalk was bustling by then, and I could see a small crowd gathering. I imagined the worst: they were ridicul -
again that despite what we often see on television or social media, there are far more good people in this world than bad. People who genuinely want to help, to be kind, to lift one another up.
I’m grateful for them — and I hope to always be one of them.
Peace &
Love,
Cindy
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, Rebecca Oldham, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Rachael King, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ
By Steffen Klenk
Passengers at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) will soon have new travel options starting later this
year. On Wednesday, airport officials welcomed Allegiant Air to ACY. the low-cost carrier will offer nonstop flights to major destinations throughout Florida, including Orlando/sanford, tampa/st. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers/ Punta g orda. the additional routes will complement existing service through spirit Airlines.
s tephen Dougherty, executive director of the s outh Jersey transportation Authority said the announcement marks a significant milestone for the region, both by investing in yearround travel opportunities and supporting the regional economy. “Expanding our airport services with another airline is a major step forward in connecting south Jersey to more destinations and opportunities,” Dougherty said. Allegiant Air currently serves 125 cities throughout the country, with flights to popular tourist destinations. “We’ve been working really closely with the airport for many years now,” Kristen
s chilling- g onzales, vice president of planning, said. “ t hey’ve pointed out how underserved the region is to some of these parts of Florida.”
Airline officials highlighted the potential to serve south Jersey with additional flights and destinations.
“We would love to be able to grow here, so the better that these routes do, the more we’ll look to increase frequency,” s chilling- gonzales said.
Allegiant will begin offering two flights a week from Atlantic City to Fort Lauderdale starting Dec. 11. Routes to Orlando/sanford will follow on Dec. 19, with service to st. Petersburg and Punta gorda launching
in February. One-way fares to each destination will start at $39.
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.
t his is the time to have your “go-bag” ready in case you need to evacuate. It is also the time to check hurricanes.gov (National Hurricane Center) on a daily basis, I’ll pass along more information from them later in
perstorm sandy impacted the state on Oct. 29, 2012.
everal major storms have fallen outside the hurricane season date torm Fay hit New Jersey on July 10, 2020; Hurricane
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Nonetheless, now is the time to be extra vigilant. It’s a good time to learn more about what the National Hurricane Center track forecast cone is, especially as tropical storm Erin is churning in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
Meteorologists shape the track forecast cone
t he National Hurricane Center (hurricanes.gov), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is responsible for issuing all hurricane forecasts. Whether you follow me, another meteorologist in the news or elsewhere, that information all comes directly from the smart, hard-working folks at Florida International university in Miami.
Formed in 1943, their vision is to be “America's calm, clear, and trusted voice in the eye of the storm and, with its partners, enable communities to be safe from tropical weather threats.”
As we know, New Jersey experiences rough seas and large swells from tropical cyclones hundreds of miles away. Just last week, the week of Aug. 4, there were dangerous rip currents all over the Jersey shore from tropical storm Dexter, which was never closer than 450 miles from the coastline here.
Like most meteorologists, they use current observations and computer forecast model data to assist them in their forecasting.
In the spring, our “ tidal Flooding talk” team of Dan skeldon (a recognized name in local meteorology) and I interviewed Mike Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center. You can learn more about the NHC during our conversation on Youtube.
The track forecast cone only predicts the path of the storm’s eye the shaded area of the forecast cone only represents where the hurricane center forecasts the eye of the storm to go over. It has nothing to do with who will feel the impacts of the rain, wind or storm surge.
The center line does not represent storm path probability t he weather community has mostly moved away from showing the “center” line in the hurricane outlooks. It’s usually the line that connects the dots or symbols that show where the storm is forecasted to be located at a certain time. t here’s a good reason for it, too. t he center line doesn’t mean anything except simply where the center of the cone is now. It doesn’t mean the hurricane center is most confident about it hitting there in the future.
Let’s use superstorm s andy in 2012 as an example. three days before the storm, the center line was in the Delaware Bay. turns out, it made landfall roughly 50 miles north of there, in Brigantine.
If the people making decisions on evacuations and emergency preparedness only used the center line,
New York City and maybe Monmouth County wouldn’t have made the preparations that they did otherwise.
The track forecast cone covers a five-day forecast
t he official forecast from the National Hurricanes Center covers a time span of five days. the location, storm strength, speed and pressure forecast are then given for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 96 and 120 hours from the time of the forecast.
You may see computer forecast models run online or on television. Commonly known as “spaghetti plots,” they either show one computer model with slightly different variations to give you a fuller picture of where the storm could go (ensemble forecast), or a host of different computer models plotted on one chart.
While they’re fine to show, do not use this as official guidance in your thinking process. t he only official source for hurricane track information is the National Hurricane Center.
The track forecast cones widen over time due to growing uncertainty the further out from the current time you make a forecast, the more likely something in the forecast will change. You may also know this as the butterfly effect, made famous by the Meteorologist Ed Lorenz.
t he National Hurricane Center
accounts for that by widening the forecast track as you go out from the 12- to 120-hour forecast. Here is how wide the eye of the storm track forecasts were in 2024.
● 12-hour forecast: 26 nautical miles
● 24-hour forecast: 39 nautical miles
● 36-hour forecast: 52 nautical miles
● 48-hour forecast: 67 nautical miles
● 60-hour forecast: 83 nautical miles
● 72-hour forecast: 100 nautical miles
● 96-hour forecast: 142 nautical miles
● 120-hour forecast: 213 nautical miles.
For reference, the entire Jersey shore, from Cape May to sandy Hook, is 111 nautical miles.
Forecasting the track of tropical cyclones has improved dramatically Due to massive upgrades in computer power, knowledge of meteorology and techniques, the track of Atlantic Basin hurricane forecasts is excellent. Here are a few facts that really stand out to me.
today’s 72-hour (three-day) hurricane forecasts in 2024 are as accurate as the 24-hour forecasts were in 2000.
the 120-hour (five-day) hurricane
forecasts in 2024 are as accurate as the 48-hour forecasts in 2000, and even the 72-hour forecasts during superstorm sandy in 2012, demonstrating significant progress in extended-range forecasting.
And my favorite, our five-day hurricane forecasts in 2024 are as accurate as the 24-hour forecasts were in 1970. the Pacific Ocean has seen a similar, vast improvement.
In other words, we have reduced the number of false alarms for evacuations and improved the ability to confidently issue evacuations in recent decades.
The track forecast cone is a 6070% probability
While the weather community has made tremendous gains in tropical cyclone forecasting, the tropical cyclone is expected to remain within the track 60-70% of the time. u pperclassman-level high-school math is used to come to this conclusion. However, the hurricane center uses this probability to strike a balance between the hurricane’s potential path, and accounting for the uncertainty you get the further out you go.
Opinion: The track forecast cone should show the 75% probability the National Hurricane Center has made tremendous progress in forecasting the track of tropical storms or hurricanes. At the same time, if you
weren’t reading shore Local, you’d have to dig through the internet to find that the cone you see has only a 60-70% probability of it happening. therefore, to be more accurate, while also understanding the social science of how the cone is perceived, I believe it’s time to make the forecast cone bigger.
By going to a 75% probability, the storm you’re tracking has a 4 out of 5 chance of being within that forecast. I asked AI (g rok) to compute the width of the forecast track cone if we used a 75% probability. this is what it came up with, compared to what it is now, with the current probability.
24-hour forecast: 45 nautical miles vs. 39 nautical miles.
120-hour forecast: 245 nautical miles vs. 213 nautical miles. that would take us back to approximately the size of the forecast cone in 2010. For the increase in accuracy, I believe that’s a reasonable price to pay for getting it right more often.
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.
By Christina Martin
There is no telling what the weather will bring these days and if you are a farmers market vendor, you know the show goes on, rain or shine.
Markets close for inclement conditions such as lightning, wind and extreme heat. Normally, by the time it is called off or the rain showers show up, most vendors have already brought out their consumables.
On s aturday morning I checked the forecast and scattered showers were expected, so I packed the umbrella and ventured over to the somers Point Farmers Market.
ing, as the roads were flooding. t he s omers Point Farmers Market is located on the grounds of the landmark somers Mansion, at 1000 shore Road. It is just across from the Ninth street Bridge leading into Ocean City.
t he market will be open 8 a.m. to noon on
As I drove over to somers Point, the weather did not look promis -
also want to share my condolences with the Brook Bound Farm family on the loss of Rebecca Parker, co-owner with her husband, Matt and mother to four daughters.
saturdays through sept 7. Dogs are also welcome.
I had a great visit at the market and talked to many of the vendors. I
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One of my first articles was about my visit to somers Point Farmers Market last year, where I got to speak with Rebecca and Matt. their farm is pesticide-free. t hey also offer pasture-raised meat, which is fed high-quality grain.
she was so very welcoming and offered me her contact information if I had any questions about the farm.
t heir family farm is located in Alloway, in salem County.
the day I visited in July was before Rebecca passed and they had potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers and farm-fresh eggs available. Her daughters posed for some photos.
I was able to see my favorite spice shop vendors, t ina and Anthony, owners of g rassia’s Italian Market spice Co. they were packing up to keep their spices out of the rain that had begun to fall. And lucky they did because, just as I got into my car, the skies opened on the market.
When buying spices, you want to purchase small amounts, which keeps them fresh.
g rassia’s offers some wonderful spice blends as well. I their vanilla, which is always great to keep to add when making a dessert. this time of year a fruit cobbler makes a comforting summer dessert.
Another vendor that I met at the market was Dina, the owner of the Original Banana Company. Dina started the Original Banana Company after working in the ice-cream business for 25 years. she opened a storefront in Laurel springs, Camden County, but has also vacationed in Ocean City. she made her debut at the Jersey shore at the somers Point Farmers Market. she offers the original choc-
olate-dipped bananas, but she shared with me that she is excited about the partnerships she has made with local farms in south Jersey.
I got to see the u FO –her ice-cream sandwich that has homemade ice cream between homemade banana bread layers. the ice cream has seasonal flavors made by collaborating with local farms.
the day I visited the market, she had a blueberry u FO, made with Hammonton blueberries from sam Mento Farms, LLC. Next up, she said, will be Jersey peaches. Follow them on Facebook at the Original Banana Company.
there are many other offerings at the market to check out including guacamole from Anita’s guacamole. the Potato Homestead has pesticide-free seasonal, fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, onions, cabbage and carrots. they also have freshbaked sourdough breads.
Far and Away Farm has fresh-cut flowers and will help you create a gorgeous bouquet for your table or to take along for a hostess gift.
Misty Meadow sheep Dairy Farm was there with a sheep that was enjoying some snacks and staying dry under the tent. Misty Meadow is a 16-acre dairy farm that produces small batches of sheep’s milk, cheese and frozen treats. their sheep are fed non- g MO grain feed.
Babcia’s Polish Kitchen sells pierogies. Chef george, a culinary teacher and owner of the Walking taco food truck, offers homemade pierogies at some of the local farmers' markets.
A new vendor with organic beauty products is Wild Rose Organics. their products include a Magnesium Lotion, Nourish sPF lotions and Herbal Balm.
the somers Point Farmers Market has something for everyone. support our local farms and artisans rain or shine.
Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy food, and proud mother. She shares her passion for seasonal cooking, plant-based living, and supporting local farms through both teaching and writing. Christina's plant based expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine.
By Julia Train
On saturday, Aug. 9, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosted a special event for Heart of surfing.
Heart of s urfing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 by shore
Local publisher Bob Fertsch and editor Cindy Fertsch in honor of their son, Jamie, who was on the autism spectrum.
“He really loved to go surfing with his dad. He enjoyed being out in the water on a surfboard. Although he was never able to stand, he loved to ride the waves,” Cindy said. “ so we had an idea to try to bring more people into his life. We invited some friends to come join him, and they loved it. We recruited volunteers, and it grew and grew.”
By the end of that first summer there were about 50 families joining
them every saturday to surf.
In 2020, however, the Fertschs lost their son and had to make a decision on whether to continue the organization or not. they ultimately decided that keeping it going was the best way to honor Jamie’s legacy.
Now, with the assistance of volunteers and the beach patrols, they take 100 participants surfing every saturday from mid June through Labor Day at the Jersey shore, primarily in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
saturday's event was hosted by Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, with special guests from the Eagles Autism Foundation, including swoop — the Eagles’ mascot — and the Eagles cheerleaders.
they gave out special co-branded reusable water cups to each of the participants and raffled off a football and helmet that were signed by Eagles players.
Heart of surfing, with the support of Hard Rock employees, south Jersey Boardriders and the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, took 150 participants with autism — a record number — surfing that day. Volunteers showed
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up to help both in the water and on the sand.
“It was fabulous. My son got to surf a lot and see all his friends,” tracy Dowd, a mom of one of the participants, said. she and her 21-year-old son, Kevin, who has autism, have been involved with the organization for about 10 years.
“ the kids were able to have a fun time, and go to the beach and not be judged and relax. Nobody's worried about their kids melting down … Everybody's just able to enjoy themselves and be who they are,” tracy said.
In addition to bringing the special guests to the event, Hard Rock also made a $5,000 donation to Heart of surfing.
“Hard Rock has been supporting us for four years now — donating $5,000 — and it makes a tremendous difference,” Cindy said.
s he said they used to have to borrow boards from local surf shops and were always running short on life vests, but donors like Hard Rock have helped to ensure they have all the necessary equipment.
Heart of surfing is 100% volunteer driven. Because of the support of sponsors and donors, the organization recently was able to purchase a $3,000 adaptive surfboard designed for participants with significant motor challenges. this allows the rider to sit on the board while someone is on the back, holding onto straps to guide them.
view and awareness of how they’re moving through the water.
“Hard Rock Atlantic City was proud to host the fourth annual Heart of surfing event, teaching [individuals] with disabilities and autism how to surf. It was a truly special day for the 150 kids who also had the opportunity to meet the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders and Eagles mascot, swoop. Our Hard Rock team members made this surf day possible by volunteering to work with the kids while they embrace our core motto to ‘ take time to Be Kind,’” said g eorge g oldhoff, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, in a statement to shore Local.
Cindy recalled another significant moment, at 10:45 a.m., when
Photo by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics
they paused the event and everyone gathered in front of swoop and the cheerleaders for a group photo, followed with the E-A- g -L-E-s chant and singing the team’s fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly.”
the specially designed surfboard not only lets participants ride the waves safely to shore but also improves their ability to see their surroundings. some children may otherwise lie on their stomachs but would be unable to lift their heads or push up with their shoulders, limiting their
“It was just so fun and heartwarming to see how excited these kids were and they all knew the chant,” she said.
t he Atlantic City Beach Patrol also sent guards to help with the event. they formed a human chain — standing about 20 feet apart from each other— around the jetty to guide anyone who drifted too close back
to safety.
“We really couldn't have done it without their support,” Cindy said. “ there had been rip currents all week and there was a northeast sweep that day that was pulling the surfers toward a jetty.”
After 11 years, the nonprofit has grown into something the Fertschs never thought possible.
to the Fertschs, volunteers have always been and remain the heart of the organization.
Denise Bradley has volunteered intermittently for 10 years, but her friendship with Cindy and Bob goes back much further — through their sons, Liam Bradley, who had autism, and Jamie Fertsch, who grew up together from a young age.
In 2017, the Fertschs created a scholarship to honor Liam’s legacy, which is awarded to a volunteer each year.
“My son, Liam, was severely autistic, and the hardest part for individuals and for families sometimes is finding their community in that sense, and people that understand just the daily struggles of being a special
the siblings are included in it, as well as parents, peer moms and dads that understand what our days look like, which are entirely different from a lot of other families.”
s he said that the repetition of having the quantity of events on a regular basis helps those individuals with disabilities find a purpose and community, and become more comfortable in their environment.
As a volunteer, Bradley helps to arrange the events, match up the volunteers to surfers and makes sure everyone gets a turn to surf. she also is a member of the organization's Board, which includes six people total.
Like Bradley, and tracy and Kevin Dowd, about 30 of the nonprofit’s participants have been a part of it since just about the beginning, including Zach ginet.
Zach, 25, who has autism and Down syndrome, and his mom, Pam, started attending the nonprofit’s events a decade ago.
“We went, and he was hooked. He loved it. so he just kept on coming back, and it turned into something amazing for him,” Pam said. “[Heart of surfing] has given him a community. He really has gotten a lot out of
Heart of surfing’s mission is to provide recreational activities for families with individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. While surfing is the main activity offered, the nonprofit also hosts others, such as adaptive skateboarding, sensory-friendly roller skating and ice skating, days at water parks and visits to trampoline parks.
Because the Fertschs know what it’s like to raise a child with autism and how expensive it can get with medical costs, special diets and therapy, every activity is completely free.
they are on the spectrum. We meet them there, and encourage them to be the best they can be,” Cindy said. “We just want to create a smile within a supportive and welcoming space.”
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
Brigantine Farmers Market
▶saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brigantine Community s chool parking lot sheridan Blvd. the Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers on saturdays, rain or shine, through sept. 6. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/brigantinefarmersmarket.
C.R.O.P.S. Farmers Market
▶Fridays, 4 – 6 p.m. Fisherman’s Park Community garden Massachusetts & Drexel Ave. Atlantic City
Purchase local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, enjoy nature’s beauty, and share gardening knowledge with C.R.O.P. s . Open Fridays through sept. 19.
EHT Community Farmers Market
▶sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Atlantic County Library 1 swift Dr. Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health host a Community Farmers Market on s undays, featuring a variety of local pesticide-free farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters, music, and fun activities. support family farmers. Markets open sundays through Aug. 24. For more information, visit thehoneytree.net or e-mail wellness@thehoneytree.net.
Galloway Green Market
▶thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.
Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th streets
Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the tabernacle, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. Wednesdays through s ept. 3. For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.
Risley Square Farmers Market
▶sundays, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
319 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. galloway shop local and support dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, fantastic food, locally-sourced products, and crafts. Open sundays through sept. 28.
Somers Point Farmers Market
▶saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. somers Mansion 1000 shore Rd.
Historic smithville Village g reene 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
g o g reen galloway hosts their weekly g reen Market, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Markets open thursdays through sept. 4. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates.
Margate Community Farmers Market
▶thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
steve and Cookies Parking Lot 9700 Amherst Ave. the Margate Farmers Market is preparing to open for the 2025 season. Markets will be open thursdays through Aug. 28. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
the somers Point Farmers Market is open for the 2025 season. Dozens of local food vendors, crafters, and hometown businesses will set up on the grounds of historic and beautiful somers Mansion each week. Markets are open on saturdays through sept. 6. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.
Ocean City Farmers Market
▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ocean City tabernacle g rounds
Ventnor City Farmers Market ▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Newport & Atlantic Ave. Entering its 9th season, the Ventnor City Farmers Market is one of the most delightful places to shop on Fridays. the parking lot at st. James Church brims with 70+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and beautiful handmade wares. Open Fridays through Aug. 29. Visit vcfm. org for more.
Absecon Concerts in the Park
▶sunday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
Heritage Park
this week, the Brandon Ireland Band will take the stage. Bring your chairs and blankets and prepare to dance along to pop and rock n’ roll spanning the decades. t he music begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Brigantine Summer Concert Series
▶Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.
Brigantine Community Center 265 42nd st.
Brigantine Community Education and Recreation will host a free outdoor concert on the Community Center lawn this Wednesday. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of seth Kibel. In the event of rain, all concerts will be held the following thursday. For more information, call the recreation office at 609-264-7350.
EHT Rhythm in the Park ▶Fridays, 7 – 9 p.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater in tony Canale Park
Bring your blankets and chairs and join EHt Parks & Recreation for outdoor concerts at tony Canale Park, featuring six Mile Cross. Visit
www.ehtrec.com or www.facebook. com/EHtRecreation in the event of inclement weather.
Jazz on the Beach
▶thursdays, 7 – 10 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Join the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation for their free concert series every t hursday. On August 14, enjoy the sounds of the Marel Hidalgo Organ trio, with local jazz by the IDEA Youth Music Collective. In the event of rain, the
show will be moved to the Celebrity theater at Claridge Hotel, 4th floor. Visit www.chickenbonebeach.org for updates.
Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point ▶Fridays, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach 800 Bay Ave.
t his week, the Vanessa Collier Band takes the stage. Prepare for a night of sensational blues featuring the Delaware Valley’s own International Blues Rock star. Visit www.
concertsonthebeachinsomerspoint. com for the full summer lineup. Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk ▶Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
this Wednesday, Aug. 20, Devon Allman’s Blues summit arrives on the Atlantic City boardwalk for an incredible night of blues and rock. Hear the living legacy of the Allman family live, along with Wet Willie’s Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, and sierra g reen. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam ▶saturdays, 6:30 p.m.
Newport Avenue Beach Magic will be in the air this week as the summer Beach Jam welcomes the Heart tribute band Kick it Out. the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5:30 p.m.
Ventnor City Sunset at Ski Beach ▶Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Dorset & Burk Ave. get ready for an evening of dancing and singing as the Legacy Party Band performs at ski Beach. t he music begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5:30 p.m.
Events
Summer Book Sale
▶Friday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ocean City Library Atrium, 1735 simpson Ave.
Whether you are looking for a new beach read, fiction, non-fiction hardbacks and paperbacks, puzzles, CDs or DVDs, this sale has something for everyone. For more information, visit https://www.oceancitylibrary.org.
‘Matilda Jr.’
▶saturday, Aug. 16 and sunday, Aug. 17, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., somers Point
this high-energy musical based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl and performed by the talented gateway to the Arts Middle school Performers, tells the tale of Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant and imaginative girl with extraordinary powers. tickets are available online at www.gatewaybythebay. org.
Thursday, August 14
OCTC Presents ‘Footloose' with the OC Pops
▶2 and 7:30 p.m.
Hughes Performing Arts Center,
sixth st. and Atlantic Ave.
Audiences will be dancing and tapping their toes to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar- and tony-nominated top 40 score, accompanied by dynamic new songs. tickets are available online at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Thrilling Thursdays in Margate ▶7 p.m.
Huntington Ave. and the Beach, Margate
g rab your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy a free movie on the beach. the festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with pre-movie activities and food from tacocat, followed by a screening of the film ‘ transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Visit www.margatehasmore.com for the complete thrilling thursday schedule.
Friday, August 15
Beach Exercise: Low Impact
▶8–9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City Meet on the beach between the Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free low-impact exercise classes every Friday. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-398-6900.
Ocean City Walking Club
▶8-10 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk.
People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to meet outside the ticket booth on the Music Pier to walk the length of the Boardwalk. stay active, meet friends and enjoy the ocean breeze. Weather permitting.
Goudy Lifeguard Races
▶6:30 p.m.
suffolk Ave. Beach, Ventnor Join Ventnor City Beach Patrol for the annual John t g oudy Memorial Rescue Races. Cheer on lifeguard teams from across south Jersey competing in surfboat rescue, combination rescue and surfboat rescue.
Little Miss Ocean City Pageant
▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Little Miss Ocean City 2025, taegan Vivarelli, will be on hand to crown her successor. the scholarship pageant is open to girls ages 8–11. For more information, call 609-525-9304.
Saturday, August 16
ACHS Book Sale
▶8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Atlantic County Historical society,
907 shore Road, somers Point
Looking for an exciting new read? Want to learn more about local history? the Atlantic County Historical society is hosting a huge book sale this weekend and there’s something for everyone, priced to sell, from hardbacks to paperbacks, newspapers, magazines and puzzles. tour the museum and take a look at Atlantic County’s extraordinary history.
Electronic Recycling Fundraiser
▶9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing t his monthly fundraiser allows the community to recycle unwanted electronics, whether they are broken or working, in a responsible way. Visit www.ac4hfair.org/electronic-recycling.
Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant
▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Junior Miss Ocean City 2025 sarah smith will be on hand to crown her successor. the scholarship pageant is open to girls ages 12–16. For more information, call 609-525-9304.
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ACAA Pawtraits for a Purrr-pose
▶3 p.m.
American Legion Post No. 28, 560 New Jersey Ave., Absecon the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance is hosting a Paint Your Pet Party this sunday. guests will enjoy an afternoon of paints, paws, beverages and light fare. the talented Jen Burke will create a one-of-a-kind portrait of your beloved pet, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting 12-Inch tails Cat Rescue. Visit www.abseconarts.com for more information.
’80s Night with Vince Lee
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Maestro Vince Lee goes pop with a pair of rocker shoes as he jumps behind the keyboards and joins a full rock band for a spectacular evening of music from the ’80s. tickets can be purchased at the Music Pier Box Office or online at www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.
Beach Exercise: Yoga
▶8–9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City
Meet on the beach between the Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free yoga classes every Monday. Bring a
towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-398-6900.
EHT Monday Morning Madness
▶11 a.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheatre at tony Canale Park
Join EHt Recreation for free, family-friendly shows every Monday morning. this week, enjoy the “Magic of Ken Northridge.” Weather permitting, some shows may be moved indoors. Visit www.ehtrec.com for additional information.
Monday Music Under the Tent
▶6 p.m.
Margate Public Library, 8100 Atlantic Ave., Margate t he stonethrowers bring bluegrass to life in Margate. Rooted in Americana, bluegrass and string band tradition, this performance brings an entire set of music that will have you tapping your toes and singing along. All performances will be held under the tent at the corner of Atlantic and Huntington Ave. seating is limited.
Family Night in Ocean City
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk from sixth to 14th st.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including jugglers, music, characters and more on the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.
Tuesday, August 19
Beach Walks in Ocean City
▶9 a.m.
59th st. and Central Ave.
grab your flip-flops or beach shoes and enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach. the walks will start at the entrance of Corson’s Inlet state Park. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Funtastic Tuesdays
▶10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Enjoy a variety of free entertainment while strolling Asbury Ave. between sixth and 11th streets. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Professional Chef’s Fundraiser for Chef Rich Gottlob
▶5:30-8 p.m.
tuckahoe Inn, 1 Harbor Road, Marmora
Join the Professional Chef’s Association of south Jersey for a special fundraiser this tuesday. g uests will enjoy a night of amazing food, fantastic music and a chance auction, all while enjoying spectacular bayside views. Proceeds from the event will support Chef Rich g ottlob. tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite or by clicking on the Events tab at https:// www.eventbrite.com.
Movie on the Beach in Brigantine ▶6 p.m.
38th street Beach
grab a chair or blanket and join the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce for a movie night on the beach. Enjoy the 40th Anniversary of “ the g oonies” with friends and family, with special character interactions before the show, snacks provided by a local nonprofit and prize giveaways.
Summer Talks at Ventnor Library
▶6:30 p.m.
6500 Atlantic Ave.
Join the Ventnor City Historical s ociety this tuesday as Historian Norm goos will discuss the Changing Coastlines of southern New Jersey, an interesting look at how tidal and manmade changes over the centuries have shaped our coast. the program is free and open to the public.
Mummers
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk the Mummers will strut the Boardwalk twice a week, starting at sixth and 14th streets and meeting at 10th street. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Senior Dance Society
▶7:30-10 p.m.
somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road.
Come join in the fun and 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, August 20
Beach Exercise: Pilates
▶8–9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City
Meet on the beach between the Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free Pilates every Wednesday. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-3986900.
Wacky Wednesday: Donut Sculpting
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
use your creativity to shape and sculpt a giant chocolate chip cookie into your very own unique masterpiece. the contest is free and is open to the first 150 participants. Participants must be present at the Music Pier at 10:30 a.m. to participate.
Musical Connections
▶1 p.m.
Ventnor Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave.
JFs Village invites you to feel the stress of the day peel away as familiar tunes across genres and instruments are shared. Caregivers and community members are invited to attend. RsVP by Aug. 18 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or calling 609-287-8872.
Miss Crustacean Beauty Pageant and Hermit Crab Races
▶6 p.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City Hermit crabs and humans are invited to participate in this upcoming event. Families, kids, businesses and organizations are invited to enter their crustacean in this annual contest, where the winner receives the coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and walks down a flowery runway. then, watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete in the world-famous Hermit Crab Race. Registration is free and opens at 5:30 p.m.
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.
Family Night in Ocean City
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk from sixth to 14th streets.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including jugglers, music, characters and more on the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.
Thursday, August 21
Market Days
▶10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Enjoy a variety of free entertainment while strolling Asbury Ave. between sixth and 11th streets. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com
JFS Card Party
▶10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Harbor Pines g olf Club, 500 st. Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor township
Players can look forward to exciting games of Mahjong, Canasta and Bridge, as well as lunch, auction items and door prizes. Participants will organize their own table with friends and family, bring their own cards or game set and enjoy a spectacular event to benefit JFs Atlantic and Cape May counties. tickets are available at www. jfsatlantic.org/card-party.
Ocean City Pops 35th Annual Luncheon
▶11:30 a.m.
the Flanders Hotel, 719 E. 11th st.
Celebrate the Pops' 96th season with a scrumptious lunch, gift baskets, a silent auction and musical entertainment. sara Maimone, accompanied by Maestro Vince Lee, will perform highlights from Rodgers and Hammerstein. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Linda at 609-214-2135. Summer Lectures at Ocean City Library
▶7 p.m.
1735 simpson Ave.
Join the Ocean City Historical Museum for an exciting presentation on Atlantic City, America’s Playground, presented by Bob Ruffolo, of Princeton Antique Books. the program is free and open to the public and will be held in the library’s lecture hall.
Mummers Nights
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
the Mummers will strut the Boardwalk twice a week, starting at sixth and 14th streets and meeting at 10th street. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Coffee Talk
▶saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., suite 617, Atlantic City
the Atlantic County Wellness Center hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group. During this one-hour meeting, participants discuss, enhance and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase optimism. For more information, call 609-6523800 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
t his 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. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave. Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. these virtual support groups and educational programs are for individu -
als with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth thursdays and at 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact gail Christian at 609-652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
In this day and age when several Atlantic County/mainland hotels and motels are either going bankrupt, being sold, or completely changing their theme, the ownership of the Residence Inn by Marriott, Atlantic City Airport/Egg Harbor township, has made the bold decision to completely remodel from top to bottom.
this popular, extended-stay hotel, located at 3022 Fire Road, was built 17 years ago. But competing and maintaining the consumer’s loyalty in this space demands top-notch, stateof-the-art facilities.
Examples of hotels that were not able to stay in the game include the sheraton Atrium, which was located
around the corner from the Marriott. It was transformed into apartments. A motel two doors down from the sheraton was converted into a medical complex. Another motel was transformed into a drug and alcohol rehab facility. the prior Ramada Inn in West Atlantic City, which has been vacant for several years, is simply deteriorating. Last but not least are the many motels that have been demolished along the Black Horse Pike.
What is the secret for the success of sNN Hotels, the company that not only owns the Marriott, but also Hampton Inn EHt and Holiday Inn Express in West Atlantic City? service, service and more service, along with cleanliness and great locations. It has not been easy given COVID, and challenging local market conditions. the casino industry certainly
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HISTORIC SMITHVILLE VILLAGE GREENE
has not made it easy for the mainland motel and hotel market with the advent of online sports betting and online gaming. t he gambling market has substantially diminished during the past 10 years, especially for the week-stay and off-season customers. It has forced owners of the mainland hotels and motels to reinvent themselves by offering services over and beyond the competition.
F OLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: ga llowayg reenmarket Instagram: GallowayGreenMarket Contact us: gallowaygreenmarket@gmail.com
the icing on the cake is the tens of millions of dollars that the most successful casino properties have invested in their operations. the consumers are demanding more and more, while expenses have been rising with the market price for rates struggling to sustain those rising expenses.
the target, extended-stay market for the Residence Inn by Marriott EHt derives from such valuable business partners as spencer g ifts Corporate, the government, the William J. Hughes technical Center and the National Aviation Research and technology Park. It clearly has helped to stabilize their business.
the positive news is that aviation appears to be providing a stable market, with the continued growth at the Aviation Park and the tech Center itself. County officials realized over 10 years ago that the local economy needed to diversify in order to support the hotels, motels and restaurants to stabilize the economic base beyond the dwindling casino market.
In order to meet the demands and expectations from this sophisticated market sector, sNN Hotels decided
it needed to renovate each and every one of the 101 suites from top to bottom. It is not that the product that was being offered was totally inferior, but it was time to make the tough decision to implement a full and complete renovation.
Everything from all of the guest suites to the lobby, breakfast, meeting room, pool, guest laundry area, fitness center and outdoor recreation areas, has been overhauled. I have been told if you are a guest who has previously stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott, you have to visit again. You simply will not recognize it. the market is holding steady, but competition is hitting from every angle. t he consumer expects top service, quality rooms and state-of-the-art amenities from every aspect during a stay, especially
if it is an extended stay. It is just what they will get when they stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Egg Harbor township.
Come experience what their new beginning is all about. the public is invited to the grand reopening on thursday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. RsVP at 609-227-0898.
By Ava Holly
n Aug. 11, 1880, tragedy struck Mays Landing when two trains collided on the West Jersey Rail Line, killing 30 people and injuring many more. the story of that fateful day might have been lost to time if not for
local resident and historian
Mari Dattolo.
With the help of the Mays Landing Historical society, Dattolo researched and published "Between the shore and the City," a book chronicling the disas-
ter. the project was a labor of love and respect, dedicated to ensuring that the victims’ stories were told.
Many of those who perished had family ties that still connect to the community today.
t his year, on Aug. 11, 2025, the town commemorated the 145th
anniversary of the wreck with the unveiling of a historic marker. Dattolo cut the ribbon, surrounded by residents, local officials and members of the historical society. the crash occurred just six weeks after the Pennsylvania Railroad opened a line connecting Philadelphia to Atlantic City. On the day of the wreck, one train was heading
to Atlantic City and another toward Pennsylvania. they collided on the trestle Bridge over the g reat Egg Harbor River after one train failed to brake in time, striking the last car of the other and shearing off its roof. Many victims were under the age of 22; one was an infant only a few months old.
A crowd gathered for this year’s three-part commemoration, which began with a presentation at the Mays Landing Library, followed by the ribbon-cutting and a walk or shuttle ride to the trestle Bridge site.
Bagpiper Michael Bell of Castle Dangerous Bagpipers played along the route, and the ceremony concluded with the placement of 30 white roses into the river — one for each life lost. s ponsors included Atlantic County g overnment, Atlantic County Library Foundation, Boakes Funeral Home, Carousel Collectibles, County s eat Florist,
Mays Landing Merchants Association, Maureen Bugdon and soleil sotheby’s International Realty. the remains of the trestle Bridge, built in 1879, still stand in silence over the river — a reminder of a tragedy that waited nearly a century and a half to be formally recognized.
By Sophie Nieto-Munoz NJ Monitor
Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone is criticizing Republican colleague Rep. Jeff Van Drew over a congressional plan to gut federal funding for beach replenishment, with Pallone saying Van Drew is not doing enough to save the funds from being cut.
“ this is coming from the trump administration, it’s coming from the Republicans in Congress, and now you see somebody like Jeff Van Drew saying, ‘Oh, it’s not really a problem,” said Pallone in an interview thursday. “Well, of course it’s a problem.”
Asked to respond, Rep. Van Drew said he’ll “always” protect the Jersey shore, and pointed to millions included in the current federal budget for dredging and resiliency projects along the coastline.
“I’ve been working closely with our towns, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the administration to ensure that beach replenishment projects along our coast are fully funded … and we
fully expect that to happen,” Van Drew said in a statement to the New Jersey Monitor.
At the center of this battle is a gOP-backed appropriations measure in Congress that would slash funding for the u s . Army Corps’ beach replenishment projects from the typical $200 million down to $60 million in the new federal fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. the proposed cuts would jeopardize projects in Avalon, Beach Haven, and stone Harbor.
While the Army Corps typically funds projects with some help from local and state money, small Jersey shore towns can’t foot the bill alone, Pallone said. He noted that towns have to abide by strict requirements and show a cost-benefit analysis to be approved for the projects that, ultimately, save towns money when storms hit.
“It’s going to cost you more money, because these are only done when you can show that, in fact, it saves money,” he said. “ so if you said, ‘No, we’re not going to do it,’ and there’s no resiliency, it’s going to cost more.”
Pallone said the measure, which
was voted out of committee but hasn’t received a full House vote yet, would be the first time in nearly three decades that there isn’t enough federal funding to pay for beach replenishment.
Pallone and Van Drew both represent Jersey shore towns, Pallone in Central Jersey and Van Drew in south Jersey.
Van Drew cited past federal funds he’s brought to his 2nd District for seawalls, living shorelines, beach replenishments, and coastal resilience projects.
“For five years running, we have been number one when it comes to delivering grants and funding.
that hasn’t changed — regardless of whether we’ve had a blue or red administration or whether we’ve been in the majority or the minority in the House,” he said. “Hard work has always gotten the job done. Our record speaks for itself.”
Pallone suggested the cuts are politically motivated to hurt New Jersey because it is run by Democrats.
“ there’s never been this phenomenon where it’s essentially down to zero, and we’re going to continue to fight it,” said Pallone. “I just am disappointed with Van Drew because he suggested that this isn’t happening, and in fact, it is happening. It’s very clear.”
By Bruce Klauber
“One of the things I remember so vividly about Brigantine Castle was the costumed ghouls that were hired to haunt the place and scare the visitors. One afternoon, I found several of them near the back of the castle, in full costume, having a cigarette on a break while waiting to go back to work. The illusion was shattered.”
—
Bruce Kaminsky
“I worked there, I believe, in 1974 and 1975. I was Dracula in the Portrait Room and a werewolf when they had a little forest. I also worked in the Rat Room, and of course I was a roving ghoul. I think most of us worked in one exhibit or another inside the castle. So many stories. So much debauchery. A customer once broke my finger because I scared her.”
— Stu Shames, Brigantine Castle Facebook page
Brigantine Castle was open from Memorial Day Weekend of 1976 through the spring of 1985.
Brigantine Beach has many charms, including a pristine beach, world-class fishing, the fabulous Brigantine golf Links, the venerable Brigantine Hotel, great restaurants, and seasonal activities ranging from sailing and kayaking to shopping at the famed farmers market and visiting the ever-popular shark Park kiddie park. What Brigantine does not have, at least at this moment, is an amusement pier. But from Memorial Day Weekend of 1976 through the spring of 1985, there was, in fact, an amusement pier in Brigantine.
It was home to restaurants, a miniature golf course, gift shops, a fishing pier, an arcade, and an attraction that city fathers have called “the most famous single attraction in the history of Brigantine Beach.” It was Brigantine Castle, a haunted castle-themed attraction built to look like a medieval haunted mansion, complete with turrets that rose well over 100 feet tall. t he structure was populated by “live spooks”—i.e., live actors in ghoul costumes—who “haunted” the castle’s five levels. At the height of its operation, Brigantine Castle employed almost 40 people and brought
in more than a million visitors per year and an estimated $2 million in annual revenue. some say Brigantine Castle put the city on the map as a tourist attraction.
Carmen Ricci was a businessman and a visionary who spearheaded the building and promotion of Brigantine Castle. sometime in the early 1970s, Ricci came upon the city’s decrepit fishing pier, the seahorse Pier, located on 14th street North. the pier was also home to a taproom that had seen better days. there was also an old motel just across from the pier. the whole structure, quite simply,
was a mess. Years of storm damage and general neglect had rendered the pier almost structurally unsound. Because the seahorse Pier was an embarrassing eyesore, it was relatively easy for Ricci to convince the city to allow him to realize his vision for the pier.
Once Ricci got approval, he moved quickly. From the time construction began early in 1976, it took only 150 days for Brigantine Castle and attendant attractions to open for business.
It succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations, thanks to great wordof-mouth and an intense print and television advertising campaign that focused on the Philadelphia and New York markets. Before long, busloads of people were visiting the castle, and lines went around the block.
t he influx of tourists to the sleepy shore town caused problems like impossible parking, insufficient restroom facilities leading to public urination, and lawsuits by Brigantine residents to limit buses. Yet tourists continued arriving in droves.
t he beginning of the end for Brigantine Castle was a fatal fire that occurred on May 11, 1984, at the s ix Flags g reat Adventure theme park in Jackson township, Ocean County. Eight teenagers lost their
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lives when they were trapped inside great Adventure’s haunted house. As a result of that tragedy, the City of Brigantine immediately began looking at Brigantine Castle to determine its fire safety, structural soundness, the state of its sprinkler systems, and whether other mandatory fire code
Ricci did what he had to do, but he was discouraged. though he was ready to open for the 1985 season, it was reported at the time that Ricci and the city were still at odds over several issues, including the castle’s general condition, as well as how the overwhelming influx of tourists should be handled.
measures were being met.
Ricci was told to get an engineering study done, and the results were not good. t he whole structure, it seemed, was unsound, and a lot of repairs were needed in order to pass inspection and get Brigantine Castle up to code.
Ricci decided he didn’t want to deal with it and closed the castle. Not long after, the pier and the castle were sold to a developer who planned to build condos on the site. Demolition began around August, 1987, but in late s eptember, a fire broke out — later found to be arson — and
destroyed everything, save a couple of pilings.
In addition to those pilings, what’s left are memories. And they’re all very fond ones. the following was posted on the Real Brigantine Facebook page three years ago:
“Brigantine Castle was legendary in its prime. Brigantine Castle certainly was a sight from the beach. People would stop and watch you playing the old-school mini-golf course that used to be on the pier. Cute little stores and shops were also located on the pier. Was it Brigantine or Disney Town? It almost looked like something out of a Disney movie, didn’t it? It’s wild to think that this whole structure was there for years and now you’d never know. The castle looked creepy in that sepia
lighting, and it was a great place for family pictures. It was once a wild view from the beach. Now, it’s only a memory. RIP to this epic tourist attraction.
t here is, by the way, no truth to the rumor that the area around Brigantine Castle is haunted. that’s just not possible, as the ghouls who haunted the original castle are still taking their cigarette break.
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.
By Delaney Crawford
When the sun rises over the ocean and you hear the salty waves crashing against the shore, surfers know there’s magic waiting for them. Atlantic and Cape May counties are home to a variety of breaks, from beginner-friendly waves to more challenging swells, each with its own personality, community, and wave patterns. Whether you’re chasing a clean summer swell or braving the crisp fall surf, these local favorites are worth paddling out to.
Known as one of Ocean City’s most iconic surf spots, 7th street has been a staple for generations of local surfers. the surf here is consistent and accessible year-round, with the jetty providing protection and creating rideable peaks for both shortboarders and longboarders. In the summer, it’s one of the few designated surfing beaches, making it a safe choice for beginners. Come fall and winter, when the tourists have gone and the swells are bigger, you’ll find seasoned surfers carving up glassy waves in near solitude.
states Avenue offers one of the more urban surf experiences in the area. t he casino skyline makes a unique backdrop as you wait for your next set. Known for producing fast waves, this spot is best for intermediate to advanced surfers who can handle the quick take-offs. Parking is convenient compared to other beach towns, and on a good day, the lineup has a lively mix of locals and visiting surfers.
Ventnor Pier is a consistent break that thrives on bigger swells, especially during nor’easters and strong offshore winds. the pier itself helps shape the waves, producing some good ones. Just be mindful of fishing lines near the pier.
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Sea Isle City – 82nd Street
s ea Isle’s 82nd street beach is known for its long, rolling waves that are perfect for longboarding. It’s one of those mellow, go-at-yourown-pace surf spots where you can spend hours just gliding across the face of a wave. summer crowds can make it busy, but if you hit it early in the morning or during the off-season, you’ll find a peaceful, postcard-perfect surf session.
Avalon’s 30th street break is a local treasure, offering consistent surf with a backdrop of pristine beaches. the sandbars here produce smooth, rideable peaks, especially during east and southeast swells. Avalon’s surf scene is friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to meet fellow surfers or just enjoy the rhythm of the waves without too much hustle and bustle.
the Cove, located at the southern tip of Cape May, is one of the most scenic surf spots in the state. With the lighthouse in view and dolphins occasionally swimming by, it’s a truly special place to paddle out. the wave quality can vary, but when conditions align, the Cove offers beautiful, clean
rides. the area’s natural beauty and relaxed pace make it a must-visit for any surfer looking to soak in more than just the waves.
From the hustle of Atlantic City to the serene shores of Cape May, the surf culture in Atlantic and Cape May counties runs deep. Each break has its own character, shaped by the geography, the weather, and the people who call it home. Whether you’re just learning to surf or you’ve been riding for decades, these six spots offer something worth riding.
so, wax up your board, check the tides, and get ready to experience the best waves south Jersey has to offer, because there’s nothing quite
like the thrill of catching that perfect wave here.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC's Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
The g reater Ocean City theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra will continue their run of “Footloose” performances scheduled through thursday, Aug. 14 at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center in Ocean City (within Ocean City High school at sixth street and Atlantic Avenue).
s et to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar- and tony-nominated top 40 score and enhanced with dynamic new songs, "Footloose" celebrates the importance of listening to young people while guiding them with warmth and an open mind. this production promises to be a highlight of the summer season that you will not want to miss.
the show’s last run is on Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets ($27 to $32), visit oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
Ocean City pageants at the Music Pier
the Little Miss Ocean City Pageant starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 at the Ocean City Music Pier. t he pageant will include girls ages 8 to 11 competing in talent and other categories. Reigning Little Miss taegen Vivarelli will crown her successor at the conclusion of the pageant. tickets for the event are $15 and will be available at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, by visiting oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.
the Music Pier will host the annual Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant at 7 p.m. saturday, Aug. 16. Contestants will compete in interview, talent, evening gown and onstage question in the pageant. Junior Miss Ocean City 2025 sarah smith will crown her successor after a dynamic year of service. Contestants range in age from 12 to 15 and are either year-round residents
in Ocean City, attend Ocean City High school, or are the daughters of Ocean City property owners. tickets for the event are $20 and will be available at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, by visiting oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.
Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City and Little Miss Ocean City serve as ambassadors for the City of Ocean City at iconic traditions like Night in Venice, Pamper scamper, Baby Parade, Christmas Parade, Wacky Wednesday activities and more.
Concerts at the Music Pier
t he Orchestra starring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II will perform
August 17 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Maestro Vince Lee will put on his rocker shoes, jump behind the keyboards, and jois a full rock band for a spectacular evening of music. "Don’t You Forget About Me" as you are doing the " safety Dance," while also hearing hits by Madonna, Pat Benatar and so much more.
For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
More family fun all week
at the Ocean City Music Pier at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18.
Check the Music Pier Box Office for ticket availability or visit etix.com
t he Ocean City Pops will put on ’80s Night at 7:30 p.m. sunday,
Thursday (August 14) brings Mummers Night. the event features string bands strutting the Boardwalk between sixth street and 14th street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every tuesday and thursday through the summer. Downtown Asbury Avenue will feature entertainment, face-painters, balloon sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tuesdays and t hursdays through the summer. Friday (August 15) and Saturday (August 16) include the Summer Book Sale from the Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 simpson Avenue).
Hours for the cash-only sale are
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. saturday. the popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City tabernacle is open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Wednesday. the market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors. Family Nights on Mondays and Wednesdays include stilt walkers, magicians, favorite characters and more set up at different spots between Eighth street and 12th street on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
From Stiff to Strong
By Robin Stoloff
Here’s a number that might surprise you: About 1 in 5 adults in the u nited states – almost 55 million people – are living with arthritis, the leading cause of joint pain. Many of them have severe discomfort that can make daily activities a challenge. If you’re dealing with stiff, achy joints, you’ve got a lot of company.
Fitness has always been a big part of who I am. As a fitness coach, weightlifter, tennis and pickleball player, and an occasional, admittedly terrible golfer, I love staying active. But I’ll be honest, knee pain and back stiffness sometimes make it harder to do everything I want to do. that’s why I focus on taking care of my body, managing the aches, and protecting my joints so I can keep moving. With the right approach, we can all keep doing the activities we love, just with a little more wisdom than we had in our twenties.
While no pill or powder is a magic cure, research shows certain supplements can support joint health, reduce inflammation, and aid muscle
recovery, especially when paired with a balanced diet and regular movement.
As with anything, do your research to learn what is best for you, and talk with your medical practitioner before beginning any new supplements or vitamins. A dietitian or nutritionist can also give you important insights into your individual needs.
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin these compounds may help maintain cartilage structure and may reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis. studies are mixed, but many users report improvements after several months.
• Omega -3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil and algae oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease joint stiffness and support heart health.
• Turmeric (Curcumin) – t his bright yellow spice contains a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation. For better absorption, take it with black pepper or in a supplement that includes piperine.
• Collagen Peptides – Collagen supports cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. some research suggests it can improve joint function and aid recovery after exercise.
Bone and Muscle Support
• Vitamin D and Calcium – Essential for bone strength and muscle function, these nutrients may also help reduce injury risk.
• Magnesium – supports muscle relaxation and recovery while also aiding nerve function and bone health. studies show almost 75% of adults are magnesium deficient. It is
responsible for more than 300 processes in our bodies.
• Creatine Monohydrate – Wellknown for improving strength and muscle performance, creatine also helps older adults maintain muscle mass and function. stronger muscles can better support and protect your joints, reducing strain over time.
Lifestyle matters
supplements work best alongside healthy habits. When it comes to joint pain and muscle tightness, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. staying active is essential, but that doesn’t mean pounding the pavement every day.
Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or even a brisk walk around the neighborhood keep our joints moving without putting too much stress on them.
It might feel counterintuitive. Aching joints and stiffness don’t exactly inspire us to get moving. However, from my experience, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered. When my knees feel stiff, I go for a walk and it’s amazing how much better they feel afterward.
stretching regularly is another game-changer. It helps ease muscle
tightness and keeps our joints flexible. I like to do gentle yoga or simple stretches right after my workouts or even during t V time. something as simple as reaching up overhead, holding a squat, or bending to touch my toes can help loosen things up.
Rest and recovery are just as important as staying active. g iving our bodies time to heal can improve how we feel. For me, foam rolling, massage and stretching help ease tight muscles. Another essential part of recovery is getting a good night’s sleep, since our bodies repair themselves best when we are well rested.
Finally, maintaining a healthy weight also takes a lot of pressure off our joints, especially knees and hips. Even small changes, like swapping soda for water or adding more vegetables to our meals, can add up over time. the key is finding simple, enjoyable habits that fit our lifestyles because those are the ones we’re most likely to keep.
Joint pain and stiffness can feel frustrating, but they don’t have to hold us back. With a mix of smart lifestyle choices, gentle movement, and a little patience, we can manage discomfort and keep doing the activities we love.
Family Tides
By Madison Russ
On a sunny sunday in Margate, families stream in to see Lucy the
Elephant, winding up the staircase inside her leg, all the way up to her back for sweeping views of the ocean and city. On their way out, some stop for Margate Donuts or head to the Other Lucy Beach grille for a beachside bite.
It’s here, at the base of the much-beloved landmark, where Lucy Paccione is changing lives.
Paccione, who opened the Other Lucy Beach grille three years ago and launched Margate Donuts this summer, started the nonprofit H.O.P.E.
— Helping Others Pursue Empowerment — a year after opening the grill. the organization provides real-world skills training to individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them secure year-round employment.
On the heels of what she called an “excellent” summer season, Paccione said she couldn’t have imagined three years ago how far the program would come.
“We went from two students to 21 students with a waitlist. We are getting known,” Paccione said.
With a background in teaching at s aint Joseph’s u niversity and currently a professor at thomas Jefferson university, Paccione had long dreamed of creating a job training facility for individuals with special needs, combining her background with her passion for cooking to bring
that vision to life.
Paccione explained she watched her cousin’s daughter, g ina, who has autism, struggle for years trying to find work.
“g ina is now 32 years of age, and, in my opinion, she is high functioning. No one has given her an opportunity,” she said, noting that if she does get an opportunity, g ina gets upset because it’s usually menial tasks.
“I just really believe there is a stigma out there still, and if people would just understand the value that my special needs population offers, it’s unbelievable. they show up on time. they don’t leave early. they show up if they don’t feel good,” she said.
For Paccione, launching the two businesses has never been about making a profit for herself but to support the H.O.P.E. organization.
“ t hat’s the mission. If I ever close, my heart will be broken. It’s not about the grill, it’s about my students," she said. "I just want to make enough money to sustain my H.O.P.E. organization.”
t he tuition-free, sixweek job training program, which wrapped up at the end of July, gave students of all ability levels a chance to learn a variety of skills, splitting their time between the grill and the Lucy the Elephant gift shop.
“ students are transformed. It’s amazing how many skill sets they establish by the end of the program,” Paccione said.
students practice culinary skills like cooking on the grill, making donuts and prepping food. they also develop customer service skills, learn inventory control, fold t-shirts and work on upselling techniques, among other skills.
“ they learn a whole gamut of skills that are transferable. so, what we’re looking for is what is their processing ability? Are they able to take these skills elsewhere?” Paccione said.
s ome students graduate and move on to other jobs successfully. One of Paccione’s first hires, Drew s cheffey, who has autism, landed a position at Wawa — a job he had wanted for years but had struggled to secure. His opportunity came thanks to coverage from 6abc Action News on the Other Lucy Beach g rille. some students stay on with Paccione, noting that Margate Donuts plans to “only hire individuals with disabilities eventually,” with applicants needing to go through the H.O.P.E. program.
“John Rocco is my vocational trainer, so he’s the one who trains our individuals with disabilities, and he assesses them and sees who can come back and who needs additional skills before they can even work. Margate Donuts is not really part of my mission — it’s because I missed my students, and I created that. Our mission is to train and send students and get them placed in full-time jobs all year round or meet their needs,” Paccione said. “ they’re all eventually starting to get placed in jobs, and they’re thriving.”
Rocco, who assesses students after the program for Margate Donuts and has a 20-year background in special education, joined H.O.P.E. this summer and said he thinks a program like it is “needed in every community.”
“I’ll work with the kids at the farmers market and at [Margate Donuts] as well as in the grill, and I’ll coach
them as they go,” he said, noting he supports them during customer service interactions.
“ they just had the graduation last week, and Lucy’s been sending them
to me in the morning at the donut cart, and I do an assessment, like all their skills, quality of work, response to feedback, social communication skills,” he said.
some graduates discover they prefer careers outside food service, and Paccione works to connect them with positions that fit both their skills and passions.
“When we train our students, we also discover hidden talents that we didn’t even know they had. s o sometimes we can capitalize on that and help them find jobs in the areas they really, really like,” she said.
Paccione hopes to grow H.O.P.E. into something much larger.
“We need a building. We would love to do full-time training. We’re waiting for that big donor out there who can get us started,” she said.
Paccione invites others to come see her students’ and workers’ hard work in action.
“Come in and enjoy the wait, and get to know my students,” she said. For hours of operation or to donate to H.O.P.E., visit otherlucy.com.
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.
Ahoy! The Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this summer, from best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities. Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.
The Ocean City Fishing Club and the City of Ocean City celebrated their 48th annual Boys and girls Fishing tournament.
the tournament concluded another day of fun, learning and community spirit. One hundred forty-one youth anglers lined the beach at 10 a.m.to enjoy catching various fish species, including blowfish, fluke, kingfish, spot and sand sharks, and a day of casting lines, reeling in catches and making lifelong memories.
t his tournament, the club successfully introduced and launched its electronic registration and scoring system. this computer program was a unique and effective way for the club to streamline registrants and score catches in real time. the results were fantastic, making for a quick and pleasant awards ceremony, including many great prizes for the children!
Every registered child received a complimentary gift bag stuffed with goodies from local businesses and fishing rigs donated by the Delaware
www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434
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Valley s urf Fishing Club and the Ocean City Fishing Club members. When the air horn blew at 10 a.m. to start the competition, dozens of club members were available for handson instruction for those new to the sport.
First, second and third place prizes were awarded in the age groups of 8 to 10 year olds, 11 to 13 and 14 to 16. Kylie Bauer and Caroline Bickings from Ocean City each caught a 15-inch flounder, the day's largest fish. Cruz Willson from Linwood landed the smallest fish, a 5.5-inch spot. the first child who was electronically scored and broke down the paper, pen and calculator barrier was Jack scannell, an 8year old from Haddonfield.
grace Daley from Linwood scored 46.25 inches of fish and was the highest point angler. g race also won the girls' 14 to 16 age group. Vincent Morgan from sewell won the boys’ 14 to 16 group, catching an 11-inch kingfish. Kyle King from Hockessin, Del. scored 39 points and was the top male angler in the 11 to13 age group, and the female champion of the category, sloane Lennon from Longport scored a 12-inch flounder.
Kylie Bauer caught two flounders in the female category, winning the 8 to 10 group. Jesse Petretta from Marmora won the boys category with a 14.5-inch flounder. the Ocean City Fishing Club thanks all the volunteers, sponsors and local businesses who helped make the tournament successful. t he Club especially wants to thank the young anglers who participated for a great day of surf fishing!
"It is incredible to see so many of our youth enjoying fishing. Our members love sharing their knowledge, but the best part is seeing the smiles when a young angler hooks their first fish. My favorite conversation during the event came from a grandmother who told me that she will be planning her family vacation in Ocean City next year around this tournament,” said OCFC President Augie Conte III.
Visitors to the Ocean City Fishing Club's second Open House at the Pier this year brought more food than ever before to benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
When last t hursday's two-hour open house ended, 1,641 people filled barrels with 297lbs of non-perishable food and donated $2,200 to help stock the local agency's shelves.
Betsy, Chad and their wonderful children Sasha, Barney and Lydia also stopped by.
Combined with the totals from OCFC's July Open House at the Pier, 3381 pier visitors this year brought 497lbs of food and donated $4,633 to help the Food Cupboard feed the needy.
“I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in a community that steps up to help those less fortunate,” said Augie Conte III, OCFC president. “Even in towns like ours — shore towns with so many summer residents and vis-
itors — there are still people who need help to put food on the table. We’re glad to host these open houses to help stock the Food Cupboard.” t he club will host two Open House events at the Pier during the 2026 season from 6-8 p.m., with the following day as a rain date, if needed. Visitors again are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or
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For 40 years we have waited to see this and now three generations have achieved that goal! Joan, her daughter Kelly and granddaughter Kieva from Marlton, have always wanted to walk the boards of the Club. “This is a dream,” Joan stated, “and to share it with my daughter and granddaughter makes it so very special!”
At
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By Delaney Crawford
As the last stretch of summer falls upon us, it brings a little more breathing room to all our schedules. so, what better time to enjoy the things that slipped through the cracks during the busy season? Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning out on the porch, an afternoon lounging by the beach, or spending a rainy afternoon indoors, now is the perfect time to dive into that book you’ve been meaning to start or finally hit play on a movie
or show from your watch list that is growing longer by the day.
Make the most of these long summer days and breezy evenings by catching up on all the new releases, old classics you’ve missed, or simply, a movie or book you’ve been meaning to stop and enjoy. Here are just a few great reads and must-watch picks to inspire your next lazy afternoon, evening shutdown or full day of relaxation. Enjoy!
‘Freakier Friday’
t he long-awaited sequel to
Here are some of the fun events happening in the Wildwoods:
AUG. 15–17
MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament
AUG. 22–24
Sports Cards, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show
AUG. 24–28
Wildwoods August Restaurant Week
AUG. 30
Ed’s Funcade World Championship Skeeball Tournament
AUG. 31
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party
SEPT. 5–6
Mummers New Year’s in North Wildwood
Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
SEPT. 5–7 Roots Classic 4 Volkswagen Car Show
SEPT. 6
Wildwoods Food and Music Festival
SEPT. 12–13 Boots at the Beach
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS
TILL AUG. 21
Doo Wop Back to the ’50s Neon Night Tours
FRIDAY NIGHTS
JUNE 27–AUG. 29
Friday Night Fireworks
SATURDAY MORNINGS
TILL AUG. 30
Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK
Sundays at Fox Park
7:30 p.m. | June 29–Aug. 24
Mondays at Sunset Lake
7:30 p.m. | June 30–Aug. 18
Tuesdays at Crest Arts Pavilion
7 p.m. | July 1–Aug. 19
Wednesdays at Centennial Park
7 p.m. | July 2–Aug. 20
Thursdays at Byrne Plaza
7:30 p.m. | June 19–Aug. 28
Saturdays at Centennial Park
7 p.m. | June 28–Sept. 20
5 &
“Freaky Friday" recently hit theaters, making it the perfect time to grab some popcorn and enjoy a fresh twist on a nostalgic favorite. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return to bring fans another round of heartfelt chaos, switching lives in ways that are both hilarious and touching.
family-friendly, “Inside Out 2” offers a colorful and heartwarming dive into the emotions we all feel. the sequel expands on the beloved Pixar original, introducing new emotions while reminding us that growth is never easy, but always worth it.
If you still haven’t seen “Where the Crawdads sing,” now’s the time. Based on the bestselling novel by Delia Owens, this mystery-drama transports viewers to the marshlands of North Carolina for a story of survival, heartbreak, and resilience. It’s a great watch as the seasons begin to change and life starts to slow down a little more.
‘The Idea of You’
For romance lovers, “ the Idea of You” is a can’t-miss read. this book by Robinne Lee has been making waves for its strong story about love, timing, and the complications of relationships in the spotlight. If you enjoy stories that mix adventure with emotion, this is the perfect addition to your new reading list.
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’
If you’re in the mood for a mystery, Holly Jackson’s “A good g irl’s guide to Murder” will keep you hooked until the very last page. this young adult thriller follows a student who reopens a closed murder case for her senior project, uncovering more secrets than she ever expected. Bonus, it’s the first book in a series. so, after you love the first, there are two more to keep you entertained.
For something lighthearted and
Book lovers already know who Emily Henry is and her warm, witty, and romantic stories that we can’t get enough of. “Happy Place” is charming in any stage of life or season, so now’s the perfect time to give it a go! Now that you know what to binge and what pages to turn, it’s time to curl up under a blanket, head to the theater or start a new series at home. Consider this your invitation to relax, recharge, and enjoy life at a slower pace. t he Jersey shore may be famous for its summer days, but locals know there’s something equally special about the calmer, more easygoing moments that follow.
By Julia Train
On Monday, Aug. 4, g loria
Loflin, better known to generations of area families as “Jingles” the clown, saw her home and belongings destroyed in a sudden, fast-moving fire.
At about 12:31 p.m., the Hamilton township Police Department received a 911 call reporting a possible house explosion on the 200 block of Burning tree Court in the Fairways, a residential community surrounding the Mays Landing g olf and Country Club.
Responding firefighters from Cologne, Mays Landing, Laureldale, Cardiff, Atlantic City Airport and Bargaintown fire departments, along with the township of Hamilton Rescue squad, arrived to find Loflin’s home engulfed in flames.
Loflin told CBs News Philadelphia that, physically, she is OK, but has lost everything.
s he was outside when she heard a boom, and shortly after, a neighbor came by to get her and ensure she was safely away from the house.
Residents in the area described the Mays Landing neighborhood as pretty quiet. some neighbors said they heard a boom around 12:30 p.m. and then ran outside to see what was going on, according to CBs News Philadelphia.
After the initial boom, the fire quickly spread as the six Atlantic County fire departments teamed together to extinguish the blaze.
t he 911 call regarding the fire originally reported a house explosion. However, officials say this was a house fire, not an explosion.
A g oFundMe was organized by Kelly Forrester. As of Monday, Aug. 11, $3,060 out of the $8,000 goal has been raised.
“Anyone who’s lived in the EHt/ Mays Landing area with 30-something-year-old kids has probably met or seen Jingles. s he’s performed at parties, Young’s skating Rink and so much more,” the g oFundMe states. “Her life of the last 20-plus years was gone in minutes. Jingles would give anyone in need the shirt off her back, even today when she has nothing, she’d still willingly give.”
the fundraiser says that Loflin is currently staying with family, but will need substantial help to clean up and rebuild.
Ken g roome, a neighbor who witnessed the fire, told 6 ABC Action News that the entire back of the house and porch were engulfed.
He said he heard “big booms” every once in a while — which Hamilton township police said came from propane tanks at the house — and then Loflin’s shed seemed to implode.
Detectives said the blaze began around 12:30 p.m. Monday, and firefighters had the fire under control within 40 minutes.
the house is a total loss, and the two houses next door also have some damage, officials said.
t he cause of the fire is under investigation, but police say it does not seem suspicious.
t he g oFundMe to help Loflin can be found here: www.gofundme. com/f/jingles-the-clown-needsyour-help.
By David Weinberg
Longport rower Mike Mcg rath leaned back and dug his oars into the ocean one last time Monday evening, hoping that it would be enough to earn a victory. It was.
Barely.
Mc g rath edged Margate’s Chris spiers by the smallest of margins, beating him to the finish line by a scant second to win the singles row at the 104th south Jersey Lifeguard Championships at Avalon’s 35th street beach. the race was so close that both rowers were initially celebrated as winners. Lifeguards from both patrols rushed into the water, hoisted the boats above their heads and carried Mcg rath and spiers to
the beach.
Mcg rath won in six minutes, 28 seconds, followed by spiers in 6:29.
“Chris is a great rower and he had a pretty good lead at the (turnaround) flag,” Mcgrath said. “ then we battled on the swells. I looked over at him as I was crossing and I thought I won it.” t he win was Mc g rath’s third
south Jersey title, following victories in 2016 and 2019, respectively, and allowed him to join some exclusive company. the 39-year-old (he turns 40 next month) became just the sixth singles rower to win at least three s outh Jersey titles since the event was added to the races in 1973, joining four-time champions David Funk of
Ventnor and Ashton Funk of Margate, and three-time winners ted Evans of Ocean City, tim Fetter of Brigantine and Andrew Funk of Ventnor.
Ironically, Mcg rath’s first south Jersey title came on the same beach as his first. In 2016, he won the event at Avalon while helping Longport
↘Continued on 48
earn the first of its sixth consecutive team titles.
“ t hat one was really special,” Mcg rath said. “ u p until that point, Longport had never won a s outh Jersey Championship in any event.”
Longport finished third on Monday with seven points. Avalon, led by swimmer Dolan g risbaum, won its second straight team title with 12 points. Margate placed second with nine behind s piers and swimmer Zach Vasser.
In addition to winning the singles, Mcg rath also teamed with longtime rowing partner sean Duffy to take fourth in the doubles row.
Mcg rath and Duffy, 42, have been competing for over 20 years.
“I think sean and I proved that we still belong, even though we’re obviously the old guys out here,” Mcgrath said. “At our age, it’s all grit at this point.”
A large crowd lined the beach Monday for the event, which was originally scheduled for last Friday, but was postponed to due extremely rough surf and rip currents.
Brothers Joe and Brendan savell of Brigantine opened the races with an impressive win in the doubles row. they finished in 14:42, three second ahead of Avalon’s gary Nagle and David g iulian.
It marked Joe s avell’s third straight win in the doubles row. the first two were accomplished with older brother Jack, who did not compete this year. Younger brother Brendan earned his victory.
“I’m so happy to win it with (Brendan),” Joe savell said. “We’ve been working hard all year and it was great to see all pay off in the end.”
Joe savell became the 12th rower to win at least three straight doubles titles in 102 years. Atlantic City’s Harry Yates was the first to accomplish
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the feat, winning four straight from 1923-26. Margate’s Chuck gowdy and Chris g raves were the last to do it,
in four years, but did not compete for Avalon last summer while doing an internship.
“ to be honest, I’m shocked that I won,” he said. “If you had told me I was going to win this, I would have said, ‘No way.’ I was just hoping to get third. I had no expectations for this. I was just going to try my best and hope for the best.”
Local boxer earns win
Atlantic City heavyweight boxer
Rodney Brooks ended a four-year layoff by earning a quick victory last s aturday at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Brooks (4-0, 3 KOs), a 37-year-old former basketball player at Oakcrest High s chool, scored a first-round knockout over late replacement Lisandro Perez (0-2), of Putnam, Connecticut.
Pleasantville super-lightweight Jamil simmons (0-2) didn’t fare as
earning three in a row in 2018, 2019 and 2021. there was no race in 2020.
Avalon’s g risbaum drew roars from the hometown crowd with his victory in the swim.
the 21-year-old former standout at Ocean City High school and Boston university emerged from the surf and touched the rope at the finish line ahead of a talented field that included second-place Zach Vasser of Margate and two-time defending champion Charles schreiner of Atlantic City.
g risbaum finished in 15:34. Vasser, a Mainland Regional High school grad and rising junior at Columbia was second in 15:40. schreiner, an Egg Harbor township grad and rising sophomore at Boston university, took third in 15:41.
grisbaum won for the second time
well in his comeback. simmons, who last fought eight years ago, lost a disputed, four-round, split decision to Benji gomez (1-5), of Oxnard, California.
Both Brooks and simmons, 33, train at the Pleasantville Recreation Center with trainer Julio sanchez.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
By Steffen Klenk
With only a few weeks of summer left, now is the perfect time to check out some of these amazing activities. From live jazz concerts on the Boardwalk, to fabulous fireworks, a night of comedy, and headline performances, you’ll find it all in this week’s Entertainment Picks.
What : Chicken Bone Beach Jazz on the Beach
Where: Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City
When : thursdays
Times: 7 p.m.
Website: https://njcrda.com/event/ chicken-bone-beach-jazz-on-thebeach/2024-09-05/
see world-class jazz concerts on the Atlantic City Boardwalk every thursday night, with the Mariel Hidalgo
Organ trio headlining on Aug. 14, and gabrielle Cavassa performing Aug. 21.
What : Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion
Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
When : Friday, Aug. 15
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Website : www.theoceanac.com/
Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion perform at Ocean Casino on Friday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
dropkick-murphys-and-bad-religion
Join Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion on their summer of Discontent tour. Fans will hear an evening of amazing hits from two of the most recognizable names in rock music. Dropkick Murphys have boasted four consecutive Billboard top 10 albums, including their biggest hit "I’m shipping up to Boston." Bad Re -
ligion has become a force in the punk rock scene with thought-provoking anthems inspiring generations.
What : KitoFest
Where: Anchor Rock Club
When : saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 7 p.m.
Website : https://anchorrockclub. com/ Immerse yourself in the ultimate summer music experience. KitoFest brings together live music, culinary delights, and a vibrant atmosphere all under one roof. You do not want to miss this unforgettable event of musical exploration and community connection.
What : Woodstock Boardwalk Bash
Where: Resorts Casino Hotel
When : saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 12 – 5 p.m.
Website : https://resortsac.com/ entertainment/woodstock-anniver-
sary-party/ Celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the iconic Woodstock Festival this saturday for an afternoon of live music, activities, games, trivia, and more. Wear your best tie-dye and peace signs as s idestory transports you back to the 1960s with iconic festival hits, hosted by DJ Eric. Highlights include a costume contest, interactive games, and photo session.
Who: Comedian Mario Adrion
Where : Celebrity t heatre at t he Claridge Hotel
When : saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 7 p.m.
Website : www.claridge.com/ events-promotions
s hore House Presents comedian, model, and Youtube sensation Mario Adrion. His videos have accumulated more than 2 million views and a loyal worldwide audience.
What : summer Fireworks
Where: tropicana Atlantic City
When : saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/blog/post/what-to-expectthis-summer-in-atlantic-city-nj/
Enjoy a stunning summer fireworks display over the Atlantic City Boardwalk. these breathtaking shows take place in front of tropicana, offering
spectacular views of the iconic skyline and ocean alike. this dazzling display is the perfect way to cap off your evening.
What : ‘A Bronx tale’ starring Chazz Palminteri
Where: Ocean City Music Pier
When : tuesday, Aug. 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: https://www.ocnj.us/summerconcertseries
Bronx born and raised Chazz Palminteri brings his one-man stage show to the Music Pier this tuesday. Audiences will be on the edge of their seat as the Emmy Award winning actor
brings a night of laughs, action, and drama to the stage for one night only.
Who: John Oates and the good Road Band
Where: the Levoy theater, Millville When : Wednesday, Aug. 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: www.levoy.net
John Oates is heading back on the road to celebrate 25 years as a solo recording artist and the release of his latest self-titled album. t he Hall & Oates’ co-founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has been part of music’s most iconic moments, from headlining the Live Aid concert to supporting various philanthropic organizations.
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.
By Carmen Marotta
Devon Allman is not only the son of southern rock and blues icon g regg Allman, but also one of today’s top headliners in the Americana jam band scene — and among the world’s leading blues performers.
t his will be a complete Blues s ummit, featuring four world-class performers — from the s outhern rock hitmakers Wet Willie to the stirring sounds of neo-soul and the legendary blues of Larry McCray, a staple on the international festival circuit.
the Devon Allman Project blends the instrumental mastery of top blues-rock musicians with the soul of southern rock and blues that runs in his blood. the result is a perfectly balanced mix of classic southern rock hits, beloved originals, and contemporary favorites.
Already a standout show on its own, this Mardi g ras on the Board -
walk lineup from tony Mart Presents is overflowing with world-class entertainment.
Wildly popular across the south, Wet Willie toured to huge crowds and topped the charts with iconic hits like “Keep On smilin’.” Many Northeast fans have never seen their legendary live performance. Renowned frontman Jimmy Hall is known for giving his all on stage, and he’ll bring that
same energy to the Boardwalk with an incredible ensemble of top-tier musicians.
From the sultry music scene of New Orleans, sierra g reen channels the heavenly tones of Aretha Franklin and Etta James while defining her own powerful brand of New Orleans neo-soul.
Balancing it all is soulful bluesman Larry McCray of s aginaw, Michigan. His powerful voice, compelling stage presence, original music, and masterful guitar work have made him a major draw worldwide. together, these four artists will make the Aug. 20 Devon Allman Blues summit one of the finest free live headliner events on the East Coast this summer. the music starts at 7 p.m. Bring
your festival chairs and your dancing shoes as we celebrate the tony Mart legacy of rock ’n’ roll, blues, and g ulf Coast R&B — and let the good times roll.
For details, visit tonymart.com or follow tony Mart’s Presents on Facebook and Instagram @tonymartpresents.
SHOWS WEEKLY NOW - AUGUST 28
This tribute act blends and layers the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere.
Ticket purchase required.
8 SHOWS | SEPTEMBER 2025
SEPTEMBER 18 - 21
SEPTEMBER 25 - 28
EVERY SUNDAY NOW - AUGUST 31
Get ready for the ultimate tribute to the 1970’s, featuring classic singalongs and arena anthems that will take you back in time from icons such as The Eagles, Hall & Oates, Queen, Foreigner and more.
Ticket purchase required.
By Scott Cronick
But, for various reasons ranging from finances to people not partying like they once did to the ever-changing physical landscape of the Atlantic City beach, those days are over.
And, while there are some small casino beach bars to satisfy customers wanting to lounge on the beach, the city is left with two good options: Bally’s Beach Bar and Landshark Bar & g rill at Resorts Casino Hotel.
While Bally’s does offer some
For a beach bar experience, nothing in Atlantic City can compare to Landshark Beach Bar, which expanded this summer to include a new tiki bar and deck, a beach stage, dance floor and more.
great amenities, you really can’t compare the two.
the Jimmy Buffett-themed Landshark is a year-round dynamo with a huge permanent structure that houses a restaurant, several bars, giant gift shop and the most stunning views of the beach and ocean, whether it’s prime time in mid-August or frigid February.
Now, the best beach bar in Atlantic City just got bigger and better with a major expansion that recently wowed locals and visitors seeking an oceanside paradise at the Jersey shore.
With the help of its third-party operators, Resorts — the first casino to open in the city in 1978 — is really stealing the thunder this summer from the rest of its competition when it comes to new outdoor offerings.
In conjunction with the Landshark expansion, Resorts and Momentum Hospitality debuted MAYA, a modern, upscale restaurant and cocktail experience infused with the energy of tulum and the Atlantic coastline.
Resorts may be one of the smallest casinos in town, but they still pack a wallop when it comes to offering visitors amazing experiences.
Here’s what to expect at Landshark, MAYA and the rest of Resorts this summer.
Landshark and its sister property across the Boardwalk, Margaritaville, have helped define Resorts over the last decade or so, adding fun and excitement in that Jimmy Buffett way. they are owned and operated by IMCMV Holdings, which reached in its pocket for this major expansion.
Landshark, located right on the beach, has taken full advantage of this winter’s beach replenishment project with two new bars — a tiki bar and a beach bar — private cabanas, a
stage and dance floor, and more.
“We are ecstatic about the results of this investment in creating the city's best beach bar experience,” said Resorts President and CEO Mark g iannantonio. “ the amenities at the newly expanded Landshark truly take advantage of the already beautiful beach, ocean and boardwalk that set Atlantic City apart from all other gaming destinations. We’ve dubbed Resorts ‘Destination summer’ for 2025, and the amazing attractions at Landshark are a big reason why we’re living up to that claim.”
New attractions at Landshark Bar & g rill include:
Oceanfront Tiki Bar & Deck: Landshark has expanded its footprint on the beach with a massive new Margaritaville tiki Bar & Deck, where the drinks are cold and the views unbeatable. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and ocean breezes with bar seating, tables, umbrellas and chaise lounge chairs right on the beach.
Beach Bar and Deck: Located right on the beach and attached to the main Landshark restaurant area, guests can enjoy a Landshark Burger (and more) while sipping on a margarita with the steel Pier’s Wheel beautifully hovering in the distance. Beach Stage and Dance Floor: t he Beach stage is back! Located between Lands hark and the new oceanfront t iki Bar & Deck, the stage hosts headliners, local bands and top Atlantic City DJs. g uests can also dance barefoot in the sand under the summer stars on the brand-new dance floor.
Land s hark is also offering beachside lounge chairs with full food and beverage service delivered to each seat, private cabanas with VIP bottle service for those looking to take the experience to the next level with their own personal, shaded oa -
sis, and firepit lounges surrounded by Adirondack chairs setting the mood day and night.
“We've taken the Landshark experience to the next level with this expansion,” said IMCMV Holdings CEO David Crabtree. “ this sprawling new beach bar destination has more space, more ocean views, and more ways to soak up that laid-back island vibe Atlantic City deserves.”
I often say the casinos don’t utilize their Boardwalk frontage enough, but Resorts is not one of those places!
Its latest new addition, MAYA, offers a year-round, Riviera-inspired cocktail lounge and modern, upscale dining experience “infused with the energy of tulum and the Atlantic coastline,” according to Lee sanchez, consultant and operations manager with Momentum Hospitality, an amazing company that owns MAYA, its sister operation Chicken guy!, and Quick Bites, the food court at Resorts that boasts concept including Ruby’s Dinette, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Dunkin’ Donuts, Famiglia Pizza and Haagen-Dazs.
Featuring a stunning bar with tropical décor inside along with plenty of outdoor seating right on the boards, MAYA brings together coastal cocktails, elevated small plates and a vibrant atmosphere appealing to
trendsetters, cocktail connoisseurs and locals seeking a stylish escape.
“ t hink chic tropical aesthetic meets modern nightlife, perfect for golden hour sips or late-night escapes,” sanchez said.
MAYA is the perfect place to get a light bite to break up the day or pregame for dinner or grab a drink later at night thanks to its modern Mexican tapas menu. the small but tantalizing menu offers Mayan Nachos with layers of crispy, hand-cut tortilla chips with queso, pico, smashed avocado, fire-roasted jalapenos, pickled red onion, chipotle ranch, cilantro and choice of adding lime-marinated pulled chicken or ancho-braised beef; homemade cheese or street corn empanadas, made daily; Mayan tacos with chicken or beef; and sweet treats ranging from churros to a gorgeous tropical fruit salad.
For those who know sanchez, you know you are in for some creative cocktails. A slew of margarita options — on the rocks or frozen — are available, with my favorite being the La Pina with triple lime, Illegal Mezcal and charred pineapple jam. signature cocktails — some that will be found on the upcoming Rhythm & spirits Philadelphia menu — include the Pura Vida with coconut water, watermelon, basil and sauza Blue Blanco, and the Endless summer with Cruzan rums, coconut water, pineapple juice, fractured caramel and sanchez’ signature hand-shaken vanilla cream served in a golden pineapple for the ultimate coastal escape.
there are also more traditional summer cocktails like a mojito, a paloma, a mule, a Michelada and an espresso martini to round out the creative cocktail menu.
Of course, there are plenty of beer options, tequila flights and a frozen Pina Colada to die for.
“MAYA is more than just a beach bar — it’s a temporary escape that transports you through bold flavors, vibrant design and the spirit of the modern Riviera,” said Momentum CEO Bill White. “We’re beyond ex-
cited to offer both locals and visitors a destination where every bite and every sip feels like a celebration. We look forward to fantastic summers here at the Jersey shore.”
If you’re looking for new places to explore this summer, start at Resorts Casino Hotel. Along with other offerings such as the AC Comedy Club, the Let’s g low Pop- up Bar and entertainment including the Woodstock Boardwalk Bash and Back the garden 1969 concerts on saturday, Aug. 16, the Jimmy Buffett-themed Fins up tailgate Celebration noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 30, followed by the Changes in Latitudes concert in the superstar theater later that night, it’s the place
to be this summer! For more information, go to ResortsAC.com, and MAYAAtlanticCity. com
Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com. He can be reached at scronick@ comcast.net.
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With Doug Deutsch
As a music journalist, I get seriously excited when seeing announcements about big headlining acts coming to our Jersey shore.
t his upcoming week – starting Friday Aug. 15 and ending Wednesday, Aug. 20 – presents a plethora of extra-special, high-quality shows to consider attending; they’re all worth your time (and in the case of ticketed shows, your hard-earned dollars). Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Dropkick Murphys/Bad Religion/ The Mainliners, Ocean Casino, Friday, Aug. 15 : For those who are into non-commercial, hard, loud and fast indie rock, there may not be a better
lineup at the shore this summer than this show.
Boston’s Dropkick Murphys have long been hailed for their righteous (and some might say, fearless) stance against the current administration in Washington, D.C. Promoter Jon Henderson has had the Celtic/punk-rock group perform at his AC Beer & Music Festival a few times, most recently, and very memorably, at Bader Field in 2023. You should’ve seen the mosh pit for that show. We were there and can attest that it was wild!
Bad Religion, from southern California, have been together for an incredible 45 years; they record for respected indie-punk label, Epitaph Records, which BR guitarist Brett gurewitz founded in 1980 as a way to release the group’s own music before it evolved into a major independent label.
Info: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. tickets: $57-$73. www.theoceanac.com.
Vanessa Collier, Tony Mart Presents Concerts on the Beach, Friday, Aug. 15: this native of Dallas, texas, who was raised in Maryland, is one of the hottest blues acts on the
scene, thrilling audiences from coast to coast with her soulful, funky blues stylings on saxophone, for which she has won multiple blues awards in the past few years. (she’s also a talented vocalist).
trust me folks; it’s rare to see Collier play a non-ticketed show, so get out to somers Point by the Bay this Friday and see this talented musician do her thing at this free show. P. s . If you miss Collier this time, she will be back at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in tuckerton on Dec. 14.
Info: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, Bay Ave. Beach, somers Point. Admission free. www.tonymart.com.
DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live - Hard Rock Casino – Sunday, Aug. 17: this historic hip-hop celebration features short sets by no fewer than 20 New York hip-hop icons (Big Daddy Kane, KRs -One, Rakim, many others including my namesake, Doug E. Fresh lol) hosted by respected music impresario, DJ Cassidy, who told me in a recent interview,
“I first conceived of ‘Pass the Mic’ while Face-timing late one night with Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire at the start of the 2020 pandemic.”
t his is a first-of-its-kind event here on the East Coast. If you dig oldschool hip-hop, do not miss this show! Info: 7:30 p.m, $59. Info: https:// casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/ event-calendar/dj-cassidy?_gl.
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit, AC Mardi Gras Concerts on the Boardwalk, Wednesday, Aug. 20: g regg Allman’s son has created his own formidable musical footprint with relentless touring (he was here in AC this past June performing with the Allman Betts Band), and now returns to play tony Marts’ popular
Wednesday night concert series, promoting his new album of the same name (“Devon Allman’s Blues summit”) on Ruf Records, where he’ll be joined by well-known luminaries who played on the album (Jimmy Hall,
Larry McCray, sierra g reen). Allman is a better-than-average vocalist and can lay down a mean guitar solo. Kennedy Plaza will be packed for this one, bet on it! 7 p.m. Free. Info: www. tonymarts.com.
Also This Week: train at Hard Rock Casino, Aug. 15; In this Moment, tropicana Ballroom, Aug. 16. until next week, Peace Out!
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 can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com
By Chuck Darrow
For generations of Americans, sleepaway — or overnight — camp has been a seminal experience. From making lifelong friends to participating in activities that might never have otherwise been presented to young people, this summer ritual has been a crucial part of the fabric of life.
At the very least, it was for Dani tapper, creator, co-writer, co-composer and producer of “Cool At Camp,” which will have a “staged reading” Aug. 17 at Margate’s Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center.
“Cool At Camp” is described by its principals as “a musical romp about kids, camp, crazy parents and coming of age. Bursting with heart, hilarity, and nostalgia, the show brings to life the unforgettable experience of sleepaway camp — the awkwardness, the inside jokes and the lifelong friendships. In other words, it’s summer camp the way everyone remembers it.”
“I knew I was going to write about camp, but I knew it had to be a comedy,” she offered during a recent phone call.
that have been with us for two years, but if we get a new actor that's only rehearsed three days, they need to hold the script.”
As a musical artist, tapper, 52, had long harbored an idea to create a show about the overnight-camp experience. In 2022, she took the first steps after being motivated by an email newsletter.
“I can be kind of funny, but there was a man, steven Blutig, who writes “ the Daily Camp News,” which is a weekly newsletter that's been going out for the last 12 years. It goes out every week in the summer. It looks like a real newsletter. And it showed up on my email. And it was so funny.
“It's so sarcastic. I couldn't tell if it was real or not. It takes you a few readings, like, oh my god, this is like, made up? And I reached out to steve, and I said, ‘Look, I want to write this musical, and I need it to be funny, and you're really funny.’”
Blutig accepted tapper’s invitation, after which she recruited a couple of friends, Robin Raskin, a screenwriter, and Emily stumer, to join the project.
she subsequently ran into Peter Weidmann, who had worked at the camp she had attended in g reen Lane, Montgomery County, Pa., when she was a child.
Although a lawyer by trade, Weidmann is also a musician and composer. When he agreed to join the creative team, said tapper, “I knew we had a show.”
tapper and her partners developed their material and occasionally tested it in front of small, invited groups. In July, 2024, “Cool At Camp” had its public debut at the Ardmore Music Hall in suburban Philadelphia.
As noted above, the Margate performance is a “staged reading.” that means that some of the actors — all of whom are in their mid-20s but portray 14-year-olds — read from scripts rather than reciting their lines and singing their lyrics from memory.
“It's all part of the process,” reasoned tapper. “We get new actors sometimes. We've had some actors
Of course, not everyone has attended overnight camp. But tapper is confident her show will resonate with those who didn’t because, she noted, the play’s underlying themes transcend its specific setting.
All that matters, she insisted, is that “if it's written well, and at the heart is a good story, and there are characters that you care about and that you can connect with — and anyone can connect with 14-year- olds just trying to feel like they belong — the audience will respond.
“We’ve all been there,” she said, “and that’s what this show is all about.”
Having created two other musicals, tapper is a realist when it comes to her hopes and dreams for “Cool At Camp.” But she does believe it could find a professional home.
“It could be a really fun off-Broadway or off-off Broadway show; I do think it's a very New York-centric show,” she said. “I think that's where its audience lies. t hat would be a dream.
“I’ve lived in this world now; this is my third musical. It is very-near-impossible to [successfully launch] a new musical. But we hope that by doing what we've been doing, not only has it helped us get this show to where we're really happy with the story and whatnot, but now we have great video and great photos, and we can go to theaters and we can say, ‘Look what we've done.’”
For tickets, go to coolatcamp. com/performances.
Friday, August 15
Train w/ Edwin McCain
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Dropkick Murphys & Bad Religion w/ The Mainliners
▶7:30 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, August 16
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night
Sweats w/ Kevin Morby
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
In This Moment
▶6:30 p.m.
tropicana showroom
Matt McCusker
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Jamie Lever
▶8:30 p.m.
sound Waves at Hard Rock
Lil Mo Mozzarella & Friends
▶8 p.m.
the Concert Venue at Harrah’s Back to the Garden
▶8 p.m.
superstar theater at Resorts
Sunday, August 17
DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Super Trans Am
▶4 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Wednesday, August 20
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit
▶7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza
Thursday, August 21
Magical Mystery Doors
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Friday, August 22
Aziz Ansari
▶8 p.m.
the Music Box at Borgata
Walker Hayes
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Howie Mandel & Brad Garrett
▶9 p.m.
Circus Maximus theater at Caesars
Ali Siddiq
▶9 p.m.
tropicana showroom
Saturday, August 23
The Who
▶7:30 p.m.
Walker Hayes performs at 8 p.m. in Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino on Friday, Aug. 22. Photo credit: Walker Hayes Facebook
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Matt Matthews
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Stella & Eric
▶10 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Trey Kennedy
▶8 p.m.
tropicana showroom
Disco Night Tribute Mania
▶3 p.m. & 8 p.m. sound Waves at Hard Rock
Friday, August 29
Jimmy O. Yang
▶9 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, August 30
Live & Collective Soul
▶6:30 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias
▶5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Borgata Event Center
Will Dempsey
▶9 p.m.
golden Nugget Atlantic City
On Sale This Week
Totally Tubular Festival
▶sat. Dec. 27
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Rob Schneider
▶sat. Nov. 8
the Music Box at Borgata
Marlon Wayans
▶Fri. Nov. 14
Circus Maximus theater at Caesars
Kool & The Gang
▶Fri. Feb. 20
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Theresa Caputo Live
▶sat. Feb. 21
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton
▶sat. Mar. 28
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Tickets on sale Fri. Aug. 15, 10 a.m.
Thursday, August 14
Crabby Jack’s
tommy Nic
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
g len Eric
5 – 8 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Gregory’s
Carlos Morales
6 p.m.
900 shore Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
B’Jam Band
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
Mexiquila
Chris Farrell
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
101 E. Maryland Ave.
The Point
Billy Walton Band
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Friday, August 15
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
s leaze Freaks: An Indie s leaze Dance Party
10 p.m.
247 s . New York Ave.
Hard Rock Café
Big Bang Baby
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Patty & Bugzy
7 p.m.
gypsy Wisdom
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
steal the sky
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Cat 5
5 – 8:30 p.m.
split Decision
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Dropkick Murphys & Bad Religion
Preparty w/ going Rogue
5 p.m.
Audio Files
9 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s the Chatterband
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
777 Harrah’s Blvd.
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
3AM tokyo
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
tony & taylor
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
500 st. Andrews Dr.
Galloway
279 Social
Dear Zoe Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
279 s . New York Rd.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
Plaid salmon
6 – 10 p.m.
500 shore Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Lovelight trio
8 – 11 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Maynard’s Café
Modern Moji
6 p.m.
9306 Amherst Ave.
Memories No Clue
7 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Lost sailors
6 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
DJ Jim McCabe
4 – 8 p.m.
turtle Heads
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Lew London & Bob Mower
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Jeff X
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s twisted Livin’
9 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point
Five Dollar shakes
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Bees Deluxe w/ Renee Maskin
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main st.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Kitofest Music and Arts Festival
7 p.m.
247 s . New York Ave.
Borgata Beer Garden
sky City social
1 – 5 p.m.
1 Borgata Way
Hard Rock Café
Incognito
↘Continued on 64
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dan Jost Duo
7 p.m.
3AM tokyo
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
g lenn Roberts
3 – 7 p.m.
No Clue Duo
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Loop
2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Don’t Call Me Francis
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
No standards
5 – 8:30 p.m.
sky City social
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Terrace at Hard Rock
gypsy Joe Vlado
7 – 9 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Megan Knight Band
9 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s
John McNutt Band
2 – 6 p.m. the Exceptions
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
777 Harrah’s Blvd.
Wyndham Skyline Tower
Magic Comedy Hour feat. Joe
Holiday
4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
100 s . North Carolina Ave.
Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House
Yanni
1 – 5 p.m.
FM Band
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Galloway
279 Social Drinkin’ Outta Cups
7 – 10 p.m.
279 s . New York Rd.
Margate Bocca
Jim shaw
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern Plaid salmon
6 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay the O’Fenders
4 – 8 p.m.
Radio Revolution
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Lew London & Bob Mower
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Doug Jennings
1 – 4 p.m.
Cosmic Charlie
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s Phil stocker
5 – 8 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Born to Run Down the Dream
8 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point Discoteks
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Ventnor
Ventnor Coffee
Open Mic
6 – 9 p.m.
108 N. Dorset Ave.
Sunday, August 17
Atlantic City
Borgata Beer Garden
sean Patrick & the Alibis
1 – 5 p.m.
1 Borgata Way
The Deck at Golden Nugget the Exceptions
2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dane Anthony
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Laura Lea & tripp Fabulous
4 – 7:30 p.m.
gab Cinque
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Incognito
12 – 4 p.m.
M80
5 – 9 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Galloway
279 Social Freddie Maul
12 – 3 p.m.
279 s . New York Rd.
Margate
Memories
DJ Joel stephens
6 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Continued on 66
THURSDAYS
This highly entertaining, fast-paced revue frames unique variety acts with lively dance numbers. Featuring a talented, sexy, hilarious cast of dancers, comedians, & performers, along with a multitude of sparkling rhinestone trimmings & tassels that you won’t want to miss!
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
High tide
6 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Danny Eyer
4 – 8 p.m.
Karaoke w/ Michael James
8 – 11 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Chris Nickey
1 – 4 p.m.
Bob Mower & glen Eric
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Gregory’s Backyard Bar
May Day
6 p.m.
900 shore Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
traditional Irish session
1 – 4 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point the Verdict
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Monday, August 18
Atlantic City
LandShark Bar & Grill
smokey starr
5 – 9 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
Bar None Duo
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Red
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House
Adam and Min
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Brian McNally
6 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay trivia Night w/ DJ Bill
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
One Hot Mess
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway Crabby Jack’s
Keith Hickman
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s the shore thing Band
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point
Kenny Curcio
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, August 19
Atlantic City
LandShark Bar & Grill Duval street
5 – 9 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
troy Rusnack
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
DJ Johnny Looch
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House
Ear Candy
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Music Bingo w/ DJ Chris
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Medicine Man
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
tropical tuesday steel Drums
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
DJ special K
5 – 9 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point
gene shepherd
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Wednesday, August 20
Atlantic City
LandShark Bar & Grill
Brian & Mindy
5 – 9 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
teddi Fusco
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Hawkins Road
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House the Whitewalls
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Margate Bocca
Live Jazz by Bob & t he Bocca
Boys
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Open Mic Night w/ Blue Eagle
7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Lew London & Bob Mower
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Jamie & the Quietmen
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Jimmy Brogan
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point
Mike Carney
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Events subject to change.
By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer
The dog days of summer are flying by. the weather is hot, and we need to eat something that matches the seasonal vibe. texas folks and ranchers everywhere know that when it’s hot outside, it’s time to cook up some tex-Mex food. What is tex-Mex, you ask? Well, this style of cuisine combines Mexican flavors with texas staples. Nachos, salsa verde, enchiladas, quesadillas, and black bean bakes all qualify as texMex dishes.
When texas became an official state within the u nited states, Anglo-s axon ranchers settled in the territory to raise cattle. Mexican was already popular in the former-Mexican land, so the ranchers combined their recipes with Mexican flair, thus inventing tex-Mex in the 1940s.
In s outh Jersey, most of our “Mexican” restaurants actually serve tex-Mex. Chido Burrito in Northfield serves up delicious burritos, bowls, fish tacos and churros. t he surf theme, indoor palm trees and tropical feel make any customer feel like they are vacationing close to the equator. If you are craving tostadas, elote, or mole, check out tacos El tio, El tipico in somers Point, or Agave Mexican in Ocean City.
Of course, if you enjoy hosting pool parties. Consider serving up texMex deliciousness. Pick up some staples like pinto beans, wheat tortillas, chili powder, pico de gallo, avocados, and onion. tex-Mex food tends to be spicier than American classics, so make sure that your family/friends
are comfortable trying something new. Here’s a recipe to make at home:
Tamale Pie
Ingredients:
● 1 corn muffin mix
● 1 can of creamed corn
● ½ cup of sour cream
● 1 cup of shredded cheddar
● 1 cup of shredded pepper jack
● 1 pound of ground beef
● 2 tsp of salt
● 1 tsp of chili powder
● 1 tsp of cumin
● ⅓ cup of red enchilada sauce
● ½ large white onion, diced
● 4 garlic cloves, crushed
● 2 large eggs
tortilla chips for dipping
In a large bowl, mix by hand corn muffin mix, sour cream, eggs, and corn. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
spray a pan with nonstick spray and transfer muffin mixture into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes until it’s golden-brown. Let cool for five minutes.
In a large skillet with a dime-sized portion of olive oil, brown ground beef for six minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and spices. Cook down for another three minutes.
Drain the fat and let the skillet continue to simmer on low heat. Poke holes in the cornbread and pour enchilada sauce on top. Add beef mixture on top of the cornbread, then cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and broil until cheese is melted for another five minutes.
Let cool and scoop onto plates with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
In the 1890s, Atlantic City offered a flume ride much like the extreme thrill rides of today. " shooting the Chutes" was a major attraction on the boardwalk. Riders were pulled up a long incline in an open car, then were t ransferred to a flat-bottomed boat. the boat raced down a track to a large pool, where it bounced and skimmed across the water.
Courtesy of the Atlantic County Historical Society.
Apopular ride in the late 1800s was the bicycle railway. t his one in 1884 was located at Mississippi and Missouri Avenues. t here were several styles of these rides located throughout Atlantic City.
Atlantic City businessmen bought an old whaling ship and purposely took it on the beach at Michigan Avenue. the "stranded" boat was on exhibition for a 10-cent admission. Atlantic City authorities forced it to move after a week. It was refloated and moved to the inlet where it did little business.
Courtesy of the Atlantic County Historical Society.
MONDAY
SNOW CRAB CLUSTERS 28
Two snow crab clusters with drawn butter, French fires, and cole slaw. Choice of soup or salad.
3x loyalty points 5pm-8pm
TUESDAY
12 oz PRIME RIB 30
12 oz prime rib served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Choice of soup or salad.
WEDNESDAY
2x loyalty points 5pm-8pm
THURSDAY & SATURDAY
Live music 5pm-8pm BYOB FRIDAY 10-12 oz LOBSTER TAIL 39.99
10-12 oz lobster tail served with drawn butter, mashed potatoes, and asaparagus. Choice of soup or salad.
August has come in hot for players at Resorts Casino Hotel, especially for a recent jackpot winner.
the player hit the legendary Atlantic City casino’s popular table game’s progressive jackpot, Cashspin ultra, for $622,189. the jackpot had been above the $1 million mark for the last few months.
“We are so excited for this player’s win,” said Resorts President and CEO Mark g iannantonio. “With just a $5 side bet while on a table game, luck was on his side, resulting in an amazing jackpot! the Cashspin ultra Jackpot still has more than $635,000 remaining to win, so we invite everyone to join the star Card club and get in on the action!”
The schultz-Hill Foundation is proud to announce that its annual benefit concert, t he Disco Ball, raised an impressive $100,000 to support arts, education and cultural programming across south Jersey.
Held on Friday, Aug. 1, at the superstar t heater in Resorts Casino Hotel, the event featured a crowd-pleasing performance by the New York Bee g ees tribute band, joined by Crystal stark of "American Idol" fame. Concertgoers danced the night away to hits like “ stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever” and a special Donna
summer tribute, celebrating the timeless energy of the disco era.
“We’re grateful to our community, sponsors and guests who turned out in full disco spirit to support our mission,” said gary Hill, co-founder of the schultz-Hill Foundation. “ this event helps fund a full year of music and arts programs that reach students, seniors, and underserved communities throughout our region.”
enriching the cultural life of Atlantic County.
Proceeds from t he Disco Ball will benefit s chultz-Hill’s ongoing outreach efforts, including the Dina s cholarships, s enior Music s eries, student Youth Programs with stockton university, free ARts Community Concerts and the Arts Outreach collaborative with the Bay Atlantic symphony.
Resorts Casino Hotel served as the event’s presenting sponsor, with
t he s chultz-Hill Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting arts, history and education. Its programs bring creative enrichment and opportunity to individuals of all ages across the greater Atlantic City region. Saturday, September 6, 2025
Resorts President Mark giannantonio and Mrs. susan g iannantonio acting as honorary chairs of the evening’s celebrity committee. Additional support came from a host of generous sponsors and donors committed to
In honor of Veterans Month in Ocean City, local resident and Navy veteran Joe stefano and his pop and jazz ensemble will perform a free concert for veterans and guests at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 at the Ocean City Music Pier.
the group will perform classical, jazz, big band and Broadway hits. the show will also feature a performance by Philadelphia-based musician, vocalist and songwriter Camilla K.
No advance registration is required for the public to attend this free show.
t he event is part of Ocean City’s monthly celebration of veterans in August.
For all of Veterans Month in August, the daily 9 a.m. flag-raising ceremony at the Music Pier will recognize a “Veteran of the Day.” the city will have a veterans float in the Baby Parade on Aug. 14, and the city asks everybody in Ocean City
to take some time to thank a veteran this month.
Residents and visitors embraced tropical style during the annual Luau on the Bay, decorating homes and boats, hosting backyard luaus, and enjoying Hawaiian-inspired feasts. s aturday’s bayfront festivities drew creative and spirited entries from across the island. Judges awarded prizes in several categories.
Home Winners
● Best in Show: Kuensel Family, 4300 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd. (#47)
● Most Creative: s pinello Family, 4005 Brigantine Blvd. (#34) — “Elvis, Brigantine’s Burnin’ Love”
● Most Spirited: Blosinski Family, 20 17th st. (#42)
● Most Original: Hauck Family, 3833 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd. (#39)
● Best Group: Cacace Family, 528 W. s hore Drive (#45)
● Best Block Party: Abbonizio Family, 11 Atlantis Cove (#30)
Boat Winners
● Best in Show: Lettieri Family, toy time (#23)
Palmucci Family (#58)
● Most Original: Bauerle Family, sea Cat — “Don’t Monkey Around With us” (#7)
● Best Group: Matthews Family (#56)
● Most Unique: stone Family, g ot Wings (#50)
Organizers said the event’s “hookamahao” (Hawaiian for “wonderful”) atmosphere showcased the community’s creativity and camaraderie. In the spirit of the luau, they
● Most Creative: Egan Family, Hog Wild (#10)
● Best Crew and Special Effects:
winner.
By David Setley
Iam often asked what I consider to be my favorite wine, a question that might as well be asking who my favorite child is. OK, not quite! still, this is not an
easy question, as it depends on the weather, what I’m eating, who I’m with, where I am, etc. Rather than naming a specific wine, I typically respond by saying that if I were only allowed to drink one varietal for the rest of my life, I would choose Pinot Noir. Apparently, I am not alone in this selection; a survey conducted earlier this year indicates that, although Cabernet sauvignon is the top pick among American wine drinkers, Pinot Noir is the runner-up. g iven that Aug. 18 is International Pinot Noir Day, allow me to share
more about this noble grape. In wine-speak, “noble grapes” have international recognition and are planted and used in winemaking throughout the world. there are six long-standing noble grapes: Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay, sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. As the world of wine has expanded, some sources indicate the number has increased to nine grapes by adding syrah, g renache, and sangiovese to the ranks. Wine Folly has even added nine more
grapes to its list. One thing is for sure, though: Pinot Noir is on every list.
Another moniker given to Pinot Noir is “ the Heartbreak g rape” because many find it to be very difficult to successfully grow. In fact, André tchelistcheff, a legendary winemaker who immigrated to the u s . from Europe, said “ g od made Cabernet sauvignon, whereas the devil made Pinot Noir.” Yikes! Pinot Noir is notoriously thin-skinned, making it easily susceptible to disease, mildew, fungus, and the damaging effects of hailstorms that often occur in the regions where this grape is grown. the thin skin is also what gives this wine a lighter color and lower tannin levels than many other reds. If you enjoy red wine but are sensitive to tannins, Pinot Noir may be a solution for you.
Pinot Noir has been on record since the first century and is currently grown and produced into wine in at least 25 countries around the globe. France and the united states produce the most wine from this grape; germany, Argentina, and New Zealand also produce Pinot Noir, but in lesser quantities.
the Alsace and Loire Valley regions in France offer excellent Pinot Noir, though Burgundy, France, is considered the home of the Pinot
Noir grape. If it is a red wine from Burgundy, there is a 95% chance it is Pinot Noir (if it is white, there is a nearly equal chance that it is Chardonnay). the Côte d'Or subregion of Burgundy is where some of the most acclaimed Pinot Noir is produced. this subregion is comprised of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune and all of their appellations. some of these wines, such as the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti g rand Cru 2020, can cost in excess of $20,000! Don’t worry, there are many others within a much more reasonable price range.
A wonderful, and very reasonably priced Burgundy Pinot is the girardin Bourgogne st Vincent Rouge from the Côte de Beaune. this is a perfect demonstration of French Pinot Noir at its finest. It has the rich, ripe cherry fruit flavor blended with a forest-floor earthiness that makes the Pinot Noir varietal my favorite. I frequently recommend other Pinot Noirs from Burgundy or from other French regions as well. try the Domaine-Maison Jessiaume-Bourgogne Rouge from Burgundy, the Les Fontanelles-Pinot Noir from the Languedoc, or the Domaine Valery Renaudat-Val de Loire Pinot Noir P'tit Renaudat from the Loire Valley. You won’t be disappointed. In the u nited states, California
and Oregon monopolize the production of Pinot Noir. In California, many areas grow and produce this wine, including Napa, sonoma, and Paso Robles. However, in my opinion, Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, a region in the north-central s onoma wine region, produces the best in the state. Oddly, the climate of the Russian River Valley is quite different from the climate of Burgundy, France. Burgundy has a Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, whereas the Russian River Valley is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters. Despite this, the soil of the two regions is remarkably similar; both are comprised of stone, clay, and sand. Fog is a persistent characteristic in both regions as well, a weather phenomenon that is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Fog prevents the grapes from overheating in the sun and allows them to mature well, developing the characteristic flavors and acidity that Pinot Noir is known for. From the Russian River Valley, try the Balletto Vineyards-Pinot Noir or their Balletto Vineyards-Pinot Noir BCD single Vineyard. Or, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of the Juggernaut-Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is also often mentioned in the same breath as the Willamette Valley of Oregon. this
famous wine region is located at virtually the same latitude as Burgundy and shares a very similar terroir. Both climates are Continental, and the soil composition is very similar. You may be interested to know that many Oregon wineries are at the forefront of organic and biodynamic wine production in the u s . From the Willamette Valley, consider the Montinore Estates-Borealis Pinot Noir, the Montinore Estate-Reserve Pinot Noir, or the A to Z Oregon Pinot Noir. As the u s . is new-world, you will find that California and Oregon wines are bolder in flavor than the old-world French wines. try it for yourself — get a French, a Russian River Valley, and a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and try all three side-byside. Viva la difference!
I hope you enjoyed my deep dive into my favorite red varietal, Pinot Noir. It’s a versatile and delicious option! As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines. com, or stop into the somers Point store. u ntil next time, Happy Pinot Noir Day and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy
♈ Aries: Your healing journey has revealed the depth of your inner maverick. trailblazers require rest too. strike a balance between work and play this week, enjoying something that lights up your inner child.
♉ taurus: You’ve learned so much about your inner warrior. u nconscious aspects of yourself have been revealed for awareness and integration. With every layer, you become more yourself.
♊ gemini: Finding your true tribe has been a dynamic journey. As relationships come and go, you gain insight into your inner leader. surround yourself with those who can hear and respect your strong voice.
♋ Cancer: Work and career are no place for you to play small. Your healing journey has been learning about your inner boss. Aim higher and reap the financial rewards and a glow-up in self-confidence.
vibration.
♑ Capricorn: Home is wherever you are. t hrough connection with and healing in your ancestry, you’ve discovered your inner hearth. t he layers may run deeper. Keep going; you’re up for the challenge.
♒ Aquarius: Finding your voice has been a wily journey. As the personal transformation continues, your closest relationships will reflect your progress. trust the inner guidance.
♓ Pisces: Wealth, values, and your inner self-worth have been areas of personal growth. “Health is wealth” is an old adage that rings true. Remember that you are your greatest resource.
Weekly astrology summary:
It’s a cosmically calmer week! As we catch our collective breath after last week’s activity, we enter a supportive healing zone. We have the opportunity this week to reflect on
♌ Leo: Aspiration, higher learning, and growing familiarity with the foreign have helped you discover your inner professor. gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience puts you at the head of the class.
♍ Virgo: Finding your inner light amidst your own shadows is a powerful journey. Intimacy and vulnerability have become more familiar territory. Keep traversing; there’s more to discover.
♎ Libra: Realizing your independence in relationships is the path to inner sovereignty. Matters of the heart hold important lessons. Always remember that the strongest relationship you have is the one with yourself.
♏ scorpio: Health, wellness, and vitality have been important themes for a while. Your daily habits and routines are the key to your inner healer. Feeling good on the inside ensures shining on the outside.
♐ sagittarius: Inspiration comes in many forms. Joy and pleasure entice the inner muse. the connection to an endless flow is generated by simply creating and maintaining a higher
whatever came up for release last week, and to capitalize on an action-oriented approach to recognize and integrate the lessons. there may be more clarity around things that may have happened for unknown reasons. the fire element is highlighted, gifting us passion, inspiration, and motivation to engage with our own healing journeys and to shine through our wounds.
see the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific insight and guidance. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can email me at ursaalchemy@gmail.com, learn more in my 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.
By Max Kelly
When a group of paddleboarders were forced to cut their 120-mile fundraiser for premature babies short due to treacherous weather and injuries, it would have been easy to give up. Instead, the organization, Cal’s Pals, reached out for help, and lifeguards all along the New Jersey coast stepped in to help fulfill the mission.
tom Medvecky, who co-founded the nonprofit with his wife, Kelsey, said the 120-mile paddle from Cape May to s andy Hook, was created to symbolize the challenging journey of babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICus) — specialized hospital units that provide critical care to premature and seriously ill infants.
at times. the paddle wasn’t supposed to be easy; we knew it may not have been able to be done. that was kind of the point.”
Cal’s Pals is named for the Medveckys’ son, Callan, who was born at just 26 weeks and is healthy today after spending 111 days in the NICu at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
t he organization raised over $12,000 this year to help ease the financial burden for families with children in NICus.
“We just felt like we had to find a way to put good back in the universe, to keep giving,” Medvecky said.
At 4:40 a.m. on saturday, July 19, seven paddlers set out from Cape May, beginning their 120-mile journey up the New Jersey coast.
“ the point was to embody what NICu life is,” Medvecky said. “You have moments of despair; it’s an uphill fight that doesn’t seem possible
Medvecky said conditions made the paddle immediately challenging, with high swells, strong winds, ripping currents, heavy rain and cold temperatures.
“We were cold. A bunch of the guys were shaking, shivering; pretty much everything that could have gone wrong did,” Medvecky said. “We had some guys getting seasick because we were just getting turned, tossed and turned out there. there were 4-foot swells at some points.”
Medvecky said because of the treacherous conditions, all of the paddlers were beaten down and completely fatigued, some even in seriously bad condition like Medvecky, who injured his shoulder after flipping. the group was forced to stop in Ocean City in the afternoon, with the Ocean City Beach Patrol helping them to shore.
“We had a few injuries. I myself got hurt right at North Wildwood when it kind of got dicey; my board flipped. A wave broke right on me, flipped me, so I grabbed my board and it just wrenched my shoulder backwards. And so I paddled from there. I made it to Ocean City, but by the time I got there, I really couldn't lift my arm anymore.”
With scheduling conflicts in addition to numerous injuries among the paddlers, they could no longer complete the route that weekend and wouldn’t be able to resume in the near future.
Medvecky said they turned to the public and beach patrols for help,
posting to their social media accounts requesting others help complete the route to sandy Hook.
With both tom and Kelsey Medvecky having worked on the Cape May Beach Patrol, they decided to ask fellow lifeguards to help spread the word.
“We put it out there, and I wasn't really sure what the response would be,” Medvecky said. “But there's guys that I’ve never met, guards that saw what we were doing, saw the plan and they sort of picked up that torch.”
Max Mittelman, a lieutenant with the Longport Beach Patrol, said that as soon as he learned the organi -
zation needed help completing the route, he and fellow lifeguard sean Duffey were ready for the challenge.
Mittelman, who along with Duffey has experienced the tragic loss of a prematurely born child, said the two used the opportunity to share their stories and reflect on life. the pair paddled the entire length of Absecon Island, starting in Longport and finishing in Atlantic City.
“ t he conversation and the thought behind why we were doing it really helped motivate us to turn it into a meaningful experience,” Mittelman said. “We weren't really thinking about how tired we were; we were
thinking that we’ve got to do this for somebody else, not just ourselves.”
Mittelman said they were fortunate to have calm conditions for their paddle.
gary Finnigan, a sergeant for the sea girt Beach Patrol, helped paddle the route in Monmouth County with his wife.
“We started in Manasquan and paddled all the way up to the spring Lake area,” Finnigan said. “It’s a great cause, and it was an honor to help finish up the route.”
t he following week, lifeguards from municipalities across the state took turns paddling the entire 120-mile route, enjoying good weather—unlike the crew that started in Cape May. the Medveckys posted a video montage on Cal’s Pals' social media accounts to announce the route’s completion.
“We asked the community for help, and they showed up,” Medvecky said. “It was a beautiful thing; people saw what our group is doing, that we are for the betterment of families who are going through tough times and grabbed their boards and started paddling.”
Medvecky said there will be more Cal’s Pal’s fundraisers in the future, and donations can be made through their event website page posted on: www.paddlesignup.com.
By Heidi Clayton
There are people in the world who, for whatever reason, do not want to meet or pet your dog. s ome people who do not want your dog loose in public areas, and they are well within their rights to feel that way. It is not only basic dog etiquette to keep your dog on a lead and under control when walking them, but there is also often a law or ordinance that requires it.
My youngest dog recently had an unfortunate experience of a loose dog attacking her. Luckily, I was surrounded by dog people, who all jumped in to quickly grab the offending dog and prevent serious injury. to be clear, I am not mad at the dog. However, I was absolutely livid with the owner. If your loose dog attacks a dog on a lead, it can ruin both dogs. Plus, people could be bitten in the process of trying to end the situation.
It is never acceptable for your dog to be loose in public. I have zero issue with being labeled a party pooper, because until you have a dog ruined by a dogfight, you do not appreciate how awful and traumatic it can be for both owners and dogs.
I was recently walking my youngest puppy at the Nature Reserve when we came upon a woman with an offlead, furry toy-sized dog that was in the middle of pooping. shame on this woman for not cleaning up after your dog, and secondly for letting her dog run loose. As we walked, I heard the dog's collar jingling and coming towards us fast. I turned around to see this small dog running towards my much larger dog, showing its teeth and growling. My puppy, having just gotten over getting bitten by a loose dog, went very still and braced herself for trouble. Having been an Atlantic City police officer for 25 years, I have zero qualms about
using my “I mean it” voice. I yelled, “No!” to the dog, and to the owner, “Leash your dog!”
Luckily, the dog ran from my yelling. However, when it returned to the vicinity of the owner, she could not catch it to put it back on its leash. I kept my puppy moving and praised her like crazy for not reacting to the loose dog. I moved along, leaving the owner trying to catch her overstimulated loose dog.
t he what-ifs of this situation should scare any owner who thinks that their dog is the one that can run loose, be it at the Nature Reserve or the beach. What if this little dog did not back up at my voice and continued towards my dog, with its teeth bared and snarling? What if this little dog did what dogs sometimes do and pounced on my leashed dog, and in the process was tackled by my much larger and stronger dog and hurt or bitten? What if my dog were bitten? What if I were bitten?
so many things could have gone wrong, and just because they didn't does not make me any less annoyed
with this woman. I don't care if you think your dog is amazing and will come to you when you call it. Your loose dog should never ever run up on a leashed dog, ever. Not every dog likes other dogs, and those dogs are entitled to go for walks as long as they are trained and under control. If your loose dog causes a problem and gets hurt in the process, it is entirely your fault.
Remember, dog owners, the town you live in has laws or ordinances you are required to follow. When you do not follow them, towns can and have restricted how and when you can take your dog to public places. the only place where you are absolutely allowed to do what you like with your dog is your home. In public areas, there is an expectation of certain etiquette and behavior that helps dog people and non-dog people coexist. Following them allows those of us with dogs who like to take them places to continue to do so.
If you have any questions, please email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net
By Eric Reich
In today’s financial landscape, one of the most overlooked opportunities is the money sitting quietly in your checking account — or even in low-yield savings — earning next to nothing.
While having cash on hand for emergencies is essential, leaving too much idle can silently erode your wealth. If you’re comfortable, that's not a place you want to be. there are plenty of options to help fix this, and here are some reasons why you may want to consider them.
Every year, inflation reduces the purchasing power of your dollar. At 3% inflation, $100,000 in idle cash loses about $3,000 in real value annually. By not putting those funds to work, you’re effectively giving away part of your future spending power.
Inflation has dominated headlines for 3.5 years now, with a peak in June 2022 of 9.1%. today, it sits at a more historical average rate of 2.7%.
Cash that isn’t invested or allocated toward higher-yielding vehicles misses the potential to grow or simply outpace inflation. Whether it’s in short-term treasuries, high-yield savings, money market funds, or di -
working toward your goals — whether that’s growth, income, or future opportunities — without compromising your safety net.
It’s not just about having money. It’s about making sure every dollar you have is pulling its weight for you. sometimes being uncomfortable is where you need to be.
versified investments, every dollar should have a job. that job is to work for you.
Many people keep excess cash for “flexibility.” t he good news? You can maintain liquidity and still earn competitive returns. tools like short-term CDs, treasury bills, or money market accounts allow you to access your funds quickly while typically earning more than traditional checking or savings accounts. Having quick access to this cash allows you to make money without sacrificing that flexibility. Part of the hurdle that needs overcoming is that comfort factor. It’s still safe, but at least it's working for you.
the bottom line: Cash is a tool, and a well-structured financial plan helps ensure your dollars are actively
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.
Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.
1. These native American indians were the original locals in the area:
a) Cherokee
b) Lenape
c) shawnee
d) Absegami
2. Finish the chorus to this 1960 song. "On The Way To _________
a) Atlantic City
b) under the Boardwalk
c) Wawa
d) Cape May
3. Route 40 takes drivers from Atlantic City to what bridge out of NJ?
a) Walt Whitman
b) Delaware Memorial
c) Ben Franklin
d) Betsy Ross
4. The birthplace of The Jersey Devil:
a) somers Point
b) Mays Landing
c) Leeds Point
d) Pomona
5. Where is Ski Beach?
a) Brigantine
b) Ventnor Heights
c) Mount Pocono
d) Mays Landing
6. When did Hurricane Sandy hit NJ?
a) 2012
b) 2010
c) 2014
d) 2009
7. At 12 miles long, it’s the longest local barrier island:
a) Ocean City
b) Absecon Island
c) sea Isle
d) Brigantine
8. This casino called itself the 8th wonder of the world:
a) trump taj Mahal
b) Borgata
c) Harrah’s
d) the Claridge
9. What iconic bar and restaurant had a neon lobster on the roof?
a) tony Marts
b) Bookers
c) Maloneys
d) Macs
10. This town is “Cooler by a Mile”:
a) somers Point
b) Ocean City
c) Avalon
d) Brigantine
Bonus Question! What Cape May County town is named after a building?
All Correct - su RELY LO -
CAL. You’ve got sand in your toes and pines needles by your feet.
8 or 9 correct - sOLID LO -
CAL. You know your way around.
6 or 7 correct - s EMI LOCAL. Not born and raised, but not bad.
3 or 5 correct - NEWBIE. take another exit. You should get around more.
0 to 2 correct - sHOOBIE –Welcome to south Jersey. the beach is that way.
U T D O
ANGEL THRESHER GREATWHITE WHALE GOBLIN BASKING BLUE MAKO TIGER HAMMERHEAD SAND SILVERTIP BULL
1. Popular cook-off dish
6. school of thought suffix
9. *"the Fountainhead" author
13. Example of an eclipse
14. Roman road
15. Red fluorescent dye
16. Binary digits code
17. Part of circle
18. New Mexico's state flower
19. *"the Age of Innocence" author
21. *"the Absolutely true Diary of a Parttime Indian" author
23. Not bright
24. Like Roman god Janus
25. Explosive network?
28. Hindu wrap
30. ____ and talented
35. Age of Aquarius flick
37. Field worker
39. Olden-day marriage tradition
40. Bumpkin
41. Rose oil
43. Not top-shelf at a bar
44. Artemis' companion
46. Maori war dance
47. Muscovite or biotite
48. *"Bloodchild" author
50. Bank on
52. A Bobbsey twin
53. Printer button
55. *"to Kill a Mockingbird" author
57. *"the Color Purple" author
60. *"the Crying of Lot 49" author
64. spasm of pain
65. Not well
67. Nary a soul
68. Like Al Yankovic
69. Born, in society pages
70. Island off Manhattan
71. "For Your Eyes ____"
72. President taft's addition to the White House
73. Fare reductions
1. Old-fashioned tub foot
2. Movie theater admonition
3. Machu Picchu builder
4. scottish landowner
5. Inflammation of iris
6. Psychologist Pavlov
7. McCartney or starkey, e.g.
8. Last European colony in China
9. Fat and flour sauce
10. Fungal spore sacs
11. santa's preference
12. genetic info carrier
15. Pupil protector
20. Nebraska's largest city
22. Jet travel fatigue
24. Relating to food intake
25. Pulsating pain
26. a.k.a. Pleasant Island
27. Lhasa land
29. *"American Pastoral" author
31. W-2, e.g.
32. *"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" author
33. *"Fear of Flying" author
34. *"Chronicles: Volume One" author
36. Not counterfeit
38. Leaf gathering tool
42. Pep gathering
45. Decorated
49. Kind of caviar
51. Pined
54. Newspapers and such
56. Cause for food recall
57. One of Five Ws
58. seed coat
59. type of parrot
60. Commoner
61. golfer's destination
62. "Put a lid ____ ____!"
63. Nessie's loch
64. Pencil type
66. Romanian money
Solution on Page 90
By Elisa Jo Eagan
If you are looking for ways to diversify your investments, build additional streams of income, or put your home’s equity to work for the long-term, you may be considering a real estate investment. While you may think that
page
this is a simple process of identifying a likely property and posting an ad for a renter, there is actually much more to the process. Here are nine questions you should ask yourself as you begin developing your real estate investment portfolio.
1) What type of real estate investment model will you pursue?
t here are a variety of ways to invest in real estate. You may choose to purchase a “handyman special” or find an undervalued property, fix it up, then offer it for resale. t his short-term investment is called a fixand-flip. Alternatively, if you identify a property that you may want to keep long-term, especially now in a strong rental market like ours, you may want to pursue a buy-and-hold strategy. A long-term military housing, single family home, yearly rental, island community summer vacation rental property, or a short-term Airbnb investment may be for you.
2) What types of updates are needed for a flip?
g enerally, you will want to add value to a flip while keeping a close eye on profitability. You will need to complete any repairs and updates quickly in order to minimize the carrying costs of the property, including mortgage payments, insurance and taxes.
Often, flippers will favor low-cost, high-impact cosmetic improvements to enhance the marketability of the property and increase its appeal to potential buyers, such as kitchen, bath, flooring and other attractive updates. Remember, you are not choosing fixtures and finishes based
on your own personal preferences. Let cost, availability and market impact guide your choices.
3) What types of updates are needed for a buy-and-hold investment?
Often, buy-and-hold investors put less time and effort into cosmetic upgrades in favor of getting the property market-ready and occupied as quickly as possible. A buy-and-hold property may be ready to go on the rental market with only a deep cleaning and a lawn cleanup. Rentals in our area are in strong demand and rent for top dollar. If some of the home’s systems are significantly out-of-date, you may want to make needed repairs or updates before bringing in tenants in order to save time and money down the road.
4) What should you consider when investing in a short-term rental?
short-term rental owners focus more on the location of the property along with the number of beds it will hold and the number of value-added amenities they can include. Part of the expense is furnishing it comfortably and adding dishes, kitchen utensils and other accessories. upgraded fixtures and finishes are often included in order to make the property show better on internet reservation sites and to ensure more favorable guest reviews.
5) How will you manage and maintain the property?
For long-term and short-term rentals, you will need to consider whether you want to live the landlord lifestyle or turn the responsibil -
ity over to a property management company. If you are handy and looking for something to do with your time, you may feel comfortable coming out for late-night repairs or onboarding renters. Many times when purchasing in a condominium community an onsite rental manager and/or repairman to assist you will be most beneficial. Otherwise, a property manager can provide needed expertise and round-the-clock assistance, resulting in greater tenant satisfaction and retention.
For short-term rentals, you will also need to decide whether you will be taking on the task of cleaning and prepping the property yourself between guests, or hiring a cleaning service. For weekly summertime rentals, typically you have a “window-of-time” on saturdays between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., “the change-over time” to get ready for the next tenant. the peak summer rental time period is 13 consecutive rental weeks from Memorial Day week to Labor Day week. Ask around for a good cleaning service that specializes in working with this type of rental to assist.
6) How will you find renters for your property?
You may be considering placing your property on the internet or putting the word out to your Facebook friends when you are ready to rent your property. However, it is often a better idea to work with a professional Realtor, leasing agent, or through a property management company to find well-qualified tenants who have been thoroughly screened and vetted before they move into your property. Remember, it is far cheaper to properly market a property and check out a tenant ahead of time than it is to evict someone for non-payment or repair damage from a bad renter.
7) What limitations and requirements will you put on your renters?
Will you allow pets? If so, will there be restrictions on the size or number? If the property is a condominium, what are the pet policies for tenants occupying the property? Will you require the tenant to maintain
the lawn? Will you charge a co-pay for repairs? there are many things to consider before you rent out your property and you will need to ensure that they are adequately spelled out both in your initial marketing materials and spelled out in your rental lease agreement. talk with your leasing agent or property manager about the policies, procedures and restrictions and make sure that you thoroughly read the New Jersey truth in Renting Act Booklet, and that a full copy of it is provided to your tenant.
8) What will you provide as part of your rental property?
Will you pay some or all of the utilities? Will you pay the HOA or condo fee? Will you pay for pool maintenance, lawn care and pest control? Weigh the impact of paying some of the costs associated with property upkeep, against the liabilities that you will incur if the tenant does not properly maintain the home and grounds. You may find that it is more cost-effective in both the short and long-term to charge a slightly higher rent and do more of the dirty work yourself.
9) What is your long-term real estate investment goal?
Do you want to consider adding to your property portfolio? Do you want to eventually consolidate your holdings into a multifamily, duplex, triplex, quad, commercial property, or perhaps a multi-unit motel? Do you want to own properties exclusively in our local market or branch out into hot markets in other parts of the country? Consult with a trusted real estate professional for the advice and expertise you will need to make better decisions, both now and down the road. As we approach the last few weeks of summer, be sure to get out and enjoy everything that our area has to offer.
